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Iceland Volcano Tours: 5 Things You Should Know

Iceland Volcano Tours: 5 Things You Should Know

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice, with the country’s many spectacular volcanoes give it the ‘fire’!  Among the many natural wonders of Iceland are the beautiful volcanoes and the landforms that they cause. Even though Iceland is icy cold on the outside, many spots are full of hot lava just beneath the surface. The diversity makes this chilly nation a very hot destination for visitors from around the world.

Since volcanoes are such an important part of this exiting country, we put together a “must know” guide to Iceland’s volcanoes so that you do miss a single bit when planning your holiday. We want you to get the most out of your trip so explore the ins and outs of Iceland’s volcanoes before you’re wowed with their wondrous beauty in real life.

The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Volcanoes

Iceland is known for its magnificent landscapes that call for adventure seekers and lovers of beauty from around the world. From lava fields to caves, volcanic activity is responsible for much of this beauty.

Fortunately, while Iceland travel has been growing rapidly, the country has managed to avoid becoming a mass tourism cliché. The country emphasizes preserving and protecting its fragile environment and has successfully achieved a delicate balance between maintaining the authenticity of its wild and untouched landscapes while still making them accessible to tourists.

If you’re planning to travel to Iceland, here are 5 things you should know before you go:

1. New: The eruption at Fagradalsfjall

You could see recent molten lava in Iceland on the Reykjanes peninsula.

On 19 March 2021, there was a minor volcanic eruption at Mount Fagradalsfjall in the Geldingadalur valley. A fissure appeared, of around 200 metres (656 feet), spouting hot lava and creating one of Iceland’s newest volcanoes.

But don’t worry about air traffic and the like. This eruption wasn’t as significant as Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 due to the nature of this specific volcano. The lava is slowly snaking its way down a closed valley rather than ejecting a column of ashes into the sky.

Because it is located close to Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, it means you may be able to visit the volcano on a short break or on a road trip.

You can take guidance and hire local guide for Private or Half Day Tours while searching locally.

2. Be Flexible! The weather can change

In Iceland, if you don’t like the weather – you only need to wait a minute! The weather can easily go from a cold, foggy morning to a brilliant sunny afternoon or a day full of snow landing on the ground at a startling speed. Make sure you’re prepared for both and don’t despair if the day doesn’t start off too well, you will need to be flexible on your itinerary.

3. Drive carefully

If you are driving a hire car in Iceland in the winter, it goes without saying that you need to drive carefully, observing the speed limits and road signs, and keeping a close eye on the (possibly changing) road conditions. The roads are kept clear of snow and ice by snowploughs from early in the morning, and your car will be a four wheel drive (4WD) with studded tyres, so you shouldn’t run into any problems, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If you aren’t experienced with driving in the snow, we can also advice some escorted or privately guided options so you can still explore.

4. Make use of the hot springs

It can be cold in the winter in Iceland, but this land of natural contrasts has an answer to that: the geothermally heated water that is so readily accessible. You are never too far from warm water to defrost in, whether one of the many hot swimming pools you will find in almost every village in Iceland, the hot tubs that most hotels offer, or even one of the country’s natural hot springs. And most of them are outside, too, so you can enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery while you have a soak!

5. Buy local produce

 A number of farmers have started selling local farm products such as organic fruit, fish and meat at an affordable cost. It is a good idea to purchase freshly produced products from them rather than the stores if you are planning to cook your own food.

Some additional points what you should try and avoid:

  • Leaving your coat at home even in a sunny weather
  • Driving too fast
  • Assuming alcohol to be available everywhere
  • Buying plastic bottles instead of carrying and refilling only one wherever you go

Get the true authentic experience by booking a local guide to Iceland.

Volcano in Iceland 2021: Do’s and Don’ts of Iceland

Volcano Eruption Reykjanes Peninsula 2022: Know More Details

With its majestic lava fields overshadowed by snow-covered mountains, Iceland is a traveler’s paradise with new and thrilling adventures around every corner. Nevertheless, this beautiful rugged country of the aurora borealis, or Norðurljós in Icelandic, should not be taken lightly as that may cost you your life.

Iceland is a country of extreme beauties – volcanic eruptions, sand storms, gravel roads and ash clouds. One can never be too careful. Also, keep in mind local etiquette and behave accordingly while there.

Its nature is unlike that found anywhere else, a melting pot of creeping glaciers and gushing waterfalls, steaming volcanic vents and scenic coastlines. Its towns and cities are modern, full of charm, boast unique cultures unto their own and are only a short drive away from some truly fantastic attractions. 

