BardarbungaBardarbunga at a Glance
About Bardarbunga
Bárðarbunga is a large subglacial stratovolcano located under the Vatnajökull ice cap in central Iceland, with a summit elevation around 2,009 meters. It is one of Iceland’s most prominent volcanic systems and contains a substantial caldera.
The surrounding highland landscape offers glacial scenery, volcanic moraine fields and views of the Vatnajökull ice cap from safe distances. Scientific visitors and guided tours focus on seismology, glaciology and recent lava-field formations produced by rifting events.
Bárðarbunga has produced repeated eruptions throughout the Holocene and is part of a rift zone where magma intrudes laterally as well as vertically. The 2014-2015 rifting event produced extensive lava flows at the Holuhraun fissure and drew global scientific attention because of its scale and gas emissions.
The volcano sits beneath central Iceland’s ice cap within the interior highlands, north of the main Vatnajökull dome and away from coastal settlements. Access is via highland routes and guided excursions from regional bases in northern and eastern Iceland.
- Summit and caldera: The volcano lies beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap and has a caldera; the summit elevation of Bárðarbunga is about 2,009 meters above sea level.
- Recent activity: A major 2014-2015 rifting event produced the Holuhraun fissure eruption, notable for large lava flows and high sulfur dioxide emissions rather than a large explosive ash cloud.
Best Time to Visit Bardarbunga
Best visited in summer for safer access and longer daylight; always check Icelandic Met Office advisories for volcanic activity.
Weather & Climate near Bardarbunga
Bardarbunga's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -12°C to 1°C. Abundant rainfall (1800 mm/year), wettest in January, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -7° | -22° | 177 mm | overcast | 98% | 20.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -11° - -8° | -23° | 167 mm | overcast | 98% | 20.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -10° | -25° | 162 mm | overcast | 98% | 19.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -12° - -8° | -23° | 108 mm | overcast | 97% | 17.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | -7° - -5° | -17° | 107 mm | overcast | 95% | 15.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 18.2h |
| June | Poor | -4° - -1° | -12° | 126 mm | overcast | 95% | 13.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 20.4h |
| July | Poor | -2° - 1° | -9° | 133 mm | overcast | 97% | 13.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | -2° - 0° | -9° | 158 mm | overcast | 96% | 13.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | -5° - -3° | -14° | 153 mm | overcast | 97% | 15.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -9° - -6° | -19° | 177 mm | overcast | 97% | 16.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -11° - -7° | -22° | 160 mm | overcast | 98% | 18.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -7° | -23° | 172 mm | overcast | 98% | 18.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Bardarbunga
Access is typically from the Ring Road north of Vatnajökull and then by F-roads or guided tours into the highlands. Conditions require a 4x4 vehicle and local guidance; check road and activity reports from the Icelandic Met Office.
Tips for Visiting Bardarbunga
- Check current volcanic activity reports before planning hikes-conditions can change rapidly.
- For safer viewpoints, use established routes and local guides; glaciers and ice fields can be treacherous.
- Bring layered clothing; Icelandic weather is notoriously changeable and wind can be severe at higher elevations.