Blue Lagoon in Iceland temporarily closes after 1,400 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours

Iceland shut the fanous Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist spot known for its geothermal spa, after experiencing a surge in seismic activity. The Icelandic Meteorological Office reported 1,400 earthquakes within a 24-hour period from Wednesday into Thursday, adding to the thousands reported in preceding days.

The largest of these earthquakes, though of moderate strength, prompted the management of the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik to make the decision to temporarily shut down operations. The closure, initiated on Thursday, is set to last for a week, concluding on November 16. Despite authorities not escalating the current level of uncertainty during this seismic activity, the Blue Lagoon management took a proactive stance.

In a statement posted on its website, Blue Lagoon Iceland explained, "After many days of seismic activity in the area, and a night with powerful earthquakes, the disruption to our guests and prolonged strain on our employees was the primary reason behind our decision." The spa attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, reaching a record 1.3 million in 2017.


Iceland, with its population of less than 400,000, boasts over 600 natural hot springs, drawing its heat and energy from abundant geothermal sources. The closure of the Blue Lagoon underscores the impact of recent seismic events on both locals and tourists alike.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office continues to monitor earthquake data, emphasizing that the recent seismic activity doesn't necessarily indicate an increased rate of magma accumulation. The country, known for its geothermal activity and approximately 130 active volcanoes, experiences episodic seismic events due to its location above a hot spot, characterized by abnormally high magma activity.

Despite concerns, the Global Volcanism Program at the Smithsonian Institution, responsible for tracking volcanic activity worldwide, reported in its weekly update that there is "no indication of magma migrating to the surface." Iceland's official website advises tourists that volcanic eruptions are regular but unpredictable events, occurring at varying intervals since the turn of the 19th century. The current seismic activity serves as a reminder of the dynamic geological forces at play in this volcanic island nation.