WITNESS THE MIGHTY FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO IN ICELAND

WITNESS THE MIGHTY FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO IN ICELAND

Ross Bale
(Updated: )
6 min read

When you come to book a trip, whether it's relaxing or full of adventure, you come across certain experiences and sights that you cannot ignore.

For those who visit Iceland, the Fagradalsfjall volcano is one such must-see, sitting in the centre of the surrounding lava fields with a 40-minute hike to reach the craters.

But what is the best way to experience the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland, and what do you need to know before booking your trip?

Find out more below?

FAGRADALSFJALL - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, accessing Fagradalsfjall volcano is best done by car, located close to the Keflavik and Reykjavik international airports.

Since its recent eruption in 2021, Fagradalsfjall has risen to the top of many tourists' buckets lists, with volcano tours open for all who wish to explore the surrounding site and hike to the top of the craters, some 385m above sea level.

While many volcanic eruptions are steeped in history, the story of Fagradalsfjall is very much a part of 21st century life, having erupted in March 2021 and leaving natural devastation in its wake.

At around 9.30pm on 19th March, the eruption began following weeks of tremors and earthquakes which led locals and geologists to believe that an eruption was imminent. Despite its size and the fact that the volcano had been dormant for around 6,000 years prior to its 2021 eruption, the damage was minor with no communities or individual injured because of the eruption.

Image of Volcano Geldingagadalir Iceland
Geldingadalir lava flow
The youngest volcano in the area, the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland is part of the Reykjanes Peninsula which is also home to the famous Blue Lagoon experience and some of Iceland's most awe-inspiring and incredible views.

Today, it can be visited by tourists - many of which stop over at the local village of Grindavik on the way which lies just 7km from the volcano and is a charming historic town.

With most starting at Grindavik, you can now book your place on a Fagradalsfjall volcanic tour and take in the magnitude and awe-inspiring power of this volcano and its recent eruption from the safety of a guided tour.

Most of these tours last for between half a day to a full day depending on your ideal experience, with Grindavik a safe place to leave your hire car and other possessions before beginning your volcano adventure.

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EXPLORING THE FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO IN ICELAND

For those who are interested in getting up close and personal with the Fagradalsfjall volcano, tours tend to cover the volcano itself and some of the other surrounding natural phenomena and areas of beauty.

From landscapes to boiling mud pools and the iconic Blue Lagoon, the geography of the Reykjanes Peninsula sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the lava fields complete with volcanic craters, making this some of the most unique scenery in the world.

The Fagradalsfjall volcano tours offer tourists and adventurers a chance to hike to the top of the volcano, with hiking shoes and crampons recommended for optimum safety on the sometimes uneven and often slippery ground.

When you reach the top of your hike, you can revel in the juxtaposition between the devastation and incredible beauty that the volcano and its eruption left behind.

Image of a lava rock from Geldingadalir in Iceland
Lava rock
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As a newly formed crater in the landscape of Iceland, one of the most memorable things about the Fagradalsfjall volcano tour for modern day tourists is that they are among the first to experience it.

The eruption occurred in 2021 and as you hike up the side of the crater and take in the environment it left behind, remember that you are stood in the middle of modern-day history.


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______ ## FAQs ABOUT FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANIC TOURS

HOW CAN I GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO MY FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO TOUR POINT?

By far the best way of getting around Iceland is by hiring a car. Not only does this give you freedom and complete control over your itinerary, but it allows you to personalise your experience and spend as much or as little time as you like exploring the Fagradalsfjall volcano and its surrounding landscape.

Grindavik, the historic town where most Fagradalsfjall volcano tours begin, is located just an hours' drive from Reykjavik airport, and a short drive from Keflavik airport.

HOW LONG DID THE LAVA FLOW LAST AT FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO IN ICELAND?

The first eruption began on 19th March 2021, with the last emitted fresh lava falling on 18th September 2021. The eruption is considered to be ongoing, making this a monumental time to visit the Fagradalsfjall volcano and see a part of modern day history occurring in front of your eyes.

Thanks to its relatively low profile, Fagradalsfjall is now known as a shield volcano which means it is expansive in width but does not reach very high - the summit of the Fagradalsfjall volcano is 385m.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SEE FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO?

The viewpoints are expansive, giving you breath taking views of the crater. One of the most amazing things about parts of the hike are the stretches of dry lava you will see and walk across, covering the ground with a grey bulbous rock surface which is unlike any rocks you see on the beaches and shorelines.

Be sure to take a camera and capture every twist and turn of your volcano tour.

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GETTING AROUND ICELAND DURING YOUR TRIP

No matter what kind of adventure you are planning, hiring a car is by far the safest and easiest form of transport.

Believe it or not, every year Iceland welcome tourists who think that the Blue Lagoon and mountain ranges are all set within a few miles - not understanding the vast nature of Iceland and its often-unpredictable conditions and environments.

When you hire a car, you give yourself the best possible chance of seeing everything you want to see - moving between tours at your own leisure, and ensuring that you never miss a booking, an experience, or a viewpoint you really want to stop and see.

And that's not all...

Hiring a car means that you can sleep, relax, and take in your surroundings on-the-go, travelling at your own pace and stopping for overnight stays as and where you wish.

We understand how difficult it can be to plan an itinerary when visiting somewhere you've never been before, but when you hire a car, you remove all of those time constraints and put the power of your experience back into your own hands.

For more information on booking the right hire car for your trip to Iceland, head on over to the Northbound web page to discover the latest car rental in Iceland offers.


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