Fagradalsfjall
Volcano in Iceland
Est. Duration
-
Est. Price
-
Category
Hike
Message from Kyana Sue Powers

The Volcano is about 20 minutes from the airport/45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Please note the volcano is not currently erupting

Keep in mind that the eruption site is not a safe area! DO NOT WALK ON THE BLACK LAVA

The best path to get close to the volcano, as of July 18 is Path A from P1. About 6 miles each direction, 2.5-3 hours each direction.

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.

Activity level
Seasonality
All seasons
Age requirement
14 and older
What to bring