The Reykjanes Peninsula is experiencing an increase of seismic activity, the Grindavík area and Fagradalsfjall are off limits to visitors. Stay curious and follow @perlanmuseumiceland for real-time updates.

Iceland Volcano Eruption Near Litli Hrútur 2023

On July 10 2023, an eruption began in the afternoon within the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system, with a 900-metre-long fissure opening up. Just 11 months after the last eruption, the new fissure sparked excitement from locals and tourists alike.

It was the third eruption in three years, followed by thousands of earthquakes over a period of several days. Magma broke through the surface, shooting fountains of lava tens of metres into the air. The eruption site was named Litli-Hrútur (Little Ram), and it ceased erupting on August 5th 2023.

Where is Litli-Hrútur Located?

The eruption site sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 30 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík. The fissure was not underneath a glacier, so no ash cloud disturbed air traffic.

How to Get to Litli-Hrútur

As news broke about the latest eruption, people began asking how they could get a glimpse. It was no easy feat. It is important to note that the Reykjanes region can be closed due to safety reasons. We recommend always checking www.safetravel.is before heading out to explore.

The shortest hiking route to the eruption site was a 20 km round trip over rugged terrain. For most people, the hike took around 6-8 hours, plus the time spent at the eruption site. There was no public transportation to the site, so visitors had to drive to the parking area.

There were two paid parking lots (P1 & P2), and the fee was 1,000 ISK and was valid for 24 hours. Fees were paid electronically with detailed instructions at the lots.

charged mobile phone.

Was Litli-Hrútur Safe to Visit?

There were several factors to consider before visiting an erupting volcano; however, there was no danger since the volcano stopped erupting on 5 August. When a volcano erupts, visibility can be low, and dangerous gas levels can shift quickly and be harmful.

Always make sure you check www.safetravel.is for the latest updates on safety conditions. And the authorities can close access to hiking trails if gas levels reach a dangerous level or if weather conditions are poor.

Previous Eruptions at Fagradalsfjall

There hadn’t been a volcanic eruption for 815 years on the Reykjanes Peninsula until March 19th 2021. The area awakened when a fissure vent appeared in Geldingadalir (Castrated Sheep Valleys) in the southeastern slopes of Fagradalsfjall Mountain.

The 2021 eruption emitted fresh lava until September 18th 2021. Another eruption began in Meradalir (Mare Valleys), little north of the first one, on August 3rd 2022 and ended on August 21st 2022, similar to the 2021 eruption. A third eruption appeared to the north of Fagradalsfjall near Litli-Hrútur hill on July 10th 2023 and ended on August 5th, 2023. The lavas from these three eruptions partly overlap each other.

After hundreds of years of calmness, the Reykjanes Peninsula awakened in 2021 and continues to quake and spew lava.
Curious about where else eruptions have occurred recently? Check out our overview of active volcanoes in Iceland to explore other sites and what makes them so fascinating.

Experience the Geldingadalir Eruption in Reykjavík

In the heart of Reykjavík, Perlan’s Forces of Nature exhibition allows guests to feel the immense power of volcanoes, earthquakes, and geothermal energy that powers the island. Relive the historic Geldingadalir eruption of 2021, the first in the area in over 800 years, at Perlan's mesmerizing Volcano Show.

The Forces of Nature exhibition is the perfect place to stop before heading out for the hike of a lifetime. It will help to really understand the intricacies of Iceland’s raw and powerful nature.

The Volcano Show is a thrilling, visceral experience that brings you closer to the raw power of nature in eruption without leaving the city. Iceland’s unpredictable weather and the Reykjanes region conditions can change at a moment’s notice, making the show an ideal place to visit while in Iceland.

Perlan is a unique, family-friendly museum experience that entertains and informs. Perlan is also home to exhibitions featuring ice caves and northern lights.