Iceland, which is surrounded by the North Atlantic’s wild waters, is a geologically and volcanically active country with numerous breathtakingly gorgeous landscapes. The island is peppered with volcanoes, some 30 of which are active, due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. These are frequently seen in huge lava fields, behind gleaming glaciers, or among stony mountain summits.
It’s a joy to travel around the country’s dramatic and diverse environment. Around its stunning stratovolcanoes, gushing geysers and boiling hot springs are common. Iceland’s diverse volcanic landscapes, which are home to roughly 130 volcanoes in total, are among the most captivating in the country, attracting throngs of tourists every year.
The best way to explore Iceland’s volcanoes and their surrounding environs is by campervan. That’s right, a campervan rental can transport you and your stuff anywhere in Iceland and widen your choices to make the trip as meaningful. Bet you are all excited to tread and survey these volcanic landscapes, so let’s get to it.
1: Eyjafjallajokull
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Due to the disruption and turmoil it caused on air traffic in Europe for about a week following its 2010 eruption, Eyjafjallajökull shot to international prominence. The volcano’s most powerful and devastating eruption since 1823 was accompanied by huge plumes of smoke and clouds of ash billowing into the air.
Eyjafjallajökull, which has been dormant since then, is located just west of Katla and is totally covered by a gleaming ice covering. The crater rim of the stratovolcano is surrounded by three peaks, the largest of which is Hamundur at 1,651 metres. Surprisingly, until the sea receded, the mountain’s south face was part of Iceland’s coastline.
As a result, its cliffs are now littered with stunning waterfalls, including Skogafoss, the most famous of which. Eyjafjallajökull is one of Iceland’s most magnificent volcanoes, with breathtaking scenery and a turbulent recent history. Also, read Most Beautiful Small Towns in England.
2: Hekla
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Hekla is responsible for a substantial portion of Iceland’s appearance because to its regular and explosive eruptions. It engulfed its surrounds in lava and tephra over millennia. The volcano’s ferocious nature earned it the moniker “Gateway to Hell” during the Middle Ages.
Hekla has been a popular trekking destination since its last eruption in 2000. It takes about four hours to reach the summit of its 1,488-meter peak. The stratovolcano’s long ridge, which resembles an upturned boat, is studded with craters and frequently covered in snow and small glaciers.
Hekla is one of the island nation’s most famous volcanoes, looming over the bleak and damaged landscapes that surround it.
3: Katla
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The sparkling Myrdalsjokull glacier partially obscures Katla, which is located in a remote section of southern Iceland. This conceals the fact that it is one of the country’s largest and most powerful volcanoes.
Katla, which stands at 1,512 metres, has a ten-kilometer-wide crater that is regularly covered in hundreds of metres of ice. This towers majestically above the lunar-like surroundings around it. The enormous mount has erupted multiple times throughout its history, with the most recent severe episode taking place in 1918.
Many people feel that it and Eyjafjallajökull are geologically related because of their proximity.
4: Askja
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Askja and its massive caldera are located in Iceland’s wild and isolated interior, and can only be reached by crossing the rough terrain of Odadahraun, the island’s largest lava plain and volcanic desert. While getting there is half the fun, Askja is awe-inspiring in its own right, with two gorgeous lakes that stand out beautifully against the dark mountains around them.
While the larger of the two, Oskjuvatn, is normally frozen over for the majority of the year, Vit, because to its bubbling hot springs, is actually warm enough to bathe in. The Dyngjufjoll Mountains, which surround Askja’s 1,516-meter-high crater, add to the stunning view. There are numerous stunning canyons and gorges in this area.
Because of the area’s unearthly aspect, NASA brought astronauts here to train for their lunar missions.
5: Oraefajokull
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rfajökull, located on the island’s southeastern shore, is the country’s largest active volcano as well as its highest peak. The vast volcano, which is covered in a blindingly bright white glacier and reaches 2,110 metres at its highest point, offers spectacular views from its summit.
You can view out over the coastal cliffs, with Vik’s famous black sand beaches visible in the distance, from up high. rfajökull, located within Vatnakojull National Park, is a popular hiking destination due to its conspicuous and attractive peak, as well as the breathtaking environment that surrounds it.
6: Hverfjall
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This small, extinct volcano, also known as Hverfell or Hverfjall, is one of northern Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions. This is due to the fact that it is located only off the Ring Road and is not too difficult or time consuming to trek.
In less than an hour, you may climb up its 420-meter-high tephra cone and stroll around its kilometer-wide rim. Hverfjall’s crumbling and round volcano walls, which resemble craters on the moon, stand amid a barren and inhospitable terrain. The stocky tuff ring volcano is frequently visited, as are the neighbouring shallow seas of Myvath.
7: Snaefellsjokull
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Snaefellsjokull is positioned at the extremity of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by ice waters, and is one of Iceland’s most recognised and photographed views. The ancient stratovolcano, which was formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, is crowned by sparkling glaciers, with crumbling cones, jagged craters, and lava-scarred landscapes all on display.
The 1,446-meter-high Snaefellsjokull is particularly notable for its cultural significance, since it appears in a number of Icelandic sagas and literary works. The most well-known of these is Jules Vernes’ Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Snaefellsjokull is one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks, situated within a magnificent national park of the same name in the country’s extreme west.
8: Krafla
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Krafla is a magnificent caldera in the north of the island, surrounded by steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and bubbling hot springs. Its crater is home to a coldwater lake with a lovely emerald blue colour, in contrast to its fiery and frequent geothermal activity.
Despite its modest height of 818 metres, Krafla’s unearthly look makes it well worth seeing. It attracts a large number of visitors, as do the adjoining Myvatn Nature Baths.