YET another volcanic eruption shook Iceland on May 29, 2024 — with huge fountains of lava blasted into the sky.
Following the fifth eruption in recent months, here's everything you need to know about travelling to Iceland.
Is it safe to travel to Iceland?
A state of emergency has been called after a volcano in Iceland erupted — the fifth time it has happened in three months.
On May 29, 2024, lava spewed into the air from the Sundhnúkur crater row.
The eruption site is situated just a few kilometres northeast of Grindavik, a coastal town with a population of 3,800 people, which has been evacuated.
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The Met Office said lava was shooting about 50 metres into the sky from a fissure about one kilometre long.
Iceland’s Meteorological Office (IMO) said: "Intense seismic activity is ongoing on the Sundhnúkur crater row.
“A magma propagation might be starting or has started, and a volcanic eruption could follow."
Despite the May 2024 eruption, flights are continuing to and from Iceland.
On May 29, 2024, the UK government updated advice on travelling to Iceland.
They told travellers to "stay away" from the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland.
The advice added: "All roads to Grindavik and the surrounding area are closed."
Grindavik was previously evacuated in November 2023 after a series of earthquakes, which opened large cracks in the ground between the town and Sýlingarfell — a small mountain located to the north.
Before all of the recent eruptions, the Svartsengi volcanic system north of Grindavik had been dormant for roughly 780 years.
Icelandic authorities declared a state of emergency during the November eruption after hundreds of small earthquakes shook the Reykjanes Peninsula — Iceland’s most populated region.
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How likely is a volcanic eruption?
The Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) has said there is a "considerably high" risk of the volcano erupting again.
The website states that "there is an increased probability of an eruption within the area and a lava flow".
The UK govenment warned: "The likelihood of further eruptions in this location remains high.
"Check local media for updates and follow the Iceland authorities’ advice on travel to the area."
Will my flights be cancelled?
Keflavik International Airport — Iceland's main international airport — remains open and flights are still arriving and departing, despite it being only 20km north of the eruption site.
The airport has however advised passengers to "monitor flight information" and the roads around Grindavik are closed.
A number of European foreign offices have advised travellers to stay away from Grindavik and respect local restrictions, directing travellers to the Icelandic Met Office and Safe Travel Iceland for the latest travel advice.
Flights are still running to and from Iceland from the UK.
Is Reykjavik safe from a volcanic eruption?
The series of five recent eruptions occurred across the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland.
Iceland’s capital Reykjavik has not been evacuated and is currently unaffected, although this could change at short notice.
Grindavik, which has been evacuated, is about 50 kilometres (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik.
Is the Blue Lagoon open?
As of May 29, 2024, the Blue Lagoon is closed.
Visitors were evacuated from the area due to the ongoing volcanic eruptions.
The thermal spa is one of Iceland's top tourist attractions.
The lagoon's official website released a statement reading: "Due to a volcanic eruption that commenced in Sundhnúksgígar on May 29, we took the precautionary measure of evacuating and temporarily close all our operational units today.
"Further updates and information will be provided here as they become available."
Blue Lagoon management said every customer with a booking will be contacted.
Anyone who wishes to cancel or change their Blue Lagoon booking can do so on the attraction's website.
Is Iceland foreigner friendly?
Iceland is a friendly, welcoming and tolerant country, but that doesn't mean the locals necessarily like ALL foreigners.
On a Quora thread addressing the question, an Icelander summed it up perfectly: "We do not dislike foreigners. We welcome tourists.
"We dislike foreigners or tourists who think they can do what they want and behave like fools — breaking Icelandic laws.
"Like driving off-road, ruin our nature.
"Ignore warning signs and risk their and our SARS team’s lives when they must rescue them from situations they got into because they ignored them.
One minute it can be sunny, clear sky and the next it can be a snow storm so bad people can’t leave their houses for few days
Icelandic resident
"They hire a rental car and don’t even think of checking the road or weather conditions.
"This is Iceland.
"One minute it can be sunny, clear sky and the next it can be a snow storm so bad people can’t leave their houses for few days.
"Behave decently, follow the law, and listen to the warning signs. They are there to protect you.
"And before you stop your car in the middle of the road to take photos of some waterfalls, consider the danger you put yourself, your passengers, and other drivers.
"Pull your car to the side of the road and make sure there is no car coming before you cross the road, or use the parking spaces that are all over the place to keep everyone safe.
"Welcome to Iceland, and safe travel."
Why is the crime rate in Iceland so low?
One of the key factors contributing to Iceland's remarkably low crime rate is its population's social cohesion — it is a tight-knit, family-oriented community.
Iceland is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, with a population of just over 350,000.
The Icelandic education system is outstanding and surprisingly inexpensive — even a university degree is cheaper than a month’s rent.
There are very few murders in the country — from 0 to 1.5 per year —and with high employment rates and a robust social safety net, there are fewer reasons to commit crimes such as burglary.
Increased protections against inequality mean everyone is free to practice their religion and identify how they please, and there are laws in place meaning women cannot be paid less than men for the same work.
All in all, it is a fair and wealthy society with fewer reasons to commit a crime.
Is it safe to walk around Iceland at night?
In short, yes it is, for all of the reasons stated above.
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, and Reykjavik one of the safest cities.
One TripAdvisor user wrote: "Never felt unsafe in Reykjavik, we have walked around at night, no problems. The city centre is compact. Iceland is on of the safest places I know."
Walking around while it is dark is quite common as during the winter the country sometimes only has four to five hours of daylight.
