No itinerary is complete without visiting Iceland’s Eldhraun lava fields or Iceland lava fields as sometimes to. Eldhraun is the largest lava flow in the world. These moss covered lava fields in Iceland are a must see. Located near Kirkjubæjarklaustur village in South Iceland, this amazing must-see was created during the Laki eruption in the late 18th century. The volcano which erupted between 1783 and 1784 releasing a total of 14.7 km3 of lava from a 25-km-long fissure now covers around 560 square kilometers of beautiful moss covered lava fields in Iceland.
I wish I had taken my drone to really capture the vastness of the Iceland lava fields. I was going to wait until November to do a series on my trip to Iceland but each time I look at the pictures I get so excited and lose all patience with my planned schedule of posts so I thought I would get it out of my system and share the magical world Iceland’s Eldraun moss covered Lava Field.
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CONTENTS
- 1 Iceland’s Eldraun Lava Fields | Visiting Moss Covered Lava Fields In Iceland
- 2 Why A Visit To The Magical Iceland Lava Fields Is A Must
- 3 Eldhraun Lava Fields | From Lava to Moss in 8 Months
- 4 How To Get To Iceland Lava Fields In South Iceland | Location Of The Lava Fields
- 5 Can You Walk On Lava Fields In Iceland?
- 6 Tours and Day Trips To Eldhraun From Reykjavik
- 7 Where To Stay In Iceland | Places And Hotels Near Iceland I Lava Fields
Iceland’s Eldraun Lava Fields | Visiting Moss Covered Lava Fields In Iceland
Why A Visit To The Magical Iceland Lava Fields Is A Must
Eldhraun Lava Fields | From Lava to Moss in 8 Months
Within less than a year the area where the lava had settled began to dress the lava and cover the sins and violent past of Laki eruptions with moss. Laki is the volcanic system in the same south-eastern part of Iceland where eruptions that brought flights to a standstill in 2010 is. Living people stranded around Europe as the ash clouds proved too dangerous to fly in. As deadly as the eruptions were, we now have this beautiful site as a reminder of the past.
The moss covers volcanic rocks some of which are immobile and sharp so you have to take great care when walking around on it as well as not to walk too far because you just don’t know what is underneath and whether there are any holes or gaps in the rocks.
Another interesting factor to the Iceland lava fields in that Apollo 11 crew trained in Iceland, on the “assumption was that on the Moon we would encounter tectonic formations principally, or remnants of volcanic and tectonic lava flows, that sort of thing.” Although Icelandic tourism websites say that they trained in Eldhraun or lava fields, I have yet to find any NASA online documents confirming specific areas where Apollo 11 crew trained.
Whether or not they did, this is one place you have to experience in Iceland. Well, that’s in addition to the crazy and out of this tiny world wonders that can be found on this small island.
For tours to Eldraun Lava fields and other tours in Iceland check out Get Your Guide.
How To Get To Iceland Lava Fields In South Iceland | Location Of The Lava Fields
Eldhraun Parking For lava fields In Iceland
In terms of locating Eldhraun parking area, there aren’t parking spaces as you can see Edhraun moss covered lava fields in Iceland from the Ring Road. You have roads that lead away from the Ring Road. Things dont really have any markings or names on the roads but you can turn into them and explore around like we did.
You are able to park alongside the road and explore. These are dirt roads, bear in mind that they are single track so if you are going to park make sure you pick a spot that is wide so as not to block the road in any direction anyone that may be coming in or leaving the area.
Can You Walk On Lava Fields In Iceland?
If self-driving the Ring Road in Iceland is not an option for you then definitely look for tours that will also include a stop to explore the area with Eldhraun lava fields.
Where To Stay In Iceland | Places And Hotels Near Iceland I Lava Fields
The nearest places to stay nearby are Eldhraun Holiday Home, Eldhraun Guesthouse, HunKubakker Guesthouse and Hotel Laki. These are all about 5-7 miles away from the Eldhraun lava fields but bear in mind that the fields cover miles and miles so these properties may be closer to the starting points of the fields.
For the rest of the list of properties close click here.
This place is incredible! And these photos just pop. Gorgeous! I have heard so much about the moss covered lava fields Iceland has but never saw them captured this beautifully. Looks like they are worth a visit.
