The Breathtaking Splendor of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is one of the country’s most remarkable wonders, boasting 98 and 104-degree water temperatures. Famous for its deep blue water, the lagoon combines fresh and geothermal water.
This water has a milky surface appearance, often with minerals and silica, and self-cleanses by renewal every 40 hours.
Explore Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
This lagoon is on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region with distinctive cone-shaped volcanoes and a barren landscape in the southwestern part of Iceland. The lagoon is 30 miles away from Reykjavik.
After the Golden Circle of glaciers, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s second most popular attraction. When visiting this country, you’ll want to consider it one of the world’s top-ranked sights.
A History of the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is an unusual landmark because it’s of human origin. This lagoon dates back to 1976 and formed from wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.
This wastewater has a high mineral content but is free of hazardous toxins. The lagoon has been a popular swimming spot since 1987.
What Draws People to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon?
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon became a popular bathing spot when a man with psoriasis sought relief for his condition. With permission from the plant manager, the man bathed in the water, and word of the success in treating his condition spread.
In 1987, a public facility with a sand beach and showers opened for people interested in using water from the plant to treat skin conditions. In 1999, the Blue Lagoon received a makeover.
What is the Blue Lagoon Like Today?
Pools and hot springs are popular in Icelandic culture. The lagoon’s proximity to Reykjavik makes it a popular choice for tourists wanting to take advantage of the water’s benefits.
The Blue Lagoon currently has a total area of 93,646 sq ft, up from the previous 53,819 sq ft. Some additions include a cafe and hotel, changing facilities, a restaurant, a shop selling skin products, saunas, and walking paths with bridges.
The structures in use at the Blue Lagoon reflect an architectural style described as Icelandic Modernism. A walking path connects the lagoon area to the parking lot, keeping the place as natural as possible.
One advantage of the distance between the parking area and the lagoon is that it eliminates the sound of traffic noise. Visitors enjoy the beautiful walk along the path from the parking area to the lagoon. The walking path is also wheelchair-accessible.
Natural materials, including lava and wood, have been used to construct lagoon buildings. Lava Restaurant, the on-site restaurant, has a rock wall, is built on a lava cliff, and follows the lava hill’s natural curves.
The Blue Lagoon hosts The Retreat Hotel, the first five-star hotel in Iceland. Some amenities include floor-to-ceiling windows and a spa with products featuring lagoon water.