Mr NordicThe Blue Lagoon is a lake created in a lava field that is filled with warm water from the Svartsengi Hot Water and Power Plant nearby the Icelandic capital Reykjavík. The water is extremely salty (12.5%) and comes from 1800 meters deep wells and has a temperature of 70 degrees. At the bottom of the lake is a white sediment. This consists of minerals, blue algae and silicon/silica.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous sights in Iceland and a must-see during your trip through Iceland.
It is said that the water has a beneficial effect. Especially people with skin problems, psoriasis patients, benefit a lot from it. But it is also a very nice lake to bathe in for people without any health problems.
The Blue Lagoon owes its name to the special water of the thermal baths. The water is bluish in color and sometimes seems to glow. The water gets its well-known blue color due to the high temperatures of the water and the presence of blue fours, sulfur and minerals. Due to the high temperatures, the minerals and sulfur in the water are heated up, which creates the blue color.
Where to find The Blue Lagoon
The lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, a region known for its barren landscapes and cone-shaped volcanoes. The lagoon is just a 15-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport and about a 30-minute drive from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. That makes it the perfect first stop when arriving in Iceland or the last stop before leaving the country again.
Many people think that the lagoon is a natural phenomenon. But nothing is less true. The Blue Lagoon was built by the Icelanders themselves. The water comes from deep holes, which are located at a depth of 2000 meters. The spa is filled with this hot spring water. The hot water is also used to supply the nearby, environmentally friendly power station (Svartsengi) and villages with heating.
Thanks to the unique design of the Blue Lagoon, the spa complex is in complete harmony with the environment naturally created by lava.
History of the Reykjavík Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon was opened in 1992. It has since grown into a wildly popular attraction. Thousands of tourists find their way to the lagoon where they enjoy a wonderfully heated spa before, after or during their tour of Iceland. The temperature of the water is between 37 and 40 degrees. Furthermore, the bath consists of no less than 9 million liters of water. It is on average about 80 centimeters to 1.2 meters deep and the deepest point is 1.6 meters. So you can easily swim around!
The water has a temperature of 39°C all year round, the perfect temperature for bathing.
The geothermal seawater of the Blue Lagoon consists of 70% ocean water and 30% fresh water, enriched with silica, algae and minerals. In 2012, this location was named a wonder of the world by National Geographic. Not because of the beauty of the laguna, but mainly because of the special water. The microalgae, silica and minerals can apparently work wonders for body, skin and mind. The water from the laguna even forms the basis for some skincare products.
Keep in mind that you need to plan a visit to the Blue Lagoon well, often there is a waiting list of several weeks. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the lagoon spontaneously. You can easily place a booking on the official website and it costs about 65 dollars or 60 euros.
Last Updated on April 15, 2023
