Volcano
ERUPTIONS TAKE PLACE SOMEWHERE IN ICELAND EVERY 3-6 YEARS ON AVERAGE…
Iceland’s location on a mid-ocean ridge and above a mantle plume makes it a very active volcanic island. Eruptions take place somewhere in Iceland every 3–6 years on average.
Since 2021 we have had one eruption per year at the Reykjanes peninsula, the last one started in July 2023 and ended August 6th.
The volcanic area is close to Northern Light Inn — it is accessible by foot and here you can find all information about the hike and safety. Even though we don’t have an active eruption, the volcanic area is worth hiking to.
We ask everyone to take care and please respect the nature.
ERUPTIONS TAKE PLACE SOMEWHERE IN ICELAND EVERY 3-6 YEARS ON AVERAGE…
Iceland’s location on a mid-ocean ridge and above a mantle plume makes it a very active volcanic island. Eruptions take place somewhere in Iceland every 3–6 years on average.
Since 2021 we have had one eruption per year at the Reykjanes peninsula, the last one started in July 2023 and ended August 6th.
The volcanic area is close to Northern Light Inn — it is accessible by foot and here you can find all information about the hike and safety. Even though we don’t have an active eruption, the volcanic area is worth hiking to.
We ask everyone to take care and please respect the nature.
Frequently asked questions
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Click here for driving instructions.
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You can find hiking and parking info here.
We recommend wearing warm and weatherproof clothes, sturdy hiking boots, carrying water and a fully charged cell phone.
Please hike with a trail buddy and stay together. Hiking alone? Try to stay near a group if going alone.
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Please read this BEFORE you go.
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Weather Conditions @ Fagradalsfjall.
Icelandic weather changes VERY quickly !
Most non-Icelandic weather reports are not reliable for local conditions.
Extraordinary shots from new eruption under the Icelandic midnight sun.
Shot by talented Arnar Freyr Tómasson.
Enjoy!
Volcano Activities
Hiking
Please hike with a trail buddy and stay together. Hiking alone? Try to stay near a group if going alone.
Helicopter Rides
A bird’s eye view of the hot volcano and fresh lava is spectacular!
Reykjanes UNESCO Global GeoPark
The Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, where the volcano is smoldering and Northern Light Inn is located, has great places to see and things to do in its extraordinary geological landscape.
From the Bridge Between Continents on the dramatic coastline to the west, or east across moss wrapped lava flows to spectacular Lake Kleifarvatn, it’s all nearby.
And it’s all volcanic.
Volcanic Activity in the Area
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A trilogy of volcanic activities on the peninsula in recent times lasted almost 200 years!
Known as the Christianity Fires + Krysuvik Fires + Reykjanes Fires, the last one began in 950 CE and erupted for 30 years from 1210–1240 CE.
Read more here.
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Iceland has 31 active volcanoes of which 18 have erupted since the island was settled in 874 CE.
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Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula is mostly effusive non-explosive fissure eruptions.
You can see near us these types of volcanoes: Cinder Cone, Composite (stratovolcano), Shield and Lava Dome with a variety of lava flows: Ropy Pāhoehoe, Aa, Blocky, and Pillow lava.
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Lava is cooled down magma, which is molten rock from the earth’s hot liquid core. Underground it is magma, above ground, hot or cold, it’s called lava.
Glowing or fiery lava is about 500º ~ 1000º C (circa 900ºF ~1800ºF).
If you can feel the heat, you are too close!
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Meters per second, is a measure of wind speed used for all weather reports in Iceland.
10 meters per second is 36 kilometers per hour, or about 22.4 mph. Add wind chill factor.
Adventure Gear
For sale or rent at the hotel.
• Headlights
• Hats
• Gloves
• Walking Poles
• Easy Slip-on Traction Cleats
Newest volcano in iceland
Really close to Northern Light Inn like the Blue Lagoon and all the cool stuff in Iceland.