From Safetravel.is: keep in mind that the eruption site is not a safe area! New erupting fissures/craters can open up anywhere without much notice. Stay out of the orange area!
The shortest hiking route to the eruption site is a 20 km return trip, parking at the trail head on P2. The hike takes 6-8 hours in total plus the time you spend at the site, so be sure that you’re fit for it before you head off. The hike starts from road 427 east of Grindavík. Park at the parking spots (P2 is best for this hike) – not by the roadside. All off-road driving is forbidden.
Again! Stay out of the orange area! Do not walk on the lava. Black surface doesn’t mean it’s cold. The black crust is very thin. If you fall through, you’ll be roasted in a second! No one is risking his/her life to save you if you behave like an idiot and get yourself into trouble. Good hiking shoes, warm clothing and wind and waterproof outerwear is essential. Weather conditions in Iceland can change very suddenly – also in summer. Bring enough food/sandwiches and plenty of water to drink. Stay on marked trails and keep away from valleys and low laying areas in the landscape. Gas pollution is not visible and cannot be detected by scent. Gas can disperse from the smoke cloud and pollution can increase rapidly in an area. If you feel any discomfort, leave the area immediately. Walk towards the eruption site with the wind at your back and in your face on the way back to minimize gas exposure. Do not hesitate to talk to ICE-SAR people, rangers or police on the site for information. Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged before heading off and bring a power-bank.
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