Iceland Tourism: 5 Weeks After the Volcanic Eruption — Is It Safe to Travel?

9 eruptions in 20 months — and zero impact on tourism

Since December 2023, the Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced an unprecedented eruptive series at the Sundhnúkagígar fissure system, approximately 50 km southwest of Reykjavík. According to Wikipedia and data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office (Veðurstofa), nine eruptions occurred between December 2023 and August 2025.

The crucial point to remember: all these eruptions are effusive. Unlike the explosive eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, which launched an ash cloud into the stratosphere and paralyzed European air traffic for six days, the Sundhnúkagígar eruptions produce lava flows that move slowly and remain confined to a restricted area in the southwest of the peninsula.

Timeline of Key Events

• Dec. 18, 2023 — First eruption at Sundhnúkagígar, start of the series
• Jan. 2024 — Lava flow threatening Grindavík (town evacuated since Nov. 2023)
• Feb. – Nov. 2024 — Several successive eruptions, construction of protective barriers
• Aug. 2025 — Ninth and most recent eruption to date
• Jul. 2025 — Opening of a hiking trail at Sundhnúkagígar

According to Voyage Islande, no eruption is active as of March 23, 2026. However, the Veðurstofa notes that magma continues to accumulate beneath the Svartsengi area, meaning new eruptions remain possible. This is precisely why Iceland’s monitoring system is among the most advanced in the world: seismic sensors detect any activity hours, even days in advance.

A tiny restricted zone, a country fully open

Restrictions only apply to a very limited perimeter around the active fissures of Sundhnúkagígar and the evacuated town of Grindavík, in the southwest of the Reykjanes Peninsula. According to SafeTravel.is (the official travel safety website of the Icelandic government), this area is clearly marked and permanently monitored.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs classifies Iceland at normal vigilance level — the lowest level, identical to Sweden or Norway. No recommendation against traveling to Iceland has been issued, even during active eruptive phases.

What is open (the entire rest of the country)

• Reykjavík — Normal life, no restrictions
• Golden Circle — Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss: 100% accessible
• South Coast — Jökulsárlón, Skógafoss, Vík: all open
• Northern Iceland — Akureyri, Húsavík, Mývatn: no impact
• Blue Lagoon — Reopened since March 5, 2026
• Keflavík Airport — Operational, no flight disruptions

What is restricted

• Immediate zone around Sundhnúkagígar (access prohibited without authorization)
• Town of Grindavík (evacuated, access limited to residents)

Zero flight cancellations since the start of the eruptive series

This is probably the most reassuring point in this report. According to Islande Explora and Guide to Iceland, no flights have been cancelled or diverted since the start of the Sundhnúkagígar eruptive series in December 2023. Keflavík International Airport, located approximately 20 km from the eruptive zone, is operating normally.

The reason is simple: the Reykjanes eruptions are effusive and do not produce ash clouds that could disrupt air navigation. This is a fundamental difference from the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which was subglacial and explosive — the contact between magma and ice generated a volcanic ash plume projected up to 9 km in altitude.

Airlines serving Keflavík from Paris

• Icelandair — Direct flight Paris CDG → Keflavík (3h30), from ~€250
• PLAY — Icelandic low-cost, direct flights from Paris CDG, from ~€200
• Transavia — Seasonal flights (spring-summer), competitive fares
• With stopover — SAS via Copenhagen, Lufthansa via Frankfurt

The geothermal gem has reopened its doors

The Blue Lagoon, located halfway between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík, has experienced several temporary closures since November 2023 due to its relative proximity to the Sundhnúkagígar eruptive zone. However, according to the official Blue Lagoon website, the complex has been reopened to the public since March 5, 2026 and is operating with normal hours.

According to Guide to Iceland, the previous closures were always precautionary measures, not the result of damage. The protective barriers built around the Svartsengi geothermal area (which feeds the Blue Lagoon) have proven effective during each eruption.

