Eruption at the Sundhnúkur Crater Row
Updates on the eruption and access on the 1st August 2025 at 11.00 am. Access is open to Grindavik, Mt. Fagradalsfjall and the Blue lagoon. Updates on hiking trails and viewing sites below.
An eruption began near Stóra-Skógfell on the Sundhnúkur crater row, Reykjanes Peninsula, on Wednesday, July 16 2025. This is the ninth eruption in the area since December 2023 and the twelfth since the eruption series began at Fagradalsfjall in 2021. The eruption is still ongoing, but is isolated to one crater on the original fissure. It has been steady for the last few days, giving visitors a unique opportunity to view it from viewing sites (from the north and west) or hiking to the edge of the lavafield (from the south). See updates below.
Response:
The Department of Civil Protection and response teams have activated their safety protocols. Experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office and the academic community are closely monitoring the situation, assessing conditions, and providing regular updates. Further details on access, eruption size, extent, and location will be provided as they become available.
We urge all travellers and visitors to stay updated through official announcements and follow the guidance of authorities. Closures and other measures will be announced as the situation develops.
Access and Closures:
- All roads are open. There is still an ongoing eruption. The new eruption area, located by Stóra-Skógfell and Sundhnúksgígar, is not yet open, and visitors should not attempt to hike to the eruption site as it is not safe. We recommend using alternative viewing sites, such as those located at Mt. Fagradalsfjall (path B) or the viewing platforms near Vogar crossroads and the B-24 memorial from road no. 41 and road no. 43 (see hiking and viewing site information below and/or the map).
- The Blue lagoon and The Northern Lights Inn are open
- Grindavík is open.
Hiking and Lava viewing sites
- Fagradalsfjall, the older eruption site, is open. New path (B) brings visitors to viewing sites of the new eruption site. Note that the hike is 4,7-6,1 km one way (1,5-2 hours). See more information on hikes here or the map below.
- Viewing sites from a distance from the west and north (not applicable for hiking); Arnarsetur and Arnarseturshraun by Grindavikurvegur (road no. 43), from the memory board B-24 and Vogar crossroads by road 41 (Reykjanesbraut).
- Before setting out on a hike, it’s important to check both the gas forecast and the air quality near the eruption site and along the hiking trails. You can find gas forecast information here, and air quality updates for nearby locations here.
- Our advice: Never walk on the lava.
Respect nature and stay safe. Fresh lava may appear solid, but beneath the thin crust, it can remain dangerously hot for a long time. Stepping on it can cause severe burns if the surface breaks, and even if it doesn’t, the crust is often razor-sharp and can cause serious injuries. Always keep a safe distance and follow marked paths. - See more details on the hike in this blog post.
Important for Travellers
The eruption has no impact on other parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula or the rest of Iceland, including Reykjavík. Flights to and from Iceland are operating on schedule, and the Ring Road (Route 1) remains open. Travellers are encouraged to stay informed via official channels and respect closures and safety measures.
Useful Links:
- Icelandic Meteorological Office: Regular updates on eruption activity, gas pollution forecasts, and hazard assessments used to inform closures and access.
- Icelandic Transport Authority: Notices on drone flight permits and regulations.
- Icelandic Road Administration (Vegagerðin): Up-to-date road closures and access maps for Reykjanes.
- Safetravel: Information on travel conditions and safety hazards around Iceland.
- Icelandic Tourist Board: Status reports and special updates for tourism operators.
- Visit Iceland: English-language updates on the eruption and access to/from the country.
- Visit Reykjanes: Regional updates on the eruption, local closures, and access information.
- Live webcams from the eruption sites: ruv.is – mbl.is – visir.is