Since July 4th, over 7,000 earthquakes have been recorded in the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest coast of Iceland, leading to sustained speculation that a volcanic eruption is imminent. Over the last couple of years, we have already seen this behavior twice in Iceland, and now, it looks set to happen again for a third time.
The excitement from the scientific community, as well as locals, photographers, and tourists alike is palpable. The last two volcanic eruptions in this region were incredible to witness and offered an unlikely opportunity for many visitors to see this violent but beautiful spectacle up close and personal.
The data so far suggests that the eruption is only a matter of days away and may occur between Keilir and Fagradalsfjall. It is not known at this time whether the previous hiking routes used for the last two eruptions will be suitable or not or whether new routes will be created should this eruption happen. However, right now, for those visiting Iceland, please ensure you follow all the safety advice from the Icelandic Met Office and the National Civil Protection Agency of Iceland.
Be Prepared
For many who visited the last two eruptions in the area, the hike was a strenuous two-to-three-hour journey each way across very rocky, ankle-breaking terrain, so should this new eruption take place, please ensure you are well-prepared with good walking boots, clothing, first aid kit, water, and other supplies.
A great video I have seen is by Gudmann and Gyda, who live in Iceland and have photographed the previous eruptions, shown above.
Are you planning on visiting Iceland soon? Let us know below.
She has now erupted 🌋
Shooting an erupting volcano is high on my list. Plenty of dormant and extinct volcanoes where I live (over 50 in my city alone), but not many active and no erupting ones. For me, that's one of the drawcards for a visit to Hawaii.
Probably would want to stay away from pyroclastic though, don't have a death wish :)
It's absolutely high on my list too. I missed the last 2 eruptions in Iceland and looks like I might miss this one too because I have a bad case of covid right now.
However I'm sure there will be more opportunities again in the future for myself and for you, so fingers crossed 🤞
The last eruption I saw was Mount Ruapehu in 1996 - Had ash falling on my property about 110km away. That was before I was into photography. It's erupted twice since then, but they were small eruptions and not worth the hassle of travelling to see nothing much.
Our eruptions tend not to produce lava, which is a shame. Lava is gorgeous!
I hope you recover quickly from covid without issues.
Hopefully some more photogenic and safer volcanos show up again closer to home for you. It looks like the Icelandic one is starting to slow down, but will watch this space as it can change quickly.
Thank you so much for the well wishes Jon
Being near to an active eruption has always been high on my bucketlist.
I am packing my bags right now to travel on Wednesday, hopefully the volcano is still going. It will be my 5th visit to Iceland, my last was in 2021 when after being fully vaccinated I could visit the 1st Fagradalsfjall eruption but from great distance.
I hope to be able to get closer to flowing lava this time.
More information is posted about visiting this eruption, check out safetravel.is visitreykjanes.is vedur.is ruv.is MBL.is grapevine.is. the hike now is about 10km, some 2,5-3,5h walk.
Take care people
Hi Bart, fingers crossed you make it to the volcano in good time. I know its been closed the last few days, but this should be reviewed again tomorrow.
Sadly I've missed the last 3, I was still waiting for my vaccine in 2021 and the volcano stopped by the time I was jabbed. Coincidentally, I currently have covid quite bad so wont be travelling to this one unless it lasts for a long time.
I hope you have a great time in Iceland, volcano or no volcano. It's my favourite country to visit every time i do manage to go 😊