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Eruption in Reykjanes - updated closure boundaries

An eruption has started in Reykjanes and an evacuation plan has been activated around Grindavík.
06.06.2024
Image from the Civil Protection and Emergency Management. May 29, 2024.
Image from the Civil Protection and Emergency Management. May 29, 2024.

The news item has been updated! 

An eruption started today (Wednesday, May 29) on the Reykjanes Peninsula, by Mt. Hagafell. It is similar to the last eruption in March.

The eruption is the eighth one in Reykjanes in the last three years. The first eruption started on the 19th of March 2021.

Monitoring and first response:

The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and the local authorities have activated all necessary security measures and the area around Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon and the Svartsengi area have been evacuated. The scientists at the Icelandic Metrologic Office and from the Universities are processing the information gathered and monitoring the event. When the area and the information on the event have been properly processed, an update will be published here regarding accessibility to the area.

Access to the eruption site and viewing sites:

  • While the event is being evaluated a road closure has been set up by Staður (west of Grindavik) on road no. 425, on Grindavikurvegur (road no. 43) and Suðurstrandarvegur (no 427) by Krísuvíkurvegur. These closures have a temporary effect on some of the sites in the Reykjanes region; The Bridge between continents, Gunnuhver geothermal area, Reykjanes lighthouse, the Blue lagoon, Eldvörp, and the eruption sites in Mt. Fagradalsfjall. Any updates will be posted as soon as it changes.
  • The new eruption area is not open to visitors. Visitors need to view it from afar. Please respect the closures and follow the instructions from the authorities.
  • The eruption can be seen from the main road no. 41 (Reykjanesbraut), but visitors are advised not to stop the cars on the highway. Below is a map with locations of good viewing sites, for example, the old Patterson airstrip and Ásbrú.
  • The access to the area is closed and road no. 43 towards Grindavik has been closed. Further information and updates on road closures can be viewed on the road administration website, www.road.is.

To view the map better, use your mouse or fingers to move it around and zoom in and out.

Useful links to monitor and review updates on the events: