Canonical URL: https://www.iceland.org/volcanoes/bardarbunga Content updated: 2026-09-10 This is the Markdown representation of the page. Interactive tools and forms are available on the [HTML page](). Source-check and review dates retain the meanings stated in the article. --- # Bárðarbunga Volcano and the Holuhraun Eruption A subglacial volcano under Vatnajökull whose 2014–2015 Holuhraun eruption created Iceland's largest lava field in over 200 years. The caldera dropped 65 meters as magma drained. Updated September 10, 2026 · [Published by Iceland.org]() · [Writing & review]() Region Under Vatnajökull Not accessible. Under the ice cap. ## Quick Answer Bárðarbunga is one of Iceland's largest and most powerful volcanic systems, buried beneath the northwestern part of the Vatnajökull ice cap. The 2014–2015 eruption at Holuhraun, fed by magma from Bárðarbunga, lasted six months and produced about 1.4 cubic km of erupted lava, according to the IMO’s 2016 research summary, the largest eruption in Iceland since Laki in 1783. As magma drained, the caldera floor collapsed by 65 meters. ## The caldera and the lava field are different places The 2014–2015 eruption connected two distant features: magma left a reservoir beneath Bárðarbunga and traveled through a long underground fracture to erupt at Holuhraun. As magma drained away, the caldera subsided. The [IMO’s August 2016 research summary]() separates the erupted lava from magma that remained in the fracture; these are different volumes, not competing measurements of the same thing. For a visit, look for the [Holuhraun parking area and marked trail](), not a route onto the ice-covered caldera. The park permits access only on the marked trail. Dark, solid-looking lava can have a thin crust, so leave the surrounding lava undisturbed even where a shortcut looks possible. Sources and page update Updated: 2026-09-10 Holuhraun is separate from the ice-covered caldera. Follow the park’s marked trail and check the approach roads for your date. For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy. Official sources to check - [Park: Holuhraun trail]() - [IMO: caldera-collapse research]() - [Road status (road.is)]() - [SafeTravel alerts]() - [Icelandic Meteorological Office]() - [Environment Agency of Iceland]() Last eruption 2014–2015 (Holuhraun) Largest lava flow in Iceland since 1783. Caldera drop 65 meters Caldera subsided as magma drained to Holuhraun. Access Not accessible Subglacial location under Vatnajökull. ## Key Facts About Bárðarbunga - Subglacial stratovolcano: one of Iceland's largest volcanic systems with a ~65 km² caldera under Vatnajokull - 2014–2015 Holuhraun lava eruption: the IMO’s research summary estimates 1.4 km³ erupted, separate from magma retained in the underground dyke - Caldera subsided 65 m as magma drained 45 km northeast to feed the Holuhraun fissure eruption - Holuhraun lava field covers ~85 km²; lava was still steaming years after the eruption ended in Feb 2015 - Eruption history includes major events dating back 8,000+ years; one of Iceland's most active central volcanoes - IMO monitoring records earthquakes and deformation; read a dated assessment for current activity - SO2 gas pollution from Holuhraun was detectable across Europe during the 6-month eruption ## Related Areas - Holuhraun lava field (4x4 access in summer) - Vatnajökull National Park - Askja caldera (nearby highland destination) - Kverkfjöll ice caves and geothermal area - Herðubreið tuya (Queen of Mountains) - Dyngjufjöll mountains surrounding Askja ## How to Get There - The ice-covered Bárðarbunga caldera and the Holuhraun lava-field trail are separate destinations - The Holuhraun lava field can be reached via F-roads from the Askja direction (F88/F910) in summer - Modified 4WD with high clearance required for Holuhraun; multiple river crossings on approach - Some guided highland tours include Holuhraun as part of multi-day Askja/highlands itineraries - Vatnajokull National Park visitor centers at Skaftafell and Asbyrgi provide volcano information - Do not use a map pin for the caldera as directions to the Holuhraun visitor trail ## Best Time to Visit the Area - Highland road opening varies; check the actual route before booking a Holuhraun visit - July-August: most reliable highland conditions for approaching the Holuhraun lava field - Check road.is near departure; a typical summer season is not a road-opening guarantee - Winter requires separate expedition planning; this visitor-trail guide is not a winter access plan - Combine a Holuhraun visit with Askja caldera for a multi-day highland itinerary - Check the opening hours of your chosen national park visitor centre Planning help ## Bárðarbunga FAQs Quick answers with safety notes where it matters. **What was the Holuhraun eruption?** The 2014–2015 Holuhraun eruption was linked to Bárðarbunga and produced the largest lava field in Iceland since the Laki eruption of 1783–1784. Over six months, roughly 85 square km of lava covered the highland desert north of Vatnajökull. **How much did the Bárðarbunga caldera drop?** During the Holuhraun eruption, the Bárðarbunga caldera subsided by approximately 65 meters as magma drained from beneath it to feed the eruption at Holuhraun, about 45 km to the northeast. **Can you visit Bárðarbunga?** Bárðarbunga’s caldera lies under Vatnajökull and is not a roadside crater viewpoint. A visit to Holuhraun reaches the separate lava field formed by magma from the Bárðarbunga system. Confirm highland access and use only the national park’s marked trail from the Holuhraun parking area. **Will Bárðarbunga erupt again?** Bárðarbunga is an active volcanic system monitored by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Its eruption history does not supply a date for the next eruption. Read the latest dated IMO assessment rather than interpreting old earthquake reports as current conditions. **Can you see the Holuhraun lava field?** Holuhraun is a remote highland destination with a marked trail from its parking area. The national park permits access only on that trail because the lava is rugged and its crust can be thin and fragile. Check the approach roads and your vehicle or tour arrangements for your date. [All volcanoes]() For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our [Iceland statistics]().