Lava cuts off famous viewing hill of eruption near Fagradalsfjall in Geldingadalur, Iceland

The famous viewing hill providing a glimpse of the ongoing volcanic eruption site near Fagradalsfjall in Geldingadalur, Iceland, has been cut off as lava has made its way through the hiking trail on Monday, June 7, 2021. The spectacular sight of a volcano spewing lava at great heights has been attracting thousands of visitors to the area.

On Monday morning, responders were notified that lava has started flowing through the hiking trail that led up to the viewing hill where many tourists go to witness the erupting volcano in Geldingadalur. 

The area was previously closed by authorities for safety purposes, due to the possibility of visitors being trapped on the hill if lava were to flow through the path. 

Hjálmar Hallgrímsson, the site manager, told local media that lava had made its way over the trail very quickly. Fortunately, there were very few people at the eruption site.

Hikers will still be able to have a view of the volcano despite losing access to the viewing hill, renowned for its glimpse into the volcano's interior.

"There is no possibility of crossing this hill to see the eruption better," said Hjálmar. "This has become closed so it’s just a shorter route. But hiking trail A is still open, but for how long it is impossible to say. People can see the eruption from the hill next to it."

The historic volcanic eruption near Fagradalsfjall began on March 19, 2021, after more than 50 000 earthquakes registered since February 24. The last eruption in the area occurred in 1340 (VEI 1) – 681 years ago.

As the eruption continued, it produced a spectacular view of flowing lava, attracting many visitors to the site despite the hazard.

Powerful jets of lava have been observed, with some reaching unusual heights beyond 460 m (1 500 feet). 

The volcanic eruption has also brought mesmerizing red skies over the area during cloudy days, leaving witnesses in awe, many of whom have taken to social media to share their photos and videos of the amazing scenery.

Geological summary

The Krýsuvík-Trölladyngja volcanic system is described by the Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes as an approximately 50 km (31 miles) long composite fissure swarm trending about N38°E, including a 30 km (18 miles) long swarm of fissures, with no central volcano.

It is one of the volcanic systems arranged en-echelon along the Reykjanes Peninsula west of Kleifarvatn lake.

The Fagradalsfjall and Krýsuvík fissure swarms are considered splits or secondary swarms of the Krýsuvík–Trölladyngja volcanic system. 

Small shield volcanoes have produced a large portion of the erupted volume within the system.

Several eruptions have taken place since the settlement of Iceland, including the eruption of a large basaltic lava flow from the Ogmundargigar crater row around the 12^th century.

The latest eruption, identified through tephrochronology, took place during the 14^th century. (GVP)

Featured image credit: mbl.is