🔥 Active Since 2021

Reykjanes Peninsula

Iceland's most accessible volcanic system after 800 years of dormancy

🌋 12 Eruptions 📍 40km from Reykjavík 👥 350k+ Visitors

Current Activity Status

⚡

Volcanic System Status

NO CURRENT ERUPTION

Latest eruption ended August 5, 2025. System remains active with potential for future eruptions. 12 eruptions total since March 2021.

🏠

Grindavík Impact

EVACUATED

Town of Grindavík remains largely evacuated due to ongoing volcanic threats and infrastructure damage.

♨️

Blue Lagoon

OPEN

Blue Lagoon has reopened following the end of the recent eruption (August 2025). Always check official website before visiting as status can change.

Reykjanes Eruption Timeline

Jul-Aug 2025

🔥 Sundhnúks 9th Eruption

ENDED • 21 days

Ninth eruption in the Sundhnúks crater system began July 16, 2025, lasting 21 days. Precautionary evacuations of Grindavík and Blue Lagoon closure during activity.

Duration: July 16 - August 5, 2025
Fissure length: 700-1,000 meters
Status: Eruption ended, system remains active
2024

🔥 Sundhnúks Crater Row - Multiple Eruptions

7 ERUPTIONS

Extremely active year with multiple eruptions affecting Grindavík, Blue Lagoon, and regional infrastructure. The sequence includes one eruption at Hagafell (January 14, 2024) and six eruptions along the Sundhnúksgígar crater row.

Jan 14: Hagafell eruption - Lava reaches Grindavík, destroys homes
Feb 8: Sundhnúks eruption - Lava cuts main road access
Aug 22: Largest 2024 Sundhnúks eruption
Nov 20: Latest major 2024 eruption
Source: Icelandair Volcano Updates
Dec 2023

⚡ Sundhnúks System - Game Changer

ACTIVE THREAT

New volcanic system opens closer to populated areas, marking a dangerous shift in activity patterns.

Critical Impact: First eruption to directly threaten infrastructure and populated areas
Jul 2023

🌋 Litli-Hrútur (Little Ram)

ENDED • 1 month

Third eruption near the original site, creating the distinctive "Little Ram" cone with impressive lava fountaining.

Aug 2022

🔥 Meradalir Valley

ENDED • 3 weeks

Second eruption in the Fagradalsfjall system. Smaller but intense, creating new lava flows in the neighboring valley.

Mar 2021

🌋 Fagradalsfjall - The Awakening

ENDED • 6 months

The eruption that changed everything. After 800 years of dormancy, Fagradalsfjall burst to life creating a spectacular lava lake that became Iceland's top tourist attraction.

Location: Geldingadalir valley
Visitors: 350,000+ people
Lava volume: 140 million cubic meters

Last Updated: August 2025 • For the most current eruption information after August 2025, check the Icelandic Met Office official monitoring system.

Visiting Active Eruptions

🚗 Getting There

From Reykjavík: 45-60 minute drive to parking areas

  • Route 41 to Grindavík area
  • Multiple parking areas depending on active site
  • Shuttle buses during peak activity
  • Early arrival recommended (crowded at peak times)

🥾 Hiking to Eruption Sites

Hiking Distance: 1-3 hours depending on eruption location

  • Terrain: Rocky lava fields, uneven surfaces
  • Difficulty: Moderate (good fitness required)
  • Best time: Evening/night for lava glow
  • Weather dependent (wind affects gas exposure)

⚠️ Safety Requirements

Essential: Follow all safety barriers and guidelines

  • Sturdy hiking boots (lava is sharp)
  • Warm, wind-resistant clothing
  • Headlamp/flashlight for evening visits
  • Emergency contact info and charged phone

📸 Photography Tips

Best shots: Blue hour and night photography

  • Tripod essential for long exposures
  • Protect camera from volcanic gases
  • Manual settings: ISO 800-3200
  • Wide-angle lens for context shots

Regional Impact

How Eruptions Affect Tourism

While Reykjanes eruptions create incredible viewing opportunities, they also significantly impact regional infrastructure and tourism operations.

3,500
Grindavík residents evacuated
50+
Blue Lagoon closures
15km
Road infrastructure affected

🏨 Blue Lagoon Operations

Iceland's most famous attraction has experienced frequent closures due to volcanic activity. Always check current status before planning visits.

🛣️ Transportation

Lava flows have crossed and damaged key roads including Route 427 and access roads to Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon.

✈️ Airport Access

While Keflavík Airport remains operational, access routes have been affected during major eruptions, causing delays.

⚡ Geothermal Plants

Svartsengi geothermal plant (powers Blue Lagoon) has been protected by lava barriers but remains under threat.

Emergency Information

📱 Essential Contacts

  • Emergency: 112
  • SafeTravel.is: Current conditions
  • Vedur.is: Official monitoring
  • ICE-SAR: Mountain rescue

🚨 Alert Levels

  • Green: Normal activity
  • Yellow: Elevated unrest
  • Orange: Eruption possible
  • Red: Eruption in progress

Explore More Volcanic Iceland

Discover Iceland's other volcanic systems and safety information

Major Systems Safety Guide