Award Banner
Award Banner

Hooked on volcanoes? Tourists vie to catch Iceland's eruptions

Hooked on volcanoes? Tourists vie to catch Iceland's eruptions
Lava seen spewing from an eruption near Grindavik, Iceland, on Dec 19.
PHOTO: Reuters

LONDON/BUDAPEST - As the glowing river of lava from a volcano that erupted last week in Iceland ebbed, not everyone was happy.

Madam Hazel Lane, a 49-year-old dental practice manager in London, had booked a ticket to Reykjavik as soon as she saw footage of the eruption on television, hoping to witness spectacular lava flows beneath molten red skies.

She had already visited Iceland the previous month, but it was too soon. Although the authorities had by that time evacuated the nearly 4,000 inhabitants of the nearby town of Grindavik, weeks passed before the volcano - which lies about 40km south-west of Reykjavik - erupted on Dec 18.

"I had a crazy notion of going to Reykjavik for the day to fly over the volcanic eruption," she said. She arrived with her son and his girlfriend on Dec 22 to find that lava flows had already diminished.

"We're disappointed that the volcanic activity has ceased, but we will still have a beautiful day in Reykjavik."

Madam Lane will probably not have to wait long before the next eruption. Iceland, which is roughly the size of the United States' state of Kentucky and has fewer than 400,000 residents, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes.

That makes the north European island a prime destination for volcano tourism - a niche segment that attracts thousands of thrill-seekers every year to sites in places ranging from Mexico and Guatemala to Sicily, Indonesia and New Zealand.

The decreased activity of the volcano near Grindavik quelled worries of a repeat of the travel chaos caused by ash from a major eruption of the island's Eyjafjallajokull volcano in 2010.

But for local tour agencies planning to take tourists to the site, it was a missed opportunity. Recent eruptions - like the ones in 2021 of Fagradalsfjall volcano in south-west Iceland - have drawn thousands of visitors.

People gathering to observe the eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii on Dec 1, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters

Troll Expeditions - which offers tours to Iceland's ice caves, glaciers, geothermal pools and a range of volcano trips - said tourist bookings to Iceland dropped before the Grindavik eruption owing to the earthquakes preceding it. But the eruption itself quickly brought back interest.

"People are very excited to see the volcano. Unfortunately, the eruption has paused for the moment," the company said by e-mail, noting that it was the fourth eruption in the area in the past three years.

"The other eruptions have been great for tourism, as they have been so-called 'tourist eruptions' where you can get quite close to the crater and witness the lava flow."

Iceland's former president, Mr Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, was already encouraging visitors to get ready for January.

"The predictions are that in two weeks the eruption might start again! Book your flight now so you can witness the earth being created!" he said in a Dec 23 post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

For dedicated 'lava chasers', nothing beats an arduous climb to the top of a volcano, the walk around a crater and the smell of sulphur in the air.

Often eruptions can be predicted well in advance, leaving plenty of time for evacuations and warnings.

When Mauna Loa in Hawaii, the world's largest active volcano, erupted in late 2022 for the first time since 1984, thousands of awestruck onlookers flocked to see its glowing lava streams. Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency had already said there were no signs that lava would threaten populated areas.

But in some other cases, tourists have paid with their lives.

At the start of December 2023, Indonesia's Marapi volcano erupted, killing 22 climbers who perished near the crater. Marapi is one of the most active volcanoes on Sumatra island and previously erupted in January and February 2023.

Indonesia, which straddles the so-called "Ring of Fire" around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, is home to more than 100 active volcanoes.

A volcano spewing lava and smoke as it erupts near Grindavik, Iceland, on Dec 18.
PHOTO: Reuters

White Island in New Zealand, which is also known by the Maori name of Whakaari, has been closed since a disaster in 2019 when a volcanic eruption killed 22 people, mostly tourists. It used to regularly host visitors, though eruptions were not uncommon.

Despite such incidents, visiting volcanoes remains popular and, by managing risks properly, the chance of accidents can be minimalised, said Dr Tom Pfeiffer, a geologist and volcanologist who runs VolcanoDiscovery, a company in Germany.

