Volcanoes of Iceland
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Seven of Iceland's best-known volcanoes
| Volcano | Height, m | Last eruption | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fagradalsfjall | 385 | 2023 | fissure | Reykjanes |
| Eyjafjallajökull | 1651 | 2010 | stratovolcano | South Iceland |
| Hekla | 1488 | 2000 | stratovolcano | South Iceland |
| Katla | 1512 | 1918 | caldera | South Iceland |
| Askja | 1516 | 1961 | caldera | Central Highlands |
| Krafla | 818 | 1984 | caldera | North Iceland (Mývatn) |
| Grímsvötn | 1725 | 2011 | caldera | Vatnajökull |
Places7
FAQ4
Can you see an active eruption up close?
Yes, some Icelandic eruptions become accessible to visitors. The 2021-2023 Fagradalsfjall eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula happened in an uninhabited valley about 40 km from Reykjavík, and thousands of people hiked in to watch the lava. Whether a volcano is active right now should always be checked with local authorities, and rescue teams should be obeyed.
What is Iceland's most famous eruption?
The most famous of recent decades was the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. Its ash cloud grounded flights over much of Europe for a week, affecting more than 20 countries and around 10 million passengers.
Which Icelandic volcano is the most active?
Grímsvötn, beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap, has the highest eruption frequency of all Iceland's volcanoes. Hekla and Katla are also very active, so which one is the most dangerous remains a matter of debate.
How do you get to Fagradalsfjall?
Fagradalsfjall lies on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 40 km southwest of Reykjavík and close to Keflavík airport. Marked trails lead to the site, but whether the area is open and whether the volcano is currently erupting depends on volcanic activity, so check the route before setting out.