But still, Iceland is a quiet, solitary kind of place; it is an island characterised by its mystic qualities, haunted and sweeping, silent. Those arriving from busier locations—and, let’s face it, that could be almost anywhere—are quick to forget that 21st century Iceland is a nation experiencing growing pains, tentative but excitedly flirting with the outsider.

Before you ignite a passionate affair with the Iceland trip, Here is 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Iceland:

DOs

1. Read up on Icelandic history and current events beforehand Iceland is one of the most fascinating countries — it’s the magical land of fire and ice. Few things to know about Iceland, Icelanders, and Icelandic society:

1) By almost every metric, it’s the most feminist country in the world. 2) There are many people who still believe in elves — don’t knock their cultural beliefs. 3) According to the Global Peace Index for 2015, Iceland is the safest and most peaceful country in the world. 4) The island nation is known as the second happiest country in the world, trailing behind Switzerland. 5) Iceland is not part of the EU and there is a great ongoing debate in the country on whether it should join — the viewpoints are mixed. Though it officially dropped its bid this past year.  6) The Icelandic naming system is interesting, to say the least. To start with, Icelanders don’t have family names. Secondly, one cannot take up the spouse’s last name upon marriage. Thirdly, when naming a child, one has to stick to a limited list of names. The purpose of this seemingly strict naming policy is to protect Iceland’s cultural heritage.  7) It’s still common for parents to leave their infants napping outside in their carriage. No need to call CPS — it’s been a tradition for generations.

2. Don’t underestimate the weather

Icelandic weather can be wild and unpredictable. The good news is that the weather forecast is usually pretty reliable, so make sure you keep a close eye on the Icelandic Met Office warnings. Thankfully stormy nights are few and far between in the summer, but it’s still a good idea to check out the Met Office forecast: if you know which way the rainy clouds are turning, you can travel the other way.

3. Don’t be afraid to explore

Iceland is a very safe country. With over 200 equipped campsites on the island, there are plenty of routes you can take. Our advice is, don’t feel obliged to stick to the capital area and the few known spots. Regions like the Westfjords and East coast may be less known, yet there are plenty of hiking paths and breathtaking sceneries, and fewer fellow travellers to share them with.

4. Drink the tap water Don’t bother with bottled water when some of the most pristine and freshest water supply can be found flowing through your faucet — gratis. And besides, as many Icelanders will tell you, the water that you’re drinking in the bottles is straight up tap water and if you buy bottled water, you’ll be falling victim to corporate marketing ploys and setting yourself up to be the brunt of jokes from your Icelandic friends. The quality of tap water in Iceland is exceptional due to a wealth of fresh water rivers that stream down from the mountains and glaciers. You might smell a bit of sulfur, though, when taking shower, but that is from the geothermal water. The cold water comes from underground freshwater streams that is in fact rain and snow that has been slowly filtering through lava fields for decades before entering the underground current from which the tapped water is taken. Enjoy.

5. You need to be flexible

The weather in Iceland can easily flip your plans upside down. A sunny day could turn into a day of hailstorm the next moment – that’s the unpredictability of Iceland’s weather. A pre-planned expedition to one of the mountains could get cancelled, and you have to remain prepared for change in plans. If you only have a few days to visit this unique island you may want to ask a local tour operator to help you with your planning. With Private Tours in Iceland organized by a renowned travel agency you can be guaranteed that local expertise will help you make the very best out of every weather situation that may arise. 

What NOT to do in Iceland

1. Never drive in stormy weather: There is no need to explain this, as it is pretty obvious. Still, if you are interested take note of this: Icelanders have over 100 different words to describe snow and for a reason. Each word is for a unique kind of snow, differentiating in texture, stability, how wet it is, the wind involved and ect. The list is long, obviously. The point is that you can have more than 100 different driving challenges when you drive in an Icelandic snow storm. And even if there is now snow involved, just the wind can be dangerous. Iceland is the third windiest place in the World. Apparently no people live in the two more windy parts of the World!

2. Don’t cross the speed limit: This would be the rule if you would have traveled to any country across the globe. In urban locales, the speed limit is about 50km/hour. It is 90km/hour in rural areas.

3. Camping in the wild is prohibited: It was legal a few years ago – not anymore. You need to use a regulated and designated campsite.

4. Don’t take cabs everywhere; walk whenever possible. Blending the casualness of a village with big-city know-how, Reykjavik is one of those cities you must stroll through to soak up its splendor. There are no Uber/Lyft services in the country and Icelandic cabs are not inexpensive by any means. I’m sure you can find many other ways to blow that precious cash in the city. The city’s shimmering waterfront, lined with brightly colored houses, beckons those who want to stroll and rewards those who brave the often inclement weather. Walk, bike or rent a scooter. Just remember to take your jacket with you for it can easily get a bit chilly.

