Volcanic activity poses challenges for Iceland's popular Blue Lagoon

02.04.2024 - 22:57 / travelweekly.com / Sky Lagoon

For many travelers, what the Eiffel Tower is to France or the pyramids are to Egypt, the Blue Lagoon is to Iceland.

But with the iconic spa attraction facing periodic disruption due to volcanic activity on the island's Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland's tourism ecosystem faces an unpredictable future.

On the heels of three volcanic eruptions this winter, the Blue Lagoon's most recent temporary shutdown occurred on March 16, when a fourth eruption prompted a full evacuation of the spa and its hospitality facilities. In addition to its geothermal spa offerings, the Blue Lagoon is home to the Blue Cafe, Moss and Lava restaurants; Retreat and Silica hotels; Retreat Spa and Spa Restaurant; and a retail store.

Update: Due to the seismic activity, the Blue Lagoon was closed until at least April 1, at which point the hotel and spa said it would "reassess" the situation.

"The Blue Lagoon is the biggest trademark in Icelandic tourism, so it's a little problematic, obviously, from a marketing point of view," said Snorri Valsson, head of public relations for the Icelandic Tourist Board. "It's sort of the first thing that pops up in people's minds when they think of Iceland."

With considerable media coverage surrounding the seismic activity and Blue Lagoon closures, Valsson said the Icelandic Tourist Board's primary focus has been on providing accurate information regarding the scope of the latest eruption.

"One of the main roles we have is to get across the basic message that this is a localized event and that the emergency situation is only in a small area," he said. "Because on the map, it appears relatively close to the airport and Reykjavik, and people might think that there is impact there, when in fact, there is none."

The Icelandic Tourist Board is also encouraging visitors to consider alternative geothermal attractions, with Valsson citing examples like the Sky Lagoon, Krauma, Hvammsvik Hot Springs and, farther north, the Myvatn Nature Baths.

"One of our options is to put more emphasis on these facilities when the Blue Lagoon is a little bit more of a shaky option, and I have heard voices from within the tourism sector [suggesting that] some sort of a campaign is needed," Valsson said.

The volcanic eruptions began ramping up just as the Icelandic Tourist Board had released data predicting a record year for Icelandic tourism, with 2024 forecast to bring more than 2.4 million visitors, up from approximately 2.2 million visitors last year. With impact from the Blue Lagoon's closures yet to be factored into that forecast, Valsson said there could be some "recalculation" needed.

That adjustment, however, would also need to take a recent spike in volcano-related tourism into consideration.

"A volcanic eruption