Eyjafjallajökull. It strikes fear and confusion (let's be honest, mostly confusion) into the hearts of many. Just seeing the word can cause anxiety. And for non-native speakers of Icelandic, the stakes are even higher. The tongue-twisting pronunciation of this Icelandic legend has humbled even the most talented of polyglots. But what’s interesting about this glacier-volcano turned international superstar goes much deeper than just a difficult to pronounce name.

Eyjafjallajökull is one of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, embodying the essence of the Land of Fire and Ice. As both a volcano and a glacier, it perfectly represents the contrasting landscapes that make Iceland so unique.

Sitting beneath a glacier, Eyjafjallajökull offers breathtaking landscapes, historical significance, and an unforgettable experience for travelers renting a car in Iceland. Whether you're fascinated by volcanoes or simply looking for an epic view, this stop adds adventure to your Icelandic road trip.

The Meaning Behind the Name

Even the name of Eyjafjallajökull gives insight into its dual nature. Breaking it down:

  • Eyja: "Islands"
  • Fjall: "Mountains"
  • Jökull: "Glacier"

While a literal translation is "mountain of the islands," a more direct interpretation is "islands-mountains-glacier." This name highlights the region’s geography and its dramatic landscape, you'll get it as soon as you drive through the area.

Let’s tackle one of the most pressing issues surrounding Eyjafjallajökull volcano: how on earth do we say that name? It’s a bit of a challenge for non-natives. A rough approximation in English is AY-uh (like “day” and the “a” in “about”) + fyat-luh (Fiat like the car and the “a” in “about”) + YOE-kutl (French “oe” like “oeuf”, “u” like “shoe” and “tl” like “bottle”. 

Now try saying that three times fast! And add a few shots of Brennivin to see if things improve. No? Just keep practicing, you'll get it. It seems that no one really seems to know how to pronounce it if they weren’t born in Iceland. 

Eyjafjallajokull volcano spitting out ash

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano: A Geological Breakdown

Very few people know exactly what it means when we say that Eyjafjallajökull is a stratovolcano. A stratovolcano is a mountain-like volcano that consists of many layers of lava and debris, hardened over time. It is this layered structure that is directly responsible for these types of volcanos not erupting for extended periods of time – they can hold an incredible amount of pressure underneath the surface.

Stratovolcanoes are the type of volcanoes most frequently found here in Iceland. Interestingly, they can erupt in different ways: either via a summit eruption (the explosive eruption most envision when thinking about a volcano) or via a fissure (which is essentially a tear in the earth’s surface where lava, steam, etc. from the volcanic system underneath starts to come out.

Key Facts about the Volcano:

  • Height: 1,651 meters (5,417 feet)
  • Crater Size: 3-4 kilometers (1.9-2.5 miles) in diameter
  • Location: Southern Iceland, near Hvolsvöllur, about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Reykjavik

Lava pouring out of Eyjafjallajokull volcano

The Risks of a Stratovolcano

Stratovolcanoes are fascinating geological phenomena. Most will connect lava with a volcano’s danger. This is not the case with a stratovolcano. Even though a stratovolcano eruption will still have lava (and lava will always have an element of danger to it) lava from a stratovolcano has a high viscosity. This makes it move slowly and harden quickly.

The biggest risks or concerns during a stratovolcano eruption are:

  • Volcanic Ash: Can travel vast distances, impacting air quality and aviation.
  • Earthquakes: Often precede eruptions.
  • Mudflows (Lahars): Resulting from melted glacier ice during an eruption.
  • Glacial Flooding (Jökulhlaups): Sudden, powerful floods caused by volcanic heat melting large amounts of glacial ice.

Eyjafjallajökull’s Eruption History

Eyjafjallajökull entered the scene in the late 800s, and the volcano has been active for over 8000 years. In all these years, there have only been four noteworthy eruptions, which makes Eyjafjallajökull fairly tame compared to some others on the island. They were:

Historic Eruptions

  • 920 AD: A fissure eruption with slow lava flow.
  • 1612: A minor summit eruption with little disruption.
  • 1821-1823: A prolonged eruption lasting 14 months. 

Ultimately, the environment ended up being the real victim of these eruptions, and it was only discovered hundreds of years later. With advancements in technology, it was discovered that the gases and ash from these eruptions carried incredibly high levels of fluoride, which led to fluoride poisoning on nearby farms.

This obviously also had far-reaching consequences since not only the farmers and their families were impacted, but also their produce and the people who consumed it.

Plum and ash being ejected into the air by Ejafjallajokull volcano

The 2010 Eruption: Global Disruption

Eyjafjallajökull gained worldwide attention with its 2010 eruption, which caused severe travel disruptions across Europe. The eruption, beginning in March and ending in June, sent enormous ash clouds into the sky, grounding over 100,000 flights and stranding 7 million passengers.

