Since 2021 the earth on Reykjanes has kept tearing open. Twelve times so far.
Today it is quiet. Beneath Svartsengi the next magma is collecting.
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The last eruption lasted from 16 July to 5 August 2025. The Icelandic Met Office considers another one the most likely scenario; the warning time so far has been between 20 minutes and a good four hours. So here more than anywhere else: check the status on the morning of your visit.
The cooled lava fields of the 2021 to 2023 eruptions, on marked trails from car parks P1 and P2. No guide, no permit, no admission. From the short Nátthagi trail (2 km) to the day hike to Litli-Hrútur (18–20 km).
The area of the nine eruptions since December 2023 is closed to the public. Banned everywhere: stepping onto the lava – the crust can be thin.
The town has been freely accessible again since 21 October 2024, at your own risk: stay on the paths, note the evacuation routes. When an eruption starts, both are cleared.
Photo: Giles Laurent · CC BY-SA 4.0
Glowing lava is currently only to be had at the Lava Show – real lava is melted there and poured into the hall. Plus hikes with geologists across the young lava fields and the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel.
Affiliate links to GetYourGuide: if you book, we earn a commission and the price stays the same. Prices and ratings as of 21.09.2026. If an eruption starts, operators change routes at short notice – or cancel.
Photo: Stefan mohanu · CC BY-SA 4.0
Without a car: No scheduled bus to the car parks is documented; without a car the guided tour from Reykjavík remains.
By car: Via road 43 (Grindavíkurvegur) or road 427 (Suðurstrandarvegur) to P1/P2 east of Grindavík; enter the number plate at Parka and pay within 24 hours of leaving. Park only in the designated areas.
May to September: long daylight for the 4–20 km trails and rarely snow. In winter there is snow on the heights, and Safetravel issues storm warnings more often with the advice not to go up. Regardless of the season, check Safetravel warnings and the gas forecast on the morning of your visit.
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
As of 21 September 2026 there is no eruption in progress; the last one ended on 5 August 2025. But the ground beneath Svartsengi continues to rise.
Yes. For the marked trails at Fagradalsfjall you need neither guide nor permit.
Depending on the trail, between 2 km (Nátthagi) and 18–20 km there and back. The classic trail A is 6–8 km each way, so a good four to five hours in total.
May to September: long daylight and rarely snow. In winter Safetravel issues storm warnings more often.
The trails are free. Parking at P1 or P2 costs 1,000 ISK per car and day, payable via Parka within 24 hours of parking; otherwise a 1,960 ISK surcharge applies.
Yes, since 21 October 2024 without checkpoints. Presence is at your own risk; you should stay on the paths because of fissures and note the evacuation routes.
No, that is expressly forbidden – even after an eruption has ended. The crust can be thin and there may still be hot material underneath.
In quiet conditions on the short trails, yes. During an eruption the authorities advise against it because of the gases, and for Grindavík itself the police commissioner says it is not a safe environment for children.
Sturdy hiking boots, warm layers and a waterproof outer layer. In winter add spikes and a head torch.
The police commissioner of Suðurnes together with civil protection, based on the Met Office hazard map. Current notices are on safetravel.is and in the Eruption News on visitreykjanes.is.
As of September 2026 it is operating. But it lies in the Svartsengi hazard zone and is evacuated as a precaution with every new magma intrusion.
Yes, as of 21 September 2026: the operator's website shows no closure notice, and tickets for the same day were bookable. Winter hours apply, 8 am–10 pm (21 August to 31 January; from 1 February 8 am–8 pm), and you must leave the water 30 minutes before closing. 'Comfort' admission starts at €86, 'Premium' at €108, 'Signature' at €133; advance booking is compulsory. The lagoon lies in the Svartsengi hazard zone behind protective barriers and is evacuated as a precaution with every new magma intrusion – short-notice closures remain possible, so check the operator's site on the day. Access is via Grindavíkurvegur (road 43).
As of 21 September 2026 no eruption is under way in Iceland. Closest to one is the Reykjanes/Svartsengi system with the Sundhnúkur crater row: the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) lists it at alert level 2 of 3 ('elevated unrest', orange) and with aviation colour code yellow; the last eruption there lasted from 16 July to 5 August 2025. Bárðarbunga and Ljósufjöll are also at level 1 (yellow, 'unrest'); all other monitored volcanoes – including Katla, Hekla, Grímsvötn and Askja – are green. The IMO publishes the current status daily.
Sources · accessed on 21 September 2026
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