Amazing scenes! I wonder if these are the same lava fields near Reykjavik that was drove past. We will definitely have to get the eldhraun lava field gps because I definitely wouldnt want to miss out on visiting eldhraun iceland lava fields for sure!
The richness of the color is amazing. I did Reykjavik in 2005. Didn't get to see as much as I wanted. Definitely plan on going back. Thank goodness you provided details of getting to eldhraun lava field as I need to see this place when I am next back in Iceland I'm jealous. ?
I love the contrast of the green hills with your tropical skirt! Yep eldhraun iceland is one magical place that really needs to be on a list of places to visit in Iceland.
Maya Not Mya
Magical is the appropriate word. Enchanting! I dont think I have actually heard of eldhraun lava field in Iceland. Definitely looks like I need to add this place to my Iceland itinerary.
We are visiting Iceland summer next year and wanted to know if you know of any tours in Iceland that have eldhraun lava fields on the tour itinerary? Otherwise, do you know if we are able to find this moss fields if we opt to drive yourself by rental car?
Eldhraun Iceland is definitely going on my itinerary, and I imagine the lava fields will be the first thing I see. It has to be a spectacular sight, the vastness of the vegetation-covered fields and all. It’s interesting that the Apollo 11 crew may have trained there. That surely attests to the environment. Thanks for sharing!
Oh my God your pictures are beautiful! I have read quite a few Iceland do’s and don ts and I don’t think you are allowed to be on the moss. Do you know if you can walk on lava fields? Also just reading about how old is the moss and how long does it take for moss to grow I am not sure you should step on it?
Hi Andrea, from the pictures it might seem as if we were dancing around the moss lava fields but the stability underneath does not allow you walk very far without fear that the lava beneath might either give way or the possibility of some sinkhole. It’s really the trick of the camera but we were no more than 2 or 3 steps away from the road. Also, there were no signage around. As this wasn’t really on our radar nor our itinerary we hadn’t done any research on any Iceland do’s and dont’s around the Iceland lava fields. Also we were generally really careful around where we step because the rocks underneath are very unstable. #weknowbetterfornexttime
Actually, there are signs everywhere asking you not to touch the moss or walk on the moss. Even one step on the moss causes damage that will take decades to repair. There are pull offs to see the Eldhraun lava field Iceland and there is an area on the far East side of the field that is roped off allowing you to walk on the rocks. Many on the Iceland lava fields tour are told not to walk on them.
After I saw this post I bookmarked it because there was no way we were going to visit the land of fire and ice without stopping by to check out Iceland moss fields. Like you said we could see Iceland lava fields from the Ring Road so it was fairly easy to for a quick stop the photo ops of course that ensued.
Haha now you know exactly how I felt when we spotted the lava fields in Iceland. Yes, to more photo ops in Iceland.
Bianca, this looks surreal, I had no clue Eldhraun lava field even existed, this is a photographer’s dream! Also, talk about being dressed appropriate, that skirts really pops out; I’m almost always in jeans so my pics don’t always look so cool… I am adding this place to my list of places to visit in Iceland.
Yes, Eldhraun lava field is such a unique and amazing place to visit in Iceland. I was in absolute awe everywhere we looked. This please was up there with one of the best places we visited in Iceland. You definitely have to visit Eldhraun lava field.
These are stunning pictures. I have been trying to figure out the name of these green lava fields in Iceland. I always just referred to them as Mossy lava rocks in South Iceland. I am planning a trip to Iceland and I have this place on my bucketlist. This is apparently one of the largest lava field in the world. Your shots of Eldhraun lava field Iceland are just beautiful I cannot take my eyes of each and every single one. I really cannot wait to visit this place when I am in Iceland. Thanks for your tips on how to find the Lava Fields in Iceland.
Aww, thank you so much. Yes, the moss field Iceland are one big ‘ol amazing must see in Iceland. Eldhraun lava field Iceland. Make sure you visit this place without fail.
I think that by publishing these photos you encourage people to jump around the mossy lava field and destroy even more than you did when you were there. I did read that you mention the fact that walking on there is strictly prohibited, but I would like it a lot if you made it more of a point that one should please leave the moss alone, for it takes decades to heal!