Iceland volcano eruption brings tourists

CNN reports on Iceland's newest tourist attraction - an erupting volcano.

Last active in 1821, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano came out of dormancy in late-March and tourists have been paying high prices to see the sight.

For less than $400 a person, tours depart from the capital, Reykjavik, toward the southern part of Iceland. Part of the roughly 100-mile trip includes a drive on the Myrdalsjokull glacier. Finally, at nearly 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level, the fire from the volcano comes into view.

"It's amazing to see the volcano because of the season," says Vidir Reynisson, Iceland's Civil Protection Services Department Manager. "There's a lot of snow, and it's quite spectacular to see the contrast" with the burning lava.

Reynisson says there's no immediate threat to onlookers, and nearby residents who were evacuated last month because of flooding concerns have returned to their homes.

Read the full story: Erupting volcano boosts tourism in Iceland

Photo from AFP / Getty Images