5. Don’t take 24 hours of daylight lightly (pun intended). Before going, I was stoked about experiencing my first Icelandic summer, which meant I would see the glory of daylight for 24 continuous hours. While this sounds fabulous in theory, in reality, it plays out a little differently — at least for me. The first few days were beautiful and awe-inspiring, especially on summer solstice, but as someone who is a very light sleeper, the inability to get a restful night’s sleep because of the piercing sunlight got old really quickly. The midnight sun is certainly a sight to behold, but it’s very easy to lose track of time when the sun is still out at 2am. Use an eye mask or two (I had two!) and/or make sure your accommodations have black-out curtains.

For Exploring more about Iceland tour and travels planning, please connect us for more details and Volcano tours. 

Could a lava stream then run through Reykjavik?

Could a lava stream then run through Reykjavik?

Was my question to the geologist? “Could?” was the reply. “It has most definitely will, it’s just a matter of time.”

A psychic friend of mine had come to warn me that we might have an eruption on our hands in the city. He repeatedly had a vision of a lava river running down a valley in the east end of the capital. (Here  – from minute 4.45 is an animation of the last one that came this way 4.600 years ago.) Since I was in the city politics at the time he wanted me to do something about this.

What time frame…

…are we talking about? I asked the geologist. Hardly more than 100 years he replied – could just as well be next week. In fact we have been waiting for something like this to happen for several decades now.

I was a bit shocked since I had just spoken to the authorities that didn’t worry a bit. “They said it would be at least 200-300 years until the next one and there was plenty of time to make a responsive plan should that be needed” I told him. “Do you never meet?” “Well, it’s complicated”, he said, “no one really listens, and with all due respect – least of all politicians”.

The Town in the lava

He then pointed out to me that the authorities in Hafnarfjörður, a small town in the capital area, had recently planned a new neighbourhood at a very critical place in terms of eruptions. “They placed it on the top of the 2.000 year old lava, between a hill and the almost 900 year old lava. Geology tells us that at least every 1.000 years a new lava is coming this way. It is being built at the very lowest part of the most likely way for the next lava stream to come down!” he said.

Reykjavik erupts

This possibility of those eruptions really got me interested in the geology of the Reykjavik Volcanoes. I started driving there, hiking and running and reading more about the area. Two years ago I decided to make a special tour up to the volcanoes. Since then I have been taking small groups on a volcano safari, stopping at my favorite places. It is the best office view I ever had and I get to meet a lot of people sharing my interest in volcanoes and beautiful nature. Beats politics every day. 

Unesco Global Geopark at Reykjanes

Unesco Global Geopark at Reykjanes

The Mid-Atlantic ridge comes ashore on the Reykjanes peninsula. The peninsula, with its diversity of volcanic and geothermal activity, is a Geopark and is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level.

The word geo is linked to the goddess Gaia, who was the personification of Earth in ancient Greek mythology. She was one of the primordial deities, the great mother of all, mother earth.

The Park

Reykjanes Geopark lies on major plate boundaries along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, part of the 65,000km mid-ocean ridge that encircles the earth like a seam of a baseball. Although 90% of this mountain range lies deep below the surface of the ocean, it rises above sea-level right here on the Reykjanes Peninsula, making this one of the only places on earth where it is visible. It is home to many important geological formations, some of which are utterly unique, including numerous types of volcanoes in at least four separate volcanic zones, with hundreds of open fissures and faults.

Read the landscape

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a continuation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which rises from the sea at the very tip of the peninsula and diagonally crosses Iceland from the south-west to the north-east. You can read the area’s geological history several hundred thousand years back in time, although most of the strata are less than 100–200 thousand years old. The last series of eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula began around AD 1000 and ended 250 years later.

The landscape that makes up the peninsula is characterised by tuff mountains and hyaloclastite ridges that formed in subglacial eruptions, as well as several series of craters and other large shield volcanoes from more recent times. In many places, there are lava stacks that formed in fissure eruptions, when large volumes of lava flowed from craters in the faults. Eruptions in Reykjanes are rarely accompanied by ash except where the volcanic fissures opened underwater or in the sea.

Frequent rumbles of Earth

Earthquakes are frequent due to the spreading of the plates and occur most commonly as earthquake swarms that can last for several years. Although most of these are minor, every so often they can be felt across the entire peninsula.

Reykjanes Unesco Global Geopark is the second geopark in Iceland and the 66th member accepted into the European Geoparks Network in September 2015.

Reykjanes Geopark has listed 55 sites as Geosites. Those sites have a significant role in the Geopark and are connected to the story of the Mid Atlantic ridge and the affects of the tectonic plates.

Reykjavik Volcano is going to Erupt

Reykjavik Volcano is going to Erupt

Reykjavik volcano?

