Fagradalsfjall

Fagradalsfjall – a volcano coming to life

The Fagradalsfjall volcano has attracted attention for the last three years due to its activity. No wonder. Who wouldn’t want to see flowing lava with their own eyes, or at least lava that is slowly solidifying? However, count on the fact that the red lava only remains visible for a few days or weeks after the eruption. We arrived here six weeks after its last activity and, unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the red lava.

Palette of all colours

After centuries of dormancy, Fagradalsfjall woke up to life in March 2021. The eruption lasted six months and created a new lava field with fascinating formations. In August 2022, the volcano erupted again, this time with even greater force. In July 2023, it erupted again, spewing lava until August. These eruptions changed the landscape beyond recognition and created new craters, lava tunnels and caves.

Although the volcano is currently quiet, you can still see the rising plumes of smoke and feel the extraordinary energy of the area. There are several hiking trails leading to the site, giving access to different views of the lava fields and craters. You can see all three. However, count on the fact that this route will take you approximately seven hours.

Hiking options

If you want to see this fascinating spectacle of nature up close, you can take a hike to the volcano. Just a few metres from the car park, you’ll find a map with routes and there are several signs along the way.

You can head to the lava fields from the 2021 eruption, which are still smoking and you can’t walk on them for safety reasons. It’s about 1km from the car park to the viewpoint.

Both the red and blue routes are approximately 9 kilometres long and the loop takes approximately 5 hours. Red route takes you to the individual craters. You will first see the 2021 crater, which you will reach after about an hour. Then from 2022, which you will reach in 1,5 hours and finally the destination, the last crater. It takes 2.5 hours to reach it.

You can follow the blue route to the 2022 and 2023 eruption sites.

Although the green trail is only 4 kilometres long, it will still take you about 5 hours as it goes through challenging volcanic terrain and gets you close to the lava fields of 2022.

We originally wanted to hike the blue trail, but when the guys found out they wouldn’t see the red lava, they weren’t very willing to hike it. My morning stomach pains definitely decided to save the climb for later and we just went to the lookout.

Lava Fields

As we approached, we saw hissing smoke and black remains on the hill where the lava was rolling down. It was a surreal sight and we were sorry we couldn’t go higher.

In front of the lava field, there is a big sign prohibiting entering the lava. Even though it is solidified on the surface, it can still be hot inside, posing a risk of burns or vapour poisoning. Guys were cautious, but ladies not so much. We immediately headed to the solidified lava and enjoyed getting in touch with this dangerous element. However, we were careful not to go more than a meter away from the hill.

There is a path around the lava, where you can walk safely and observe the cracks in the solidified lava.

Some have a red, others a purple colour due to different minerals.

Smoke signals and fascinating formations

Although the volcano is not currently active, smoke and steam are still rising from it. This scene creates a magical atmosphere and reminds us that there is a great power slumbering beneath the surface.

During our visit, we saw several daredevils walking across the lava to the hissing craters, from which steam was billowing.

How to get to Fagradalsfjall?

Fagradalsfjall is easily accessible by car. It is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík and only 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport. Main parking is well signposted, but there is a charge of 1000 ISK. Just a short walk from Fagradalsfjall, you will also find the Seltún Geothermal Area and a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Lake Indjánahöfði.