Last eruption
2014–2015 (Holuhraun)
Largest lava flow in Iceland since 1783.
Bardarbunga (Bárðarbunga) Volcano Iceland: Holuhraun Eruption Guide
A massive subglacial volcano under Vatnajökull whose 2014–2015 Holuhraun eruption created Iceland's largest lava field in over 200 years, causing the caldera to drop 65 meters.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Region
Under Vatnajökull
Not accessible. Under the ice cap.
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 approximately 1.6 cubic km of lava—the largest eruption in Iceland since Laki in 1783. As magma drained, the caldera floor collapsed by 65 meters.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Bárðarbunga is under the Vatnajökull ice cap and is not accessible to visitors.
Sources to check
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 eruption (VEI 4+): largest Icelandic eruption since Laki 1783; ~1.6 km³ of lava produced
- 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
- Continuous IMO seismic monitoring via GPS, seismometers, and satellite; elevated earthquake activity ongoing
- 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
- Bardarbunga caldera is inaccessible—buried under the Vatnajokull ice cap in a restricted zone
- 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
- No independent access to the caldera; scientific monitoring only by the Icelandic Meteorological Office
Best Time to Visit the Area
- Late June to early September: only window when F-roads to Holuhraun area are open
- July-August: most reliable highland conditions for approaching the Holuhraun lava field
- F-roads close with first snowfall, typically September/October—check road.is before departure
- Winter: completely inaccessible; all highland approaches closed from October to June
- Combine a Holuhraun visit with Askja caldera for a multi-day highland itinerary
- Year-round: Vatnajokull National Park visitor centers accessible for Bardarbunga information
Planning help
Bárðarbunga FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.