VOLCANIC ERUPTION AT REYKJANES PENINSULA – IT IS SAFE TO TRAVEL TO ICELAND
Are you planning a trip to Iceland but are worried about the current eruption on Reykjanes peninsula?
Here’s all you need to know!
WHAT IS HAPPENING
A new volcanic eruption has started at Reykjanes peninsula on Dec 18th, 23.10. The eruptive fissure is about 4 km long, with the northern end just east of Stóra-Skógfell and the southern end just east of Sundhnúk. The distance from the southern end to the edge of Grindavík is almost 3 km.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office continues to monitor the activity and is in direct contact with civil protection and response units in the area.
A NEW GEOLOGICAL PHASE
Earthquakes and eruptions are not a rare occurrence in Iceland, due to Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic ridge.
Ever since 2021, Reykjanes peninsula has witnessed a new geological phase, with 3 eruptions in 3 years, the first ones in the area in about eight centuries.
The 2021, 2022 and summer 2023 eruptions all took place in uninhabited areas of the peninsula and posed no threat to life nor infrastructure in the area.
LIMITED AREA AFFECTED
It is important to stress that the area affected by the current volcanic unrest is limited to a small portion of Reykjanes peninsula, spanning only a few kilometers.
Road closures have been enforced and no traffic is allowed to enter the area considered at risk.
For precaution, the worldwide renewed Blue Lagoon – not at the epicentre of the current unrest, but located few kilometers away from Grindavík – is currently closed until further notice.
No other towns, roads or tourist attractions are affected by the unrest.
Iceland has one of the world’s most effective volcanic preparedness measures and the situation is closely monitored and constantly evaluated according to the best scientific data available.
IT IS SAFE TO TRAVEL TO ICELAND
As the area affected by the current eruption is circumscribed to a limited part of Reykjanes peninsula, the rest of the country is unaffected and Iceland continues to welcome travellers.
Travelling to Iceland it is not just possible but also perfectly safe.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For the most updated – and reliable – information regarding the volcanic unrest in Iceland, we recommend not to rely on international media coverage, as their tone and approach can contribute to misinterpreting and amplifying the events.
Instead, we encourage travellers to follow official Icelandic channels:
- The Icelandic MET office
Information on the seismic activity and development of events - The Icelandic Road Administration
Information on road conditions and closures in the Reykjanes region - Safetravel
Updates on safety - The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service
News coverage - Visit Reykjanes
Updates from the region
AURORA REYKJAVÍK IS OPEN – GREAT AURORAS EXPECTED THIS WINTER
Aurora Reykjavík, located in the Icelandic capital, is far from the epicentre of the unrest and regularly open daily from 9 to 21.
The northern lights season is in full swing y predictions for the winter are exceptionally good, as we have reached the solar maximum for the current solar cycle.
Islandia is one of the prime spots for aurora sighting in the world and a unique, diverse destination.
Don‘t miss your chance to see the best northern lights in a decade y travel safely to Iceland, we look forward to welcoming you!
Reykjavík Museums Opening Hours During Christmas 2024
If you’re travelling to Iceland during the holiday season, you might be wondering which places will be open during the Festivities.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a guide to the holiday hours for some of Reykjavík’s most popular museums. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich culture or looking for festive activities, we’ve got you covered.
Help! It’s Full Moon! Will It Ruin My Aurora Experience?
Think a full moon will spoil your chances of seeing the Northern Lights? Think again! Discover why moonlit nights can enhance the aurora experience, from magical landscapes to stunning photography tips. Learn how to make the most of your Northern Lights hunt—even under a bright moon.
What Are The Main Types of Northern Lights?
Despite their enchanting beauty, not all auroras are created equal. They come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.
This guide delves into the main types of Northern Lights, explains the science behind their differences, and offers tips for maximizing your chances of seeing them at their most spectacular.
Do the Northern Lights Occur Every Night?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that occurs every night. However, visibility depends on key factors like solar activity, weather, and location. Discover when, where, and how to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, with expert tips and real-time tools. Whether you’re in Iceland or elsewhere near the auroral oval, this guide will prepare you for an unforgettable Northern Lights adventure!
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN 2024/25
There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a northern lights display, and it has been a lifelong dream of many. However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don’t always show up on cue.
Here is all you need to know to make your aurora dream come true.
How Long Do the Northern Lights Last?
Northern Lights displays are as unpredictable as they are awe-inspiring. Some nights, they light up the entire sky for hours, while on others, they may appear for only a few minutes – sometimes in a much softer glow. But, more often it can come in waves of intensity known as Substorms.
Let’s take a deep dive into the science, timing, and some of the most thrilling insights to help you understand what goes into the length of an aurora show, and maybe give you a better chance of witnessing one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
How to Read an Aurora Forecast: Your Complete Guide to not miss the Northern Lights
Catching the aurora isn’t just a matter of luck; it’s a combination of being in the right place at the right time and understanding the science behind the aurora forecast.
This guide goes beyond the basics, explaining every key element of an aurora forecast so you can maximise your chances of experiencing this incredible natural phenomenon for yourself.
THE 10 BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS IN ICELAND IN 2025
Seeing the northern lights dance in the Icelandic sky is every traveler’s dream. Although the phenomenon can be seen anywhere around the country, light pollution sometimes spoils the view.
By opting for a full-comfort countryside northern lights stay, you will maximise your chances of success – literally at your doorstep.
Here are our 10 favourite country accommodations for seeing the northern lights in 2025.
Can You See the Northern Lights with the Naked Eye?
Yes, you can absolutely see the northern lights with the naked eye—under the right conditions! While cameras often pick up more detail and intensity than our eyes, a strong aurora combined with dark skies and clear weather can create an unforgettable spectacle visible to anyone looking up. In this guide, we’ll share tips to maximize your chances of experiencing the magic firsthand, no special equipment required!
The 25 Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
As a lifelong Northern Lights enthusiast and founder of Aurora Reykjavík, I’ve spent countless nights chasing the auroras across Iceland. Each experience feels like the first—an awe-inspiring dance of color and light against the vast Icelandic skies. In this guide, I’ll share my 25 favorite spots to witness this natural wonder, from remote highlands to coastal gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned aurora hunter, these locations offer something truly magical. Let me take you on a journey to the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. – Grétar Jónsson
ES 
EN_US 
IT 
DE