Exciting news from Iceland: On the evening of 10.07.2023, after days of earthquakes, another volcanic eruption started on the Reykjanis peninsula. The eruption is taking place in the same area where there was also an eruption in 2021 and most recently in August 2022. It lies about 3 km north of Fagradalsfjall near Litla-Hrút, south of Keilir mountain. There is currently no immediate danger for residents or air travelers, as the area is uninhabited. The past eruptions have not only exerted a great fascination among tourists and caused adventurous travelers to wander to the eruption site.
Those who still want to follow the outbreak can do so from a safe distance via the live stream.
Update 11th July: The new outbreak site at Litli-Hrutur, which was still closed until noon today, has now been opened for visitors after the authorities have discussed the matter. Currently, parking and hiking route H from last year's outbreak must be used. The new eruption site is further away than the one in 2022. It is about 20 km there and back, often over rough, sometimes steep terrain. Those who want to venture into this should not only be sure-footed but also have stamina, good clothing for changing weather, and enough food and water. It is important to fully charge your mobile phone beforehand and it is best to register on the safetravel.is website. Special caution is advised at the eruption site because of sometimes high gas concentrations and because new fissures can open spontaneously at any time.
Update 13th July: Both the new and the 2021 and 2022 breakout sites are closed until at least Saturday 15th July 2023. On Saturday, the situation will be re-examined and a decision will be made whether to re-open the breakout site.
Update 17th July: Trail E has been open again since this afternoon. Please remember that the breakout site is not a safe area. New crevasses and craters can open unexpectedly.
Update 24th July: For hikes to the volcanic eruption at Litli-Hrutur new opening hours have been set for parking lots 1 and 2 and routes A and E. Weather permitting, mentioned parking lots and hiking routes are open from 10 am until 6 pm. Those who want to start in the afternoon must start on-site before 6 pm. This measure had to be taken due to the high number of visitors, the shortage of personnel in the rescue teams, and the failure to follow safety instructions from the authorities.
About the routes and parking: The authorities recommend route E from parking lot 2, which is around 20 kilometers round trip, but primarily through flat terrain. This route is easier than route A via the 2022 trail from parking lot 1 and onto the Litli-Hrutur mountain. This route is also long and has more climbs and descents in between. There is a parking fee and you can pay via Parka App. We recommend downloading the app on your cell phone. You should avoid the route from Vigdisarvellir, mentioned mainly in social media, which is shorter, but in much more difficult terrain you are on the road without paths, markings, rescue teams, parking, toilets and also often without mobile phone connection.
If you want to tackle route E or A, you should take not only sure-footedness but also endurance, good clothes for weather changes, enough food and water. It is important to fully charge the cell phone beforehand, possibly carry a power bank. It is best to register on the website safetravel.is.
Important: Special caution is required at the outbreak site due to partially high gas concentrations, smoke from burning moss, and because new fissures can open spontaneously at any time. Please follow the instructions of the authorities and rescue teams and also do not leave any trash in the area.
For more information on the eruption and whether the area is open, visit safetravel.is. As with the last outbreak, we recommend all information with maps and valuable weather reports from blika.is.
Guided volcano tours and helicopter tours can be booked with various providers, the demand is great, but talk to us.