After closure due to earthquake risk: Blue Lagoon in Iceland opens again after more than a month

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Initially, the authorities expect only a limited number of visitors; local police chief Ulfar Ludviksson expects 300 to 500 people – normally there are thousands. “It is quite quiet in the area these days,” he told broadcaster RUV. “Given the circumstances, everything should go smoothly.”

The geothermal swimming pool with its special white-blue water and adjacent cafes and restaurants were closed on November 9. The reason was an ongoing series of earthquakes and concerns about a volcanic eruption in the area about 40 kilometers southwest of the capital Reykjavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Contrary to fears, an eruption has not occurred so far, but authorities still believe it is possible.

However, the authorities had imposed conditions on the reopening. In the event of an emergency, an evacuation plan must now enable rapid evacuation within a maximum of two hours. Guests must arrive and depart on the official bus; arriving with their own car is not allowed. The opening hours have been slightly adjusted.

Whether two other hotels and a restaurant on site can reopen will be discussed on December 21. Residents of the nearby town of Grindavík, which was evacuated in November, will not be able to return to their homes until at least the end of the year.

(SDA)

Source: Blick