Iceland's Lava Fields: A Guide to the Volcanic Landscape

Approximately one third of Iceland's surface is covered by lava fields — the accumulated output of centuries of volcanic activity from over 130 active and dormant volcanic systems. These lava fields are not uniform: different eruption types, ages, and subsequent weathering produce landscapes ranging from fresh, sharp aa lava that looks like a collapsed building site to ancient, moss-covered pahoehoe fields so textured and soft-looking that they appear photoshopped. Understanding the vocabulary of Iceland's lava landscape transforms how you perceive the country's dominant terrain feature.

Types of Lava

Aa lava (sharp, rough, chaotic) forms when lava cools and solidifies while moving — the surface breaks into sharp fragments as the interior continues to flow. Walking on fresh aa lava is genuinely painful and slow. The newer lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula, from the 2021-present eruption series, are excellent examples — black and jagged, with no vegetation. Pahoehoe lava (smooth, ropey, flowing surface patterns) forms when lava moves slowly and the surface cools continuously. Iceland's older lava fields are pahoehoe, now colonised by moss.

Reykjanes Active Eruptions

The Reykjanes Peninsula has been experiencing a series of volcanic eruptions since March 2021. Fresh lava fields from these eruptions are accumulating around the Svartsengi geothermal power station area (the same power station that heats the Blue Lagoon). The eruption site has been accessible to visitors during active periods — tours operate from Reykjavik to the fresh lava field. Check current volcanic status at vedur.is before planning a Reykjanes visit.

The Reykjanes Eruptions

The Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a series of volcanic eruptions since March 2021 — the first eruptive activity on the peninsula in 800 years. The eruptions have occurred near Fagradalsfjall and subsequently near the Svartsengi system, creating fresh lava fields that accumulate progressively. These eruptions are accessible to visitors during active phases — guided lava field tours from Reykjavik operate when flows are safely viewable, typically within 30 to 60 minutes of the city. The fresh lava is distinctly different from Iceland's ancient, moss-covered fields: sharp, black, still warm in places, with a chemical smell and visible cooling steam from cracks in the surface. Check vedur.is and icelandicvolcanos.is for current eruption status before planning a visit.

Moss and Lava

Iceland's ancient lava fields — particularly the Eldhraun field east of Vik (the 1783 Laki eruption) — are completely covered in a continuous carpet of Racomitrium lmoss. This moss is Iceland's most visually distinctive ground-level feature and one of its most ecologically fragile. The moss grows approximately 1 millimetre per year; a footprint in the moss takes 30 to 50 years to recover. Walking off marked paths in lava fields is prohibited and enforced. The Eldhraun moss carpet extends for 560 square kilometres — the single largest coverage of this moss type in the world.

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