South IcelandStratovolcano
Eyjafjallajökull
1,651m ice-capped stratovolcano. 2010 eruption disrupted European air traffic for weeks.
Best for
Famous 2010 eruption history
Volcanoes
Volcanoes of Iceland: Complete Guide to 18 Iconic Volcanoes
A guide to Iceland's most notable volcanoes—from recently active eruption sites to ancient calderas and highland tuyas, organized by region.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
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South IcelandSubglacial
Katla
Under Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Last erupted 1918; considered overdue. Jökulhlaup risk.
Best for
Powerful & overdue eruption watch
South IcelandStratovolcano
Hekla
1,491m. 'Gateway to Hell'—20+ eruptions since 874 AD. Can erupt with <30 min warning.
Best for
Iceland's most historically active
HighlandsCaldera
Askja
Öskjuvatn lake (220m deep, Iceland's deepest). Víti crater with geothermal water.
Best for
Remote highland caldera + crater lakes
South IcelandSubglacial
Grímsvötn
Under Vatnajökull. Last eruption 2011. Major source of jökulhlaup flooding.
Best for
Most frequently erupting in Iceland
Reykjanes PeninsulaShield volcano
Fagradalsfjall
2021–2023 eruptions on Reykjanes Peninsula. First eruptions in the area in 800 years.
Best for
Recent eruptions + accessible lava fields
North IcelandCaldera
Krafla
Krafla Fires 1975–1984. Víti explosion crater. In the Mývatn geothermal area.
Best for
Krafla Fires + geothermal power
VestmannaeyjarVolcanic island
Surtsey
Created by 1963–1967 eruption. Scientific study only—no public access. Vestmannaeyjar.
Best for
UNESCO World Heritage island
VestmannaeyjarCinder cone
Eldfell
1973 eruption threatened Heimaey. Residents fought lava with seawater. Climbable summit.
Best for
1973 eruption story + summit hike
HighlandsSubglacial
Bárðarbunga
Under Vatnajökull. Caldera dropped 65m during Holuhraun event. Not accessible.
Best for
Massive 2014–2015 Holuhraun eruption
South IcelandStratovolcano
Öræfajökull
2,110m—Iceland's highest peak. Catastrophic 1362 eruption. Seismic activity increased 2017.
Best for
Iceland's largest active volcano
HighlandsTuya
Herðubreið
1,682m flat-topped tuya formed under ice. Ódáðahraun lava desert. Northeast highlands.
Best for
Queen of Mountains—iconic flat top
Reykjanes PeninsulaVolcanic system
Brennisteinsfjöll
Reykjanes Peninsula. Active fumaroles and solfataras. Last erupted ~1341.
Best for
Fumaroles near Reykjavik
HighlandsVolcanic canyon
Eldgjá
40 km long. 934 AD eruption was one of the largest in recorded history. Highland F-road.
Best for
World's largest volcanic canyon
HighlandsShield volcano
Fremrinámur
Northeast highlands. Part of Northern Volcanic Zone. Remote geothermal features.
Best for
Remote highland geothermal area
South IcelandExtinct volcano
Grensdalur
Near Hveragerði. Good hiking trails with geothermal features. Accessible from Reykjavik.
Best for
Easy hiking + geothermal features
South IcelandVolcanic system
Grímsnes
South Iceland near Golden Circle. Multiple small craters. Kerið crater lake is popular.
Best for
Kerið crater lake near Golden Circle
East IcelandSubglacial
Esjufjöll (Snæfell)
Under Vatnajökull's eastern side. Remote. Associated with jökulhlaup hazard.
Best for
Remote subglacial volcano
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