Iceland's Grindavik on High Alert: Volcano Eruption Near Blue Lagoon

By Ivan PetrenkoJan 15, 2024 04:30 AMNews
Share:
Iceland Volcano
Iceland Volcano. Source: unsplash

In a dramatic turn of events, a volcano erupted near the Icelandic town of Grindavik on Sunday, causing the iconic Blue Lagoon to shut its doors once again. The eruption, a startling reminder of Iceland's volatile geology, occurred in southwest Iceland, raising alarms but fortunately posing no immediate threat to human life.

The eruption began in the early hours, north of Grindavik, a quaint fishing town which had been preemptively evacuated for the second time since November. The evacuation followed a surge in seismic activities, hinting at the volcano's imminent awakening. Authorities have been on their toes, constructing barriers of earth and rock in recent weeks to protect Grindavik, situated about 40 km southwest of Reykjavik, from the lava's potential path. However, the fresh eruption seems to have breached these defenses.

Live footage captured the dramatic scene: molten rock and smoke gushing out, painting a daunting picture against the serene backdrop of Grindavik. The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) reported a crack near the town's defenses, with lava flowing perilously close, approximately 450 meters away. The world-renowned Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa and a major tourist attraction, announced its closure on its website, heightening the tension in the region.

According to flow models, the lava could reach Grindavik within a few hours if it continues on its current trajectory, as per an IMO spokesperson's statement to RUV, Iceland's public broadcaster. This development has caused significant concern among both local residents and authorities. Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir expressed her alarm in an interview with Morgunbladid, a local daily, highlighting the frightening proximity of the lava flow to the town.

This recent eruption is the second such event on the Reykjanes peninsula in less than a month and marks the fifth volcanic outbreak in Iceland since 2021. Last month, the Svartsengi volcanic system, not far from Grindavik, erupted following the complete evacuation of the town's 4,000 inhabitants. The subsequent closure of the Blue Lagoon had already put the area on high alert.

Despite the ongoing volcanic activity, Iceland remains a magnet for volcano tourism, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The country, comparable in size to the U.S. state of Kentucky, is home to over 30 active volcanoes. The 2010 eruption of the Eyafjallajokull volcano in southern Iceland had widespread impacts, disrupting air travel across Europe with ash clouds and leading to evacuations. However, unlike Eyafjallajokull, the Reykjanes volcanic systems are not covered by glaciers, reducing the likelihood of similar ash clouds.

This natural spectacle, while awe-inspiring, serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks and the need for constant vigilance in regions prone to volcanic activity.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM
Modern hotel room with bed, sofa, and large windows

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM
Close-up of a Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on the tarmac at sunset

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM
Electric Lumo train moving on railway tracks in the UK

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM
Air Corsica aircraft wing above the clouds during flight

New Direct Flights Between Nice and Florence Open Up Easier Travel Across the Mediterranean

Jun 28, 2025 13:47 PM

Steady Travel Through Wales: T4 Changes Operator in September

Jun 28, 2025 00:34 AM

Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls Set for Centrally Located Hotel Openings

Jun 27, 2025 21:28 PM
Air Canada aircraft in flight approaching landing

New Direct Montréal–Edinburgh Flight Opens Summer City-to-City Travel

Jun 27, 2025 19:45 PM
Workers in safety gear repairing railway tracks with heavy equipment

Temporary Closure of Picerno Station Alters Train Routes in Southern Italy

Jun 27, 2025 17:32 PM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Ryanair Unveils New Direct Winter Routes from Gothenburg, Boosting Travel Choices to Southern Europe

Jun 27, 2025 15:29 PM
Cozy hotel room with warm lighting and decorative wall art

New Hotels in Jeddah to Boost Travel Convenience Near King Abdullah Sports City

Jun 27, 2025 13:46 PM

Adelaide Gains Direct Flights to Bali, Unlocking Wider Asian Travel Options

Jun 27, 2025 05:33 AM

Travel to South Wales in July disrupted by rail changes

Jun 26, 2025 22:24 PM
Jet2holidays aircraft taxiing on runway

New Direct Flights to La Palma Expand UK–Canaries Access

Jun 26, 2025 20:41 PM
Train platforms and GWR trains at London Paddington station

Mobile Signal Returns to Key Train Routes

Jun 26, 2025 18:37 PM
Empty departure board at Helsinki Airport terminal during operational disruption

Finnair Warns of Major Travel Disruptions During July Airport Strikes

Jun 26, 2025 13:25 PM
Flydubai aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

flydubai Reopens Key Damascus Route, Expanding Travel Options in the Middle East

Jun 26, 2025 02:42 AM
Hotel room with a large bed, two lamps, and window curtains

New Hotel Opens in Tromsø Near Harbour as Travel Grows

Jun 26, 2025 00:38 AM

SAS Reopens Copenhagen–Mumbai Route After 17-Year Gap

Jun 25, 2025 22:21 PM

Canopy by Hilton Opens in Revitalized Longkloof District of Cape Town

Jun 25, 2025 20:47 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 flying against a cloudy sky

Etihad Begins Airbus A380 Flights to Toronto Increasing Capacity for Travelers

Jun 25, 2025 18:36 PM
Minimalist hotel room with natural light and modern decor

Hotel Opposite Haymarket: A New Stopover Spot in Festival Edinburgh

Jun 25, 2025 16:52 PM