Lakagígar

25 km of magnificence!

The magnificent 25 kilometre long row of Laki craters (Lakagigar, in Icelandic) is part of Skaftafell. The area contains some of the world’s most remarkable geological formations which were created during a short but catastrophic eruption that occurred between June 1783 and February 1784.

In fact, the devastation from the 1783 eruption was far more widespread than Iceland. In Iceland, the fallout from the eruption was known as the “Móðuharðindin” (Mist Hardships) as the poisonous gases the craters released were so deadly that 80% of sheep and 50% of horse and cattle perished, as did 20-25% of the human population.

The gases released by Laki contributed to several years of unusual weather patterns across Europe, North America and Africa. North America experienced longer, colder winters. In Europe the weather remained erratic, with the impact on crops in France greatly affecting poverty, spurring the French revolution in 1789.

All in all, millions around the world died in the aftermath of these historic Laki eruptions.

This was the largest eruption since the settlement of Iceland and the accompanying lava flow (Eldhraun) was the third largest on earth since the last Ice Age.

The area is only accessible with a 4x4 vehicle.