Thirteen years after Eyjafjallajökull Volcano famously spewed ash into European airspace, multiple eruptions in Iceland have given birth to an unexpected new travel trend: volcano tourism.
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, with an eruption occurring approximately every three to five years, delighting adventure seekers hoping to catch a glimpse of the stunning lava flows.
The Scandinavian island is currently bracing for a new, localized eruption, as authorities warn that a volcano near the Hagafell area could erupt at any time.
Thousands of tremors have recently rattled the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwestern part of the country, and an evacuation order has been issued for the town of Grindavik.
But while Icelanders are fleeing, specialist travel operators are busy conducting investigations into possible volcano sightings.
The rise of volcano tourism in Iceland
In recent years, visitors’ interest in volcanic eruptions has been rapidly increasing, with the eruption of Fagradalsjall in March 2021 attracting thousands of curious onlookers.
More than 356,000 tourists visited the smoldering site as the eruption continued, according to the Icelandic Tourism Board.
Long queues often form along the main hiking trails, and many visitors reportedly stay near the lava field until evening, waiting to take enviable night photos of the fiery landscape.
Someone IcelandThe most recent eruption, Litli-Hrútur, attracted great attention from locals and tourists when it spewed clouds of red lava and ash.
The spectacular eruption began on July 10, 2023, following increased seismic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula region, just 30 km southwest of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik.
Here, part of the Fagradalsfjall mountain split and began shooting clouds of molten lava and gas into the air. Litli-Hrútur – It has been called ‘the world’s newest baby volcano’.
As soon as Icelandic authorities brought the burning fires under control, brand new volcano It quickly became a unique natural attraction, with a pathway leading to the fascinating hell.
“In light of recent developments volcanic activity“We must emphasize that such events are part of Icelandic life due to the geological structure of the country,” says Iceland Tourism Manager Lína Petra Þórarinsdóttir.
“The entire Icelandic infrastructure is planned and executed with this in mind, and the Icelandic Met Office and teams of scientists constantly monitor all volcanic activity,” adds Þórarinsdóttir.
How can you visit Iceland’s volcanoes safely?
Icelandic authorities prioritize making information about safety and accessibility available, and the explosion on the Reykjanes Peninsula was no exception.
Þórarinsdóttir explains that tourists and Icelanders are provided with regular updates about the blast site and are urged to follow instructions and safety information.
Travel agencies were eager to take advantage of the eruption and organize private volcano tours, where volcano hunters flew away within hours of the first volcanic activity.
Specialist tour operator Discover the World was one of the first operators to allow travelers to see the world live volcano There was an explosion at Fagradalsfjall earlier this year.
Just days after the eruption began at Litli-Hrútur in the northwestern part of the peninsula, the Iceland expert waited for authorities to inspect the area and give the green light for three days of work. volcano tour offer.
“We are in close contact with authorities in Iceland to ensure we comply with their guidance and only begin arranging visits to see the eruption once it has been declared safe to visit,” says Georgina Hancock, marketing director at Discover the World.
“We ensure our customers understand that the situation on site will be constantly monitored and we may need to change their arrangements locally. However, safety will always be our number one concern,” adds Hancock.
Discover the World already has a loyal following volcano He launched ‘Volcano Hotline’ in 1986 to offer enthusiasts and the first trip to Iceland to watch a live eruption.
The unique lava hotline is still operating today to inform customers about potential trips to witness new eruptions in Iceland.
Is it safe to visit an active volcano?
But traveling to an active volcano is not without risks and ethical questions. Chasing lava can be the thrill of a lifetime or a fatal mistake.
It is estimated that at least 1,143 people died in volcanic eruptions between 2010 and 2020. Whakaari Volcano, a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, suddenly erupted on December 9, 2019, killing 22 tourists and injuring 25 people.
“Security depends on conditions, accessibility and type of security. explosionsays Magnús Tumi Gudmundsson, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Iceland.
“Most people who visit the last eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula and previous eruptions in the last two years go there on their own initiative, and the trips are not guided,” Gudmundsson adds.
He also explains that although these eruptions produce lava, they are only mildly explosive and flows occur only at vents.
“They’re not really dangerous if you approach them with respect and keep a safe distance from the lava.”
“Danger for tourists hiking “In Iceland, it’s mainly the weather conditions and the possibility of getting lost or not finding the right way,” he adds.
What are the risks of visiting an active volcano?
Despite the shining rush lava snaps It is noted on social media that not all eruptions in Iceland are tourist-friendly and there are inherent dangers for visitors trying to access these volatile regions.
Explosions often produce toxic gases. SO2 (sulfur dioxide) may cause lung damage.
Due to hazardous gases released during the massive Holuhraun eruption in Iceland in 2014-15, a large area was closed to all traffic except for scientists and civil protection officers with the necessary protective equipment.
Some areas during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption prohibited For tourists due to the risk of flooding due to melting glacier waters.
So how can people visit the eruptions? volcanoes Responsibly and safely in Iceland?
“A system of organized, marked paths is critical to keep people from getting lost,” says Gudmundsson.
He explains that magma release from recent eruptions at Reykjanes was low and gas release was not at dangerous levels, meaning these volcanic areas are somewhat safe to visit.
Visitors can book expert volcano tours, while Icelandic rangers and responders also keep an eye on things tours or follow marked paths and tracks to witness twisting lava flows from a safe distance.
Based on 2021 to workManaging volcanic areas and opening them to viewers is possible thanks to the strong cooperation between Icelandic scientific institutions and civil protection agencies.
The 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption presented an opportunity to adjust, test and validate hazard assessment models and improve the public provision of safety information.
This cooperation meant that no serious mishaps or human deaths occurred during the most recent eruptions, allowing Iceland to continue to benefit from volcanic tourism.
Is it safe to travel to Iceland right now?
Despite the current seismic activity, flights in Iceland continue to land and take off as usual. Ministry of Foreign Affairs He does not recommend against traveling to Iceland; This means holiday companies can operate as usual.
The FCO’s current advice to British travelers is: “Although there is no eruption at the moment, it is becoming increasingly likely that an eruption will occur.” He adds that “Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely.”
Posted by message icelandic tourism board he is also determined: “Iceland is extremely prepared for volcanic events,” the website states.
The town of Grindavik and its world famous Blue Lagoon Stay cooped up, it’s business as usual in the Land of Fire and Ice, so get your binoculars ready and hope you can witness an awe-inspiring explosion from a safe distance.