The Volcano Katla
The volcano Katla is located underneath Mýrdalsjökull in the southern part of Iceland. Katla has been a very active volcano since Iceland was settled, the third most active volcano on the island. Katla has erupted on average once every 60 years. The last big eruption in Katla was in 1918 but since then it is thought possible that Katla has erupted three times. First in 1955 but then a glacier flood came from underneath Kötlujökull (Katla glacier) into the river Múlakvísl. In 1999 when a glacier flood came from underneath Sólheimajökull. And the last one was in 2011 when a glacier flood came from beneath Kötlujökull into Múlakvísl, this flood was so powerful that it destroyed the bridge over Múlakvísl.
Plan Katla with route advice, nearby places, guided tours, map coordinates, itinerary ideas and practical FAQ.
Quick guide to Katla Volcano
| Location | Under Mýrdalsjökull glacier in South Iceland, north of Vík |
| Best for | Katla ice cave tours, black volcanic ice, South Coast adventure days and Mýrdalsjökull context |
| Nearby places | Vík, Reynisfjara, Sólheimajökull and Skógafoss |
| Typical visit time | Usually a half day to full day as part of a guided ice cave or South Coast tour |
| Best season | Guided Katla ice cave tours operate by operator schedule and conditions |
| Good to know | Katla itself is under an ice cap; travellers normally experience it through guided ice cave or glacier-area tours |
| Coordinates | 63.6314,-19.0494 |
What is Katla Volcano?
Katla is a large active volcano beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier in South Iceland. Its position under ice is what makes the area feel so dramatic: volcanic heat, glacier ice, black sand plains and flood history all connect here.
Unlike Kerið or Grábrók, Katla is not a simple crater viewpoint. The strongest traveller experience is usually a guided Katla ice cave tour or a South Coast day that explains the volcano and glacier landscape.
Katla is one of Iceland’s most powerful volcanoes, but for travellers it is usually experienced through Mýrdalsjökull and the ice cave routes from Vík.
Why visit Katla?
Visit Katla when you want a South Coast adventure with more depth than standard waterfalls. The ice caves under Mýrdalsjökull give travellers a vivid way to understand the volcano beneath the glacier.
It is also one of the best places to turn a Vík stay into an activity day, because several meet-on-location tours start near the village.
How to visit Katla
Do not treat Katla as an independent volcano hike. The practical choice is a guided Katla ice cave tour from Vík or a South Coast and Katla Ice Cave tour from Reykjavík.
If self-driving the South Coast, use Vík as the main activity base and combine Katla with Reynisfjara, Skógar and Sólheimajökull.
Best Katla ice cave and South Coast tours
Katla is one of the clearest cases where a guided activity is the right product match.
The easiest Reykjavik-based way to connect Katla with South Coast scenery.
A meet-on-location Katla adventure for travellers already around Vik.
A focused ice cave tour with volcanic black ice and Myrdalsjokull scenery.
A direct Katla ice cave option when the volcano itself is the main context.
Places near Katla
Katla works best when it is connected with nearby nature stops and route anchors.
Towns and villages near Katla
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Meet on location from Vík
Stay near Vík and choose the Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep from Vík for the cleanest route.
Full South Coast from Reykjavík
Use the South Coast and Katla Ice Cave tour if transport and timing should be handled in one long day.
Vík plus black-sand coast
Combine Katla with Reynisfjara, Vík viewpoints and Skógafoss when weather and daylight allow.
FAQ about Katla
Can you visit Katla volcano?
You normally visit the Katla area through Mýrdalsjökull and guided ice cave routes, not by walking to an open crater.
What is the best Katla tour?
For most travellers:
- Katla Ice Cave Super Jeep from Vík if you are already on the South Coast.
- South Coast and Katla Ice Cave if you start in Reykjavík.
- Complete Katla Ice Cave from Vík for a focused meet-on-location option.
Is Katla under a glacier?
Yes. Katla lies beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which is why ice, volcanic ash, flood plains and black-sand landscapes are all part of the story.
Is Katla near Vík?
Yes. Vík is the most practical village base for Katla ice cave tours and nearby South Coast sights such as Reynisfjara.
Can you visit Katla from Reykjavík?
Yes, but it is a long day. Choose a Reykjavík-based Katla and South Coast tour if you do not want to manage the timing yourself.
Is Katla good in winter?
Winter can be excellent for an ice cave activity, but all access depends on operator decisions, road conditions and glacier safety.
What should I combine with Katla?
Combine it with Vík, Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull or a slower South Coast overnight plan.
Do you need a 4x4 for Katla?
For the actual ice cave approach, use a guided Super Jeep operator. Standard rental-car planning is only for reaching towns and main-road stops nearby.