It organises tours to volcanoes around the world in small groups, taking about 150 people a year to places such as Java, Sulawesi, Sicily, and Iceland. Dr Pfeiffer said interest in visiting volcanoes fluctuates a little, depending on how much media attention they get, but is generally pretty steady.

"I'm sure the average number of accidents of volcano tourists is much lower than the average number of mountain sport accidents," he said by e-mail. "This also holds despite the fortunately very rare cases of big disasters like the recent one at Marapi."

Dr Pfeiffer said many of the accidents that did occur were due to a lack of preparation or information, or excess risk-taking. Relying on local advice from the authorities, volcano observatories and relying on guides with extensive experience could all mitigate the chances of anything going wrong.

Read Also
world
Volcano eruption dashes Iceland families' Christmas hopes

"In case of doubt, we never take the risk," he added.

Iceland has witnessed diverse eruptions in recent years, from ones where lava flows from fissures - like the one last week - to explosive ones of ice-covered volcanoes that spew ash plumes, where fire meets ice. Many of them have been major tourist draws, with the risks well flagged by the local authorities.

The area around Grindavik remains closed off for now, and the Icelandic Meteorological Office said on Dec 27 that magma continued to accumulate under Svartsengi on the Reykjanes peninsula, meaning there is a chance of a fresh eruption.

Mr Arnar Mar Olafsson, director-general of the Icelandic Tourist Board, said some travellers had not respected the closure zone around the eruption site and had to be turned away because they were heading towards the volcano.

"People really want to get close and to go closer and see, but they don't really realise often how dangerous it is," he said. 

Source: Reuters

homepage

trending

trending
    'It's very embarrassing': Sharon Au recounts faking her marriage in 2014
    St Joseph's Church stabbing: Accused given additional charges of being in possession of weapon
    Is roti john from Singapore or Malaysia? Radio DJs spark debate
    Pinnacle@Duxton sets new record with $1,502 psf after 4-room unit sells for about $1.52m
    From Spain to Singapore: Spanish performance brand Cupra relaunches in Singapore
    Laid to rest: Barbie Hsu's ashes interred, Wheesung funeral's condolence money to be donated
    Lee Si-young to divorce after 8 years of marriage
    From improv to tech start-ups: Here's how this Singaporean draws inspiration to make a positive change
    'It all burned': Food stall in Malaysia catches fire after rain falls on hot oil
    Strong winds in Hong Kong leave gondola worker 'hanging' in mid-air
    Government committed to making young parents' journey 'smooth and fulfilling', says PM Wong during Sengkang visit
    Singapore's harmony is precious and must always be cherished and protected: PM Lawrence Wong

Singapore

Singapore
    • 'Deliberately confrontational': Shanmugam calls out activists for disrupting PAP's meet-the-people sessions
    • Ex-Kinderland teacher gets jail for abusing children in her care
    • GE2025: 5 hot wards to watch
    • Suspected gang boss, who ran gambling dens in Geylang, arrested in Malaysia after 4 years on the run
    • Long delays at Woodlands checkpoint: Over 2-hour wait as school holidays start
    • Man to be charged for abusing airline staff and kicking wall at Changi Airport over lost phone
    • 'Spectacular sight': SM Lee shares stunning photo of rare sun halo over Singapore
    • SM Lee unveils future improvements in Ang Mo Kio, calls for residents' continued support
    • From serving passengers to taking flight: How an ex-SIA flight attendant fulfilled her dream of becoming a pilot
    • Keep off the tracks: SMRT issues warning after man climbed over barriers at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve phone

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • Tay Ping Hui says acting in China was a 'super humbling experience'
    • Kim Soo-hyun admits to dating late Kim Sae-ron, refutes allegations she was underaged
    • Ya Hui toughs it out in new job as creative director: 'I'm not a flower you need to take care of'
    • 'Where am I supposed to say I'm from?' Jackson Wang addresses controversial clip of him saying 'I'm Chinese'
    • Die-hard Singapore fan recalls serenading Lady Gaga in LA, moving her to tears: 'That moment means the whole world to me'
    • Cassie Ventura expecting baby boy
    • Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon Bloom married
    • Sir Elton John struggling to sign autographs after losing vision in right eye
    • Liam Payne fans dedicate commemorative bench in Buenos Aires cemetery
    • Ellen Pompeo says she won't let her daughter watch Grey's Anatomy

