Updated 14th of May 2010
All Icelandic Mountain Guides' tours are on schedule and we have a new eruption tour.
The eruption in the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier has stabilized down to only a small portion of its former strength. The glacier around the eruption has melted so the risk of floods from the eruption is over and the ash fall is limited to a small area around the eruption. As a result of this the inhabited area around the volcano, including all of Icelandic Mountain Guides' operation area, has been designated safe. Our glacier walks on the nearby Sólheimajökull glacier are therefor all back on schedule, with the added bonus of seeing the eruption on the way in good visibility. Driving through the area where the ash fall has been is quite a sight, many of the formerly green pastures have been blanketed by centimeters of volcanic ash. The eruption and the ash fall areas are visible on our day tours Walk Through Ice and Fire and Take a Walk on The Ice Side.
The glacier walks in Skaftafell and the day tours from Reykjavík are also all on schedule as these areas were never affected by the eruption. International and domestic flights are back on schedule both at the Keflavík International Airport and the Reykjavík Airport.
Our overnight tours were never affected and will all run on schedule this summer.
Icelandic Mountain Guides are now running a new eruption tour named Volcano View - Bus and Horseback Riding Tour. The tour sets out from the base of the volcano on the sturdy Icelandic Horse and scales up the slopes of the volcano. From a high viewpoint up on the volcano we will be able to view the eruption from as close as safely possible.
The Super Jeep part if Icelandic Mountain Guides, named Iceland Rovers is offering multiple tours to the eruption. A good overview of their eruption tours can be found on the Iceland Rovers Eruption Tour Overview.
We remind you that eruptions are quite common in Iceland and we are well prepared. This eruption has received more international media attention than previous eruptions as it affected international flights. However since Icelandic Mountain Guides was established in 1994 we have had six eruptions to deal with and none have caused us much trouble.
Hoping to see you with us soon,
The Icelandic Mountain Guide's Team
Icelandic Tourist Council Eruption Notice
This is an official notice from the Icelandic Tourist Council about the eruption in Iceland and it's effect on day to day life in Iceland as well as tourism.
Last updated 14.05.2010 16:00 GMT
In light of the ash distribution forecast for today, there are restrictions on air traffic through Keflavik and Reykjavik airports. But there are four international airports in Iceland and air traffic can be directed to the others.
Flight schedule is also subject to weather conditions and can therefore change swiftly. Passengers are asked to follow closely the websites listed below for latest information.
Travelling to Iceland is perfectly safe
The eruption has no discernable effect on life in Iceland – apart from the small area surrounding the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Travelling to Iceland is perfectly safe and the land of ice and fire welcomes you to enjoy adventures beyond imagination.
Geo-tourism blooms
The spring is busy changing Iceland into its seasonal costume of bright green and the migrant birds have returned to the North, signalling the advent of summer. Icelanders expect a great increase in geo-tourism this year, and the spanish newspaper El País, recommends Iceland as one of the best places to witness the forces of nature at work.
Cleanest country in the world
In spite of the eruption, Iceland ranks as the cleanest country in the world according to Forbes magazine, and we look at the eruption as an ideal opportunity to further promote Iceland and encourage visitors to explore the unique nature we have to offer.
Icelanders are used to the geothermal wonders of the island and have learned how to make the best of it - as a result we are among the world leaders in green energy and sustainable development. Iceland is the only western country that produces all its electricity from emission-free and sustainable natural resources in the form of geothermal and hydro power.
The latest eruption has also proven to be an inspiration to designers
Briefings at the Reykjavík press centre
The Civil Emergency Authorities arranges information meetings in the Media Center, Skógarhlíð 14 in Reykjavík that will be on a weekly schedule, Thursdays from 8-9. The briefing will include a general status update, as well as brief updates from a geophysicist and a meteorologist. You will find the latest press releases on their web-sites...Read more
All Infrastructures Secure
Icelandic infrastructure is prepared for earthquakes and volcanic activitiy so all systems are designed to withstand natural calamities. Scientists have been measuring and monitoring water quality in the vicinity of the volcano as well as air quality in general; both have proven to be well within health and safety limits.
Transmission of Electricity:
Transmission of Electricity has not been affected by the volcanic activity. Developments in the volcanic activity are being followed closely, with a maintenance team ready to respond to any events if needed. The electrical transmission network in Iceland is circular with all power plants directly connected to the main grind. Thus in case of a transmission failure a backup power is always available from the other side to the rest of the island.
Communication:
The main telecommunications network is extremely robust and based on two main systems. It is designed with redundancy for both equipment and power and also incorporates backup routes for critical traffic.
Míla‘s Optical Fiber Cable, that carries almost all national and international telecommunication traffic, is secure. The design for the backhaul connections for the submarine cables connecting Iceland to the mainland takes into consideration necessary backup routes in case of Fiber Cable damage.