Leisure time
Blue Lagoon in Iceland reopens after eruption
Next to the Blue Lagoon, steam rises from the Grindavik geothermal power plant in November 2023. photo
© Raul Moreno/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Volcanic activity in Iceland has decreased significantly. For this reason, the Blue Lagoon geothermal pool can be reopened.
After a long break due to the volcanic eruption Iceland has reopened the Blue Lagoon. The first visitors arrived at the geothermal bath, which is popular with tourists, late in the morning, the Icelandic broadcaster RÚV reported on Saturday. The operators emphasized that evacuation plans were in place for emergencies. Two hotels on the site are scheduled to welcome guests again from this Tuesday, and a star restaurant on Wednesday.
The Blue Lagoon with its special white-blue water as well as adjacent cafes and restaurants were closed for the first time on November 9th. Since then, the leisure center has only been briefly reopened twice. The reason was an ongoing series of earthquakes and concerns about a volcanic eruption in the area around 40 kilometers southwest of the capital Reykjavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The eruption actually occurred on the evening of December 18th. Since shortly before Christmas, lava has not been visible on the earth’s surface.
Manager Helga Árnadóttir said the Blue Lagoon was cooperating closely with the authorities. The risk assessment was lowered on Friday. It was then decided to reopen.
RÚV report communication Blue Lagoon