Iceland Volcanoes Map

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and a hotspot at the same time, so it has around 30 active volcanic systems. This map shows the famous ones and the places you can visit.

Volcano tours visit lava caves, craters and, when it is safe, active eruption sites.

Volcano tours ↗
  • Volcanoes & lava

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Active volcanic systems
~30
Average eruption rate
~every 5 yrs
Eyjafjallajökull
2010
Reykjanes eruptions
2021–

Why Iceland has so many volcanoes

Iceland straddles the boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart by about 2 cm a year, and sits above a mantle hotspot. The result is a belt of volcanic systems running from Reykjanes in the south-west to the north-east, with others under the glaciers. Some, like Hekla and Grímsvötn, erupt every decade or two; others, like Katla and Öræfajökull, are dangerous because they are covered by ice that melts into sudden floods.

Current eruptions on Reykjanes

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula south-west of Reykjavík has been in a new eruptive period. After three eruptions at Fagradalsfjall, a series of fissure eruptions began on the Sundhnúkur crater row near Grindavík in December 2023, repeatedly cutting roads and threatening the town and the Blue Lagoon. Scientists expect activity on the peninsula to continue on and off for years or decades. Eruptions here are usually effusive, with lava fountains rather than explosive ash, but toxic gases and new lava make the areas dangerous.

Before you go: check vedur.is and safetravel.is for current activity and access. Follow police closures, never walk on new lava, and stay upwind of gas.

Guided volcano tours from Reykjavík adapt their route to current activity and visit the latest lava fields.

Reykjanes volcano tours ↗

Volcano experiences

  • Inside the Volcano: descend by open lift into the magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur (summer only).
  • Lava tunnels: Raufarhólshellir near Reykjavík and Vatnshellir on Snæfellsnes are easy guided caves.
  • Crater walks: Kerið on the Golden Circle, Hverfjall at Mývatn, Saxhóll and Eldborg in the west.
  • Westman Islands: climb Eldfell and visit the Eldheimar museum about the 1973 eruption on Heimaey.
  • Askja: a summer super-jeep trip from Mývatn into the Highlands to the warm Víti crater.

The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is 30 minutes from Reykjavík and open year-round.

Book a lava tunnel tour ↗

Plan your trip to Iceland's volcanoes

Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Iceland during an eruption?

Generally yes. Recent eruptions on Reykjanes have been local, and flights and the rest of the country have continued as normal. Authorities close dangerous areas; follow their advice.

Which Icelandic volcano is most likely to erupt next?

The Reykjanes Peninsula has erupted most often in recent years. Of the larger volcanoes, Grímsvötn, Hekla and Katla are among those monitored most closely.

Can you go inside a volcano in Iceland?

Yes. At Þríhnúkagígur near Reykjavík, an open lift lowers visitors 120 m into an emptied magma chamber, usually from May to October.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.