A 29 km volcanic fissure with 130+ craters, site of a catastrophe that reshaped Iceland and affected all of Europe
The 1783-1784 Laki eruption was one of the most consequential volcanic events in recorded history. Over eight months, a 29 km fissure tore open, producing 130+ craters that poured out roughly 14 cubic kilometers of basalt lava and released 120 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
The consequences were catastrophic. Fluorine-contaminated ash poisoned livestock and crops across Iceland, ultimately killing an estimated 20-25% of the population through famine and disease, a period Icelanders call the Moduhardindi, or "Mist Hardships." The sulfur haze drifted across Europe, causing crop failures from Britain to France. Some historians argue that the resulting food shortages contributed to the social unrest that helped trigger the French Revolution six years later.
Today, thick green moss covers the lava and craters, bright against the dark volcanic rock beneath. On a calm, clear day the site is almost silent. This is one of the most remote corners of Iceland, and the quiet gives little hint of what happened here.
F206/F207 involve unbridged rivers. Ask Skaftárstofa about road conditions and seasonal services before departure.
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A hike rated challenging by the park, up a mountain roughly 200 metres above its surroundings, leads to the top of Laki mountain at the center of the fissure. From the summit, you can see the entire 29 km crater row stretching in both directions. Allow about 1-2 hours round trip from the parking area.
Several marked trails lead through and between individual craters, some still bearing the scars of the eruption. The moss coverage varies: some craters are bright green, others still raw and dark. The scale only becomes apparent on foot.
This waterfall, whose name means 'Beautiful Falls,' sits along the access road and makes a worthwhile stop on the way in or out. It is less visited than most Icelandic waterfalls.
2-3 hours one way
From Route 1 near Kirkjubaejarklaustur, turn north onto F206. Rough gravel roads with river crossings. High-clearance 4WD required; mid-size SUV minimum, larger vehicle recommended. Roads are among the last to open, typically not until July.
$200-350 per person (recommended)
Given the difficulty of the roads and the historical significance of the site, a guided tour is safer and adds historical context. Operators from Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Vik run day trips.
Unlike other highland destinations
Unlike Landmannalaugar or Thorsmork, there is no scheduled highland bus to Lakagigar. You need either your own 4WD or a guided tour.
July through early September. The access roads are among the last to open and first to close. Check road.is carefully before attempting the drive.
August typically offers the most reliable access and weather.
Clear weather makes a significant difference; you need clear visibility to see the full 29 km crater row from the summit.
The park lists toilets and picnic tables at Laki and Tjarnargígur, plus a ranger station at Laki. Ask Skaftárstofa about seasonal services before setting out.
The thick green Racomitrium moss grows roughly 1 cm per year. A single footstep off the marked trail creates damage visible for decades. Stay on designated paths without exception.
No drones without permission, no off-trail walking, no camping outside designated areas. Standard park regulations are enforced.
Between the 2-3 hour drive each way, the summit hike, and time exploring the craters, a visit to Lakagigar requires at minimum 8-10 hours from Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Read up on the 1783 eruption before you go; the site means more with the history in mind.
The nearest town, with accommodation, fuel, and dining. Your base for visiting Lakagigar.
A 2 km canyon just off Route 1 near Kirkjubaejarklaustur; a worthwhile detour.
About 100 km east on Route 1. Glacier hikes, Svartifoss waterfall, and more.
Accessible via highland roads: colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and the Laugavegur trailhead.
The park’s access guide describes four unbridged river crossings along F206/F207; rain can raise them. A four-wheel-drive vehicle alone does not establish that a crossing is passable. Ask the rangers in Kirkjubæjarklaustur before departure.
The L2 visitor trail is a 500-metre interpretation walk through a crater, rated challenging. For an easier short walk, L3 at Tjarnargígur is listed at 500 metres and about 30 minutes; the path to the crater edge is suitable for assisted wheelchair users. These routes serve different needs from the exposed Laki summit climb.
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Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
Over eight months, a 29 km fissure tore open, producing 130+ craters that poured out roughly 14 cubic kilometers of basalt lava and released 120 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide. Fluorine-contaminated ash poisoned livestock and crops, killing an estimated 20-25% of Iceland's population through famine and disease, a period called the Moduhardindi (Mist Hardships). The sulfur haze drifted across Europe, causing crop failures from Britain to France.
Self-drive via F206/F207 from Route 1 near Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The drive takes 2-3 hours one way on rough gravel roads with river crossings. A high-clearance 4WD is required. Alternatively, guided super jeep tours run from Kirkjubaejarklaustur and Vik ($200-350 per person). There is no highland bus service to Lakagigar.
Typically July through early September. The access roads (F206/F207) are among the last to open and first to close each summer. Check road.is before attempting the drive. August typically offers the most reliable access and weather.
The park lists a ranger station at Laki and toilets and picnic tables at both Laki and Tjarnargígur. Check seasonal staffing and service availability with Skaftárstofa before departure; bring your own food, water and warm clothing.
Allow a minimum of 8-10 hours from Kirkjubaejarklaustur. The drive is 2-3 hours each way, plus time for the summit hike (1-2 hours round trip) and exploring the craters on foot.
No. The thick green Racomitrium moss grows roughly 1 cm per year. A single footstep off the marked trail creates damage visible for decades. Stay on designated paths without exception. This is within Vatnajokull National Park and standard park rules apply.
Some historians argue that the sulfur haze from the 1783 eruption caused crop failures across Europe, contributing to the food shortages and social unrest that helped trigger the French Revolution six years later. The connection is debated but the European-wide impact of the eruption is well documented.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.
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