Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland—initially along the Fagradalsfjall fissure system and more recently along the Sundhnúksgígar crater row near Grindavík and Svartsengi—has experienced periodic volcanic fissure eruptions and seismic swarms. Because Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and the Blue Lagoon sit on the Reykjanes Peninsula, here is what visitors need to know to travel safely.
1. Is Keflavík Airport & Ring Road Travel Affected?
- Flights & Keflavík Airport: Recent Reykjanes eruptions have been effusive lava fissure eruptions rather than explosive ash-producing sub-glacial eruptions (like Eyjafjallajökull in 2010). Commercial flights at Keflavík Airport and travel along the Ring Road (Route 1) have continued to operate normally.
- Localized Exclusion Zones: Whenever magma accumulation or an eruption occurs near Svartsengi or Grindavík, Icelandic Civil Protection immediately establishes localized road closures and earthen protective barriers around the affected zone.
2. Checking Blue Lagoon Operational Status
Because the Blue Lagoon is located at Svartsengi (approximately 4–5 km from the Sundhnúksgígar crater row), the facility closely coordinates with the Icelandic Met Office and Department of Civil Protection.
- Before You Drive: Always check the official Blue Lagoon Operational Update page and umferdin.is (road.is) on the morning of your booking to confirm whether Route 43 (Grindavíkurvegur) is open.
- Alternative Geothermal Lagoons Nearby: If the Blue Lagoon is temporarily closed due to seismic precautions during your visit, Sky Lagoon (in Kópavogur, 12 minutes from downtown Reykjavík) and Hvammsvík Hot Springs (in Hvalfjörður) remain completely unaffected. Compare all top lagoons in our Geothermal Lagoons & Activities Guide.
3. Official Volcanic & Weather Monitoring Resources
Never attempt to hike toward an active volcanic site unless an official trail has been declared open and marked by search-and-rescue teams (ICE-SAR):
- en.vedur.is: Live seismic maps, gas dispersion forecasts, and volcanic hazard assessments from the Icelandic Met Office.
- safetravel.is: Real-time traveler alerts and SMS safety notifications.
- umferdin.is/en: Live road closures across the Reykjanes Peninsula and all of Iceland.
