Is Iceland the safest country you could visit?

Is Iceland the safest country you could visit?

From March 2021 to 2023, Iceland's volcanic activity transformed into a captivating tourist experience. The allure of the heat, fire, and the mythical pull of volcanos drew people in. The eruptions in Fagradalsfjall in 2021, Meradalir in 2022, and the Litli hrútur eruption in 2023 not only captivated visitors but also became social media sensations. 

On November 10th, 2023, a new volcano system awoke, and, in the process, terrible earthquakes damaged the town of Grindavik, which is now, by all accounts, a ghost town, so to speak. Four eruptions have occurred since that day: one on December 18th, 2023, one very close to Grindavik on January 14th that engulfed a few houses, one on February 8th, and the last one still going that started on March 16th. 

What had begun as a cozy little volcano in 2021 suddenly became a natural disaster where 4000 people had to evacuate their homes, and many of them have decided to build a new future away from the town. 

The Blue Lagoon, only a few kilometers from Grindavik, has been open and closed, back and forth, since November last year, as it's hard to operate hotels and a spa when no one knows when the next eruption begins. 

Despite all this, Iceland is one of the safest countries to visit. There is no danger for both Icelanders and visitors due to the seismic activity around Grindavik. The only difference now is that people cannot see the eruption site. This is due to the proximity to Grindavik, the possible change in behavior of the volcano system, and the fact that local search and rescue people, all volunteers, are exhausted from being constantly on volcano watch for the last three years. The infrastructure in the area can't handle mass tourism anymore, as it did in previous eruptions.

In the meantime, the best thing for Iceland and the people of Grindavik is that we keep adapting to the events unfolding and keep inviting people to come and visit Iceland and explore all its wonders, whether in summer, fall, or winter and spring. It's always safe to be off to Iceland!