With the recent disruption of European airspace due to Icelandic volcano activity, this not-so-humble product of mother nature has taken big PR hit. But in reality, there are lots of fantastic volcanoes around the world that are well worth a visit or in some cases a destination in and of themselves. Here are some photographs from some of the world’s most notable volcanoes – perhaps you’ll see one of them on your next travel adventure?
Valley of 10,000 Smokes – Katami, Alaska USA
As far as volcanoes around the world go, this area probably has the most fun name to say (am I the only one that pictures piles of cigarettes?) The Valley of 10,000 smokes is named after the event that happened here after the last eruption of Novarupta; the valley you see above was covered in molten lava and burning rock, and observers reported that the entire area had these steam clouds puffing out like geysers. It sounds pretty surreal and I imagine quite a fright for those that saw it. Harder to imagine as well: that black mountain you see above? It’s actually a glacier, covered in layers and layers of ash.
Mount Ruapehu – New Zealand
One of the largest volcanoes around the world is Mount Ruapehu; it’s still quite active and the last eruption was in 2007, though it was fairly minor. It is the largest volcano in New Zealand and is one of several you’ll find on the country’s north island. The volcano has not one but three peaks, and between eruptions a lake forms at the top of the mountain. Besides that, there are also ski areas nearby, making this one busy place. This volcano is also a celebrity – it was where many scenes at Mount Doom where filmed for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Hiking is great option, just be sure to bring proper equipment (maps!) and check in with the local DOC office to confirm safe trails and routes.
Bezymianny Volcano – Russia
You have to laugh – you see, the name of this volcano means “nameless” in Russian. Which was funny until it had a major eruption back in 1950 which levelled much of the surrounding area. This one of the more difficult volcanoes around the world to reach, just because of it’s location – it is in Kamchatka, the peninsula on the far eastern side of Russian, across the Pacific Ocean from Alaska. The region was an active military area during the days of the USSR, so to visit here means lots of permits and permissions. But the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka” are in fact a UNESCO World Heritage site, so it is an option worth exploring. (It seems like a place our good friend Ross is Lost would enjoy.)
Ol Doinyo Lengai – Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro (one of our great glaciers roundup) is probably the most noteworthy volcano in Africa. But another interesting mountaintop is the “Mountain of God” in Tanzania. It is the only one of the volcanoes around the world that erupts “natrocarbonatite lava.” Translation? This lava erupts at a cool 500-600 °C, so it’s black and not red when it erupts. Then when it cools and hardens, it turns white. This makes for a very surreal landscape and hence the tourist draw to this region of Tanzania.
Mount Bromo – Indonesia
Indonesia is home to the most volcanoes than any other country in the world – approximately 167 that are currently active. Mount Bromo in East Java is probably one of the most notable of all volcanoes around the world because you can actually walk up to the crater edge – that’s that unusual track/railing shown in photo. The reason you can reach the edge is that the entire top of this volcano has been blown off – both interesting and slightly daunting all at the same time.
Mount Fuji – Japan
They say Mount Fuji is the most climbed mountain in the world; those who have crawled up its jagged peak in darkness to see sunrise from Mount Fuji say that is an experience that puts this site above all other volcanoes around the world. You can easily reach the volcano from Tokyo via express trains, though keep in mind clouds can often obscure the view. Popular walking season is July/August.
Cotopaxi – Ecuador
Cotopaxi is the highlight of a visit to the ‘Parque Nacional Cotopaxi’ in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Mountain biking is the popular choice, although it is another of the volcanoes around the world where backpackers flock to hit the hiking trails. The name means “smooth neck of the moon” and there’s a real worry that should this volcano have a major eruption, many of the populous suburbs of Quito (which is only 50km away) could be in real danger.
Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii USA
Hawaii is awesome. One perfect day in Kauai sounds like a travel dream come true, and Pam Mandel’s expert Hawaii recommendations really makes me want to get to this island. But Hawaii is a volcano – the islands are made from volcanic activity, so this island paradise is just another one of the volcanoes of the world. I struggled with choosing so asked several experts, who all had similar suggestions for where to go:
- Kilauea: visit Pu’u O’o (“Hill of the O’o bird”) where a vent still erupts on a regular basis.
- Mauna Loa: the most historically active volcano and largest volcano by volume in the world; it’s so big there’s snow on top in winter! Yes, snow in Hawaii.
- Mauna Kea: the highest volcano, a hotspot for astronomers and skiers.
- Hale’akala: the tallest volcano on Maui, known for it’s unique crater. Known as “house of the sun” in Hawaiian.
