Iceland's Blue Lagoon is evacuated due to volcanic activity — again

Picture this: You're floating blissfully in Iceland's world-famous Blue Lagoon, sipping wine while soaking in milky blue geothermal waters, when suddenly staff members are politely but urgently asking you to "quickly pack your bags." Welcome to Iceland, where even your spa day comes with a side of volcanic drama.

The latest Iceland volcano eruption

Early Wednesday morning, at around 4 a.m., southwestern Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula decided to put on another fiery show. Following an intense seismic swarm that would make even the most seasoned Icelander reach for their morning coffee a bit earlier than usual, a volcanic eruption began near the town of Grindavik. Again.

The timing couldn't have been more inconvenient for Blue Lagoon guests, who found themselves experiencing the ultimate "check-out or get checked by lava" scenario. The iconic geothermal spa, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, was forced to evacuate tourists as the earth literally opened up nearby.

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According to Iceland's Met Office, lava is flowing southeast from a fissure that stretches an impressive 700 to 1,000 meters wide — imagine a crack in the earth nearly two-thirds of a mile across, spewing molten rock like nature's most dramatic fountain. The good news? The lava flow isn't threatening any infrastructure, though it's certainly putting on quite the spectacle for anyone brave enough to watch from a safe distance.

The nearby town of Grindavik also saw its campsite evacuated. Even Icelandic campers draw the line at s'mores cooked over actual lava flows. (Though those probably taste extra delicious.)

Déjà vu: The 2023 eruption

If this Iceland volcano eruption feels familiar, that's because southwestern Iceland has been playing geological roulette since November 2023. That's when a volcano in the area decided to end its 800-year nap — the longest volcanic snooze in recorded history — and reminded everyone that Iceland sits on one of the world's most active volcanic systems, where two tectonic plates are stretching apart.

The November 2023 eruption was particularly dramatic because it forced the evacuation of Grindavik's entire population of 3,400 residents. Imagine having to leave your home because scientists detected a 10-kilometer-long corridor of magma creeping beneath your neighborhood like the world's most dangerous subway system.

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The 2023 event was preceded by weeks of seismic activity, with hundreds of small earthquakes occurring daily. The situation became so concerning that authorities raised the aviation alert to orange, remembering all too well the 2010 eruption that caused widespread flight disruptions across Europe and North America, costing airlines an estimated $3 billion and canceling over 100,000 flights.

The Blue Lagoon, which has become as synonymous with Iceland as puffins and Björk, was forced to close temporarily during that period as well. The resort has, unfortunately, become quite experienced in volcanic evacuation procedures.

Is Iceland safe for travelers?

Before you cancel your volcano vacation, know that Iceland remains one of the world's safest travel destinations, volcanic activity included. The country has been dealing with eruptions for over a millennium, and Icelanders have become remarkably skilled at managing these geological tantrums.

Iceland's monitoring systems are among the world's most advanced, with scientists tracking seismic activity 24/7. When evacuations happen, they're typically precautionary and well-coordinated. The recent eruptions, while dramatic, haven't caused any injuries or significant infrastructure damage.

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The Reykjanes Peninsula, where these recent eruptions are occurring, represents a small fraction of Iceland's territory. The vast majority of the country's attractions — like the Golden Circle — remain completely unaffected by new volcanic activity.

For travelers, the key is flexibility and travel insurance. Airlines and tour operators have well-established protocols for volcanic disruptions, and most travel insurance policies cover volcanic activity. The Blue Lagoon itself has proven remarkably resilient, typically reopening within days of eruptions.

Think of it this way: How many people can say they've been evacuated from a spa because of a volcano?

Yahoo CreatorJacqueline KehoeJacqueline is a travel, nature, and science writer based in Wisconsin. Follow her work on Yahoo Creators—or find it in the wild at publications like National Geographic, Smithsonian, Travel + Leisure, and more.FollowFollow