Grindavik Day 12

Day 13: Grindavik

Around 10 o'clock, we finally circle the island of Iceland. We pass Reykjavík and head south towards the Reykjanesskagi peninsula. The Seltún Geothermal Area is part of a large system in the region. Again, there are bubbling and boiling waters. The various chemical compounds create colorful discolorations of the rocks and soil. We take a walk and then take the turn towards the viewpoint. Unfortunately, the path is very soft and slippery due to the rain. We find out at the top that there is no circular route and we have to go back. Fortunately, we find another less slippery path. The view is beautiful with the green mountain, the thermal rivers, and the lake in the background. Back at the camper, we have hot dogs for lunch. Then we drive another 10 minutes to Fagradalsfjall. A table volcano that has made headlines more frequently in recent years. We start our hike to a lava field that formed between 2021 and 2023. It is exciting to explore this area and see how the forces have acted here. There are warnings not to enter the lava fields. In the center, it is still steaming and there may be voids. The rock breaks easily and has several gaps. We only move a few meters at the edge, as we are uncertain about advancing further. We walk along the edge of the lava field and marvel at the different colors of the solidified lava. One can also hike several hundred meters up to various viewpoints. We are satisfied with this natural spectacle and drive to Grindavik. The town was evacuated at the end of 2023 due to strong seismic activities. There were several volcanic eruptions, with lava oozing very close to the town. While driving through the town, we notice that many houses and shops are abandoned. There are also several earth slides throughout the town. There is a photo series about the events, and it is distressing to see how people's lives changed in mere moments.

On the way to the Blue Lagoon, which is 5 kilometers from the town, there is a completely new road. On the left and right, there is lava that sought its way to the surface at the beginning of this year.
Some parts of the infrastructure are destroyed.
We take a quick look at the famous Blue Lagoon from the outside. The entry tickets cost €100 per person. This is too much for us for 2 hours of bathing. The parking lot is full and many are flocking to the hot springs. This attraction is visited by 700,000 people annually. In 2019, it reportedly generated a profit of €30 million.
We take a short round and drive back to Grindavik. The campsite is open and we choose this one. I speak with the campsite staff who tells me that of the 4000 residents of the town, about 200 still live on-site and 1000 come to work in the town daily. In the evening, we take a short walk and discover the 3 houses that were completely destroyed by the lava. Surrounding them are partially new houses that have been abandoned. The government has bought out the residents for their homes. Many built new homes in other locations.
It is almost a ghost town, and it deeply occupies me how quickly everything can change.