Volcanic explosion in Iceland prompts evacuation of a town and a famous geothermal spa
A new volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 16, 2025. The eruption, which originated along the Sundhnúkur crater row northeast of Grindavík, has been described as a fissure volcano with a 700 to 1,000-meter-wide fissure[1].
The eruption has had direct implications for the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland's most famous geothermal spas. Evacuations were carried out at the Blue Lagoon as a precautionary measure in response to the volcanic activity[3]. While the exact nature of damage to the facility is not detailed in the available sources, the closure and evacuation indicate that operations at the spa are currently suspended due to immediate safety concerns[3].
Despite the eruption and gas cloud, flights to and from Keflavík International Airport and main road networks, including the Ring Road, remain operational and unaffected as of the latest updates[1]. The Icelandic authorities have emphasized that, while there are localized evacuations and closures such as at the Blue Lagoon, general travel plans across Iceland are not disrupted, provided visitors heed official safety advice[1].
For visitors, it is essential to monitor updates from official Icelandic sources for the latest on access and safety near the eruption zone. The authorities have stated that the eruption does not pose a broad danger to travelers who follow safety guidance[1]. It is also worth noting that the Blue Lagoon remains closed at this time[3].
Here's a summary table of the current status:
| Aspect | Current Status (as of July 18, 2025) | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Eruption Location | Sundhnúkur crater row, Reykjanes peninsula[1] | | Blue Lagoon | Evacuated; operations suspended[3] | | Air Travel | No disruptions reported[1] | | Road Travel | Main roads, including Ring Road, remain open[1] | | Safety Advice | Follow local advisories; no general travel ban[1] |
As the eruption continues, local authorities remain vigilant, and updates on the situation—including potential further impacts on tourism infrastructure—are expected. The national broadcaster RUV reported the eruption and subsequent evacuations[4].
- As the eruption in Seattle's environmental-science sector persists, opinions about its potential impact on health-and-wellness and local transportation systems are dividing.
- Some experts in science believe that the ongoing eruption could lead to increased air pollution, which might necessitate temporary transportation adjustments or restrictions.
- On the other hand, tourism officials in Seattle are optimistic, stating that the eruption does not pose a broad danger to health-and-wellness or travel plans as long as visitors adhere to safety guidelines, similar to the advice given by Icelandic authorities during the Reykjanes Peninsula eruption.
