A volcano erupted south of Iceland’s capital on 1st of April spewing lava and smoke in a dramatic display of orange and red. The eruption triggered evacuations of tourists and residents, though air traffic remained unaffected.
Known as the “land of ice and fire”, Iceland has experienced 11 eruptions south of Reykjavik since 2021, following the reactivation of dormant geological systems after nearly 800 years.
“Warning: An eruption has begun,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office announced.
Lava breached protective barriers near Grindavik, prompting the evacuation of residents who had returned after previous eruptions. However, most houses in the area have remained empty for over a year.
“Lava is flowing within the barrier, but the eruption remains limited so far,” said Rikke Pedersen, head of the Nordic Volcanological Centre.
Authorities also evacuated the Blue Lagoon luxury spa ahead of the eruption after geologists warned of imminent volcanic activity.
The eruption appears similar in size to the January 2024 event, which sent lava into Grindavik.
So far, eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula have not directly impacted Reykjavik or caused significant ash dispersal, preventing air traffic disruption.
Experts warn that fissure eruptions—where lava flows from long cracks in the earth rather than a single vent—could continue for decades or even centuries.
Iceland, home to nearly 400,000 people, attracts thousands of tourists annually who visit its rugged landscapes, geysers, hot springs, and volcanoes. The island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pull apart, shaping its lava-covered terrain, glaciers, and vibrant moss fields.