Available packages

• Comfort — Lagoon access, mud mask, drink included (~€80)
• Premium — Comfort + bathrobe, second mask, reserved restaurant (~€100)
• Retreat Spa — High-end experience with private area (~€350)

Thingvellir, Strokkur, Gullfoss — the legendary trio

The Golden Circle, Iceland’s most popular tourist route, is located more than 100 km from the eruptive zone and has never been affected by the Sundhnúkagígar eruptions. According to Zigzag Voyages, the three iconic sites are fully open and accessible:

Must-see attractions

• Þingvellir National Park — UNESCO site, tectonic rift between the American and Eurasian plates. Snorkeling possible in the Silfra fissure (crystal-clear water at 2°C, 100 m visibility)
• Geysir and Strokkur — Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, a guaranteed spectacle at every visit
• Gullfoss — The « Golden Waterfall, » one of the most powerful in Europe. Spectacular in March with snow

New in 2025-2026: Laugarás Lagoon

Opened in late 2025, Laugarás Lagoon is the new geothermal complex on the Golden Circle. More intimate than the Blue Lagoon and significantly cheaper, it offers an ideal alternative for travelers who want to combine culture and relaxation in one day. Source: Zigzag Voyages.

Last window for ice caves — until end of March

Iceland’s south coast, more than 200 km from the Sundhnúkagígar zone, is completely unaffected by volcanic activity. According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no restrictions are in effect on the Ring Road (Route 1) serving all south coast sites.

March 2026 is the last window of the season to visit the famous ice caves of the Vatnajökull glacier. According to Finding the Universe, these blue ice cathedrals are only accessible between November and March, before spring melting makes them unstable.

Must-see sites on the south coast

• Jökulsárlón — The iconic glacial lagoon, icebergs floating in turquoise water. Diamond Beach right next door
• Skógafoss — 60 m waterfall, one of Iceland’s most photographed sites
• Seljalandsfoss — The unique waterfall you can walk behind through a trail behind the curtain of water
• Vík í Mýrdal — Black sand beach, Reynisfjara basalt columns
• Vatnajökull ice caves — Guided tours required (~€150 per person)

The world’s northernmost capital is living normally

Reykjavík, located approximately 50 km northeast of the eruptive zone, has experienced zero impact from the Sundhnúkagígar volcanic series. According to Guide to Iceland, daily life, restaurants, museums, and tourist activities continue exactly as before the eruptions.

But the real draw of March 2026 in Iceland is the northern lights. Solar Cycle 25 is currently at its peak activity — a phenomenon that won’t recur for another 11 years. According to Evaneos, the northern lights of winter 2025-2026 are the most spectacular in over a decade. March offers the ideal combination: nights dark enough and long enough (sunset around 7:30 PM) while already enjoying generous daylight hours for activities.

Where to see the northern lights

• Grótta (Seltjarnarnes lighthouse) — 10 min from Reykjavík, little light pollution
• Þingvellir — Vast sky, spectacular setting above the lake
• Vík — Basalt columns add a unique dimension to photos
• Jökulsárlón — Northern lights reflected in the glacial lagoon: the holy grail for photographers

What to do in Reykjavík

• Hallgrímskirkja — The iconic church, panoramic view from the bell tower
• Harpa — Award-winning concert hall with spectacular architecture
• Perlan — Interactive museum with planetarium dedicated to the northern lights
• Laugavegur — Shopping street, galleries, cafés, and lively nightlife
• Sky Lagoon — Alternative to the Blue Lagoon, by the sea in Reykjavík itself

EU Regulation 261/2004: refund yes, compensation no

If a volcanic eruption were to cause the cancellation of your flight, EU Regulation 261/2004 partially protects you. According to the legal analysis by RetardVol, a volcanic eruption is classified as an « extraordinary circumstance », which means:

• Full ticket refund — The airline is required to refund you or reroute you
• Care and assistance — Meals, hotel, and transport in case of extended wait at the airport

• No flat-rate compensation — The €250 to €600 compensation provided by the regulation does NOT apply to « extraordinary circumstances »

Why take out additional travel insurance

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers medical care in Iceland under the same conditions as in your home country. However, it does not cover trip cancellation, repatriation, or lost luggage. According to AXA, specific travel insurance is recommended, particularly for:

• All-cause cancellation — Covers cancellation of accommodation and excursions in case of eruption
• Medical repatriation — Essential for outdoor activities (glaciers, hiking)
• Trip interruption — Refund of unused services

Estimated budget for 10 days in Iceland (per person)

Good to know for 2026

• New mileage tax (2026) — 6.95 ISK/km for rental vehicles. For a 2,500 km road trip, expect approximately 17,000 ISK (~€110) extra
• Card payment everywhere — Iceland is nearly cashless, even for a €2 coffee
• Tap water is drinkable and excellent — No need to buy bottles
• No tipping — Service is included in Icelandic prices

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