Is Katla overdue for an eruption?

Katla has historically erupted every 40–80 years, and the last confirmed eruption was in 1918—over 100 years ago. Scientists monitor it closely, but predicting exact eruption timing is not possible.

How dangerous is Katla?

Katla is one of Iceland's most dangerous volcanoes due to its position under Mýrdalsjökull glacier. An eruption would melt ice rapidly, triggering massive jökulhlaup (glacial floods) that could reach the coast within hours.

Can you visit the Katla area?

You can visit the surrounding area, including ice cave tours on Mýrdalsjökull and the village of Vík nearby. The volcano's summit is under the glacier and not accessible to regular visitors.

What is a jökulhlaup from Katla?

A jökulhlaup is a glacial outburst flood caused by volcanic activity melting ice. Katla's jökulhlaups can release enormous volumes of water, carrying ice blocks and sediment across the Mýrdalssandur outwash plain.

Is Katla connected to Eyjafjallajökull?

Historically, eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull have sometimes been followed by Katla eruptions, though the connection is debated. After the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, monitoring of Katla was significantly increased.

Katla Volcano Iceland: Complete Guide

One of Iceland's most powerful and closely monitored volcanoes, hidden beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier on the south coast—overdue for its next major eruption.

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

Region

South Iceland

Under Mýrdalsjökull. Ice cave tours available nearby.

Katla is one of Iceland's largest and most active volcanoes, buried beneath the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. With a caldera roughly 10 km in diameter, it has produced some of Iceland's most explosive eruptions. Its last major eruption in 1918 generated massive glacial floods, and scientists have been watching closely ever since.

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

Status

Overdue for eruption

Last erupted 1918—over 100 years ago.

Key risk

Jökulhlaup flooding

Glacial floods can reach the coast in hours.

Access

Ice cave tours nearby

Summit under glacier—not directly accessible.

What to Expect Near Katla

Subglacial caldera volcano: ~10 km wide caldera buried under Mýrdalsjökull ice cap (595 km²)
Last confirmed eruption: 1918 (VEI 4-5); historically erupts every 40-80 years—now overdue at 100+ years
Mýrdalsjökull glacier covering the caldera—ice cave tours available inside the glacier in winter (Nov-Mar)
Black sand Mýrdalssandur outwash plain formed by past jökulhlaup floods from eruptions
Geothermal activity and hot springs in the region; cauldrons form in the ice from subglacial heating
Historically linked to Eyjafjallajökull eruptions—monitoring intensified after 2010 event
Visitors can see glacial outlet tongues like Kötlujökull showing evidence of volcanic heat beneath

Nearby Attractions

Vík í Mýrdal (charming south coast village)
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Sólheimajökull glacier walks
Dyrhólaey arch and puffin colony
Mýrdalssandur black sand outwash plain
Þakgil canyon campsite south of the glacier

How to Get There

Drive Route 1 along the south coast to Vik i Myrdal (~180 km from Reykjavik, ~2.5 hours)
The caldera itself is inaccessible under Myrdalsjokull glacier—no hiking to the summit
Ice cave tours on Myrdalsjokull depart from Vik with guided operators (Nov-Mar season)
Kotlujokull glacier tongue on the eastern side is viewable from a rough 4WD track off Route 1
Guided glacier walks on Solheimajokull (a western outlet glacier) are available year-round
No F-roads needed to reach Vik or the tour departure points; standard 2WD car sufficient

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: Route 1 to Vik is accessible in all seasons (winter driving conditions apply)
November to March: ice cave season inside Myrdalsjokull—guided tours only
June to August: best weather for glacier walks on Solheimajokull and views of Myrdalsjokull
Shoulder months (May, September-October): fewer crowds, still good for glacier walks
Winter: dramatic lighting and ice caves, but shorter days and potential road closures during storms
Puffin season (May-August) in nearby Dyrholaey adds to south coast appeal

Planning help

Katla FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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