Fears of a volcanic eruption have led to the closure of the famous Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa near the town of Grindavik, not far from the international airport. The spa’s temporary closure happened after a series of strong earthquakes. Grindavik has now been evacuated.
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavik. (Danuta Hamlin)
The country ‘Iceland’ has the word ‘ice’ in its name, but ice is not the problem here. The path leading to the steaming lagoon proves this.
The terrain of Iceland is still under construction. There are lava rocks as far as the eye can see, and billowing patches of steam add to the atmosphere.
Tourists enjoying the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. (Danuta Hamlin)
The huge, natural outdoor hot tub is heated by volcanic lava gushing out from below.
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Iceland sits in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Rift, making it a hotbed for geothermal activity. There are over 130 volcanoes here, as well as a variety of geysers and fissures.
Water and mountains of Iceland. (Danuta Hamlin)
It creates a dramatic landscape, but the dangers of an eruption lurk in the minds of the residents.
The 1947 eruption of Mount Hekla was the first volcanic eruption in Iceland to be photographed and filmed, and Fox Movietone News was there to bring the coverage to American moviegoers.
Reykjavik, capital of Iceland, at night. (Danuta Hamlin)
Iceland is a Nordic nation. The first people said to have explored this frozen island were the Vikings from Norway, who settled here as early as the ninth century. They were hardy Scandinavians used to enduring the cold elements.
They created an Icelandic Commonwealth, which eventually came under Danish rule. Iceland became an independent republic in 1944.
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Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church in Reykjavík. (Danuta Hamlin)
Not far from the fishing town of Grindavík is the capital of Reykjavík. With more than 123,000 inhabitants, it is the most populous city in Iceland. Its most recognizable landmark is Hallgrímskirkja, a Lutheran parish church, one of the tallest structures in the country.
Leif Eriksson statue in Reykjavik. (Danuta Hamlin)
In front of the church, stands the statue of the Icelandic Viking hero Leifur Eiríksson (also known as Leif Eriksson). This monument was a gift to Iceland from the United States in 1929. Erikson, the son of Erik the Red, is believed to be the first European to set foot on mainland North America, around the year 1000.
TOURISTS FLEE POPULAR ICELAND SPA AFTER ‘SEISMIC SMOOTHIE’ SPARKS FEAR OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY
The Viking gift shop in Reykjavik. (Danuta Hamlin)
Iceland is proud of its Viking heritage and all kinds of souvenirs related to Viking culture can be bought here.
The island is not very suitable for agriculture and the traditional Icelandic cuisine may surprise some visitors. Smoked Puffin and Whale Pepper Steak are on the menu.
Special dinner in Reykjavik. (Danuta Hamlin)
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Christmas, known as “Jól” (Yule) here, is Iceland’s favorite holiday. Surprisingly, for a country with such a small population, they boast not just one but thirteen slightly mischievous Santas.
Here in Reykjavík you can deliver letters to Iceland’s 13 Santas. (Danuta Hamlin)
This picturesque island, known for its glaciers, hot springs and natural beauty, remains on edge, holding its breath as it waits to see if the current seismic activity will awaken another volcanic giant.
