When you think of Iceland, volcanoes come to mind, despite the country being very active in this sense the eruptions are rarely very destructive, often under 3 of the Richter scale. Iceland’s volcanic activity is triggered by being on the Eurasian and North American tectonic plate borders, and actually Iceland is tearing apart at the pace of a growing fingernail.

Iceland hit the news in 2010 when Eyjafjallajökull erupted and essentially closed all flights in Europe. What made this eruption so disruptive wasn’t the power behind it (which was surprisingly small considering the chaos it caused) but actually the ash. The explosion occurred underneath a glacier releasing smaller pieces that lingered in the atmosphere, spreading further than normal – usually the ash is bigger and drops back to earth quickly which is why bigger eruptions may not affect flight plans with even minor delays. Tours can be taken to the top of the glacier which makes for a brilliant day out.

Another famous volcano in Iceland is the Katla Volcano in the south. Katla was a controversial subject in the news in 2018 after scientists had been misquoted about it’s activity status with worrying headlines claiming Katla would have an extremely powerful eruption very soon. Volcanoes have a certain level of unpredictability however scientists believe it unlikely to erupt very soon and are monitoring any changes. One thing to say about Katla is that has an amazing view of the Highlands and the ice cave hiding nearby.

Volcanoes, despite their obvious hazard are great attractions to see, it is unlikely that you will be in Iceland during a larger volcanic eruption (and we certainly would not recommend visiting that volcano) but if you are a regular visitor to Iceland you will see how the surrounding land changes the raw power that Mother Nature has to offer.

Best rental car for seeing a volcano in Iceland

Rent the 4wd land rover defender in Iceland

Land Rover Defender Plug-in Hybrid or similar | Automatic | 4×4

PFAI | Group: L6 (PFAI)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for highlands, Please read the Terms & Conditions. You must be 25 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Hybrid
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 77 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
rent a tesla model Y in Iceland

Tesla Model Y or similar | Automatic | 4×4

UGDC | Group: V1 (UGDC)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 4 Large Luggage
  • Electric
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Traction Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
new Dacia Duster rental car in Iceland

Dacia Duster or similar| Manual | 4×4

CFMN | Group: E2 (CFMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 139 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
KIA Sportage or similar| automatic | 4x4

KIA Sportage or similar| Manual | 4×4

IFMN | Group: F (IFMN)

  • 5 Seats
  • Manual
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 3 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 150 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Land cruiser 5 seater rental in Iceland

5 seats Toyota Land Cruiser or similar| Automatic | 4×4

FFAR | Group: I (FFAR)

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

Suitable for the highlands. Please read Terms & Conditions. You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle.

Additional Features
  • 5 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 251 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags
Discovery land rover rental car in Iceland

Land Rover Discovery or similar | Automatic | 4×4

LFAV | Group: R6 LFAV

  • 5 Seats
  • Automatic
  • Airconditioning
  • 5 Doors

This vehicle is NOT allowed in the highlands F-roads You must be 23 years of age to drive this vehicle

Additional Features
  • 5 Large Luggage
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • 4 Wheel Drive
  • 223 C02 g/km
  • Adjustable Steering
  • Cruise Control
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Power Steering
  • Power Windows
  • Remote Locking
  • Airbags