YET, another volcanic eruption rocked Iceland on May 29, 2024 – with huge fountains of lava exploding into the sky.
Following the fifth eruption in recent months, here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Iceland this year.
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Is it safe to travel to Iceland?
A state of emergency was declared following the eruption of a volcano in Iceland – the fifth time this has happened in three months.
On May 29, 2024, lava was spewed into the air from the Sundhnúkur crater row.
The eruption site is situated a few kilometers northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town with a population of 3,800 people, which was evacuated.
The Met Office said lava was shooting about 50 meters into the sky from a fissure about a kilometer long.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said: “Intense seismic activity is ongoing in the Sundhnúkur crater row.
“A spread of magma may be beginning or has already begun, and a volcanic eruption may occur.”
This is not a tourist attraction and you must observe it from a great distance
Vidir Reynisson
Grindavik was previously evacuated in November 2023 after a series of earthquakes, which opened large cracks in the ground between the town and Sýlingarfell – a small mountain located to the north.
Before all the recent eruptions, the Svartsengi volcanic system north of Grindavik had been dormant for about 780 years.
Icelandic authorities also declared a state of emergency during the November eruption, after hundreds of small earthquakes shook the Reykjanes Peninsula – Iceland’s most populous region.
The head of Iceland’s Civil Protection and Emergency Management, Vidir Reynisson, told national broadcaster RUV: “This is not a tourist attraction and you should observe it from a great distance.”
How likely is a volcanic eruption?
The IMO said there is a “considerably high” risk of the volcano erupting again.
Through its website, the UK Foreign Office also warns: “Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland.
“Recently, there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, the latest on May 29.
“This has affected the town of Grindavik and the area north of it. Stay away from this area. All roads to Grindavik and surrounding areas are closed.
“The likelihood of further eruptions at this location remains high.
“Check local media for updates and follow advice from Icelandic authorities about traveling to the area.”
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Will my flights be cancelled?
Keflavik International Airport – Iceland’s main international airport – remains open and flights continue to arrive and depart, despite being just 20 km north of the eruption site.
However, the airport has advised passengers to “monitor flight information” and roads around Grindavik are closed.
Several European foreign affairs offices have advised travelers to stay away from Grindavik and respect local restrictions, directing travelers to the Iceland Met Office It is Safe Travel Iceland for the latest travel advice.
Flights still run to and from Iceland from the UK.
Is Reykjavik safe from a volcanic eruption?
The series of five recent eruptions occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland.
Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, has not been evacuated and is currently unaffected, although this could change in the short term.
Grindavik, which was evacuated, is about 50 kilometers southwest of Reykjavik.
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Is Lagoa Azul open?
From May 29, 2024, Lagoa Azul is closed.
Visitors were evacuated from the area due to ongoing volcanic eruptions.
The thermal spa is one of Iceland’s main tourist attractions.
The lagoon’s official website released a statement that reads: “Due to a volcanic eruption that began in Sundhnúksgígar on May 29, we have taken the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily closing all of our operating units today.
“More updates and information will be provided here as it becomes available.”
Blue Lagoon management said all customers with reservations will be contacted.
Anyone who wants to cancel or change their Lagoa Azul reservation can do so on the attraction’s website website.
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Is Iceland foreigner-friendly?
Iceland is a friendly, welcoming and tolerant country, but that doesn’t mean locals necessarily like ALL foreigners.
In a Quora thread addressing the issue, an Icelander summed it up perfectly: “We don’t dislike foreigners.
“We don’t like foreigners or tourists who think they can do whatever they want and behave like fools – breaking Icelandic laws. It’s like driving off-road, ruining our nature. Ignoring the warning signs and risking their lives and the our SARS team when they should rescue them from situations they got themselves into because they ignored them.
“They rent a rental car and don’t even think to check the road or weather conditions.
“This is Iceland. One minute it can be sunny and clear and the next it can be a snowstorm, so bad people can’t leave the house for a few days.
“Behave decently, follow the law and listen to the warning signs. They are there to protect you. And before stopping the car in the middle of the road to take photos of some waterfalls.
“Consider the danger you place yourself, your passengers and other drivers. Stop your car on the shoulder and make sure there are no cars coming before you cross the street, or use the parking spaces scattered throughout place to keep everyone safe.
“Welcome to Iceland and have a good trip.”
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Why is the crime rate in Iceland so low?
One of the main factors contributing to Iceland’s remarkably low crime rate is the social cohesion of its population – it is a close-knit, family-oriented community.
Iceland is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, with a population of just over 350,000.
The Icelandic education system is excellent and surprisingly cheap – even a university degree is cheaper than a month’s rent.
There are very few homicides in the country — 0 to 1.5 per year — and with high employment rates and a robust social safety net, there are fewer reasons to commit crimes like robberies.
Increased protections against inequality mean that everyone is free to practice their religion and identify as they wish, although there are laws in place that mean women cannot be paid less than men for the same work.
In short, it is a fair and rich society, with fewer reasons to commit a crime.
Is it safe to walk in Iceland at night?
In short, yes it is, for all the reasons stated above.
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world and Reykjavik is one of the safest cities.
One TripAdvisor user wrote: “I’ve never felt unsafe in Reykjavik, we walked at night, no problem. The city center is compact. Iceland is one of the safest places I know.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
