Why travel to Iceland remains safe during the volcanic eruption

Fagradalsfjall (Reykjanes Peninsula) – 2021–2023

• March 19, 2021: A long-dormant volcano in Geldingadalur erupted—the first in over 6,000 years and an accessible “tourist-friendly” event that lasted until September 2021.

• August 2022 & July 2023: Two more modest eruptions at Fagradalsfjall, continuing the region's renewed volcanic activity.

Sundhnúkur Fissure Series – Dec 2023 to Jul 2025 An intense sequence of eruptions unfolded near Grindavík:

• Dec 18, 2023: The first in a chain of fissure eruptions that reactivated after 800 dormant years; lava fountains visible from Reykjavík.

• Feb 8, 2024: Third eruption, short but forceful, produced lava fountains ~80 m high and ash-bearing plumes .

• Mar 16 – May 9, 2024: Fourth and longest in the series—lasted 54 days; forced evacuation of Blue Lagoon and threatened Svartsengi.

• May 29 – June 2024: Fifth eruption with 60–70 m fountains, again prompting evacuations.

• Aug 2024: Sixth eruption produced ~15.8 km² of lava but spared infrastructure.

• Nov 2024: Seventh eruption engulfed boundaries of Blue Lagoon, closed Route 43.

• Apr 1, 2025: Eighth eruption—brief, less intense, no major travel disruption .

• Jul 16, 2025 (Most Recent): 12th outbreak since 2021—lava from a 700–1,000 m fissure, evacuating Grindavík and Blue Lagoon; no threat to Reykjavík or Keflavík airport.

The answer is simple: everything you came for — and more. Even when Iceland’s volcanoes light up the sky, nothing stops you from exploring this incredible land. The eruptions are localized, carefully monitored, and managed with expert precision, so your adventure continues safely and seamlessly.

You can still hike across ancient glaciers, snorkel between continents in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, chase waterfalls and geysers, soak in steaming hot springs, wander black sand beaches, or explore magical ice caves and lava fields. The fiery show in the distance only adds to the magic of your experience.

And with Troll.is by your side, you don’t have to worry about a thing. We’re your trusted guide to the land of fire and ice — monitoring conditions in real time, adjusting routes when necessary, and ensuring your safety and enjoyment every step of the way.

So yes — even during an eruption, Iceland is fully open, unforgettable, and waiting for you.

1. Limited, Controlled Activity

Eruptions are small in scale, monitored by GPS, seismic, and air-quality sensors . Lava flows away from infrastructure, and strategic barrier systems deflect flows in vulnerable zones .

2. Proactive Evacuation and Management

Authorities evacuate affected areas and facilities like the Blue Lagoon immediately. Civil protection teams coordinate with tourism operators for organized, calm procedures.

3. No Disruptions to Flights or Travel Routes

Keflavík International Airport and the Ring Road remain operational; flights continue unaffected. Main tourist routes and accommodations stay open: Blue Lagoon reopens swiftly post-evacuation.

4. Tourism Industry Reinforcing Safety

Icelanders embrace the resilient “Þetta reddast” spirit—trusting systems in place and adapting tourism around natural events.

At Troll.is, we understand that a changing Icelandic landscape—with its dramatic lava flows and occasional fissures—can spark both excitement and questions.

Continuous monitoring by experts

Every day, our operations team collaborates closely with the Icelandic Meteorological Office, Civil Protection, and local authorities to track seismic events and volcanic activity. This real-time intelligence ensures all tours are dynamically adjusted and fully informed.

Flexible and adaptive itineraries

Should a volcanic event prompt restricted access, our itineraries pivot instantly. We have backup routes ready—so while a visit to Blue Lagoon might be temporarily postponed, you’ll still enjoy spectacular alternatives like the Golden Circle, glacier hikes, snorkelling and so much more.

Size matters: small groups, big care

With small group sizes, our guides provide personal attention, quick communication, and efficient logistics.

Proven track record

Time and again, during fissure eruptions between 2021 and 2025 Troll.is operated safely and uninterrupted. Our rich and exciting tours have never been so rewarding, maintaining 5-star reviews and happy explorers.

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth because it sits at a very special geological crossroads: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and a mantle hotspot. Here, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart, and magma from deep inside the Earth rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. Iceland happens to be the rare spot where this ocean ridge rises above sea level — so the volcanic activity is easy to see. On top of that, Iceland lies over a hot, upwelling area in the mantle — a hotspot — which adds even more heat and magma, making eruptions more frequent and dramatic.

Since Iceland is geologically “young,” its crust is still thin and forming, which allows magma to break through to the surface easily. The result is a stunning landscape of lava fields, geysers, craters, black sand beaches, and glaciers covering volcanoes — a place where fire and ice truly meet.

Iceland is the Earth’s kitchen, bubbling and steaming as it cooks up new land right before your eyes — a magical land of fire and ice.