Eruption in Reykjanes-peninsula 26.03.2021

Hiking to the Eruption in Geldingadalir, Reykjanes-peninsula
First of all, although this is close to Reykjavik this is a mountain hiking, specially in wintertime and full gear is needed since although the hiking itself is not long the trip in total is worth spending hours. Currently there are two marked routes to the eruption in Geldingahraun. Named Route A and Route B. We went up by route B and down by route A. Choice of route should be based on wind direction due to possible gas pollution. Currently information on this are given by rescue team members at the start of the route but if the eruption will be ongoing for long time I guess these infos will be accessible on the web most likely from the Icelandic Met Office (www.vedur.is) and/or Department of Civil Protection (www.almannavarnir.is) and/or Icelandic Tourist Board (www.ferdamalastofa.is). Car parking has been an issue and we had to park 0,5-1 km away from the path start. Work on making parking spaces is currently in process. The hike is relatively easy but there are pretty steep slopes on both routes and when we went there on March 26th, there was a rope on route A and maybe there has also been set up one on route B now to make the slopes safer and more accessible. These slopes makes this hiking a moderate rather than easy. During wintertime, at least, hiking sticks are recommended and possibly some crampons but they are not necessary. Recommend to dress in layers since it can get warm on the way up the steep slopes. Best time to see the eruption is during dawn or dusk. We went there about 3pm and stayed until 9-10pm. Due to this headlights are necessary on the way back. Recommend to circle the eruption place to get the best view since the eruption is constantly changing. If people choose to go upclose to the lava be careful due to gases (CO, SO2, CO2, H2S). Rescue team members came regularly to check and warn if necessary but everything was OK during our stay. If there is low wind (<3-4 m/s) the risk is higher. If you are approaching the new lava and no one is closer to it than you I recommend to approach in steps and stop regularly for few seconds rather than approach in one go. By this way you feel better if gases are affecting you (eyes/lungs) if you don't have gadget to measure the gases. If one approaches too fast you can suddenly find you in a cup where oxygen is low or non-consistent and pass out. However despite the danger I fully recommend to go there and experience. One doesn't have to go close, and definitely see in daylight and darkness. By route B you come to Fagradalsfjall Mt. and you just get a view over the eruption few minutes before you are there and get a great view over the area. By route A you see it from more distance and that is definitely the way to go back if you go back in darkness. If you look back towards the eruption on that route, and there are many hikers the line of lights towards the crater is breathtaking. At the moment the crater looks more or less like Mordor from LotR. Pictures/Videos attached here are made by my daughter Hulda Rún Haraldsdóttir.