Volcano eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula

A volcanic eruption started in Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula at 7:57 local time on January 14, following weeks of seismic activity and eruption in December. It is located next to the town of Grindavík. This is the 5th eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in four years.

Key points:  

• While the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik town are closed, Icelandic travel and tourism remain largely unaffected, including flights. 
• Our Iceland tours, except those that include the Blue Lagoon, are running as usual. 
• The impact of this eruption is limited and does not pose a threat to most people in Iceland. 
• No injuries have been reported, and this natural activity, while a concern, is a regular occurrence that makes Iceland a unique destination.

Our top priority is to keep our customers and employees safe. If there are any changes in the situation, we will post updates.

Nevertheless, now is an excellent opportunity to visit Iceland and safely experience this spectacular natural phenomenon firsthand.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS VOLCANIC ERUPTION SO FAR?

JANUARY 14, 2024

• Volcano eruption started in Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula at 7:57 local time on January 14. It is located next to the town of Grindavík. This is the 5th eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in four years.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

• The newest eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula might have ended.
• Scientists flying over the area didn't see any activity at the eruption site, and ground reports confirm this.
• However, experts say it's too early to say for sure that the eruption has stopped, as there might still be unseen activity in underground lava channels.
• The eruption area remains off-limits for hiking. It's important to respect these safety measures until further notice.
• For the best view of the eruption, check out the live streams.

DECEMBER 20, 2023

• The volcanic eruption at Sundhnúks crater in Iceland is stable with little change overnight.
• Eruption intensity has decreased since starting on Monday.
• Grindavík is currently safe from lava, which is moving north.
   

DECEMBER 19, 2023

• The greatest activity in the eruption became limited to a 300 to 500-meter-long ridge around the middle of the initial eruption zone.
• Lava production decreased significantly, and it is now about 1/4 of what it was at the beginning. 
• Efforts to protect against lava near Svartsengi are ongoing. The work includes closing gaps near road crossings and hot water pipes to ensure the area is physically defended.

DECEMBER 18, 2023

• The eruption began around 22:17 GMT following an earthquake swarm that started around 21:00.
• The volcanic activity occurred around 4 km (2 miles) north of Grindavík, near the Sundhnúkar crater row.
• The fissure is about 4 kilometers long, with lava flowing north and east but not south.
• Flights to and from Iceland were not disrupted, and international flight corridors remain open.
• The public was advised not to approach the eruption site; local police raised their alert level.

Additional sources: RUV.is, Vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office), safetravel.is