Area
565 km²
One of the largest single-eruption lava flows in recorded history.
Eldhraun Lava Field
A moss-covered lava field in South Iceland created by the 1783–1784 Laki eruption, one of the deadliest volcanic events in recorded history.
For a wider view of the country behind this guide, explore our Iceland statistics, with population, tourism and climate data.
Region
South Iceland
Please never step on the fragile moss.
Quick Answer
Eldhraun (63.8333°N, 18.3833°W) is a vast lava field blanketed in thick Racomitrium lanuginosum (woolly fringe-moss). It was created during the Skaftáreldar (Laki) eruption of June 1783 to February 1784, when a 27 km fissure of 130 craters erupted along the Lakagígar volcanic system. The eruption produced 14.7 km3 of basaltic lava and released an estimated 120 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide; the resulting toxic haze (the "Laki haze") killed livestock and crops across Iceland and Europe. Roughly 10,000 Icelanders (about 20% of the population) died in the resulting famine known as the Móðuharðindin ("Mist Hardships"). Benjamin Franklin linked the resulting European summer cooling to the eruption in a 1784 paper. Today, the 565 km2 lava field is carpeted in centuries-old moss that grows only 1–2 cm per decade; a single footstep can cause damage requiring 30–70 years to recover. NASA astronauts trained here in 1965–67 as a lunar surface analogue. The field is visible from Route 1 between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur (256 km from Reykjavík). Stay on marked paths and designated viewpoints.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-03-03
The moss at Eldhraun is extremely fragile. Walking on it causes lasting damage. Please stay on marked paths and use designated viewpoints.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Created
Laki eruption, 1783
8-month eruption that devastated Iceland and affected global climate.
Conservation
Do not walk on moss
Recovery from foot damage can take 100+ years.
The Laki Eruption (1783–1784)
- Erupted from a 27 km fissure over 8 months
- Produced 14 cubic kilometers of basaltic lava
- Released toxic fluorine and sulfur dioxide gases
- Killed approximately 20% of Iceland's population
- Destroyed 50% of livestock through fluorine poisoning
- Lowered temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere
Visiting Eldhraun
- Located along Route 1 between Vík and Höfn
- Near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur
- Several pull-off areas for viewing and photos
- Drive from Reykjavik: approximately 3.5–4 hours
- Stay on marked paths; never step on the moss
- Best combined with South Coast or Ring Road trip
Planning help
Eldhraun Lava Field FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Can I walk on the moss at Eldhraun?
No, you should never walk on the moss at Eldhraun. The thick moss carpet is extremely fragile and can take 100+ years to recover from foot traffic. Even a single footstep can cause visible damage that lasts for decades. Please stay on marked paths and viewing areas to protect it.
What was the Laki eruption?
The Laki eruption of 1783-1784 was one of the most devastating volcanic events in recorded history. It produced 14 cubic kilometers of lava over 8 months, released toxic gases that killed 20% of Iceland's population and 50% of its livestock, and affected weather patterns across the Northern Hemisphere, which contributed to crop failures in Europe.
How do I get to Eldhraun?
Eldhraun is visible along Route 1 (Ring Road) in South Iceland, between Vík and Höfn, near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. There are several pull-off areas where you can stop and view the lava field. The drive from Reykjavik takes approximately 3.5-4 hours.
How large is the Eldhraun lava field?
Eldhraun covers approximately 565 square kilometers (218 square miles), one of the largest lava flows from a single eruption in recorded history. The thick moss carpet that covers it today took centuries to develop.
How did the Laki eruption affect the rest of the world?
The Laki eruption released massive amounts of sulfur dioxide, and the resulting toxic haze spread across Europe. It lowered temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere, caused crop failures in Europe and possibly contributed to conditions that led to the French Revolution. It is one of the most significant volcanic events in modern history.