Please note you CANNOT hike to see any orange lava fields, The new eruption that started on May 29 is closed to the public.
NOTE: access to the trailheads of the volcano hikes may close and open without warning. please check road.is for the latest information. You can pay for parking on the PARKA APP
!! Keep in mind that the volcano sites are not a safe area! DO NOT WALK ON THE BLACK LAVA !!
You can access the old lava fields and get in view of the old craters in a few ways. The easiest way is to take path C from P2 you can take a short 10 minute walk to see the old lava (it is black and solidified). You can continue to walk a bit more up the hill to get a glimpse of the 2021 crater.
The best path to get close to the July 2023 crater is Path A from P1. About 6 miles each direction, 2.5-3 hours each direction. You will pass the craters from the 2021 and 2022 eruptions on the way there.
The shortest hiking route to the eruption site is a 20 km return trip on path E parking at the trail head on P2. The hike takes 6-8 hours in total plus the time you spend at the site, so be sure that you’re fit for it before you head off.
The hike starts from road 427 east of Grindavík. Park at the parking spots (P2 is best for this hike) – not by the roadside. All off-road driving is forbidden.
Again! Stay out of the orange area! Do not walk on the lava. Black surface doesn’t mean it’s cold. The black crust is very thin and underneath the temperature is 1200°C – same as used in cremation. If you fall through, you’ll be dead in a second! No one is risking his/her life to save you – keep that in mind.
Good hiking shoes, warm clothing and wind and waterproof outerwear is essential. Weather conditions in Iceland can change very suddenly – also in summer.
Bring enough food/sandwiches and plenty of water to drink.
Stay on marked trails and keep away from valleys and low laying areas in the landscape.
Gas pollution is not visible and cannot be detected by scent. Gas can disperse from the smoke cloud and pollution can increase rapidly in an area. If you feel any discomfort, leave the area immediately. Small children and dogs are highly exposed to gas and smoke pollution and should not be brought to the area. Pregnant women should consult with their doctor before going.
Walk towards the eruption site with the wind at your back and in your face on the way back to minimize gas exposure.
Do not hesitate to talk to ICE-SAR people, rangers or police on the site for information.
Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged before heading off and bring a power-bank.
The 2022 eruption started just north of the old eruption and you can take path A to reach it. the hike takes 1.5 - 2 hours one way.
The hike to the last eruption site is a minimum of 14 km (approximately 9 miles) back and forth with an incline of about 300 meters (0,2 miles). The route is on very hard and slippery terrain and up very steep hills close to the crater. The hike itself can take around 4-5 hours at least (see the map in photos).
There is no infrastructure on the hiking trail, no toilets and a fully paves path is not complete. There are sticks to guide the whole way.
Volcanic eruption in Fagradalsfjall mountain is literally the hottest place in Iceland right now. It is really important to keep in mind that in the area and the area close by the volcano the conditions can change really fast.