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • 2 Singapore pizzerias earn spots on 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2025 list
    • Luckin Coffee launches Maltese-themed drinks and limited-edition merchandise as part of collaboration
    • 23 local attractions offering SG60 deals, here's what Singaporeans can enjoy
    • Hunt the Mouse is back, with $100k worth of coins hidden at Sentosa waiting to be found
    • The one passion that drives this teen robotics whiz to keep innovating
    • All-new Skoda Superb Combi unveiled
    • The truth about dual-key living in Singapore: What 3 homeowners want you to know
    • Toyota Camry review: A classic nameplate that vastly amps up the luxury and fun factor
    • Dear teachers, I owe you an apology: Lessons I learnt as a parent
    • Neta X review: Affordable Chinese EV with more than a few flaws

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • China's Baidu launches 2 new AI models as industry competition heats up
    • China's top universities expand enrolment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas
    • International Women's Day: Meet the Singapore women levelling up in gaming
    • US indicts slew of alleged Chinese hackers, sanctions company over spy campaign
    • Meet the women powering innovation in tech in Singapore and beyond
    • Games in March: JRPGs, co-op games and wrestling
    • Australia fines Telegram for delay in answering child abuse, terror questions
    • Embracing the future: A personal guide to how to get started with artificial intelligence

Money

Money
    • Amid AI push, DBS to cut 4,000 temp jobs over next 3 years
    • Singapore's economy grew 4.4% in 2024, beating forecasts
    • DBS to give staff $1,000 special bonus, introduce capital return dividend
    • Travel insurance for infectious diseases: What you need to know (2025)
    • Best bank offers in Singapore (March 2025): Lady Gaga concert presale, up to 50% off flights and more
    • How high will Singapore property prices get in 2025? Here's what AI predicts
    • Before you say 'I do' to a home: The checklist every newlywed couple needs in Singapore
    • Are older HDB maisonettes and jumbo flats worth the premium? A deep dive into pricing trends
    • This newly MOP-ed 4-room HDB flat at Bidadari sets new record with almost $800k profit
    • Chocolate Finance imposes $250 spending limit on debit card to manage demand for miles rewards

Latest

Latest
  • Rights group files lawsuit to block Trump deportations of pro-Palestinian protesters
  • Daily roundup: Strong winds in Hong Kong leave gondola worker 'hanging' in mid-air — and other top stories today
  • Foreign CEOs to flock to China for key summit, Xi meeting, sources say
  • Trump administration weighs travel ban on dozens of countries, memo says
  • Cockroaches and working in a closet: Inside Trump's return-to-office order
  • India's Modi says Trump has 'clear roadmap' in second term
  • Germany pledges $435m in aid for Syrians at EU conference
  • Thousands gather in Rio de Janeiro to demonstrate support for Bolsonaro
  • Trump says will speak with Putin on Tuesday to discuss ending Ukraine war

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Malaysian woman stunned to find car trapped among diners after car park turns into outdoor eatery at night
  • Johor invests $1.5b in water treatment infrastructure to reduce dependency on Singapore after 2030
  • Ceiling collapses at KSL City Mall in JB, viral videos show
  • Food poisoning outbreak: 187 cases linked to Total Defence Day ready-to-eat meals, probe underway
  • Blazing car on Nicoll Highway: 1 dies, 2 taken to hospital
  • FairPrice giving away 75,000 sets of snacks and drinks to Muslim customers to break fast
  • Disabled Malaysian boy seen 'walking' with hands in school gets walkers from kind donors after TikTok video went viral
  • CDL's Kwek Leng Beng seeks to fire son Sherman as CEO over alleged 'attempted coup'
  • 10-year-old girl hurt by pebbles thrown from condo's 11th storey by toddler
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.