Blog Volcanic eruption near Grindavik

Update 11th April, 2024: The eruption has not stopped since 16th March, 2024, so the lava is constantly finding its way to the earth's surface in two places. One of the craters has recently collapsed, allowing lava to flow northwards into uninhabited areas. There are still no volcano-related restrictions on air traffic to and from Iceland. The Blue Lagoon will reopen to visitors on 11th April, 2024.

Update 18th Mar 2024: Another volcanic eruption occurred on Reykjanes near Grindavik on 16th March 2024 at 8:23pm local time. The approximately 2.1 mile long eruption fissure is located between the mountains Hagafell and Stóra Skógfell and is similar to the eruption on February 8 this year. The flow rate of the lava has now slowed down considerably, so it can be assumed that the eruption will soon come to an end. As with the previous volcanic eruptions, air traffic to and from Keflavik has not been affected. The Blue Lagoon has been evacuated and is closed until further notice.

Further information can be found on the website of the Icelandic government, Safetravel.is the Icelandic Met Office and Visit Reykjanes. A live stream showing the eruption site can be found at ruv.is.

Update 20th Feb 2024: The Blue Lagoon has been open again since 16th February 2024, including all restaurants, the café, the spa and the associated hotels. Access is via an alternative route, which can be found at www.bluelagoon.com/reopening.

Update 08th Feb 2024: This morning at around 06:00 local time, there was another eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption area is roughly in the same location as the eruption of December 18, 2023. An approximately 3 km long fissure runs from Sundhnúk in the south to the eastern end of Stóra-Scógfell. The lava flows mainly to the west. Air traffic is currently unaffected, as with previous eruptions. The Blue Lagoon remains closed until further notice.

Further information can be found on the website of the Icelandic government, Safetravel.is the Icelandic Met Office and Visit Reykjanes. Live broadcasts of the eruption can be viewed on mbl.is and ruv.is.

Update 15th Jan 2024:
On the morning of the 14th of January, there was another volcanic eruption near Grindavik. The region around the eruption is closed and hiking in the areas is prohibited. The Reykjanesbrautin (road 41 to and from the airport) is open but please only use it if you have to. There is currently no impact on air traffic and any disruption is considered unlikely. 

We will of course inform you immediately if the situation changes. You will find our emergency number in your travel documents.

Further information can be found on the website of the Icelandic government, Safetravel.is the Icelandic Met Office and Visit Reykjanes. Live broadcasts of the eruption can be viewed on mbl.is and ruv.is.

Update 05th Jan 2024:
From 06th Jan 2024 the Blue Lagoon will reopen, including the spa and most of the food and beverage facilities. The Silica Hotel and the Retreat Hotel will reopen on Tuesday, 09th January 2024.

Update: 22nd Dec 2023:
No more volcanic activity has been detected at the eruption fissure since 21 December, meaning that no more lava is flowing at the moment. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, however, it is still too early to rule out further volcanic activity. The area and roads around the eruption are still closed.

Update: 19th Dec 2023:
On the evening of December 18th, 2023, shortly after 10 pm, the volcanic eruption began in the southwestern region of Iceland. Until further notice, all roads around the Grindavik area are closed and visitors are asked to stay away from the area. At this stage, the eruption is having minimal impact on air traffic and there are no changes to flight schedules. The Blue Lagoon will remain closed indefinitely for the time being due to the eruption.

Volcanic eruptions are common in Iceland. In the last three years, three eruptions have occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula, during which neither people were harmed nor air traffic was affected. The Icelandic authorities and population are prepared for such events and Iceland has one of the most effective volcano preparedness plans in the world. There is currently no official travel warning for Iceland. You are free to rebook or cancel your trip by our Terms and Conditions, even if your trip is not expected to be affected by the volcanic eruption.

We will of course inform you immediately if the situation changes. You will find our emergency number in your travel documents.

