Current updates for photographers planning or travelling in Iceland — volcanic activity, road closures, new conservation rules, drone regulations, and wildlife protection notices. Curated for photographers, not tourists.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office published a new long-term lava hazard assessment for the Reykjanes Peninsula and the greater capital area on 21 April 2026. The report identifies Grindavík and Hveragerði as sitting within the highest hazard category — the top 10% of areas most exposed to lava flow risk and eruptive fissure probability. Parts of … Read more
The Icelandic Road Administration confirmed this morning that due to thawing conditions, all traffic is currently prohibited on a number of the F-routes in Iceland’s highlands. The notice, issued at 08:41 local time on 22 April 2026, applies across the highland interior and covers the F-road network that provides the only vehicle access to the … Read more
Road 612 (Örlygshafnarvegur), the only vehicle route leading to Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, is currently closed all the way to the cliffs due to mudslides, according to the Icelandic Road Administration’s live traffic bulletin issued this morning. No detour route exists. The closure is in effect as of 22 April 2026 and no reopening date … Read more
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration issued an update this morning warning that Route 60 over Dynjandisheiði — the main road linking the southern Westfjords to the Dynjandi waterfall area — is currently very wet and muddy due to spring thaw conditions and ongoing roadwork between Dynjandisvogur and the top of the heath. Traffic delays … Read more
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration confirmed this morning that the Örlygshafnarvegur road is closed all the way to Látrabjarg (Route 612) due to mudslides. No bypass is listed, and the closure is in effect as of 20 April 2026. No reopening date has been given. Látrabjarg, Iceland’s westernmost point and one of Europe’s largest … Read more
Fire crews are actively battling a significant wildfire burning on a hillside near Vík í Mýrdal on Iceland’s south coast, according to Iceland Review reporting today, 18 April 2026. Emergency services deployed a large-scale response, with the local fire brigade joined by crews from Kirkjubæjarklaustur and volunteer rescue teams. Deputy Fire Chief Sigurður Gýmir Bjartmarsson … Read more
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reports that magma accumulation beneath the Svartsengi volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula has reached approximately 25 million cubic metres — the highest volume recorded between eruptions since this volcanic cycle began in late 2023. The last eruption in this series occurred in July 2025, and the current accumulation rate … Read more
A total solar eclipse will cross western Iceland on 12 August 2026, with the path of totality passing over the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Reports from accommodation providers and tour operators indicate that hotels, guesthouses, and camping facilities in the Westfjords — where the duration of totality reaches 2 minutes and … Read more
The seasonal drone flight ban at Snæfellsjökull National Park has entered into force as of 15 April 2026 and will remain in effect until 15 September. The restriction covers all drone operations in the area between Nesvegur road and the ocean on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including the popular photography locations of … Read more
Atlantic puffins have returned to Iceland, with the first sightings of the 2026 season recorded on 10 April at Grímsey island in the north and at Borgarfjörður Eystri in the east. The birds were spotted by local observers along cliff faces near the lighthouse at Grímsey. Their arrival is slightly ahead of the typical mid-April … Read more