Volcano · Iceland
Katla
Hidden under the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap; eruptions melt the ice into sudden floods.
Status right now
No current reports
Katla is not in the latest Smithsonian weekly report or the GDACS volcano alerts. That usually means it is quiet, but not every change is reported straight away. For official alerts, follow the local volcano observatory.
Checked 5 Nov 2026, 02:10 UTC.
Key facts
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Europe
- Type
- Subglacial
- Summit
- 1,490 m (4,888 ft)
- Coordinates
- 63.633° N, 19.083° W
- Smithsonian number
- 372030
What kind of volcano is it?
Katla is a subglacial. A subglacial volcano lies under an ice cap. When it erupts, the heat melts the ice, which can release sudden floods of meltwater, and the mix of magma and water makes ash-rich explosions.
Eruption history
| Date | VEI | Deaths | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Jul 2011 | – | – | – |
| 12 Oct 1918 | 4 | – | – |
| 17 Oct 1755 | 4 | 2 | – |
| 11 May 1721 | 5 | – | – |
| 3 Nov 1660 | 4 | – | – |
| 2 Sept 1625 | 5 | – | – |
| 11 Aug 1580 | 4 | – | – |
| 1500 | 4 | – | – |
| 1357 | 4 | – | – |
| 18 Jan 1311 | 4 | – | – |
| 1262 | 3 | – | – |
| 1177 | 3 | – | – |
| 950 | – | – | – |
| 934 | 4 | – | – |
| 920 | 4 | – | – |
15 significant eruptions near Katla in NOAA's Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database, which lists eruptions that caused deaths, damage or a tsunami, or were VEI 6 or larger. VEI is the Volcanic Explosivity Index, from 0 to 8.
Nearby volcanoes
- EyjafjallajökullIceland · 27 km
- HeklaIceland · 48 km
- GrímsvötnIceland · 122 km
- BárðarbungaIceland · 135 km
- Reykjanes PeninsulaIceland · 168 km
- Campi FlegreiItaly · 3,325 km
Not an official warning service. In an emergency, follow your local authorities.