About
Eyjafjallajökull is an ice-capped stratovolcano in southern Iceland, in Europe. Its name is usually translated as "Island Mountain Glacier", a description that fits the landscape well: a snow-and-ice cap sits on top of a mountain whose volcanic past is written across the terrain around it.
Many visitors first heard of the volcano in 2010, when an eruption disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks. Today it is better known as one of Iceland's most photogenic volcanoes, and it draws people who want to see a landscape where fire and ice exist side by side.
What a visit offers
- Views of the glacier that covers the volcano, set against the surrounding countryside
- Hiking routes around the mountain, which suit walkers who enjoy dramatic scenery
- Photography, since the contrast between the ice cap and the dark volcanic ground is striking
Because the volcano is a living landscape of glacier and lava rock, the terrain can change and conditions may be demanding. Visitors should check current local advice before setting out and dress for cold, wind and changeable weather.
Planning your trip
Eyjafjallajökull is best treated as part of a wider trip through southern Iceland, where other natural sights lie within reach of the same region. Those who come for the volcano itself will find it an unusual and memorable place to spend a day outdoors, with the glacier and the mountain forming the centre of the view.