by Thirteen years after the Eyjafjallajökull volcano famously spewed ash into European airspace, multiple eruptions across Iceland have sparked an unlikely new travel trend – volcano tourism.
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places in the world, with eruptions occurring about every three to five years, much to the delight of adventure seekers hoping to catch a glimpse of mesmerizing lava flows.
A new local eruption is currently being looked for on the Nordic island, as officials warn that a volcano near the Hagafell region could erupt at any time.
Thousands were recently shaken by an earthquake on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of the country, and evacuation orders were issued for the town of Grindavik.
But while Icelanders are fleeing, specialist travel operators are busy fielding volcano sighting inquiries.
The rise of volcano tourism in Iceland
In recent years, visitor interest in volcanic eruptions has been growing, with the March 2021 eruption at Fagradalsjall attracting thousands of curious onlookers.
According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, more than 356,000 tourists visited the smoldering site during the eruption.
Long queues are often formed along the main walking paths, and many visitors were said to have stayed near the lava field until evening, waiting to take enviable night photographs of the fiery spectacle.
One of IcelandThe most recent eruption, Litli-Hrútur, sparked huge interest from locals and tourists as it spewed crimson lava and ash clouds.
The spectacular eruption began on July 10, 2023, following heightened seismic activity in the Reykjavík Peninsula area – just 30 km southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.
Here, part of Fagradalsfjall mountain split open and began to erupt molten lava and plumes of gas into the air, creating Litli-Hrútur – called ‘The world’s newest baby volcano.’
As soon as the Icelandic authorities controlled the burning fires, the brand-new volcano quickly became a particular natural attraction, with a track based on the captivating inferno.
“Given what has happened recently volcanic activitywe must emphasize that the head of Tourism in Iceland, Lína Petra Þórarinsdóttir, is part of Iceland’s life because of the country’s geological landscape.
“All of Iceland’s infrastructure is planned and executed with this in mind, and the Icelandic Meteorological Office and teams of scientists are constantly monitoring all volcanic activity,” says Þórarinsdóttir.
How to safely visit Iceland’s volcanoes
The Icelandic authorities prioritize making safety and accessibility information readily available, and the Reykjanes Peninsula eruption is no exception.
Þórarinsdóttir explains that regular updates were provided to tourists and Jesuits about the eruption site and they were urged to follow instructions and safety information.
Travel agents were keen to take advantage of the eruption and set up specialist volcano tours, with volcano chasers flying out within hours of the first volcanic activity.
Specialist tour operator Discover the World was one of the first to offer travelers the opportunity to see the world volcano eruption at Fagradalsfjall earlier this year.
Just a day after the eruption began northwest of the peninsula at Litli-Hrútur, the specialist in Iceland waited for the authorities to check the site and give the green light to it for three days. volcano tour offering.
“We liaise closely with the official authorities in Iceland to ensure we follow their guidelines, and we only start arranging visits to see the eruption when it is confirmed that it is safe to visit,” says Georgina Hancock, director Discover the World marketing.
“We ensure that our clients understand that the situation of the site will be continuously monitored, and we may have to change their arrangements locally. Still, safety will always be our number one concern,” says Hancock.
Discover the World already has a loyal following volcano enthusiasts and launched his ‘Volcano Hotline’ in 1986 to offer the first ever trip to Iceland to see a live eruption.
The unique lava hotline is still operating today to inform clients about possible trips to see new eruptions in Iceland.
Is it safe to visit an active volcano?
However, traveling to an active volcano is not without risks and ethical issues. The search for lava can be the thrill of a lifetime or a fatal error.
Between 2010 and 2020, it is estimated that at least 1,143 people were killed in volcanic eruptions. New Zealand’s popular tourist site, the Whakaari volcano, suddenly erupted on December 9, 2019, killing 22 tourists and injuring 25 others.
“Safety depends on conditions, accessibility and type eruption,” says Magnús Tumi Gudmundsson, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Iceland.
“Most of the people who have visited the recent eruption and the previous eruptions in the past two years at the Reykjanes Peninsula site go there on their own, and the tours are not guided,” says Gudmundsson .
He also explains that although these eruptions produce lava, they are only mildly explosive, and flows only occur at the vents.
“They’re not really dangerous if you approach them with respect and keep a safe distance between yourself and the lava.”
“The danger to tourists wandering in Iceland mainly the weather and the possibility of getting lost, not finding the right way,” he says.
What are the risks of visiting an active volcano?
Despite the glowing flurry lava snaps on social media, not all eruptions in Iceland are tourist-friendly, and there are inherent dangers for visitors who try to reach these volatile locations.
Eruptions often produce poisonous gases – such as SO2 (sulphur dioxide), which can cause lung damage.
Due to the release of dangerous gases during the significant eruption of Holuhraun in Iceland in 2014-15, a large area was closed to all traffic except for scientists and civil defense, who had the necessary protective equipment.
During the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, there were also some areas prohibition for tourists due to the risk of flooding from melting glacier waters.
So how can people visit erupting volcanoes in Iceland responsibly and safely?
“A system of organized, marked trails is essential,” says Gudmundsson, “so that people don’t get lost.”
He explains that the recent eruptions on Reykjanes have had low magma release, and that gas release is not at dangerous levels – meaning that these volcanic sites are, to a certain extent, safe to visit.
With rangers and responders from Iceland also keeping things under control, visitors can book a specialist volcano trips or follow marked paths and tracks to view the knotty lava flows from a safe distance.
By 2021 studyvolcanic sites can be managed and opened to the public thanks to strong cooperation between Icelandic scientific institutions and civil defense agencies.
The 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption provided an opportunity to adapt, test and validate hazard assessment models and improve the delivery of safety information to the public.
This cooperation has meant that there have been no serious disasters or human deaths during the most recent eruptions, enabling Iceland to continue to benefit from volcanic tourism.
Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now?
Despite the current seismic activity, flights continue to arrive and depart as normal in Iceland, and the Foreign Office He is not recommending no travel to Iceland – which means holiday companies can operate as normal.
The FCO’s current advice for British travelers says, “Although there is currently no eruption, one is more likely to occur.” He says the Icelandic authorities continue to closely monitor the area.”
The message from the Iceland tourism board Also resolute: “Iceland is highly prepared for volcanic events,” says its website.
Although the town Grindavik and the world famous Blue Lagoon stay tuned, it’s business as usual in the Land of Fire and Ice, so pack your binoculars and hopefully see an inspiring eruption from a safe distance.
