Our beautiful country has once again decided to put on a spectacular volcanic show on the Reykjanes peninsula. In August this year, an eruption started again and the spectacle is no less present than it was in 2021, in the area of Meradalir valley, next to the world famous Fagradalsfjall mountain.

Below you can read all about how you can see the eruption at Meradalir in Iceland in 2022.

What you need to know before you go and visit the eruption site

  • The best route to the eruption depends on the wind direction and the weather at any given time, so pay close attention to the recommendations of the Police and emergency personnel.
  • Be well prepared. It is important to be well dressed, with a lunch, good shoes, a headlamp and a fully charged phone.
  •  Leave your car in the parking lot and not on the side of the road. There is plenty of room for everyone.
  • Gas pollution is present in the area and could accumulate in certain weather conditions. Danger increases when the wind dies down, as life-threatening gases can collect nearby the eruption and can prove fatal. It is also necessary to avoid breathing in the smoke from the eruption site. If you experience the slightest symptoms of health problems, you should immediately get away with the wind against you.
  • The old lava is still hot and extremely dangerous to cross. Please do not walk on the lava. Please also note that new fissures can open at short notice and glowing lava can fall from the edge of the lava causing a rapid and sudden advance.
  • Keep an eye on your travel companions. Fatigue and hypothermia come quickly.
  • Stick to hills and ridges. Avoid valleys and dells in the landscape. Please also beware of the risk of rock fall and steep slopes.
  • The police chief in Suðurnes has made a decision to deny children under the age of twelve access to the volcanic eruption.
  • And at all times, keep an eye on your travel companions. Fatigue and hypothermia come quickly and it does not take much to get lost.

How to get from Reykjavík to Meradalir active volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Head to Grindavik by following route 41 (the same road that leads you to Keflavik airport) and then change to route 43 and drive towards the town of Grindavik. Shortly after you arrive in Grindavik you take a left turn on route 427. Follow that road until you get to the parking lots (nr. 1 and 2.).

The trail from the parking lot to the active volcano site.

This map shows you the different routes to the volcano, as well as parking spots and nearby places. Provided by Visit Reykjanes.

You can mainly choose between three different types of routes that will take you through the Meradalir region. Please note that all the routes are challenging, and consist of gravel, lava fields, steep hills and such.

Path A

A total of 12-14km (return trip), with the ascent about 300m. This route will take you to see the crater from 2021 eruption, and from there you will walk onwards to the new eruption. It is best to use parking nr. 1 as parking nr. 2 is further away, making the walk longer.

Path B

This path is more difficult  than path A, both in length and terrain. It was an additional/alternative route to the eruption site but is rarely used today. It could be used if the wind is blowing the gases over path A.

Path C

Path C by Nátthagi is a much shorter and easier hike, from there you can see newly formed lava but not the crater itself. This path only takes you to the edge of the lava field from the parking places.

Before heading to the volcano please look at Safetravel.is for current safety information and on the Icelandic Met Office for weather forecast.

Please note that authorities and members of the ICE-SAR are on site. Don’t hesitate to ask them for information when you’re there and follow their instructions.