Mount St Helens – Washington State, USA
Mount St Helens is known for it’s major eruption back in 1980, and scientists suspect another eruption could be imminent, but as with other volcanoes around the world, it really is a bit of a waiting game. Helens is the perfect stopping point for travel between Seattle and Portland (it’s possible as a daytrip but it’s makes for an awfully long day). Loowit Falls is a popular sight to see, as are the helicopter tours, but regardless: check in at one of the conversation centres. The volcanic activity here is somewhat unpredictable and trails can close at a moment’s notice, so be aware of your surroundings.
Mount Vesuvius – Italy
Ah, Vesuvius. Proof that regardless of the negative impacts of volcanoes around the world, sometimes they provide an amazing insight into history. Vesuvius is the volcano that layered ash over the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum and basically left them intact for us to view in the future. If you can, you must go and visit these towns – they’re an INCREDIBLE step back into time. Pompeii is on the main tourist trail, whereas Herculaneum is often overlooked but worth the stop in my book.
Santoini – Greece
Hard to believe that one of the volcanoes around the world is a popular honeymoon destination. Most people picture beautiful white houses cast against deep blue seas when they picture Santorini, but the fact is that this is home to a volcano that destroyed an entire civilisation just four thousand years ago. Nea Kamen is a volcanic island you can visit and which is still active. What better place to enjoy volcanoes: with great food and gorgeous scenery.
Volcan Masaya – Nicaragua
The last time this volcano erupted, in 2001, it spewed rocks and steam towards visitors at the visitors centre – a reminder that regardless of a volcano’s status, you need to be aware of safety. The Spanish didn’t have anything against the volcanoes of the world, but thought that this place was evil. They erected Cruz de Bobadilla (a massive cross) to ward off the evil spirits, though we don’t know about its effectiveness. Besides the crater activity, the local fauna is also a highlight: millions of bats live here and bats tours can take you on a tour of the bat caves (batman not included). There’s also thousands of chocoyos, green parrots that have found this somewhat inhospitable land their home. Proof that everybody loves a good volcano.
Photos by Howlsthunder, PhilipC, Nasa Visible Earth, Cessna206, schristia, Mr Wabu, Adn Montalvo, sah5515, papalars, dameetch, miriam mollerus, cesar2mendez
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Great timing for this post! It’s given me some new ideas on where to visit next… Nicaragua is calling.
I don’t know why volcanoes should have a bad reputation. They’re a part of nature. Nature does unpredictable things. It is what it is.
I personally think they’re beautiful. I had a chance to see the one in Hawaii when I was a kid. I would love to go back and see it again some day.
These are just beautiful.
Altho, I’m not sure volcanoes have such a bad reputation. Aside from places of worship in the past, they serve up some pretty fantastic mineral waters. Good for health.
And they are really spectacularly awe inspiring even in photos. The closest I came to a live volcano was in Arenal, Costa Rica. I’d love to get a bit closer, though.
Lovely lovely photos!
Volcanoes are gorgeous and violent and interesting to see and explore. Quite happy to live in a volcano- and earthquake-free part of the world, though.
Cam, be sure to report back – we’re all curious about the wilds of Nicaragua.
JoAnna/Leigh, I definitely agree. My comment was that there was a lot of flack in the press just recently – not before that. We tend to think we’re in control of Mother Nature, but she’s always quick to remind us that no, that is not the case.
Sophie, I’m in the UK and thought we were volcano-free, but I guess not…technically.
These are fantastic photos. If anything, they make me want to spend more time with volcanoes!
Climbing Fuji and emerging through the clouds is amazing. There’s also a beautiful volcano in Tenerife. On the way up (driving this time!) you can see the coast and the other Canary Islands poking through the clouds as the sea shimmers.
I have to say, I’m slightly more nervous on the edge of a volcano than I am on the beach, even though I know that a tidal wave could finish me off just as easily as molten lava. Hasn’t stopped me from visiting them, though!
I visited an active volcano when I was in Iceland and it was one of the highlights of my trip! Awesome to see the world at work.
If this were my list I would have added Yellowstone National Park. The whole park sits atop a percolating super volcano, which is the cause of all the interesting geothermal stuff happening on the surface. It’s pretty surreal.
I went to Nea Kameni when I was in Santorini — it’s awesome! You’re right, the Icelandic volcano is giving volcanoes a bad name.
Great post. Arthur’s Seat, an old volcano in Edinburgh’s city centre, is one of my favourites. It’s perhaps not as grand as these ones but a short hike to the top will give you great views of the city.