IcelandTravel guideVolcanoes in IcelandIceland is one of the world's most volcanically active regions. Volcanism, glaciers and geothermal heat meet here and continually shape the landscape.Why does Iceland have so many volcanoes?Eruptions and volcanic systemsLava and lava fieldsVolcanoes beneath glaciersVolcanism and geothermal heatSafety in volcanic areasFrom geology to your journeyPlacesPhoto: Norris Niman / Unsplash 01 / GeologyWhy does Iceland have so many volcanoes?Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates move apart. Magma can rise through weaknesses in the crust, and volcanism beneath the island continually adds new rock to the landscape.02 / A landscape in motionEruptions and volcanic systemsEruptions have built Iceland over long periods. Fissures, craters and central volcanoes can belong to the same system. This evergreen guide does not present current eruption status or access to closed areas.03 / From fire to landscapeLava and lava fieldsWhen magma reaches the surface it becomes lava. Flow, cooling and erosion create varied forms; young lava remains fragile and can be unstable long after an eruption ends.VolcanoesMagma reaches the surface through fissures and vents.EruptionsEruptions can build craters, lava and ash layers.LandscapeCooling and erosion shape what visitors see.04 / Fire and iceVolcanoes beneath glaciersSome Icelandic volcanic systems lie beneath ice caps. Heat can melt ice and meltwater may collect or escape from beneath the glacier, linking volcanism, glaciers and glacial outburst floods. Explore Iceland's glaciers05 / Below the surfaceVolcanism and geothermal heatHot rock and water in the crust create geothermal systems visible as steam vents, hot springs and mud pots. Read the geothermal guide06 / SafetySafety in volcanic areasRespect closures, marked routes and official instructions. Gas, hot or recent lava, unstable ground and sudden weather changes can be hazardous. Always check current information from official authorities.This is general guidance, not a live hazard assessment. Safety in Iceland SafeTravel 07 / Discover moreFrom geology to your journeyConnect Iceland's geology with the Highlands, the places collection and facts about the country. The Highlands All places Iceland in numbers From the places databaseVolcanoes in the databaseOnly published places assigned to volcano categories in the database appear here. Missing fields are simply omitted.Volcano in IcelandVolcanoes · South West IcelandEldgos í Fagradalsfjalli started 19 mars 2021 at 20:45 clock. Jarðskjálftar höfðu verið á svæðinu í meira en 3 vikur sem endaði kvikvan náði að…Litli-Hrútur Eruption 2023Volcanoes · South West IcelandThe eruption at Litli-Hrútur began in the summer of 2023 on the Reykjanes Peninsula and was part of an ongoing volcanic episode following extend…Askja CalderaVolcanoes · High IcelandAskja is a large caldera complex in the Dyngjufjoll mountains of Iceland's central highlands north of Vatnajokull. Major volcanic activity occur…BárðarbungaVolcanoes · High IcelandBárðarbunga ([ˈpaurðarpuŋka]), Bardarbunga (Anglophone spelling), is a stratovolcano located under Vatnajökull, Iceland´s most extensive glacier…Brennisteinsalda · High IcelandThe Brennisteinsalda is a volcano in the south of Iceland. Its height is about 855 m. It is situated near Landmannalaugar and not far from Hekla…Brennisteinsfjoll Mountains · South West IcelandBrennisteinsfjoll is a mountainous volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula with lava fields, eruptive fissures, craters and geothermal activi…Explore more places Nature of IcelandLand of fire and ice🌋VolcanoesDiscover the volcanism shaping Iceland.🧊GlaciersExplore the glaciers shaping vast areas.♨️GeothermalSee how heat beneath the surface emerges. FAQFrequently asked questionsWhy are there so many volcanoes in Iceland?The island lies on a plate boundary and above an active magmatic system.How many active volcanoes are in Iceland?The number depends on how a volcano and activity are defined, so this page does not present one unsourced figure.Which volcanoes can I visit?Explore the listed places, but always verify access, closures and conditions before departure.Are there volcanoes beneath glaciers?Yes, several volcanic systems lie beneath Icelandic glaciers.Is it safe to visit volcanic areas?It depends on conditions. Follow closures, marked routes and current official guidance.How have eruptions shaped Iceland?They have created lava fields, craters, ash layers and much of the island's bedrock. Northern lights Midnight sun Weather Best time to visit Driving Highlands F-roads Camping Winter driving Packing list Iceland in winter Iceland with kids Ring Road Glaciers Geothermal