Question 1

How long is the Eyjafjallajökull summit hike?

Accepted Answer

The entire hike typically takes 9–12 hours. The ascent generally takes about 5–7 hours, while the descent usually lasts 2–3 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.

Question 2

Do I need prior hiking experience or technical climbing skills?

Accepted Answer

No technical climbing skills are required, but good hiking experience is necessary due to the steep ascent and long duration of the hike. Previous winter or mountain hiking experience is a big plus, as it can help you manage the challenging terrain and changing conditions. The hike covers a vertical gain of 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), so it’s best suited for those with strong fitness and stamina.

Question 3

What should I wear for the hike?

Accepted Answer

Layered clothing is ideal. Start with moisture-wicking layers (avoid cotton), like wool or synthetic materials, to keep you dry. Outdoor stores can provide high-quality, suitable gear. Additionally, a thin, long-sleeved top is useful for sun protection. Sturdy boots are a must. Bring sports sunglasses and skin and lip protection.

Question 4

What should I bring for food and drink?

Accepted Answer

Bring a mix of snacks (chocolate, trail mix) for quick breaks, and sandwiches or energy-rich foods for longer stops. Hydration is crucial to avoid cramps, so carry plenty of water and consider mixing in a low-concentration energy drink. Avoid too much coffee as it can lead to dehydration. A good, carbohydrate-rich breakfast will also support sustained energy.

Question 5

What gear is provided?

Accepted Answer

Your guide will supply all glacier equipment, including crampons, harnesses and ropes. You’ll receive a detailed briefing on using the gear and an introduction to basic glacier techniques.

Question 6

What if I can’t reach the summit?

Accepted Answer

Most hikers reach the summit without issue, though fatigue or cramps can sometimes affect progress. Your guide will monitor everyone’s condition and provide support to help you reach your goal safely.

Question 7

Is this tour safe given Eyjafjallajökull’s volcanic history?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eyjafjallajökull is currently in a calm phase with no signs of activity, making it a great destination for hiking.

Question 8

Is it possible to climb Eyjafjallajökull?

Accepted Answer

Climbing to the peak of Eyjafjallajökull is an adventurous endeavor that demands careful planning and consideration. While the peak is achievable to experienced mountaineers and climbers, it's highly advisable to embark on this journey with the guidance of a skilled local guide who is familiar with the glacial terrain and current conditions.

The upper parts of Eyjafjallajökull are covered with glaciers, so climbers will encounter icy terrains that require special equipment like crampons, ropes and ice axes. Besides the ice, geothermal activity and the unpredictable Icelandic weather poses another challenge.

Even during summer months, conditions can change rapidly with strong winds, rain, snow, or reduced visibility. Safety first, always check the weather forecast and be ready for sudden shifts.

Remember, Eyjafjallajökull is an active volcano, so it's crucial to stay updated on its activity level. As always with mountain climbing, physical preparation is key, and it's essential to have the right gear.

Question 9

Can you see Eyjafjallajökull from the road?

Accepted Answer

Eyjafjallajökull can be seen from Route 1, the road often known as Iceland’s Ring Road. There is a visitor information point on the south side of the road about 2 hours from Reykjavík. The glacier is easily seen from here.

If you’re coming from Reykjavík, in about 90 minutes you will reach the village of Hvolsvöllur. After the village, continue along Route 1 for another half an hour. Once you have passed lake Holtsós, you will soon reach the Eyjafjallajökull info point.

Question 10

How many people were evacuated from Eyjafjallajökull?

Accepted Answer

As many as 800 people were evacuated from areas at risk of being affected by Eyjafjallajökull. These included residents of nearby villages, Fljótshlíð, Eyjafjöll, and Landeyjar.

Question 11

What city is closest to Eyjafjallajökull?

Accepted Answer

Eyjafjallajökull is not really close to any major city. Reykjavík, the closest, is a 2-hour drive by car.

The nearest settlements are Hvolsvöllur or Vík. Holsvöllur has a population of about 1,000, while Vík is slightly smaller.

Question 12

Where is the best place to see Eyjafjallajökull?

Accepted Answer

The most convenient place to see Eyjafjallajökull is from Route 1, the ring road that loops around the whole of Iceland. After about 2 hours drive from Reykjavík, you’ll find a visitor point with information about the volcano. And there you’ll see the volcano, right from the road.
To witness the glacier and volcano in more detail, visit on foot from Skógafoss or Þórsmörk. This way, you’ll get to see this rugged river of ice and its devastating impacts up close.

Question 13

Why should I visit Eyjafjallajökull?

Accepted Answer

Eyjafjallajökull is one of the most beautiful glaciers in Iceland, as well as being almost certainly the country’s most famous volcano. It’s a combination of the two things for which the Land of Ice and Fire is known.
It also makes a brilliant day out.

Whether you’re hiking the Fimmvörðuháls trail from Skógafoss or Þórsmörk or visiting the surrounding area on a glacier experience, your encounter with Eyjafjallajökull will be unforgettable.

Question 14

How many people died in the Eyjafjallajökull eruption 2010?

Accepted Answer

No one died in the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull. There were reports of some very minor health problems—such as irritated eyes and throats—but nothing that caused significant harm. Everyone who was likely to have been affected by the eruption was evacuated before it happened.

That said, the volcano did have a big impact on international travel. For example, air travel in Europe was disrupted for many days, affecting nearly 2 million people.

Question 15

What does Eyjafjallajökull mean in English?

Accepted Answer

While it sure looks complicated, the name Eyjafjallajökull is actually pretty simple.

Let’s break it down. There are three main parts to the word Eyjafjallajökull. Eyja means islands. Fjalla means mountain, like in the English word “fell”. Finally, jökull means glacier. If you put them back together you have something like “island mountain glacier”.

Question 16

Can you go to Eyjafjallajökull?

Accepted Answer

Eyjafjallajökull’s white bulk is easily visible from the Ring Road when you drive from Seljalandsfoss to Skógafoss along the South Coast. In Good weather, however, you can see it from hundreds of kilometres away.

If you want to get closer, your best options are to visit from Skógafoss or Þórsmörk. A trail known as Fimmvörðuháls connects these two places and ventures over the pass next to Eyjafjallajökull. You’ll see the enduring effects of the 2010 eruption, including volcanic craters and lava fields.

Question 17

Was Eyjafjallajökull 2010 predicted?

Accepted Answer

One of the main reasons that Eyjafjallajökull didn’t cause more harm than it did to local people was that the volcano had been closely monitored and the eruption had been predicted.

As Iceland is such a volcanically active country, it is always monitored for continuing volcanic activity. According to some estimates, a volcanic eruption happens in Iceland on average every 5 years—so we need to be prepared!

Question 18

When was the last time Eyjafjallajökull erupted?

Accepted Answer

The last time that Eyjafjallajökull erupted was in 2010. It was the largest eruption of this volcano ever recorded.

It’s thought that eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull tend to cause subsequent eruptions of Katla, the much larger volcano next door. So far, there haven’t been any further eruptions, but it may happen soon.

Conquer the Summit of Eyjafjallajökull: An Epic Hike with Unforgettable Views

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