Elevation
1,651 meters
Ice-capped summit with multiple outlet glaciers.
Eyjafjallajokull (Eyjafjallajökull) Volcano Iceland: Complete Guide
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.
Eyjafjallajökull became a household name (and pronunciation challenge) worldwide after its April 2010 eruption sent massive ash plumes into the atmosphere, halting air travel across Europe. This ice-capped stratovolcano sits on the south coast between Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, making it one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-02-01
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Volcanic areas can change rapidly—check official alerts and follow on-site closures.
Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.
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
- Dramatic 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 (iconic 60m cascade)
- Þórsmörk valley (highland hiking paradise)
- 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: ice-capped peak dramatic against dark skies, but glacier tours limited
- Shoulder months (May, September): fewer crowds, still good for south coast photography
Planning help
Eyjafjallajökull FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.