Iceland's Blue Lagoon shut as FCDO warns of new volcanic activity
James ChappleIceland’s popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and baths has closed temporarily following heightened levels of volcanic activity on the country’s southwesterly Reykjanes peninsula.
Tens of thousands of tremors have been recorded by the Icelandic Met Office (IMO) in recent weeks, including more than a thousand during a 24-hour period this week, signalling an uptick in volcanic activity.
In an update issued shortly after midday on Thursday (9 November), the IMO said it had detected seven earthquakes of at least magnitude 4, including one of magnitude 4.8 – the largest since the activity began in late October.
It added magma accumulation was ongoing, and that "an acceleration of the process had been observed between days" bringing with it "episodic seismic activity".
The UK’s Met Office, meanwhile, said a magnitude 5 earthquake had since been recorded in the Fagradalsfjall area, just a few kilometres east of Blue Lagoon and around 30km away from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik.
In a statement posted to its website, Blue Lagoon said that while the authorities in Iceland were yet to step up their response to the activity, it had "proactively chosen to temporarily suspend operations for a week" affecting its geothermal spa, Silica Hotel, Retreat Spa, Retreat Hotel, Lava and Moss restaurant.
The closure will continue until 7am on 16 November.
"The primary reason for taking these precautionary measures is our unwavering commitment to safety and wellbeing," said Blue Lagoon. "We aim to mitigate any disruption to our guests’ experiences and alleviate the sustained pressure on our employees.
"During this time, Blue Lagoon Iceland will carefully monitor the seismic developments, in cooperation with the local authorities, and reassess the situation as necessary."
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Iceland earlier this week, highlighting an increase in volcanic activity "above normal levels" on the Reykjanes peninsula.
"The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjorn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon," said the FCDO.
"Although there is no current eruption, it is possible one could occur. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area."
Flights to Iceland’s only international airport, Keflavik, which is situated about 15km north of Blue Lagoon, are continuing as scheduled. Icelandair and Fly Play have not issued any advice of their own.
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