Eyjafjallajökull Volcano

While a few hardy explorers have managed to summit Eyjafjallajökull, ascending the volcano is considered dangerous, with a deadly crevasse-ridden glacier at the top. Many day tours of the south coast from Reykjavik, whether by car or Jeep, venture to Eyjafjallajökull volcano. These tours typically make stops at other destinations in south Iceland, such as Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, black-sand beaches at Dyrhólaey and Vik, the Thórsmörk valley, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. For aerial views of the crater, steaming hot springs, and rugged peaks, opt for a helicopter tour over the volcano.

• The Eyjafjallajökull volcano is a must for nature lovers.

• Eyjafjallajökull is still an active volcano, and as such, is best explored in the company of an experienced guide who can brief you on safety practices.

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes and warm, rainproof clothing.

• Due to uneven surfaces near the volcano, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users.

Eyjafjallajökull is situated near Iceland’s south shore, just under two hours’ drive from Reykjavik. To get there, follow the Ring Road (Route 1) until Hvolsvöllur, then take the turnoff for Route 261. This route ends at a parking lot, from which it’s possible to view the volcano.

The best time to visit Eyjafjallajökull is during summer, when warmer temperatures and the midnight sun make exploring and hiking easier. Crowds are thinner during September and October.

Though Eyjafjallajökull volcano may be better known among Europeans following its 2010 eruption, it is but one of many active volcanoes in Iceland. Its larger neighbor, Katla, just east of Eyjafjallajökull, is even more mighty and powerful. Katla, which lasts erupted in 1918, lies under the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap—the fourth-largest glacier in Iceland. It is feared that an eruption of Katla could melt the glacier and cause catastrophic flooding.

Yes, you can visit Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Several day tours by bus, minibus, and Jeep travel along Iceland’s south coast from Reykjavik and stop at Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. These tours typically include stops at the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black-sand beach of Vik, and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

You pronounce Eyjafjallajökull as “AY-yah-fyah-lah-YOH-kuul.” The volcano’s notoriously tricky name is derived from an Icelandic phrase meaning “the island’s mountain glacier.” In the Icelandic language, “eyja” means island; “fjalla” means mountain, and “jökull” means glacier. The volcano itself lies beneath the Eyjafjallajökull (Eyjafjalla Glacier).

Yes, Eyjafjallajökull is technically still active. The volcanic ash caused by the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption halted global air traffic and stranded travelers. Although Eyjafjallajökull can erupt again in the future, it is not likely to do so anytime soon. The volcano's eruptions occurred in 900 and 1612, and multiple times between 1821 and 1823.

Yes, there are many attractions near Eyjafjallajökull including the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center, which provides information about Eyjafjallajökull's eruptions, geology, and the impact on the local community. Also close by is the outdoor swimming pool, Seljavallalaug, and Skógar Museum.

Surrounded by rugged terrain, Eyjafjallajökull is best explored in the company of a guide who knows the area well, especially if you want to tackle the challenging day hike to the summit of the volcano. Whatever you plan to do there, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable hiking shoes and warm, rainproof clothing.

The best time to visit Eyjafjallajökull Volcano is during summer when warmer temperatures provide pleasant conditions for being outdoors and long daylight hours allow for more time exploring and hiking. However, you can visit Eyjafjallajökull Volcano year-round. If you plan to visit in winter, you’ll need good cold-weather gear and traction.