Elevation
1,651 meters
Ice-capped summit with multiple outlet glaciers.
Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and the 2010 Eruption
Iceland's most internationally famous volcano: a 1,651-meter ice-capped stratovolcano on the south coast whose 2010 eruption grounded flights across Europe.
Region
South Iceland
Visible from Ring Road. Guided tours available in summer.
Quick Answer
Eyjafjallajökull became a household name (and pronunciation challenge) worldwide after its April 2010 eruption sent ash plumes into the atmosphere and halted air travel across Europe. This ice-capped stratovolcano sits on the south coast between Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss and is one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Volcanic areas can change rapidly. Check official alerts and follow on-site closures.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Last eruption
2010
Ash cloud disrupted European air traffic for weeks.
Access
Viewable from Ring Road
Guided glacier tours available in summer months.
What to Expect at Eyjafjallajökull
- Stratovolcano classification: 1,651 m ice-capped peak with a 2.5 km wide summit caldera
- Eruption history: 920, 1612, 1821-1823, and 2010; the 2010 eruption (VEI 4) grounded 100,000+ flights
- Ice-capped peak visible from Route 1; drive the south coast between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
- Fresh lava deposits and tephra from 2010 visible along the Fimmvörðuháls trail (25 km, 10-12 hrs)
- Glacier outlet tongues including Gígjökull (devastated by 2010 floods) accessible with guided tours
- Visitor center at Þorvaldseyri farm shows eruption documentary filmed from the farm during the event
- Guided super jeep and glacier hike tours available in summer (June-September) to approach the ice cap
Nearby Attractions
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall (walk-behind falls)
- Skógafoss waterfall (60m cascade)
- Þórsmörk valley (highland hiking area)
- Sólheimajökull glacier tongue walks
- Skógar Folk Museum
- Gljúfrabúi hidden waterfall near Seljalandsfoss
How to Get There
- Drive Route 1 south coast from Reykjavik (~120 km, ~1.5 hours) to the Seljalandsfoss/Skogafoss stretch
- No F-road required for viewing: the volcano is visible from Route 1 between km markers 130-150
- Thorvaldseyri visitor center is directly off Route 1, accessible by 2WD, with eruption film screenings
- Fimmvorduhals trail (25 km, Skogar to Thorsmork): highland pass between Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull
- Summer super jeep tours drive up toward the glacier from the south side (June-September)
- For Thorsmork valley approach (north side), 4WD with river-crossing capability required via F249
Best Time to Visit
- June to September: Fimmvorduhals trail open, best weather for glacier tours and super jeep excursions
- July-August: peak season with warmest temperatures and 20+ hours of daylight
- Year-round: Route 1 views and Thorvaldseyri visitor center accessible in all seasons
- F249 to Thorsmork typically opens late June and closes in September depending on river levels
- Winter: the ice-capped peak stands out against dark skies, but glacier tours limited
- Shoulder months (May, September): fewer crowds, still good for south coast photography
The two locations behind the 2010 eruption
The Smithsonian eruption chronology separates the initial March 20–April 12 phase at Fimmvörðuháls from the summit eruption that began beneath ice on April 14. The latter generated the ash cloud that disrupted European aviation.
This distinction matters when choosing an outing. Walking toward the 2010 Fimmvörðuháls craters is not a climb of the ice-capped summit, and viewing Eyjafjallajökull from the south coast is a third experience. Read an operator’s actual route rather than choosing by the volcano name alone.
Planning help
Eyjafjallajökull FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What happened during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption?
The initial eruption began at Fimmvörðuháls on March 20. A separate summit phase began beneath ice on April 14, generating the ash plume that disrupted flights across Europe.
Can you visit Eyjafjallajökull?
You can view Eyjafjallajökull from the Ring Road along the south coast. Guided glacier hikes and super jeep tours are available in summer. The glacier cap itself requires experienced guides and proper equipment.
Is Eyjafjallajökull still active?
Yes, Eyjafjallajökull is considered an active volcano. While it is not currently erupting, it has erupted multiple times in recorded history (including 1821–1823 and 2010) and could erupt again.
How do you pronounce Eyjafjallajökull?
It is roughly pronounced 'AY-ya-fyat-la-yö-kutl.' The name means 'island mountain glacier' in Icelandic, referring to its position near the Eyjafjöll mountains and the Westman Islands.
What attractions are near Eyjafjallajökull?
Nearby attractions include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Þórsmörk valley, Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, and the village of Vík. The Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail passes between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.
For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.