Eldhraun Lava Field

Unveiling the Mysteries of Eldhraun Lava Field

Stretching across an expansive 565 square km (220 square mi), Eldhraun lava field in Iceland stands as the world’s largest of its kind, now adorned with a serene cloak of soft green moss. However, if you could transport yourself to the period between June 1783 and February 1784, you would witness a dramatically different landscape.

During the 8-month-long Laki eruption, a colossal volcanic event, rivers of lava surged from the Lakagígar fissures, altering the course of the Skaftá river. The lava, guided by a network of lava tubes, spread across a vast expanse, shaping the distinctive contours of Eldhraun.

The eruption not only unleashed torrents of lava but also expelled toxic ash and gases, triggering crop failures across the Northern Hemisphere. The resulting hardships and food shortages are believed to have played a role in the socio-political landscape, contributing to the unrest that culminated in the 1789 French Revolution.

To explore the Eldhraun lava fields, navigate between the villages of Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur in South Iceland. Along the journey along the south coast, glimpse the captivating expanse of the lava fields from the Ring Road (Route 1). For an immersive encounter with this otherworldly terrain, detour into the Eldhraun parking lot, where NASA once used the area as a training ground for astronauts in the 1960s.

During your visit, exercise caution, as walking on the lava fields is prohibited. Despite their rugged appearance, the surface remains unstable, and the delicate wooly fringe moss, an integral part of this ancient lava landscape, requires nearly a century to regenerate if damaged. Eldhraun stands not only as a geological marvel but also as a testament to the profound impact of volcanic forces on Earth’s narrative.