Risk-free booking
Just 5% deposit needed
Great value for money
Flexible departure dates
Trusted by travelers
Iceland volcanic activity update
- On this page
Current volcanic activity in Reykjanes
There is no eruption taking place at the moment on the Reykjanes peninsula. The most recent one started on 20 November 2024, but it slowed down soon after.
This latest eruption was the 7th of its kind in the area since December 2023. Lava flowed from a fissure in the ground between Stóra-Scógfell and Sýlingarfell, northeast of the town of Grindavík.
The volcanic events taking place in Reykjanes are not considered dangerous to travelers, provided they follow the safety advice of the Icelandic government to keep away from the eruption site.
As with the previous eruptions, this one was confined to the surrounding area. This means Reykjavík and the rest of Iceland are not impacted, and tours are running as usual. Flights to and from Iceland are operating on schedule, and the Ring Road is open.
If you have booked an upcoming trip to Iceland or are planning to visit, you can safely continue with your travel plans. And, with our flexible cancelation policy, you can rest assured that you can amend your tour dates should you need to.
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, so eruptions are not uncommon here. In the last 3 years, several volcanic eruptions have taken place on the Reykjanes peninsula. Icelandic authorities are highly prepared for these events.
We are carefully monitoring the situation and will keep you updated with any new information.
FAQs
1. Is there a volcanic eruption happening in Iceland?
No volcanic eruption is taking place right now in Iceland. The last one began on 20 November 2024 on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland but has slowed down significantly since then.
This was a fissure eruption, meaning that the lava flows affected only the area around the immediate eruption site. Because of this, the eruption wasn’t considered a threat to travelers, provided they didn’t go near the site. There was also no disruption to air travel.
2. Where was the eruption site?
3. Are these eruptions dangerous?
These volcanic events on the Reykjanes peninsula are not considered a threat to travelers, so long as they stay away from the eruption site and follow all safety advice.
The authorities safely evacuated everyone living in Grindavík before the eruptions began to ensure their safety.
4. Is the Blue Lagoon open?
5. Are flights affected?
The international airport in Keflavík is open and flights are not affected.
The impact of the volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula is limited to specific, localized areas near the eruption site. It’s good to know that previous eruptions in the area did not affect air travel to and from the country.
This is because these are fissure eruptions, which do not produce ash clouds, unlike the 2010 eruption at Eyjafjallajökull.
You can always reach out to your airline for further info about your flight.
6. Is it safe to visit Iceland?
- Take a look at these Iceland vacations to start planning your getaway.
7. What were the previous volcanic eruptions in Reykjanes like?
The first eruption of the past few years started in March 2021. This took place at Geldingadalur valley in Fagradalsfjall, a volcanic system on the Reykjanes peninsula. This first eruption marked the beginning of strong volcanic activity in the region, which had been quiet for over 800 years.
Since then, eruptions started in the same part of the Reykjanes peninsula on these dates:
- 3 August 2022 (Meradalir valley)
- 10 July 2023 (Litli-Hrútur)
- 18 December 2023 (Sundnhúkagígar)
- 14 January 2024 (Sundnhúkagígar)
- 8 February 2024 (near Sýlingarfell)
- 16 March 2024 (near Mt. Hagafell)
- 29 May 2024 (near Sýlingarfell)
- 22 August 2024 (Sundhnúksgígar)
- 20 November 2024 (near Sýlingarfell)
Each time, the lava flows were contained in a remote area. Once it was declared safe to do so, locals and visitors were allowed to go to the eruption sites and see this incredible spectacle of Mother Nature with their own eyes.
8. Can I visit the eruption site?
9. Where can I get more information about the volcano?
- Icelandic MET Office: Information on the seismic activity and development of events
- Icelandic Road Administration: Information on road conditions and closures in the Reykjanes region
- Safetravel: Updates on safety measures
- Icelandic National Broadcasting Service: News coverage
- Visit Reykjanes: More updates from the area
Useful info
How to book
Customization, when to book, what’s included, payment options
Accommodation
Accommodation categories, room sizes, traveling with kids
Car rental
Vehicle types, insurance, eligibility, driving in winter
Booking terms
General conditions, Book with Confidence, Best Price Guarantee
Travel Guide
Facts about Iceland, weather, food, nature, culture
About SAMATRIP™
What we offer, who we are, working for us
