Plizio Visual Lab
Bárðarbunga
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
peak
Weather…
Water temperature…
Bárðarbunga is a massive, ice-covered stratovolcano located beneath the northwestern part of the Vatnajökull glacier in the Icelandic Highlands. Standing at 2,009 meters, it is the second-highest mountain in Iceland and the centerpiece of a vast volcanic system extending for 190 kilometers. The volcano features an impressive caldera measuring approximately 10 by 11 kilometers, which is up to 700 meters deep and entirely filled with glacial ice. Historically, Bárðarbunga has been responsible for some of the largest lava flows on Earth, including the Thjórsá lava flow roughly 8,500 years ago. In recent times, the volcano gained global attention during the Holuhraun eruption in 2014-2015, which produced the largest lava field in Iceland since the 18th century. Due to its subglacial position, eruptions pose a severe threat of jökulhlaups (glacial floods) that can devastate surrounding regions. Scientists monitor the volcano continuously using advanced seismological equipment, as its activity frequently interacts with other systems like Grímsvötn. Its remote and inhospitable location makes on-site research extremely challenging, requiring specialized expeditions to access the area.
- Location: Iceland
- Nearby: Skaftafell (74 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -8 | -8 | -6 | -3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | -4 | -7 | -8 |
| Rain mm | 327 | 298 | 269 | 219 | 144 | 116 | 144 | 171 | 284 | 273 | 268 | 322 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Approaching this massive stratovolcano requires specialized glacier travel, usually organized through professional super-jeep or snowmobile tours. The peak lies deep beneath the Vatnajökull glacier, far from any standard road networks.
Best season
Expeditions across the glacier are typically conducted during periods of stable weather, often in late winter or early spring for snow travel. Summer visits are possible but depend heavily on the conditions of the glacial ice cap.
Terrain & paths
The terrain consists entirely of a vast, unforgiving glacial ice cap that conceals deep crevasses and unpredictable ice formations. Navigating this environment demands specialized equipment and expert knowledge of glacial landscapes.
What to bring
High-altitude winter clothing, thermal layers, and professional glacier gear such as crampons and ice axes are absolute necessities. Even on guided tours, extreme weather protection is mandatory to survive the biting glacial winds.
Parking
There is no conventional parking near the mountain itself; vehicles are left at base camps or designated glacier access points far away. From these staging areas, specialized transport takes over for the journey across the ice.
Safety
This is a highly active volcanic and glacial environment where extreme weather, hidden crevasses, and subglacial activity pose severe risks. Independent travel is strongly discouraged, and visitors must rely on certified local guides.
Time needed
Any excursion to the vicinity of this subglacial giant is a major undertaking that typically requires a full day or more. Weather conditions on the glacier dictate the pace and feasibility of the journey entirely.
Geography
Facts
- Bárðarbunga is the second-highest peak in Iceland at 2,009 meters.
- Its subglacial caldera is approximately 700 meters deep.
- The volcanic system associated with it is 190 kilometers long.
- The Holuhraun eruption in 2014 produced 1.5 cubic km of lava.
- It was the source of the Thjórsá lava, the largest flow in the Holocene.
- The volcano is situated under the northwest part of Vatnajökull.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Bárðarbunga?
A massive stratovolcano located under the Vatnajökull glacier, the second highest mountain in Iceland.
When was the last eruption?
The last major eruption occurred from August 2014 to February 2015 in the Holuhraun lava field.
Is the volcano accessible to tourists?
It is in a very remote area and is mostly accessible only via super-jeeps or scenic flights.
Is Bárðarbunga dangerous?
Yes, it is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes and is constantly monitored by scientists.
What happens during a subglacial eruption?
It can cause massive glacial outburst floods (Jökulhlaup) and significant ash clouds.
Bárðarbunga: where is it located?
Bárðarbunga is located in Iceland.
Bárðarbunga: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bárðarbunga: why is it worth visiting?
Bárðarbunga is a massive, ice-covered stratovolcano located beneath the northwestern part of the Vatnajökull glacier in the Icelandic Highlands.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Iceland →
Nearby cities
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.
Selfoss
Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.
Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a town on the shores of Skjálfandi bay in North Iceland.
Hveragerði
Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.
Sauðárkrókur
Sauðárkrókur is the largest town in Northwest Iceland, located on the Skagafjörður fjord.
Sauðárkrókur
The largest town in Northwest Iceland, located in Skagafjörður, known for its horses and fishing industry.
Höfn
Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.
Dalvík
Dalvík is a picturesque fishing town on the Eyjafjörður fjord in North Iceland.
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður is a historic town in North Iceland, once known as the 'Herring Capital of the World'.
Siglufjörður
Iceland's northernmost town, once the world capital of herring fishing, nestled between majestic mountains.
Blönduós
Blönduós is located in northwest Iceland at the mouth of the Blanda river.
Hella
A small town in South Iceland on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá river, known for horse breeding and the mysterious Caves of Hella.
Vík í Mýrdal
Vík í Mýrdal is located on the south coast of Iceland and is the country's southernmost village.
Vik
A picturesque village on the south coast, famous for its black sand beaches and the dramatic Reynisdrangar basalt stacks.
History & landmarks
Nature
Askja
Askja is a caldera in the Dyngjufjöll mountains of the central Highlands.
🗺️
Thjorsarver Wetlands
Thjorsarver is a vast highland oasis and the world's most important breeding ground for the pink-footed goose.
Hvannadalshnúkur
Hvannadalshnúkur is the highest peak in Iceland, reaching an elevation of 2110 meters.
Herdubreidarlindir Oasis
A lush oasis in the middle of a lava desert at the foot of Herdubreid.
More places
Vatnajökull
Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland, covering about 8% of the country's land area.
Kverkfjöll
A massive mountain range on the northern edge of Vatnajökull.
🗺️
Hofsjökull
Hofsjökull is the third-largest glacier in Iceland and harbors the country's largest active shield volcano.
Vatnajokull National Park
The park encompasses massive glaciers and green oases like Skaftafell.
Herðubreið
Herðubreið is a tuya (table mountain) in the Highlands of Iceland.
Öræfajökull
Öræfajökull is the largest active volcano in Iceland, forming the southern end of the Vatnajökull glacier.
Kerlingarfjöll
Kerlingarfjöll is a rhyolitic mountain range in the central Highlands of Iceland.
Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant
The Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant is the largest industrial project in Iceland's history.