Beerenberg

Beerenberg stands 2277 meters (7470 feet) above sea level and holds a crater one kilometer (0.6 miles) wide filled with ice. Several glaciers descend from its sides toward the ocean.

The volcano erupted six times between 1732 and 1985, with each event recorded in writing. The 1970 eruption sent basalt flows through a six-kilometer (3.7-mile) fissure that stayed active until January 1971.

Dutch whalers gave the peak its name, which translates to Bear Mountain, after spotting polar bears near the slopes during the early 1600s. The name still recalls the era when ships from the Netherlands worked these arctic waters.

The peak remains out of reach for regular travelers because it sits on a tiny island in the arctic ocean. Any access attempt requires specialized equipment and permits from Norwegian authorities.

This peak is the northernmost active volcano on Earth that stands above water. It also serves as the only active volcano belonging to the Kingdom of Norway.

Location: Jan Mayen

Elevation above the sea: 2,277 m

GPS coordinates: 71.08191,-8.15506

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26