The 2024 Taste of Iceland Tour through North America wraps up this year with stops in a selection of major American cities. A multiday immersion into the culture, food and music of Iceland, tour stops also feature Icelandic experts happy to share the multitude of reasons why this fascinating island nation should be at the top of every traveler’s dream list. And if you’re concerned about the recent volcanic activity, don’t be. Just as travelers to Hawai’i have become accustomed to occasional volcanic phenomenon, those who journey to Iceland can embrace the knowledge they’re witness to the ongoing creation of one of the world’s youngest land masses.

Here’s what local Icelanders on hand at the Denver Taste of Iceland event had to say about safety, experiences, volcanoes and food:

“First and foremost, I’d like to mention that it is completely safe to travel to Iceland,” said Kristín Manúelsdóttir, marketing manager, Icelandia. “The recent seismic events are localized to a rural area near the eruption site, with road closures in place to ensure safety. These events do not pose any threat to people. Iceland, being a volcanic island, experiences seismic activity as part of normal life. This very geological activity is one of the reasons Iceland is such an incredibly interesting place to visit. Travelers can explore volcanic landscapes, relax in geothermal baths, visit black sand beaches, and even snorkel between tectonic plates — all because of our unique geology.”

© Business Iceland and Ragnar Th Sigurðsson

Manúelsdóttir added she highly recommends experiencing this amazing destination with the help of experienced local guides. “The [seismic] events are confined to the Reykjanes peninsula,” she said. “There’s a good chance you won’t notice them at all. All services in Iceland are operating as usual, and as always, we welcome all travelers!”

Volcanologist Helga Kristín Torfadóttir expands on those thoughts, saying travelers should resist the urge to wait for all signs of activity to cease. “Everything you see in Iceland’s landscape is volcanic,” said Torfadóttir. “When it comes to volcanic and seismic activity, thinking in weeks and days is not possible. This is an ongoing geologic event, which has been taking place at various times since the island was born 16–20 million years ago. Our generation has enjoyed a small window of quiet for decades, but that has changed. Despite this, Iceland remains a safe place to visit.”

Daniel Oddsson of Business Iceland reminds travelers of logistics and one-of-a-kind opportunities. “Iceland is a very large island,” said Oddsson, “and only a very small part of it is being affected by volcanic events. The ongoing geological activity is one of the things that makes Iceland so unique.”

© Business Iceland and Blue Lagoon

While you’re there, be sure to explore the country’s dynamic food scene. When asked what Iceland tastes like to him, Chef Gabriel Bjarnason, a member of Iceland’s Culinary Team, said, “Iceland tastes like fresh fish and seasonal wild herbs.” But not every meal involves seafood: Rest assured Icelandic restaurants and chefs are at the top of their game with a wide range of culinary specialties. “Icelanders enjoy experiencing food from world cultures,” added Chef Bjarnason. “Right now, I’m incorporating a lot of Asian-influenced ingredients such as sake and miso in my menus, and the response has been positive from locals and tourists.”