LakiLaki at a Glance
About Laki
Laki is a volcanic fissure system in southern Iceland famous for the catastrophic 1783-1784 eruption that produced extensive lava flows and large gas emissions. The eruption is one of the largest basaltic fissure events in recorded history and had far-reaching environmental effects.
The fissure eruption created a long row of craters and vast lava fields known as Lakagígar, which are a distinctive highland landscape and a subject of geological study. The event had severe local impacts in Iceland and measurable climatic and atmospheric effects across Europe and beyond.
The Laki fissure is part of Iceland’s volcanic systems and lies in a remote highland area where access is by highland roads and tracked routes; conditions can be rough and weather-dependent.
It is located in southern Iceland within the broader volcanic zone associated with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and nearby ice caps.
- 1783-84 Eruption: The Laki fissure produced a major basaltic eruption in 1783-1784 that released large volumes of lava and gases and had significant climatic and environmental impacts across Europe.
- Lakagígar Craters: The eruption created extensive lava fields and a line of craters known as Lakagígar, which remain a visible landscape feature in the highlands of southern Iceland.
Best Time to Visit Laki
Summer is the sensible season for visiting Laki's fissure system; roads and weather are most cooperative then.
Weather & Climate near Laki
Laki's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -6°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1584 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -1° | -11° | 143 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.0h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -2° | -11° | 142 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.2h |
| March | Poor | -6° - -2° | -12° | 133 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -5° - 1° | -9° | 102 mm | overcast | 90% | 7.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.9h |
| May | Poor | 0° - 5° | -3° | 108 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 18.2h |
| June | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 112 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 20.4h |
| July | Poor | 5° - 12° | 5° | 113 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.3h |
| August | Poor | 5° - 11° | 4° | 150 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.1h |
| September | Poor | 2° - 6° | -1° | 138 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -2° - 2° | -5° | 160 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| November | Poor | -5° - 0° | -9° | 136 mm | overcast | 93% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.0h |
| December | Poor | -6° - -1° | -10° | 147 mm | overcast | 93% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 3.6h |
How to Get to Laki
Laki lies in the southern Highlands of Iceland and is accessible via F-roads from Route 1; travel typically requires a 4x4 vehicle and favorable weather. Many visitors join guided tours from the southern coast (Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur) that include transport and local expertise.
Tips for Visiting Laki
- Laki's fissures are remote - use a 4x4 and local guides for safer access.
- Respect private land and grazing areas when approaching by road.
- The landscape is stark and exposed; plan fuel and supplies carefully as services are sparse.