The vast Eldhraun lava field (“Fire Lava“), in the south of the Icelandic highlands, was created during the Lakagigar crater eruption. It's one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history and is the largest of its kind in the world.
Visit Eldhraun lava field on a self drive tour in Iceland.
Why You Can Trust Our Content
Guide to Iceland is the most trusted travel platform in Iceland, helping millions of visitors each year. All our content is written and reviewed by local experts who are deeply familiar with Iceland. You can count on us for accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy travel advice.
This eruption lasted from 1783 to 1784 and is known as the Skaftáreldar (The Skaftá River Fires). This was a cataclysmic event for Iceland and beyond. In Iceland, it lead to disease, crop failure and disasters.
The eruption affected Europe as well. In Great Britain, that summer is known as the Sand-Summer due to the fallout of ash, and it is believed that the airborne haze and blocking of sunlight may have contributed to the French Revolution.
Despite the abysmal effect the eruption had, this lava field of 565 km2 is today one of the most stunningly attractive ones in Iceland.
The area features one of the most magnificent lava tube systems in the country, located north of the Lake Laufbalavatn. More than 200 caves have been found there, extending for more than five kilometers and 14 cu. meters.