Is that possible? I asked so he repeated – „Yes. I am afraid that on top of everything the city’s volcano system is going to erupt.“ This was the psychic friend of mine that got me interested in the Volcanoes around Reykjavik.

It was in the middle of the financial crises in 2008, our banks had failed coursing a domino effect of bankruptcy and unemployment. People were furious, asking “how could this happen?” and “who is responsible?”

I was a vice city counsellor at the time and my friend continued “I have had the same vision several times the last few months. A huge lava stream is coming down Elliðaárdalur valley from the volcano system closest to Reykjavik. The destruction is massive and I really think this could happen any time now. You are in the city politics, you have to do something about this!”

Doing the right thing

Highly unlikely, I thought, but wanted to do the right thing so I started phoning the authorities. I described my friend’s vision and asked if they thought this could actually happen. The response was a relief – at first. “Don’t worry about this”, they said, “this is not going to happen”. But in parts the city is built on top of rather recent lava fields, so I asked if something like that could happen again. “Of course, geologically speaking”, the said, “but not for a very long time, not the next 2 or 3 centuries at least”.

This was calming to hear this but since eruptions often come unexpected I asked what kind of a plan we had for the city should the volcanoes erupt sooner.  There was a rather long pause on the other end of the line. It turned out there is no plan should the volcanoes erupt. I was not so calm anymore.

However, not being a specialist in the field, I decided not to worry more about this if our best geologists would agree that eruptions close to the capital are highly unlikely the next 2-3 hundred years. I phoned three of the best, described my friend’s vision and asked: “Do you think this could happen?” The response in all cases was “what do you mean could? It is of course going to happen. It is only a matter of time”. Knowing that geologist have quite a different sense of time than most people I asked about the time frame. “The thing is”, they said, “that the

Reykjavik volcano system

and it’s sister systems are forming a semicircle around the capital. The systems are all fissure based which means the eruption can break out anywhere on a very long line. Two of those systems tend to erupt every 500-1.000 years. The mean value is around 750 years and last time they erupted was around 800-900 years ago. The third one has a different rhythm, erupts approximately every 2000 years. Last time it erupted was 2000 years ago. That volcano sent a lava stream down the valley your friend saw in his vision 4.600 years ago. And now it’s due again.”

The geologists said it would hardly be more than 100 years until the next eruption started but next week was also just as likely. “In fact we have been waiting for something like this to happen for several decades” one of them said.

It would start with hundreds of small earthquakes deep underneath the lake Kleifarvatn as the magma bursts up the fissures above the magma chamber underneath.

Birth of an Island, Surtsey the new world

Own Private Version of the Golden Circle Tour: An Icelandic Adventure Like No Other

Surtsey, a volcanic island approximately 32 km from the south coast of Iceland. Surtsey is on the World Heritage list. Surtsey is a new island formed by volcanic eruptions that took place from 1963 to 1967.

It is all the more outstanding for having been protected since its birth, providing the world with a pristine natural laboratory. Free from human interference, Surtsey has been producing unique long-term information on the colonisation process of new land by plant and animal life.

Since they began studying the island in 1964, scientists have observed the arrival of seeds carried by ocean currents, the appearance of moulds, bacteria and fungi, followed in 1965 by the first vascular plant, of which there were 10 species by the end of the first decade. By 2004, they numbered 60 together with 75 bryophytes, 71 lichens and 24 fungi. Eighty-nine species of birds have been recorded on Surtsey, 57 of which breed elsewhere in Iceland. The 141 ha island is also home to 335 species of invertebrates.

The property includes the whole island and an adequate surrounding marine area, and thus all the areas that are essential for the long term conservation of the ecological processes on Surtsey. There is also a relatively small but functional marine buffer zone that is not part of the inscribed property. It is noted that part of the evolution of Surtsey is the process of coastal erosion which has already halved the area of the island and over time is predicted to remove another two thirds leaving only the most resistant core.

Forbidden world

Surtsey is a highly controlled, isolated environment and so threats are very limited. The purpose of strictly prohibiting visits to Surtsey is to ensure that colonisation by plants and animals, biotic succession and the shaping of geological formations will be as natural as possible and that human disruption will be minimised. It is prohibited to go ashore or dive by the island, to disturb the natural features, introduce organisms, minerals and soils or leave waste on the island. Nearby construction is also strictly controlled. The most significant management issue will be to retain the level of control and protection from human influence that has characterised the protective history of Surtsey. It is noted that, as an island ecosystem, there is the potential for human disturbance and pollution from a very wide area. Contingency planning, for example for oil spills, is required for the property and its wider surroundings. Given the lack of access a creative and positive approach to presenting the property will be required to ensure that visitors are able to appreciate, but not disturb, its values.