Further information can be found on the website of the Icelandic government, Safetravel.is the Icelandic Met Office and Visit Reykjanes. Live broadcasts of the eruption can be viewed on mbl.is and ruv.is.

Update: 15th Dec 2023:
The Blue Lagoon, the café, the lava restaurant and the Retreat Spa and Restaurant will resume operations from 17 December 2023 and will be open between 11:00 and 20:00. Please familiarise yourself with the arrival guidelines for the first days of the opening, as only buses are allowed on Grindavíkurvegur (the Blue Lagoon is not yet accessible by rental car). However, the Silica Hotel, the Retreat Hotel and the Moss Restaurant will remain closed until 21 December 2023. 

Update: 11th Dec 2023:
The Blue Lagoon will remain closed until 14th Dec. Magma no longer seems to be flowing into the dike since the beginning of December and experts believe an eruption is less likely. The first stores in Grindavik have reopened.

Update: 01st Dec 2023: The situation around Grindavik has calmed down further. Work in the town has partially resumed during the day and repairs to the roads and pipelines have already begun. The Blue Lagoon will remain closed until 07th Dec 2023.

Update 24th Nov 2023:The danger level in Grindavik was downgraded yesterday, as an eruption is considered unlikely. The local airlines do not expect any restrictions on air traffic (see Icelandair statement). With the exception of the area around Grindavik, Iceland remains a safe destination.

Update 16th Nov 2023: Recent reports from the Icelandic Meteorological Office indicate a rise in seismic activity in the region since October 24th, with signs suggesting a likely volcanic eruption near Grindavík and Blue Lagoon.
In response, local authorities have carried out a preventive evacuation of the area for maximum safety. Further, Iceland's National Police Commissioner has raised the Civil Protection Service Level to "Emergency" in the same area to ensure proactive measures are in place for public safety and protection.

This current situation affects a particular section of the Reykjanes peninsula alone, and the immediate vicinity spanning a few kilometers around it. Authorities have proactively implemented road closures in these regions to guarantee the safety and well-being of everyone in the vicinity.

As a precautionary measure all tours in the Reykjanes Peninsula have been temporarily suspended. The rest of Iceland remains unaffected and continues to welcome travelers.

Iceland's location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge means that both volcanic and seismic activities are a normal part of its geological character. Regular occurrences ranging from minor tremors to larger earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, such as the recent ones in the Reykjanes Peninsula, are closely monitored by experts. On average, eruptions occur in Iceland every three years with no human casualties for a few centuries.

We would also like to remind you that international media coverage can occasionally misinterpret events. Therefore, we encourage you to seek information from our local Icelandic channels, as they are the most reliable and accurate sources for current updates and information regarding the situation in Iceland. See the links below .

The Icelandic MET office: Information on the seismic activity and development of events
The Icelandic Road Administration: Information on road conditions and closures in the Reykjanes region
Safetravel: Updates on safety 
The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service: News coverage
Visit Reykjanes: More updates from the area

We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have so please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

Update 15th Nov 2023: The Blue Lagoon is closing for one week amid rising concerns over the seismic activity in the area and measured accumulation of magma underground in the region. The popular tourist destination will remain closed until Nov. 30. 

08th Nov 2023: Due to increased seismic activity and the associated risk of a volcanic eruption, we currently adivse against travelling to Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula and the surrounding area. The tremors were recorded to the north and north-west of the Icelandic town. The warning also applies to Mount Þorbjörn and the Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist destination. We advise against visiting the geothermal baths at this time.

There has been an increase in earthquakes in the area in recent weeks. Measurements have shown that a volcanic eruption could occur quickly and suddenly. However, it is currently unclear whether an eruption will occur. Restrictions around Keflavik airport, which is also located on Reykjanes, are not expected at this time.

We strongly advise all visitors to Iceland to follow the developments on safetravel.is and to follow the recommendations. Further information is also available from the Icelandic Meteorological Office.