Ever wanted to visit the place where the infamous April 2010 volcanic eruption happened? The one that stranded thousands of travelers worldwide and threw everything from air travel to the global economy into chaos? Meet Eyjafjallajökull, the Icelandic volcano whose name went viral 12 years ago and hasn’t waned in popularity since.

About Eyjafjallajökull

Pronounced “ay-yah-fyah-lah-yer-kuh-t’l”, Eyjafjallajökull is the name of both a stratovolcano and the glacier that covers it. Situated in the south of Iceland, it is part of the country’s so-called Southern Zone, which is home to the bulk of the country’s population and commercial activity.

The volcano, which last erupted in 2010, lies 125 kilometers (78 miles) east of the capital, Reykjavik. It stands at 1,651 meters (5,417 feet) tall and rests on a 100-square-kilometer (39-square-mile) expanse. It is particularly known for its explosive eruptions, which are powerful enough to send ash, smoke, and gas high into the atmosphere.

The 2010 Eyjafjallajökull Eruption

The most recent volcanic eruption of Eyjafjallajökull began on March 20, 2010. A series of intense explosions over the next few weeks forced the evacuation of 800 people living within a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius of the volcano.

The ash plume from the eruption quickly spread across Europe, disrupting air travel. Thousands of flights were canceled, leaving millions of passengers stranded. The eruption also caused problems for agriculture and transportation.

How to Get to Eyjafjallajökull

The easiest way to get to Eyjafjallajökull is to drive. The volcano is located off the Ring Road, the main road that circles Iceland. From Reykjavik, take the Ring Road east for about 125 kilometers (78 miles). Then, turn south onto Road 249 and follow it for about 20 kilometers (12 miles). The volcano will be on your right.

Things to Do Near Eyjafjallajökull

If you’re visiting Eyjafjallajökull, there are a number of other things to see and do in the area. Here are a few ideas:
–Hike to the top of Eyjafjallajökull: This is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The hike takes about 5 hours round trip.
–Visit the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre: This center provides information about the volcano and its history. It also has a café and a gift shop.
–Take a boat tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: This lagoon is home to a variety of icebergs, which calve off from the glacier and drift out to sea.
–Visit the Skógafoss Waterfall: This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. It is 60 meters (197 feet) tall and 25 meters (82 feet) wide.

Conclusion

Eyjafjallajökull is a fascinating place to visit, with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, or simply seeing some of Iceland’s most beautiful scenery, Eyjafjallajökull will not disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

–Q: How do you pronounce Eyjafjallajökull?
A: It is pronounced “ay-yah-fyah-lah-yer-kuh-t’l”.

–Q: When was the last eruption of Eyjafjallajökull?
A: The last eruption was in 2010.

–Q: How many people were evacuated during the 2010 eruption?
A: About 800 people were evacuated.

–Q: How far is Eyjafjallajökull from Reykjavik?
A: Eyjafjallajökull is located 125 kilometers (78 miles) east of Reykjavik.

–Q: What are some things to do near Eyjafjallajökull?
A: You can hike to the top of Eyjafjallajökull, visit the Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Centre, take a boat tour of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or visit the Skógafoss Waterfall.