Local Effects:

  • Mass evacuations and property damage
  • Airports temporarily shut down
  • Crops and livestock affected by volcanic ash
  • Over 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 released into the atmosphere

Why Did the 2010 Eruption Cause So Much Disruption? Despite ranking only 3 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) (on a scale of 0 to 8), several factors made this eruption particularly impactful:

  • Fine Ash Particles: The eruption's ash was extremely fine, easily carried by winds.
  • Strong Winds to Europe: The jet stream carried ash directly over major European airspace.
  • Persistent Eruption: Continuous ash output prolonged flight disruptions.

Fine ash and particles being thrown by Eyjafjallajokull volcano, Iceland

Monitoring Eyjafjallajökull Today

Iceland is home to numerous active volcanoes, all under constant surveillance. Organizations like the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) use:

  • GPS networks to track ground movement
  • Glacial river monitoring to detect temperature spikes
  • C-and-X band radars to measure eruption plumes
  • Air quality assessments to check gas concentrations

In case of future eruptions, contingency plans involving multiple agencies ensure the safety of residents and visitors. 

Can you drive to Eyjafjallajökull?

Sure you can! driving to Eyjafjallajökull is the best way to experience it at your own pace. The volcano is located along Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1), making it an easy detour on your trip through the South Coast. Here’s how to get there:

  • From Reykjavik: Rent a car and drive east on Route 1 for about 2 hours (approximately 120 km). The drive is smooth, with well-maintained roads and plenty of scenic stops along the way.

  • From Vik: If you're coming from the east, it's about a 45-minute drive west on Route 1.

  • Turnoff to the Volcano: While the volcano itself is not directly accessible, you can stop at the Eyjafjallajökull Eruption Visitor Centre near the small town of Hvolsvöllur, where you’ll get a great view of the glacier-covered summit. For those wanting a closer look, there are guided super jeep tours that take you up the rugged F-roads.

Road leading to Eyjafjallajokul volcano with a column of ash and plume

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Eyjafjallajökull is during the summer months (June-August) when the roads are clear, and the weather is more favorable for sightseeing. If you’re visiting in winter, make sure to rent a 4x4 vehicle, as conditions can be icy and unpredictable.

Road Trip Tips

  • Fuel Up: Gas stations can be sparse in some areas, so fill up your tank before leaving Reykjavik or Vik.

  • Check Road Conditions: Visit umferdin.is for real-time road updates, especially if you're driving in winter.

  • Bring a Camera: The views of Eyjafjallajökull and its surrounding landscapes are absolutely stunning—perfect for capturing the essence of Iceland.

A road trip through Iceland isn’t complete without a stop at Eyjafjallajökull. Whether you're passing by for a quick photo op or taking a tour to explore the glacier, this legendary volcano is a highlight of any self-drive adventure!

Road leading to a farm near Eyjafjallajokull volcano covered in snow

The Eyjafjallajökull Hike 

There is a very popular trail among avid hikers that allows you to explore Eyjafjallajökull. But when we say avid hikers, we really mean it. This trail is extremely tough and not for the faint of heart. You will also need proper climbing gear, crampons, trekking poles, etc. to take on the extremely steep, muddy, and slippery slopes (no pun intended). This is a loop trail that’s just over 17 kilometers long, and begins and ends in the Seljavallalaug parking lot. 

Other Attractions Near Eyjafjallajökull 

If you would like to add a few other interesting sights and activities around Eyjafjallajökull to your trip itinerary while there, you can consider the following: 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Below you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Eyjafjallajökull for quick referencing: 

What Type of Volcano is Eyjafjallajökull? 

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano is a stratovolcano. 

How Tall is Eyjafjallajökull? 

Eyjafjallajökull’s height is 1,651 meters. 

How Old is Eyjafjallajökull Volcano? 

Eyjafjallajökull Volcano is a staggering 800,000 years old! 

Why is it sometimes referred to as Mount Eyjafjallajökull? 

There are numerous reasons why people would sometimes refer to Eyjafjallajökull as Mount Eyjafjallajökull. It could be because of the meaning of the name “the island’s mountain glacier”, or it could be because it resembles a mountain and one can hike it, or it could be that people are just confusing certain parts since the volcano forms part of the Eyjfajöll Mountains. 

Where is Eyjafjallajökull Located? 

Eyjafjallajökull’s location is in South Iceland and lies between Myrdalsjökull Glacier and Skogafoss, just 5 kilometers off the southern Atlantic coast. 

Can You Visit Eyjafjallajökull? 

Yes, you can visit Eyjafjallajökull. There are numerous ways to do so. You can either take a drive to just admire Eyjafjallajökull from afar, you can take on one of the hiking trails, or book a spot on one of the various guided tours. 

Is Eyjafjallajökull Active? 

Yes, Eyjafjallajökull is officially an active volcano here in Iceland. 

When was Eyjafjallajökull’s Last Eruption? 

Eyjafjallajökull’s last eruption was in 2010. 

Plan Your Visit to Eyjafjallajökull

Whether you're drawn to the icy peaks or the fiery depths of Eyjafjallajökull, this natural wonder is a must-visit in Iceland. By understanding its history, risks, and current monitoring efforts, you can fully appreciate its power and beauty while ensuring a safe and unforgettable adventure.