Lakagígar

Lakagígar is an imposing chain of about 130 volcanic craters in southern Iceland, formed during one of the most devastating eruptions in recorded history. The Laki fissure eruption began on June 8, 1783, and lasted for eight months, ejecting an estimated 14 cubic kilometers of basalt lava. The massive release of sulfur dioxide created a toxic haze that spread across Europe, leading to significant cooling of the Northern Hemisphere's climate. In Iceland, the destruction of livestock led to the 'Haze Famine' (Móðuharðindin), which resulted in the death of approximately 25% of the population. Today, the area is part of Vatnajökull National Park and has a surreal landscape of moss-covered craters and vast lava fields. Accessing the site requires a 4x4 vehicle, as the route involves navigating rugged terrain and crossing several deep rivers.

Nearby cities

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, serving as the nation's cultural, economic, and governmental hub.

Kópavogur

Kópavogur is Iceland's second largest city, located directly south of Reykjavík.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a port city south of Reykjavík, built on an ancient lava field.

Hafnarfjörður

A charming port town just outside Reykjavík, known as the 'town in the lava' and famous for its Viking heritage and elf folklore.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest urban area outside the Reykjavík region, often called the 'Capital of the North'.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is located northeast of Reykjavík, known for its hilly landscape and thermal springs.

Garðabær

Garðabær is a growing town in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Selfoss

Selfoss is the largest service center in southern Iceland, situated on the banks of the Ölfusá River.

Seltjarnarnes

Seltjarnarnes is a small municipality on a peninsula just west of Reykjavík.

Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is a town on Heimaey island in the archipelago of the same name off Iceland's south coast.

Hveragerði

Hveragerði is famous for its high geothermal activity, located about 45 km east of Reykjavík.

Hveragerði

Known as the 'Greenhouse Town', it sits on an active geothermal field and is famous for its hot springs and banana cultivation.

Þorlákshöfn

Þorlákshöfn is a port town on Iceland's south coast, featuring the only harbor in the region with safe access for large ships.

Borgarnes

Borgarnes is located on a peninsula in Borgarfjörður and serves as a key service hub for West Iceland.

Höfn

Höfn is a fishing town in southeast Iceland, situated on a headland between Hornafjörður and the ocean.

History & landmarks

Reykjavík City Hall

Reykjavík City Hall is situated on the banks of Lake Tjörnin.

Hvolsvöllur

A historic town in South Iceland, famous as the heart of the Njál's Saga and a gateway to glaciers.

Svartifoss

Svartifoss, the 'Black Waterfall', is famous for being surrounded by dark, hanging basalt columns.

Nature

Mælifell

A striking, cone-shaped volcanic mountain in the southern highlands.

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Thjorsarver Wetlands

Thjorsarver is a vast highland oasis and the world's most important breeding ground for the pink-footed goose.

More places

Eldgjá

Eldgjá is the largest volcanic canyon in the world.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

This location was the site of a Benedictine nunnery from 1186 until the Reformation.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a stunning canyon in southeast Iceland, through which the Fjaðrá river flows.

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is a valley in the Icelandic Highlands known for its colorful rhyolite mountains.

Vatnsfell Power Station

The Vatnsfell Power Station optimizes water usage in the highlands by using the Thorisvatn reservoir.

Sigalda Power Station

The Sigalda Power Station is located in the Icelandic highlands on the Tungnaá river.

Torfajökull Massif

A large volcanic area in the southern highlands, famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and intense geothermal activity.

Hrauneyjafoss Hydropower Plant

Hrauneyjafoss is one of the most powerful hydropower plants in Iceland.