It consists of four overlapping volcanic cones on the eastern flank of an older extinct volcano, Talawe.

There have been dozens of recorded eruptions since the 19th century from three separate volcanic craters at the summit of Langila.

The most recent eruptive cycle of Langila began in August 2006 and continued into early 2007.

Volcanic activity at Langila consists of Strombo-Vulcanian and Vulcanian eruptions and lava flows.

In the times of German New Guinea, this volcano on the island then called Neupommern was known by the name of Ehlers-Berg after the German discoverer and travel author from Hamburg, Otto Ehrenfried Ehlers.