Stories

HomeStoriesIcelanders and their volcanoes
Icelanders and their volcanoes

Icelanders and their volcanoes

A slumbering giant seems to be awakening on Iceland’s south-western peninsula, Reykjanes. Surtur, god of the fire giants. The peninsula’s name literally means the Smoking Peninsula because when the first settlers arrived here, smoke bellowe

A slumbering giant seems to be awakening on Iceland’s south-western peninsula, Reykjanes. Surtur, god of the fire giants. The peninsula’s name literally means the Smoking Peninsula because when the first settlers arrived here, smoke bellowed up from the lava rocks. That was over a thousand years ago. Since then the peninsula has mostly been dormant and given us the benefit of the warmth underground which we use to heat our homes and give us hot water. Time has come to pay the price for such benefits. Today we see the smoke rise regularly again with increased volcanic activity and active volcanoes. Icelanders have mostly had a careless and nonchalant approach to these incredible forces of our nature, we have gotten used to them.

The term “tourist volcano” has emerged in recent years. This might seem strange to foreigners but it’s been over 50 years since we’ve had to take a volcano seriously. These eruptions have mostly happened far away from the general public and almost immediately become tourist attractions. This time it’s been different, with the most recent volcano erupting inside the small town of Grindavík threatening our friends and cousins lively hood and homes. Even cutting off all hot water to the second biggest town in Iceland for almost a week. It was a cold and harrowing wake up call. We were dormant to the nature of the threat under our biggest population centers. It seems strange now to reflect that a year ago when I warned tourists of a possible eruption soon they asked “Oh my God, what should we do if a volcano erupts?” and I replied “Just sit back, relax and enjoy the show”. Iceland is truly the land of Ice and Fire where the awesome forces of nature need not necessarily be feared but should always be respected!

Excepteur sint occaecat the cupidatat non proident

From the midnight sun of summer to the northern lights of winter, Iceland rewards travelers who venture beyond the ordinary. Our vetted local guides know the hidden gems, quieter routes, and best times to experience each region.

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati lorem cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.

Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit lorem aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem. Iceland offers an extraordinary range of landscapes and experiences, from volcanic terrain and glacier lagoons to geothermal hot springs and dramatic coastal cliffs. Our local partners tailor every journey to your interests.

Nemo enim ipsam volup tatem quia voluptas

Image
Image

From the midnight sun of summer to the northern lights of winter, Iceland rewards travelers who venture beyond the ordinary. Our vetted local guides know the hidden gems, quieter routes, and best times to experience each region.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate

  • Sed volutpat nulla libero, sed vehicula neque condimentum et.
  • Nulla est risus, mollis ac risus ac, luctus lacinia tortor. Nunc sed velit magna.
  • Nulla erat quam, auctor vitae volutpat ac, dignissim at nisi. Fusce laoreet dolor ac fermentum cursus.
  • Donec ultricies dolor faucibus aliquet posuere.
  • Suspendisse volutpat purus eget dictum ultricies. Curabitur nec tortor volutpat lorem cursus tempus.

From the midnight sun of summer to the northern lights of winter, Iceland rewards travelers who venture beyond the ordinary. Our vetted local guides know the hidden gems, quieter routes, and best times to experience each region.

Related stories

Do we give tips in Iceland?
Do we give tips in Iceland?

In recent years with the influx of tourists tipping has become more common. With rising costs it helps a lot.

Read story
Driving in Iceland
Driving in Iceland

Driving around Iceland is a wonderful way to experience all those wonders of nature at your own pace. Most people visiting choose to drive the ring road (Rte.1) since it runs by the island’s beautiful coast connecting a progression of natur

Read story