A photo of the first moments of the Fagradalsfjall Volcano eruption was taken from Keflavik.
The first volcanic crater at Fagradalsfjall Volcano a few days after the eruption started.
STORY ABOUT THE FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO ERUPTION
On March 19, 2021, a fissure opened in the Geldingadalir valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The area, part of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, has had no volcanic eruptions for over 800 years. Still, just three weeks before the eruption, over 4.000 earthquakes were registered by the Icelandic MET office. Some of the tremors were strong enough to create a certain level of hysteria for the locals living nearby Grindavík and Keflavík, while residents from the capital Reykjavík also felt many of them.
At first, the Icelandic authorities focused on creating possible scenarios for dealing with the imminent eruption and lava flow. Some models showed that the main road connecting Keflavik Airport with the capital could be affected. Lucky enough, the eruption was in a perfect place; on Friday evening, at 20:45 on March 19, 2021, most people living in Grindavík witnessed the first glow from the volcanic eruption.
A few days after the eruption started, we organized the first expedition to the volcanic area, the first company in Iceland to provide private tours to Fagradalsfjall Volcano.
Most of our guides were related to vulcanology study, some working for years with volcanoes. In contrast, others were part of the Emergency Rescue Team of Iceland, allowing us to offer a safe and unique experience.
Once more, a volcanic eruption in Iceland has saved the nation, making possible the recovery of tourism and, most importantly, offering an activity that was, in fact, the one and only we could do and enjoy after a year of being isolated at home trying to be safe.
Our guests enjoying the lava show at Fagradalsfjall Volano.
