The eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland has captivated the world with its spectacular display of lava and fire. Among the many photographers who have documented the event, Thrainn Kolbeinsson stands out for his stunning images and videos of the volcanic activity. Kolbeinsson, a native of Iceland, has been camped on the Reykjanes Peninsula since the eruption began on March 19, 2021. He has captured the dramatic scenes of the fissure, the lava flow, the smoke plume, and the night sky illuminated by the glowing red rock.
“The earth suddenly opened up and the night sky turned red. The Icelandic Coast Guard helicopters were the first on scene and it was hard to tell how big it was, only that it was moving fast. The eruption happened just short of 10km (6 miles) from the nearest town. The day after, I hiked to the site to document this unique event as closely as possible. Even though it might look terrifying, it was actually a beautiful experience watching the violent spits from the volcano quickly turn into smooth streams of glowing lava as new earth was being born”, he described.
Kolbeinsson’s photographs showcase the beauty and power of nature, as well as the resilience and curiosity of the Icelandic people. He has also shared his personal experience of witnessing the eruption, describing it as “unreal” and “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”. He has expressed his gratitude for being able to observe and photograph the phenomenon, and his hope that it will inspire others to appreciate the wonders of the earth. Kolbeinsson’s photographs of the phenomenal eruption of an Iceland volcano are truly amazing and worth seeing.
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