Vilhelm Gunnarsson Captured How Volcanic Lava Engulfed Iceland

Press photographer Vilhelm Gunnarsson’s fascination with volcanic eruptions began in 2000 he told DeMilked, claiming “I am also drawn to the power of the volcanos and the excitement being around it.” Since then, he has covered every volcanic eruption in Iceland and even named his daughter Hekla after Mt: Hekla.  He explained, “I do a lot of nature photography and travelling in Iceland during my free time. Last 11 eruptions in Iceland have been very close to my home, so I try to stay home when the magma chamber is getting full.” His most recent series covers the volcanic eruption of the Sundhnúka crater and how it affected the areas around the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. More Info: Instagram Image credits: Photographs by Vilhelm Gunnarsson

#1 The car park of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland is engulfed by lava flow

#2 A defensive wall had been built around the Blue Lagoon with two gaps left open. In this photo, big machinery is seen desperately closing the gap to save the Blue Lagoon which will open again soon.

#3 This drone photo shows the huge scale of the lava that is flowing around the defenses of the Blue Lagoon and the Svartsengi power plant.

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Speaking on his incredible footage, Gunnarsson told us what it takes to capture these rare and amazing shots, “The volcano photograph changed a lot when the drone came around. But I think it is harder, and [there are] more things to do when using a drone; like not go too low and melt the drone, framing is crucial”. He further mentioned that it’s hard to fly in the dark and that Iceland being a very windy country adds to the difficulties he faces.

#5 Gunnarsson says he has lost five drones covering volcanic eruptions.

#6 The fissure that opened on Wednesday night was three kilometers long.

Since March 2021 the Reykjanes Peninsula has entered a new phase of volcanic activity. 10 eruptions have been reported in the region, seven being in 2024 alone. The residents and authorities of Sundhnúksgígar, the affected area, have become quite adept at rapidly responding with counter-measures to the eruptions.

#7 Lava flows over the parking lot at the Blue Lagoon.

#8 The road to the Blue Lagoon is engulfed in lava.

The Sundhnúkur crater took place in November 2024 and began after a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) long fissure opened up. The crater’s location is close to a renowned tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa. 

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#10 Lava runs over a service house on the parking lot of Blue Lagoon.

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#12 Lava runs over the road to the town of Grindavík and Blue Lagoon.

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It was forced to close after the resort’s parking lot was engulfed in lava. Meanwhile, 50 homes were forced to evacuate because they were located in Grindavík, which lies at the centre of the seismic activity. However, the eruption near Sundhnúksgígar was determined to be in a stable state after a week.