A person is pictured standing only metres away from lava as they take a photograph at the Litli-Hrútur mountain eruption site near Reykjavik. Picture: Emin Yogurtcuoglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The volcano has erupted following intense earthquake activity in the area. Picture: Emin Yogurtcuoglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“It’s much too hot to stay there for any extended amount of time. I mean it’s like 1,000 degrees Celsius,” Irish tourist Niall Lynch added. Picture: Emin Yogurtcuoglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“When you look in the centre of the lava flow, it’s a lot brighter than I was expecting it to be,” Lynch said. Picture: by Kristinn Magnusson / AFP

Two men on bikes are seen examining the site. Picture: Emin Yogurtcuoglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“When the wind is coming in this direction, it’s not so hot... it’s warm like a campfire,” said Niall Lynch, a 23-year-old Irish guide AFP met in front of the fresh lava flows next to the small peak of Litli Hrutur. Picture: Jeremie Richard / AFP

The handful of visitors who managed to reach the site before it was closed describe it as the experience of a lifetime. From the nearest road, you have to traverse a challenging path, the last three winding kilometres of which are through moss and rocks embedded in the soil. Picture: Kristinn Magnusson / AFP

People are pictured standing within metres of lava. Picture: Emin Yogurtcuoglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

When the lava finally comes into view, with the tiny Litli Hrutur (”Little Ram” in Icelandic) mountain on the left, the feeling is “indescribable”, said Jessica Poteet, a 41-year-old American living in Iceland. Picture: Kristinn Magnusson / AFP

This picture taken on July 10, 2023 shows a man taking a picture of flowing lava during an volcanic eruption at Litli HrutuPicture: Jeremie RICHARD / AFP

University of Iceland’s observers stand in front of smoke billowing from flowing lava on July 10, 2023. Picture: Kristinn Magnusson / AFP

“When you cross the hill for the first time, especially when it’s the first day, and you see the fountains of lava and you hear the crackling of the solidified rock, it’s just unbelievable,” she added. Picture: Emin Yogurtcuoglu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Gudmundur Hauksson, a 26-year-old Icelandic who was also among the first there, said “it’s really nice... to come out and connect with the Earth and nature in this fashion.” The powerful smell of volcanic gases and flowing lava is reminiscent of “a big barbecue”, according to some visitors. Picture: Jeremie RICHARD / AFP

The air is also thick with the smoke of burning moss, which ignites under the molten liquid. Picture: Photo by Jeremie RICHARD / AFP

Volcanologist Thorvaldur Thordarson of the University of Iceland said “we have no idea” how long the natural spectacle will last. Picture: Kristinn Magnusson / AFP

“It could last for a few days, it could last for a month, it could last for six months like the 2021 eruption or it could even last longer than that,” the scientist added. Picture: Kristinn Magnusson / AFP