When Volcanoes Speak: A Journey Through Grief and Iceland's Power

The year was 2021, and I faced the most heartbreaking experience of my life - I lost my daughter. With her due date and my birthday around the corner, I couldn’t bear the thought of spending it in tears on my friend’s couch, where I’d been for nearly a month. So, to honour my baby girl on what would have been her due date three days before my birthday, I did what I love most: I travelled. That’s how I found Iceland.

A Journey Beyond the Northern Lights

Known for its northern lights, volcanoes, geysers, and otherworldly landscapes, Iceland was much more than I’d imagined. I spent ten days there in November, and while my goal was to chase the northern lights (which I saw!), the country offered me so much more. Snorkelling between tectonic plates in Silfra was pure magic, as was driving through the countryside to witness geysers and massive waterfalls - some so big, you can walk behind them without even getting wet! In a zodiac boat, I ventured close to icebergs and visited Europe’s largest glacier. Every corner of Iceland felt like a gift.

A Powerful Connection

Since then, I’ve wanted to return - and I will. But here’s where things get a little curious: In March 2021, when I was happily pregnant and not thinking of Iceland at all, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted for the first time in centuries, and it kept going until September - right after my baby was born. Coincidence? Maybe. But every year, around her Angelversary on August 24th, Iceland has had a live volcano.

In 2022, a new eruption opened up through a fissure in the same area on August 4th. By the time 2023 rolled around, Iceland had yet another volcanic event, this time near Litli-Hrútur in July, right after over 12,000 recorded earthquakes. And, in August, just before my baby’s Angelversary, another eruption occurred at Sundhnúksgígar, forcing tourist spots to close and even leading to evacuations.

Did I mention I’ve been fascinated by volcanoes for as long as I can remember? The sheer force of nature captivates me - it’s a constant reminder of nature’s raw power.

Sicily and Volcanoes Once Again

So, fast forward to 2024. After years of watching Iceland’s volcanic activity from afar, I decided to switch things up. With Iceland’s volcanoes seemingly quiet, I headed to Sicily (you can read about that adventure in my previous article). There, I visited Stromboli and Mount Etna, both of which were unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But, as fate would have it, just days before Julia’s Angelversary, Iceland woke up again.

On August 22nd, a new fissure opened on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Sundhnúksgígar, marking the sixth eruption in the area since late 2023. Though this one was localised and didn’t threaten anyone, it felt like a gentle reminder that Iceland - and my connection to it - remains as powerful as ever.