Plizio Visual Lab

Katla

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Weather…

Katla is one of Iceland's most powerful and hazardous volcanoes, buried beneath the thick ice cap of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in southern Iceland. Standing at 1,512 meters, its caldera spans approximately 110 square kilometers, making it one of the largest and most active volcanic systems in the country. Katla is notorious for its explosive subglacial eruptions, which trigger catastrophic glacial floods known as jökulhlaups. These torrents of water, ice, and debris can devastate entire coastal areas and have significantly shaped the topography of South Iceland. Historically, Katla has erupted every 40 to 80 years, but its last major eruption occurred in 1918. Because more than a century has passed since its last significant event, scientists closely monitor seismic activity and glacial thinning for any signs of an imminent awakening. Ash layers from Katla's past eruptions are visible as dark bands in many Icelandic glaciers, acting as a geological record of its violent history.

Location: Iceland
Nearby: Þórsmörk (18 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	1	1	1	3	5	8	10	10	8	4	2	1
Rain mm	250	232	222	174	124	120	144	166	229	235	221	251

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to the area surrounding the volcano typically requires joining a specialized super-jeep tour or guided glacier hike. The base of the overlying glacier is usually approached via rough highland tracks branching off the south coast.

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Best season

Guided tours to the ice caves or lower glacier areas operate throughout most of the year, depending strictly on current safety conditions. Summer generally gives easier track access, while winter presents a totally transformed icy landscape.

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Terrain & paths

The environment consists of the massive, undulating ice cap of the glacier, which hides deep crevasses and steep slopes. Lower surrounding areas are characterized by rugged volcanic sands, ash fields, and unpredictable glacial rivers.

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What to bring

Comprehensive glacier safety equipment, including crampons, helmets, and ice axes, is usually provided by professional tour operators. Visitors must wear exceptionally warm, waterproof layers and stiff-soled mountain boots.

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Parking

Independent travelers generally park their vehicles at designated meeting points along the Ring Road or at the closest accessible glacier tongues. From there, heavily modified vehicles safely transport guests onto the actual ice cap.

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Safety

Because this is an active and closely monitored subglacial volcano, visitors must strictly adhere to all local warnings and expert guidance. Never attempt to venture onto the vast glacier without a certified and experienced local guide.

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Time needed

Most guided excursions onto the glacier covering the volcanic caldera generally take anywhere from three to six hours. A full day should typically be allocated if traveling from the capital or incorporating other south coast sights.