Visiting volcanos abroad: what is it, why should you do it and where should you go?

What is a volcano?

• A volcano is an opening in the earth's crust through which magma escapes.
• An active volcano regularly experiences earthquakes and small or large eruptions.
• A dormant volcano has not been active for a long time (many years), but it is expected that it will erupt again at some point.
• In the case of an extinct or dead volcano, scientists assume that the volcano will not become active again in the future.

What is visiting a volcano?

• On many volcanos it is possible to hike up to the crater, have a look (and smell) and then go walking down again. 
• Local tour agencies might offer guided hikes or transport to the start of the trail.
• Depending on the local climate and the terrain of the volcano, this hike can vary greatly in intensity.
• In some dormant volcanos you can even climb down a bit into the crater
• On others, like Villarica in Chile, you can go sledging down on the snowy slopes

Which volcanos are among the most beautiful volcanos in the world to visit?

• Kawah Ijen, Java, Indonesia: with a unique blue crater lake and the experience of having to wear a gas mask around the crater
• Bromo volcano, Java, Indonesia: although there are sometimes quite a lot of people who want to see this special sunrise with you
• Mount Pinatubo, Luzon, Philippines
• Mount Fuji, Japan: you don't even have to climb it to appreciate the beauty of this volcano
• The volcanoes of the North Island, New Zealand
• Cerro Negro in Nicaragua: sandboarding on a volcano
• Acatenango, Guatemala: with a view of the active volcano Fuego, a particularly special phenomenon in the dark
• Vesuvius, Italy: often combined with a visit to Pompeii
• Thrihnukagigur, Iceland: the only volcano you can visit inside, after which you can visit many other volcanoes in Iceland
• Cotopaxi, Ecuador: popular with hikers, multi-day routes also possible
• Villarica, Chile: sledding down the mountain
• Mount Cameroon, Cameroon: from the jungle, you can hike to the top of this remarkable mountain, the second-highest peak in Africa, in a few days

How dangerous is it to visit an active volcano or go hiking on a volcano?

• In which countries do volcanic eruptions occur?
• How can you prepare for a possible volcanic eruption?
• What are the dangers of a volcanic eruption?
• What can you do if you are caught in a volcanic eruption?
• Are you insured for the consequences of a volcanic eruption?
• Read more about the dangers of volcanos