Volcanoes have always held a special allure for adventurous travelers. Whether active, dormant, or extinct, these geological formations give brave souls a glimpse into the Earth’s fiery heart. If you’re looking to get up close to these natural wonders, here are the top destinations to check out.
Iceland
Iceland is often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice” due to its unique landscape of glaciers and over 130 volcanic mountains. Among them, Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla are some of the most famous. Iceland also offers unique opportunities to witness volcanic activity, such as at the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which recently erupted after centuries of dormancy.
Hawaii, USA
The Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with volcanic activity. The Big Island, in particular, is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kīlauea. Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can walk through old lava tubes, watch lava flow into the ocean (when active), and learn about the geological history at the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum.
Japan
Japan sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world. Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most iconic volcano, is a popular climbing destination, especially during the official climbing season in July and August. Other notable volcanic sites include the hot spring resorts of Hakone and the dramatic caldera of Mount Aso in Kyushu.
