Iceland's Blue Lagoon Reopens as Volcanic Activity Eases

Iceland's famous geothermal spa Blue Lagoon has fully reopened after months of on-off closures owing to a series of volcanic eruptions along the country's Reykjanes peninsula.

Iceland Blue Lagoon iStock iStock-500805696 (Credit: iStock) All facilities are now open, albeit with different working hours (Credit: iStock)The spa on Friday (16 February) confirmed all units were now open to customers, including the cafe, the Retreat and Silica hotels, and the Lava and Moss restaurants – as well as the main spa facilities.

It has temporarily adjusted its opening hours and is now open from 8am to 9pm. Bookings will be taken up to 7pm. Access to the spa has changed too, owing to lava flows in the area.

"This reopening is a collaborative effort with local authorities, ensuring ongoing safety in light of recent seismic and volcanic events," said the spa in a statement. "Experts continue to closely monitor the area and the ongoing developments of seismic activity through round-the-clock, real-time analysis."

Iceland's meteorological office this week said there were no new signs of magma accumulation, with the impact of the eruption more powerfully felt near the town of Grindavik.

Blue Lagoon has urged all visitors with bookings to take an alternative route to the spa owing to disruption to its primary access road.

"Be aware the road is narrow, so be mindful of the speed limit," it added. "If you do not already have a transfer, you have the option to make a reservation via Destination Blue Lagoon."

The geothermal facility initially shut its doors in mid-November following high levels of volcanic activity along Iceland's south-western Reykjanes peninsula – home to Iceland's only international airport, Keflavik.

Just last week, it was forced to close down after lava fountains reaching 50-80 metres were detected around Mount Sylingarfell, less than two miles away from the spa.