Fagradalsfjall, a volcano in Geldingadalur valley on the Rekjanes Peninsula about 25 miles from Reyljavik, began its eruption in March 2021 after several weeks of constant earthquakes and tremors (over 53,000!) indicating that volcanic activity was imminent.Fagradalsfjall was a surprising location for the eruption since this volcano has been dormant for 6,000 years and considering the most recent eruption on the peninsula 800 years ago. The rift that initially opened was up to 700 meters long and new rifts are opening with effusive rather than explosive lava flows. As such, it is largely safe to visit.
The hike to the volcano, about 4 miles (round trip), is considered moderate, although the rise in elevation is definitely strenuous, particularly the last two mountains. The eruption is still emitting new lava flows sporadically. My recent September 2021 visit was a relatively quiet time for Fagradalsfjall.Thus, I chose to sit out the last large mountain hiking hurdle and concentrate on the new (still glowing orange) lava.
