5 Safety Tips For Touring Iceland's Volcanoes

Photo by Toby Elliott on Unsplash

Iceland's location between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Arctic Circle makes it one of the most geologically active places on Earth, with over 200 volcanoes scattered throughout the island's interior. While this offers unique opportunities to study this type of phenomena up close, it also makes it necessary to be aware of safety tips when visiting some of these active volcanoes. Follow these six safety tips for touring Iceland's volcanoes and enjoy your trip in one of Europe's most beautiful countries.

1) Know When the Sun Will Set

Know when the sun will set and use that as a measure of how long you should stay at a given spot. So if you're interested in going for volcano tours, for example, make sure to keep an eye on the sky to see when it'll get dark enough to leave. Always check the road conditions before setting out into off-road territory.

2) Dress Appropriately for Extreme Weather

Always be prepared for inclement weather conditions with proper outerwear. Any time you step outside, expect to find a different climate than what you're used to. This includes rain and wind as well as extreme cold in the winter. Bring an umbrella or waterproof coat (for rainy days), warm clothes, hat, scarf, gloves, and boots if it snows (between October and April). Be sure to pack extra snacks and water just in case your tour takes longer than anticipated or goes off-road due to weather conditions.

3) Take an Icelandic Guide

Safety is of utmost importance when visiting an active volcano, and an Icelandic guide would be the best person to help you understand how to navigate Iceland safely. That said, if you're venturing out to one of these fiery peaks, let these tips be your guide:

• Make sure to tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. 

• Keep your eyes on the path in front of you; stay off the rim and away from any crater edge. 

• Carry a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries. 

• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat-it'll protect your skin from burning even more than normal.

4) Bring Lots of Water

Iceland is a hot, humid place in the summer and you'll need lots of water to stay hydrated. You should also drink lots of fluids before going to sleep at night because it's easy to wake up thirsty in the middle of the night in a cold climate. Avoid wearing clothing that constricts or limits your range of motion when hiking. This includes hats, scarves, and coats that are too tight around your neck or waist. Make sure any high-heeled shoes you wear have good traction on slippery surfaces. 

5) Use PPE Properly

It is important to be prepared for any emergency situation. Whether it is a natural disaster or something else, you will want to ensure that you have the right equipment on hand. You should dress in layers and carry a rain jacket just in case your plans get interrupted by rain or snow. Make sure you have enough supplies to last at least three days if an emergency happens. Additionally, know where the nearest hospital is located so that if anything happens, you can quickly seek medical attention.