Fagradalsfjall — The New Volcano
Iceland's most accessible eruption site — active since 2021 after 800 years of dormancy
On March 19, 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula erupted for the first time in 800 years. The Fagradalsfjall eruption at Geldingadalir drew over 350,000 visitors and became Iceland's most spectacular natural event in living memory. Since then, the system has produced multiple eruptions, fundamentally reshaping the landscape and the town of Grindavík.
The 2021 Awakening — Geldingadalir
After 800 years of silence, Fagradalsfjall burst to life on March 19, 2021, creating a spectacular lava lake in Geldingadalir valley that became Iceland's top tourist attraction overnight. The eruption lasted approximately 6 months, producing 140 million cubic meters of lava.
The site was accessible to hikers with a 1–3 hour walk, making it the world's most visitable active eruption. Icelanders and tourists alike made the pilgrimage at all hours, watching lava fountains and rivers of fire from safe distances.
Subsequent Eruptions (2022–2025)
- August 2022 (Meradalir): Second eruption, 3-week event in neighboring valley
- July 2023 (Litli-Hrútur): Third eruption — 'Little Ram' cone with impressive lava fountaining
- January 2024: Hagafell eruption — lava reaches Grindavík, destroys homes
- February–December 2024: Six more eruptions along Sundhnúksgígar crater row
- July–August 2025: Ninth eruption, 21-day event, Blue Lagoon and Grindavík evacuated
Impact on Grindavík
The 2024–2025 eruption series has had devastating effects on the town of Grindavík and surrounding infrastructure, with lava flows cutting roads, destroying homes, and repeatedly threatening the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.
- 3,500 Grindavík residents evacuated
- Multiple homes destroyed by lava
- 50+ Blue Lagoon closures
- 15+ km of road infrastructure affected
- Svartsengi power plant protected by emergency lava barriers
- Keflavík International Airport remained operational throughout
Visiting the Lava Fields
Between eruptions, the fresh lava fields from all the Reykjanes eruptions are open to visitors. The dramatic black lava landscapes, still warm in places, offer a raw window into geological creation.
- From Reykjavík: 45–60 minute drive
- Shuttle buses operated during active eruptions
- Hiking distance: 1–3 hours depending on eruption location
- Terrain: Rocky lava fields — wear sturdy boots
- Best photography: Evening and night for lava glow
- Always check vedur.is before departing
Safety Information
Always follow official safety barriers. Volcanic gases (SO2, CO2) are dangerous and odorless. Wear sturdy hiking boots — lava is extremely sharp. Check vedur.is and safetravel.is before departing. In an emergency call 112.