Volcano of Iceland

Iceland is famous for it's volcanoes. Many of the mountains in Iceland are created in volcanic eruptions.

The enormous powers that are released during eruptions, the heat and the devastating lava and ash that spreads all over. When people where more dependent on agriculture the eruptions where a constant source of fear and admiration. Today the power is translated among other things into great artwork.

Hekla

The most famous Volcano of Iceland is without a doubt, Hekla. In the middle ages it was thought that Hekla was the gate to hell. Hekla is one of the most active volcano's and the most productive. Hekla last erupted in the year 2001.

Snæfellsjökull

One of the most beautiful mountains in Iceland is in fact both a volcano and an ice-cap. On a clear day Snæfellsjökull can be seen from Reykjavík.

Snæfellsjökull has been considered a source of supernatural powers and there are many mythical stories related to the mountain. In "Journey to the Center of the Earth" by Jules Verne, Snæfellsjökull is used as the gateway.

Öræfajökull

Öræfajökull (2119 m) is the highest mountain in Iceland. The crater on top is 5 km wide with a depth of 550 m, all covered with an ice-cap with 9 glaciers running out of it. The ice-cap is connected to the Vatnajökull ice-cap witch is the largest ice-cap in Europe.

Askja

Askja is a huge caldera in a mountain area called Dyngjufjoll. It is considered one of the most remarkable natural creations in Iceland. It last erupted in 1875 and has since been visited by many tourists.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar are a group of islands off the south coast of Iceland.

Surtsey is probably the only island in recent times created from a volcanic eruption under sea. The eruption started in 1963 and went on for three and a half years, making an island that still is a source of wonder for scientists that observe the development of plant and animal settlement.

Heimaey had one volcano that erupted 5000 years ago. Nobody suspected anything to happen there but only ten years later an eruption started close to the village. A 2 km long crack was created 200 m from the closest houses. Almost all the inhabitants where evacuated that night by local fisher boats.

Grímsvötn

Grímsvötn is a large caldera in the middle of Vatnajökull ice-cap. It has been very active through the years with the exceptional mixing of ice and fire and water. To read about the newest eruption in 2004 you can go to an article on our sister site 4x4OffRoads.com - Volcano Eruption Picture.

Þrándur Arnþórsson