Iceland was once described as being ‘imperfectly known’ with many mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and untouched wilderness left to explore.
This phrase holds as true as ever in 2024, especially considering Iceland is changing in front of our very eyes this year, with new land being created in the form of lava flow and a fluctuating glacier landscape creating new ice caves every year. Not to mention an increased level of activity for the Northern Lights and an empty landscape devoid of the tourist crowds that are so often associated with popular tourist destinations.
Tourist numbers expected to drop in 2024
Iceland has never been crowded, with 1/5th of the tourist numbers coming each year compared to similar destinations like Hawaii. With visitors not managing to exceed peak numbers seen back in 2018, we were experiencing steady growth since the pandemic, approaching similar levels last year. However, we are expecting the numbers to drop this year. This is, in part, due to the recent seismic and volcanic activity seen in Iceland (more on that later) creating a hesitation in travel.
Best Tour to go off the beaten path: Joining companies like Hidden Iceland to take you to the must-see sights in the right way, and off the beaten path on our personalised packages, will leave you with a feeling of solitude rarely experienced these days.
Northern Lights at Peak Strength in 2024 and 2025
The sun operates on an 11-year solar cycle, during which it experiences varying levels of solar activity. This activity manifests as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal holes. In the years 2024 and 2025, we anticipate the peak of this cycle, known as the solar maximum. During this period, the sun releases an increased number of electrically charged particles toward Earth, which play a crucial role in creating vibrant and frequent Northern Lights displays. Personally, Hidden Iceland has witnessed an exceptional Northern Lights season so far, with captivating and colourful displays throughout this winter. And the best part? The season isn’t over yet!
Best tour to see the Northern Lights: Our Private 6 Day Must See Winter itinerary, which showcases a newly discovered blue ice cave and all the best spots in Iceland, is proving to be very popular among tourists since we make sure to choose Northern Lights friendly hotels each night to increase your chances of seeing them. This tour runs from September to March with some seasonal changes.
Regular Volcanic Eruptions in 2024: Safe Travel Continues
As of February 8, 2024, yet another volcanic eruption has commenced in the Reykjanes Peninsula, occurring in a location similar to the previous one. In 2021, Iceland witnessed its first eruption in this area after centuries of dormancy, and since then, we’ve experienced four additional eruptions. Geologists now believe that the Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a phase of heightened volcanic activity, potentially leading to more eruptions in the future. You may have seen recent news about these eruptions, including the two-day eruption in January 2024 that impacted the small town of Grindavík. Fortunately, all residents had evacuated long before the lava encroached upon the town’s outskirts. Despite the devastation faced by Grindavík, the types of eruptions observed in Reykjanes have had minimal impact on the rest of the country, allowing for cautious but safe travel.
These eruptions are primarily effusive (involving lava flow) rather than explosive, which means they have not affected flights, major tourist routes, or the capital. And they are a sight to behold if you are lucky enough to fly over one by helicopter!
Best tour to see a volcano: Hidden Iceland, for now, are not currently running any tours that visit any of the volcanic eruption sites in Reykjanes. We will continue to monitor the area and listen to the local authorities. However, we are working closely with local helicopter companies who are currently offering flights from Reykjavík to fly over the eruption sites. These flights can be booked regardless of whether lava is currently flowing or not and show off the newest land on the planet.
Get in touch: Hidden Iceland is a boutique, local travel company specialising in premium and luxury travel across the entire country of Iceland. Check out what we have to offer on our website or get in touch by email: [email protected].
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