What happened during the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption?

The 2010 eruption began in March and intensified in April, sending an ash cloud across Europe that grounded over 100,000 flights and affected 10 million travelers. The eruption lasted intermittently until June 2010.

Can you visit Eyjafjallajökull?

You can view Eyjafjallajökull from the Ring Road along the south coast. Guided glacier hikes and super jeep tours are available in summer. The glacier cap itself requires experienced guides and proper equipment.

Is Eyjafjallajökull still active?

Yes, Eyjafjallajökull is considered an active volcano. While it is not currently erupting, it has erupted multiple times in recorded history (920, 1612, 1821–1823, and 2010) and could erupt again.

How do you pronounce Eyjafjallajökull?

It is roughly pronounced 'AY-ya-fyat-la-yö-kutl.' The name means 'island mountain glacier' in Icelandic, referring to its position near the Eyjafjöll mountains and the Westman Islands.

What attractions are near Eyjafjallajökull?

Nearby attractions include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Þórsmörk valley, Sólheimajökull glacier tongue, and the village of Vík. The Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail passes between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

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.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

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.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 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.

Sources to check

Elevation

1,651 meters

Ice-capped summit with multiple outlet glaciers.

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.

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