They are active, dangerous, sometimes causing devastating results, but also creating a fertile soil around them – the volcanoes have been worshiped and feared for ages. Even today some locals make sacrifices to “calm” the volcano down. Here are ten amazing volcanoes, that are active, impressive and definitely worth seeing in your lifetime.
10. The Maelifell Volcano, Iceland
Located on the edge of Myrdalsjökull glacier, the Maelifell volcano has a perfect cone and a green surface, covered with moss. The black soil around the 200 m (656 ft) tall volcano creates a surreal landscape.
Why to go there?
The surroundings are truly unique and there is plenty to do in Myrdalsjökull glacier park, full of volcanoes, hot springs to bath in and picturesque sites.
When to go there?
From late June – the snow has melted by the time and the roads have dried.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
9. Etna, Catania, Sicily, Italy
The Europe’s tallest and the most popular volcano, that Roman poet Virgil wrote about, is a home of a mythological god Hephaestus and a one-eyed monster Cyclops. Etna is still active, spitting ash, fire and lava, creating a fertile soil. The climb to the 3,329 m (10,922 ft) tall summit takes a full day.
Why to go there?
The volcano is really picturesque and there is plenty to see and do in Catania. Visiting some of the 400 craters, taking an adventure tour to a waterfall, created by lava, speleological tours and, of course, climbing Etna.
When to go there?
To climb the mountain go there from April to November.
Visit: Mount Etna, Etna Excursions
Photo by Mario Fagone
Photo by Giuseppe Torre
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Vincenzo Grasso
8. Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
A popular spot for the climbers, attracting over 35,000 of them a year. It is not a very difficult mountain to climb – you don’t have to be a professional. However, the sickness due to the altitude often prevents from reaching the 5,895 m (19,341 ft) tall peak.
Why to go there?
Africa’s highest mountain has a variety of more or less difficult routes to choose from. If you won’t climb, there’s plenty to see in the Kilimanjaro National Park.
When to go there?
Go there during the dry season: from late June to October and from late December to February or early March.
Visit: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Parks
Photo by Barbara Jones
Photo by Brad Jennings
Photo by Phil Robson
Photo by Unknown
7. Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, East Java, Indonesia
Both volanoes are active and located in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, creating a landscape of a different planet. Semeru is taller and expels smoke, while Bromo fumes constantly. The travel agencies offer various tours, even horse riding on the slopes of Bromo. In late August the locals climb Bromo during a Hindu festival and sacrifice food or flowers, by throwing them into the caldera.
Why to go there?
The pair is really unique and picturesque. However, the eruptions often force to close the access to the volcanoes.
When to go there?
Go there during the dry season from April to October to avoid the floods.
Visit: Bromo Tours, Mount Bromo Tours
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
6. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
An active volcano has last erupted in 1968, but it still spits ash and sometimes lava. There are plenty of activities and tours around the slopes of Arenal. The volcano itself is classic: tall and symmetrical – it looks very impressive.
Why to go there?
Besides the volcano itself, there is plenty to see and do in Arenal Volcano National Park: rafting, swimming in the hot springs, waterfall rappelling, mountain bike riding and trekking.
When to go there?
Go there during the dry season, which lasts from February to April.
Visit: Arenal Volcano
Photo by Alberto Ghizzi Panizza
Photo by Praveen Shankam
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
5. Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico
70 km (43 mi) from Mexico City, Popocatépetl is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico – its name in Nahuatl means Smoking Mountain. Brave monks have built monasteries in the 16th century on the slopes of the volcano. Today they are preserved by UNESCO.
Why to go there?
Besides being a natural wonder, the surroundings of Popocatépetl is of a historic and cultural significance. Tourists usually take a one day tour from Mexico City.
When to go there?
The best time to climb is from December to March, but only when it is announced safe by the officials.
Photo by Cristobal Garciaferro Rubio
Photo by Cristobal Garciaferro Rubio
Photo by Erik Gómez Tochimani
Photo by Cristobal Garciaferro Rubio
4. Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA
The volcano’s eruption in 1980 was one of the most devastating in USA. Only 154 km (96 mi) from Seattle, the eruption killed people, destroyed 298 km (185 mi) of highway and took away a cone summit, leaving a horseshoe crater.
Why to go there?
Many viewpoints to observe the active volcano, helicopter tours, Johnston Ridge Observatory provides more facts on Mount St. Helens – a must see once in the mountainous Washington area.
When to go there?
Go there from May to November – the season is warm and dry, while winters are wet.
Photo by Ryan Dyar
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Protik Hossain
3. Mayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines
Its steep slopes form a perfect symmetrical classic volcano. Mayon is active and eruptions are frequent. In 2013 in May the volcano spit ash and rock, forming a cloud 500 meters (1640 fr) above the peak. It killed five climbers, who were on their way to the summit.
Why to go there?
Mayon is truly one of the most beautiful volcanoes, a perfect cone. However, it is dangerous, so the climbers usually are devoted adventurers.
When to go there?
All year round – the weather is mild, with no extreme seasonal changes.
Visit: Mayon Volcano, Volcano World
Photo by Ferran Vega
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Dacel Andes
Photo by Edwin Martinez
2. Mount Fuji, Tokyo, Japan
The icon of Japan, active Fuji volcano has a beautiful symmetric cone and for several months its summit is covered with snow. There are many routes to the summit: the Kawaguchiko is the most popular – it has huts to stay and rest. Along the scenic Yoshida route there are old shrines, huts and teahouses.
Why to go there?
A must see once in Japan. The paragliding center offers exciting flights from Fuji. Anyone can climb the volcano.
When to go there?
The best time to climb the mountain is from July to August.
Visit: Mount Fuji, Volcano Discovery
Photo by Natasha Pnini
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Anish Adhikari
1. Mauna Loa, Hawaii
The biggest volcano on Earth: measuring from its base on the floor of the ocean, Mauna Loa is 9,170 m (30,085 ft) tall. The active volcanoes still form Hawaii: Kīlauea is the most active one, while Loihi is a submarine volcano – the erupted lava streams straight into the ocean.
Why to go there?
The best place to experience the volcanic power: the whole island is of a volcanic origin. Frequent eruptions from other volcanoes, the amazing landscapes – Hawaii is not only a beach paradise.
When to go there?
Anytime, but the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials have to confirm it is safe to visit.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Tom Kualii
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Nick Selway and CJ Kale
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