You might be familiar with Iceland’s famous 2023 volcanic eruption in Iceland. Often shooting lava hundreds of feet into the sky, the eruption of Litli-Hrútur Mountain captivated the world, especially visitors to Iceland who were looking to see volcanic activity.

The good news? You can still visit the almost lunar landscape that was created from the half-mile long fissure today – despite the fact that the eruption itself is over. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Litli-Hrútur Mountain.

Can you see a volcano eruption now at Litli-Hrútur Mountain?

At the present moment (21 March 2024), there is no on-going eruption at Litli-Hrútur Mountain,The eruption lasted about six months and fizzled out in December of 2023.

But we have ONE ongoing volcano eruption happening close to the town of Grindavik, between Hagafell Mountain and Stóra Skógfell Mountain.

As with many of Iceland’s volcanoes, there is certainly a possibility that it will erupt again in the future. You can check recent and current eruptions and earthquakes on Iceland’s official website.

Intro to the Litli Hrutur Mountain in Iceland

A volcanic eruption in July of 2023 made Litli-Hrútur, and the surrounding Fagradalsfjall volcanic area, famous. Lots of small earthquakes preceded the eruption at Litli-Hrútur, alerting locals of the impending natural disaster – and wonder. Eventually, a large fissure appeared, where lava oozed and erupted out of in a stunning display of magma.

Many visitors flocked to Iceland to see the eruption, which could be seen from hundreds of miles away. Hiking trails were quickly developed that still wind through the volcanic scenery, offering a glimpse at what a fresh eruption looks like.

A photo of the volcano eruption in Iceland 2021

Where is Litli-Hrútur Mountain?

Litli-Hrútur Mountain is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwestern area of Iceland. This is the same region of Iceland where you’ll find the Blue Lagoon and the country’s main airport in Keflavik. The capital, Reykjavik isn’t far away which makes this a great days road trip for those up for a hike.

The Map of Litli-Hrútur Mountain- Fagradalsfjall area

Here, you’ll find an interactive Google Map of this area – prepared by Visit Reykjanes Iceland.

How to get to Litli-Hrútur Mountain?

Getting to Litli-Hrútur Mountain isn’t difficult but it does require some careful planning beforehand. You’ll need to rent a car as no public transportation goes out to this area. Follow Route 41 south from Reykjavik before turning onto Road 427 and parking in either the P1 or P2 lots. Please be reminded that these parking are NOT free, you’ll need to pay for parking when visiting the area.

Once you’ve parked, several hiking trails lead to the mountain and lava flows. Most of these hikes take hours and aren’t for the fainthearted.

Best rental car option for this trip

You’ll need to rent a 4×4 SUV to reach Litli-Hrútur Mountain. Gravel roads, also known as F roads, are the only way to get out to the nearby parking lots and hiking paths.

Keep in mind that you cannot stray from these gravel roads as offroading in Iceland is strictly forbidden and can result in hefty fines and even jail time. It’s possible that weather conditions could make reaching Litli-Hrútur’s parking lots impossible.

Why rent a car in Iceland with Firefly Iceland?

Choosing Firefly Car Rental Iceland is like finding a hidden treasure in the land of fire and ice. We know your adventures shouldn’t cost a fortune, which is why our prices are as friendly as a warm hug on a chilly Icelandic morning. But don’t let our cheap rates fool you – every car in our fleet is like a trusty steed, ready to gallop you across breathtaking landscapes with reliability and comfort.

With Firefly, you get the best of both worlds: pocket-friendly prices without compromising on the quality of your ride. It’s our way of making sure your Icelandic journey is as smooth as the country’s famous volcanic glass – all without breaking the bank.

Safety rules you need to know when visiting

If you decide to visit Litli-Hrútur Mountain to see the beautiful landscapes and hardened lava flows be sure to follow safety precautions when visiting Iceland. Here are a few things to keep in mind…

• Check Iceland’s official websites, like road.is and vedur.is, to make sure that Litli-Hrútur Mountain is open, accessible, and that the weather will be safe at the time of your visit.
•  Always follow the marked trails when hiking.
  • New lava flows, even when cooled, can be unstable, create deep fissures in the earth, and cause injury despite appearing to be solidified. Do not stray from the designated walking path.
• Although there is no current eruption, should another one begin in the area you’ll need to be weary of poisonous gases.
• Avoid walking on the Lava

Visit Litli Hrútur Mountain

Seeing even the remnants of volcanic activity can be an exciting addition to your trip to the Land of Fire and Ice. Plan ahead by checking Iceland’s official websites and renting a 4×4 rental car through Firefly Iceland Car Rentals. Our wonderful associates are there to answer any of your questions and help you choose the perfect vehicle for you and your trip.