August 3rd 2022 a volcanic eruption started again on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. A new chapter in the history of volcanic activity in Reykjanes which goes back several hundred years. In 2021 an eruption occurred near Fagradalsfjall in Geldingadalir and was active for six months and now flowing lava has again reached the surface after a few months of earthquakes and seismic activity in the area near Mt. Keilir and Mt. Þorbjörn close to the town of Grindavík in Reykjanes.
This time around the lava is flowing in Merardalir, a little north of the last eruption.
Visit the Volcano
Before you head out on a visit to the volcano, you can find useful information on the Visit Reykjanes website. Safety guidelines have been issued which you should always follow.
Weather and wind conditions will change in the area, information is available on https://volcanoweather.is/. Gas pollution is possible and you should be careful in low wind conditions, the gas accumulates in low areas and can be dangerous.
A long walk
What is the best way to get to the volcano? The best route to the eruption today and the next few days has been marked by the local Search and Rescue team of volunteers, but first a few important things.
- The best route to the eruption depends on the wind direction and the weather at any given time, so pay close attention to the recommendations of the Police and emergency personnel.
- Be well prepared. It is important to be well dressed, with a packed lunch, plenty of water and some chocolates , good shoes, a headlamp and a fully charged phone.
- Park your car in the parking lot and not on the side of the road. There is plenty of room for everyone.
- Gas pollution is present in the area and could accumulate in low valleys. It is necessary to avoid the smoke from the eruption.
- The lava from the previous eruption is still hot and extremely dangerous to cross. Please do not walk on the lava.
The walk to the new lava and the crater is at least 7 km one way and the ascent is about 300m. That means that the total hike can be over 14 kilometers through a fairly rugged area and there are very steep slopes in the vicinity of the crater. It can be assumed that such a walk takes 5 to 6 hours at least.
The walk to the viewing platform where you can see the crater is a little shorter or about 5 km one way.
It is best to park your car in the parking lot at trail A and then walk along trail A all the way up to Fagradalsfjall. When you get to the top of the mountain, follow the plain to the northeast until you see the eruption.
See Fagradalsfjall Eruption hiking and parking map
Gas Dispersion Forecast
The Icelandic Met Office has restarted issuing a forecast of gas dispersion. It is not recommended to take dogs nor small children to the eruption, they are more exposed to gas pollution as they are closer to the ground.
Landscape without a name
Ferðafélag Íslands has made a map of the volcano hiking paths and place names, available for download for a small fee. The poet Tómas Guðmundsson wrote in the poem Fjallganga (Mountain Hike) “Landslag yrði lítils virði ef það héti ekki neitt” meaning that landscape without a name is not much worth. So test your language skills in Icelandic by picking up a few new place names. Something to brag about to your friends once yo’re home again.
Safety, clothing, equipment and behavior around an active volcano
When visiting an active volcano you must behave accordingly. Safety first, never do anything that could risk your life or limbs, like walk on the lava from the last eruption or close to the new one. Clothing, layers upon layers. Good hiking boots, warm clothing from top to toe and bring extras like a warm hat, gloves and socks. Equipment, bring your gear but also a headlamp, hiking poles and binoculars. Energy rich food and water is essential.
Read more about safety at Fagradalsfjall eruption site on visit Iceland’s website.
Volcano webcams
The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has cameras from various angles, updating every 10 minutes.
Live streaming videos
RUV – the national broadcasting service live video of the eruption in Merardalir.
Several webcams are on Live from Iceland.is
Useful links
Private Tour to the eruption
Exclusive Travel offers you a private tour to visit the Reykjanes Peninsula Eruption to experience new land in creation. We serve all your customers with custom made travel to suit your needs and wants and hopefully fulfill your expectations. Take a look at our luxury vehicles and accomodation we recommend.
Contact us via web, by phone +354 778 7711 or send us an email info@exclusivetravel.is.
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