Blue Lagoon Iceland Welcomes Tourists Again
Iceland's Blue Lagoon, a renowned geothermal spa, has announced its partial reopening on January 6. This news comes as a relief to travelers and locals alike, following a significant closure due to a volcanic eruption in the area.
On January 5, Blue Lagoon Iceland released a statement confirming the reopening of select facilities within Svartsengi. This decision, made in close collaboration with authorities, marks a cautious yet optimistic step towards normalcy after the spa's shutdown on December 18.
The Blue Lagoon had to cease operations when a nearby volcano erupted, causing safety concerns. Thankfully, by late December, the Icelandic Meteorological Office confirmed the eruption had concluded, paving the way for the spa's gradual reopening. Visitors can now enjoy the Blue Lagoon, Blue Café, Lava Restaurant, Retreat Spa, Spa Restaurant, and the on-site store from 11 am to 8 pm daily.
However, the Silica and Retreat hotels, along with Moss Restaurant, will remain closed until at least January 8, when the situation will be reassessed.
This reopening is significant not just for Iceland's tourism sector but also for Blue Lagoon's financial recovery. The site, which had to prematurely reopen on December 17 after over a month of closure due to volcanic earthquakes, suffered losses exceeding ISK 4 billion (about $29 million), as reported by Iceland Monitor.
During the closure, tour operators had to pivot, replacing Blue Lagoon with Sky Lagoon in their itineraries. With the reopening, there's an air of excitement, as one of Iceland's most cherished attractions welcomes visitors back, offering them a chance to immerse in its unique, warm, mineral-rich waters amidst the stunning Icelandic landscape.