How Vikings Managed Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland: A Historical Insight

Iceland, a land forged by fire and ice, has once again demonstrated its resilience and ingenuity in the face of nature’s formidable forces. The eruption at Sundhnúksgígar on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which began in November 2024 and saw renewed activity in early 2025, posed a significant threat to vital infrastructure, including the Svartsengi geothermal power plant and the renowned Blue Lagoon resort. Yet through groundbreaking lava-cooling techniques and the rapid construction of protective barriers, Icelanders have successfully safeguarded their communities and natural resources.

A Battle Against Lava: Protecting Icelandic Infrastructure

The lava flow threatened key infrastructure supplying hot water and electricity to all residents and businesses in the Suðurnes region, including Keflavík International Airport. In response, HS Veitur, the regional utility provider, urged locals to conserve hot water and maintain indoor heating. Simultaneously, civil defense teams worked around the clock, raising dikes and launching lava-cooling operations to slow and redirect the molten advance.

According to Helgi Hjörleifsson, head of the lava-cooling team, seawater has once again been used effectively—just as it was during the 1973 eruption of Eldfell on Heimaey Island, when similar methods saved the town’s harbor and fishing industry. This historic technique, refined over decades, has proven successful once again: no significant rise in lava height has been observed at the defensive barriers.

A Modern Approach to Volcanic Threats

Today, Iceland’s civil protection strategies combine cutting-edge geoscience, real-time data monitoring, and centuries of local knowledge. Seawater pumped from the Atlantic is sprayed on lava fronts to cool and solidify them before they can reach critical infrastructure. Recent aerial drone footage confirmed that these efforts have so far stabilized the situation near Grindavík and Svartsengi.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported a decline in activity within the central crater of Sundhnúksgígar as of early April 2025. However, volcanic gases continue to affect air quality in Grindavík and surrounding coastal areas. Authorities advise residents and travelers to monitor live updates on air quality via the Environment Agency’s official site, Loftgæði.is.

Lessons From the Past, Innovations for the Future

Iceland’s ability to confront and control the natural forces beneath its feet is deeply rooted in its history. This is a country where eruptions are not rare events, but part of daily life and identity. From medieval sagas to modern geothermal engineering, Icelanders have adapted and innovated to live in harmony with their land.

The ongoing efforts on the Reykjanes Peninsula serve as a powerful reminder of this legacy. What some may call chaos, Iceland calls opportunity—an opportunity to prove, once again, that resilience, cooperation, and science can tame the fury of a volcano.

Experience It Firsthand With 2Go Iceland Travel

For those seeking to witness the raw power of volcanic activity and the brilliance of human adaptation, there’s no better destination than Iceland. The Reykjanes Peninsula—with its steaming vents, black lava fields, and now-famous cooled dikes—offers a striking glimpse into the dance between earth and fire.

2Go Iceland Travel offers private volcano tours, guided by local experts who know the land, the science, and the stories. Step into Iceland’s dynamic geological world, walk on freshly formed lava fields, and learn how the modern-day Vikings are still cooling volcanoes.

👉🏻 Book your volcano tour in Iceland today and discover the powerful connection between nature, history, and innovation.