Skip to main content

Katla

Active1450 m
Road loading…Weather loading…
Navigate
DirectionsNavigate
VolcanoSouth Coast

Katla

South CoastActive1450 m

About

Katla is an active subglacial volcano in southern Iceland. This volcano has been very active historically with at least twenty documented major eruptions since 2920 BC.

You can feel the heat in some spots. A reminder that Iceland sits on one of Earth's most active volcanic zones.

This volcano has been very active historically with at least twenty documented major eruptions since 2920 BC. In its recent history though, Katla has been less active as the last major eruption occurred in 1918. These eruptions have had a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of between 4 and 5 on a scale of 0 to 8.

Follow marked paths in active geothermal areas. The ground can be unstable or concealing scalding water beneath a thin crust.

Map of Katla

Map

63.6300°N, 19.0500°W · South Coast

Plan your visit

Elevation
1,450 m above sea level
Off the main road
19.5 km from Route 1
Distance from Reykjavík
153 km in a straight line
What else is close
173 mapped places within 20 km

Katla weather and conditions

Last updated

-1°Csnow · feels -12°C16 m/sgusts 229 h 54 mdaylight · 08:05 – 17:59
In season now · Winter in IcelandSolheimajokull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hikefrom 31.381 ISK · 4 hAll 1,648 tours

Photos & videos

No verified videos yet — we only show footage confirmed to be Katla, no lookalikes. Search YouTube

Nearby

Fuel

  1. 1Vík í Mýrdal24 km · 309.9 kr/L
  2. 2Kirkjubæjarklaustur53 km · 310.9 kr/L
  3. 3Hvolsvöllur60 km · 310.9 kr/L
All fuel →

Supermarkets

  1. 1Krónan24 km
  2. 2Gvendarkjör52 km
  3. 3Bónus64 km
All supermarkets →

Frequently
asked
questions

Is it safe to visit Katla?
Katla is listed as an active volcano. Whether you can approach it depends entirely on current conditions — during an eruption, authorities set an exclusion zone and you must never cross a closure line. Check safetravel.is and the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) before you go, and follow all official instructions on site.
How do I get to Katla?
Katla is in South Coast. Check live road conditions on this page before you drive — highland access often needs a 4×4 and some routes only open in summer.
Can I hike Katla?
It depends on the volcano and current activity. Some Icelandic cones have short marked trails to the rim; others sit under glaciers or in closed areas and cannot be climbed without a guide. Never approach an active eruption unless the official viewing area is open — conditions change fast.
What should I know about volcanic gas near Katla?
Volcanic and geothermal areas can release sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, which are toxic in high concentrations and collect in low-lying spots. Stay on marked paths, leave immediately if you smell strong sulphur or feel unwell, and check the Met Office gas forecasts during any eruption.

Data & sources

Everything on this page comes from the sources below. Live feeds refresh automatically.

Spotted an error, or have something to add? Help us keep this page accurate.