From sleeping giants to historical devastation - Iceland's most powerful volcanoes
Iceland's most dangerous volcano lies beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier. When Katla erupts, it unleashes catastrophic glacial floods that can reshape entire landscapes.
Medieval Europeans believed Hekla was the gateway to Hell. This stratovolcano is famous for erupting with minimal warning - sometimes less than an hour.
Hidden beneath Vatnajökull glacier, Bárðarbunga's 2014-2015 Holuhraun eruption was Iceland's largest in 230 years, creating a lava field larger than Manhattan.
Iceland's most frequently erupting volcano, hidden beneath Vatnajökull. Erupts every 5-10 years with powerful but short-lived explosive events.
Remote highland caldera system famous for its dramatic 1875 eruption and stunning blue Víti crater lake. Training ground for Apollo astronauts.
Iceland's tallest mountain (2,110m) is an active volcano under Vatnajökull. Responsible for Iceland's deadliest eruption in 1362.
The 1783-1784 Laki eruption was one of the most catastrophic volcanic events in recorded history, affecting the entire Northern Hemisphere and killing millions globally.
The 934-940 AD Eldgjá eruption produced the largest lava flood in recorded history, part of the Katla volcanic system.
North Iceland's volcanic wonderland with active geothermal areas, recent lava flows, and the powerful Krafla volcanic system.
Krafla's 1975-1984 "Mývatn Fires" involved 9 eruptions creating new lava fields and the famous Víti explosion crater.
High-temperature geothermal area with boiling mud pools, steaming fumaroles, and colorful sulfur deposits.
Ancient lava formations with dramatic pillars and caves, formed when lava flowed over a lake 2,300 years ago.
One of the world's best-preserved tephra cone craters offering spectacular 360° views of the volcanic landscape.
70+ seismometers detect earthquake swarms that precede eruptions. Can detect magnitude 0.5 earthquakes.
Continuous GPS measurements detect ground deformation as magma moves beneath the surface.
Chemical analysis of volcanic gases indicates changes in magma composition and depth.
Infrared cameras detect temperature changes and track lava flow movement in real-time.
Satellite radar detects centimeter-scale ground deformation over large areas.
River monitoring for jökulhlaup detection, especially important for Katla and Grímsvötn.
Learn about safety, tours, and current volcanic activity