Travelling to Iceland: Qs & As

More than ever with the changed landscape, this extraordinary country with its natural wonders and stunning landscapes proves an irresistible draw and continues to captivate visitors. Please see below answers to questions you might be asking about travelling in Iceland in light of the Eyjafjallajokull eruption (April-May 2010).

Is it safe to travel to/within Iceland?
Are there any health warnings re: travel in Iceland? 
Will I still be able to see all I had planned to on my Iceland holiday?
Is there a chance Katla will erupt? If so, when?
What support do you provide to travellers in Iceland if a volcano erupts?
Can I book a holiday or excursion to see the Eyjafjallajokull volcano?

Q Is it safe to travel to/within Iceland?
A Yes, absolutely! The situation is 'as normal' for the island. The Icelanders have been dealing with volcanic eruptions since the island was settled – more than 1100 years ago. With the advent of modern science there is now adequate warning of new eruptions, and no one has been hurt due to volcanic activity for well over 600 years. There have been well rehearsed evacuation measures put in place within the vicinity of all active volcanoes in Iceland and this was well illustrated by the smooth evacuation of local people living close to the two eruptions at Eyjafjallajökull in April-May 2010. There has been a certain amount of speculation regarding the eruption of the larger Katla volcano. The fact is that there is no sign whatsoever that this volcano is about to erupt. However, if it does do then the situation will be dealt with in the same smooth and efficient way as such incidents always have been in Iceland. Katla is closely monitored by scientists. In their expert opinion there is no indication of an eruption since there is no movement in sites to the west and east of the glacier Mýrdalsjökull. Eyjafjallajökull and Katla are two separate volcanoes – with two separate magma chambers – and are not connected as such. Here are some facts to consider:

• Keflavik International Airport was the only airport in northern Europe that operated, almost uninterrupted, throughout the time there were flight bans impacting much of the rest of Europe. 
• Apart from a small area around the eruption site, Iceland has had very little disruption due to the eruption. 
• Eruptions happen in Iceland on average once every 5 years. The Eyjafjallajökull eruption is the first one which has effected international air traffic, due to a number of unusual circumstances.
• Discover the World has been operating holidays to Iceland for 27 years and during that time we have taken many hundreds of lucky people to Iceland specifically to view volcanic eruptions, which is one of nature’s most impressive spectacles. We are continuing to make such arrangements and business is very much back to normal.

There is, in short, no danger in visiting Iceland in respect of volcanic activity.

Q Are there any health warnings re: travel in Iceland?
A It is not permitted to visit the area immediately surrounding the eruption site, as the ground has become unstable (largely due to melting ice and remaining heat below the earth's surface), and any noxious gases that may possibly escape from the immediate area (close to the ground) could cause harm if inhaled.  The area immediately surrounding the eruption site is also inaccessible by normal

Q Will I still be able to see all I had planned to on my Iceland holiday?
A Yes, Iceland is still as accessible and as beautiful as ever, and there is even the chance to see the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in the distance, from Road 1, if you’re passing that way. Due to its size and characteristics, the latest eruption site is viewable from a safe distance on the south coast.  Ask us about special superjeep excursions or sightseeing flights that will allow you to see the topography of the eruption zone from a safe distance.

Q Is there a chance Katla will erupt? If so, when?
A Volcanologists in Iceland monitor seismic activity very carefully there are absolutely no signs that it will do so at this point or in the imminent future. In any event, what has not been made clear is that on the three occasions that Katla has erupted at the same time or shortly after the present volcano, the eruptions have been much weaker than when the volcano erupts on its own. In addition the characteristics of this volcano seem to have changed over the past century. It did, in fact, erupt very slightly in 1946, but the eruption was short and did not break through the glacier. 

There is a volcanic eruption in Iceland on average once every 5 years. Due to a number of unfortunate coincidences - direction of the wind and the characteristics of the Eyjafjalljokull volcano (water + magma = ash) - the April 2010 eruption caused major disruption. Most eruptions in Iceland are not like this (not all volcanoes are cloaked under icecaps) and cause very few problems. In fact we feel they are a very good reason to visit the country. We assisted many travellers in seeing the Fimmvorduhals eruption in March 2010, with fantastic feedback! For more about Iceland's volcanoes and geology, click here » 

Q What support do you provide to travellers in Iceland if a volcano erupts?
A We provide assistance in the form of keeping our clients up to date with developments, making itinerary changes to avoid an affected area, as well as paying for accommodation and meals (within reason) if you are unable to return home due to the effects of the eruption. You can read feedback from our Iceland clients caught up in the recent travel disruptions, click here»
Read our Volcano Disruption Charter - our guarantee to you.

Q Can I book a holiday or excursion to see the Eyjafjallajokull volcano?
A Yes. For further information, please click here »

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