The most active volcanoes in the world attract hordes of lava-chasers who risk their lives to get up close and personal with nature's raw power. There are more than 1,500 active volcanoes on Earth, and people are attracted to them because of their fury and unpredictable nature.
Travelling to sites of both past and present geothermal activity is known as "volcano tourism." Practised by lava-chasers, volcano tourism involves visits to volcanic disaster sites, thermal and sulphur springs, geysers, and also visits to both active and dormant volcanoes.
In the past decade, the interest in volcano tourism has surged, propelled by the rise of social media and a dedicated group known as the "lava chasers." They seek smoking sites that are legendary and picturesque, like Italy's Mount Vesuvius, among others. There are more than twenty active volcanic sites that are included under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These explorers venture to the very edge of the lava lakes, surf down the slopes of volcanoes, or take lava boat tours or helicopter flights over vast calderas. These breathtaking experiences are not without risk. Poisonous gases, such as sulphur dioxide (which is prevalent at Fagradalsfjall, Iceland), are frequently produced during eruptions and can damage your lungs.
However, it appears that rather than deterring tourism, these dangers seem to heighten curiosity. Rather than avoiding places with active volcanoes, thrill seekers are enticed by the allure of exploring these unpredictable and perilous landscapes.
Iceland's volcanic eruption has now become a popular tourist destination. Last year in July, a large number of tourists saw a volcano erupt close to Reykjavik, the nation's capital. Travellers from all over the world have been attracted to Iceland in recent months due to the country's volcanic eruptions, which may create new opportunities for the country's tourism industry as more people come to see the unique phenomenon of a live volcanic eruption.
Nonetheless, tourists are advised to stay away from the volcano's vicinity and evacuate immediately if they feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, the authorities advise against walking on the lava since, despite its cool appearance, there is still hot lava beneath a thin layer that could burn.
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, the former president of Iceland, recently raised concerns about a potential volcanic eruption, urging caution for tourists. This apprehension has been supported by the Icelandic Metrological Office, which noted the persistence of magma accumulation under the Reykjanes peninsula, signalling renewed volcanic activity.
