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Iceland is a magical place that struggles between ice and fire due to its great volcanic activity. In winter, its low temperatures and warm waters make the island a great attraction for visitors, and if we talk about warm waters we have to talk about the Blue Lagoon of Iceland. When we talk about the Blue Lagoon we automatically think of a wonderful and relaxing outdoor hot springs spa that today has all kinds of amenities.
And it is not for nothing that it has been the place chosen by celebrities like Björk or Beyoncé to spend their vacations. On the other hand, by thousands of tourists from around the world who choose to visit it to relax on their trip along the south coast of Iceland.
What makes this place so special?, where is it? and how to get there? Discover in this post everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Icelandâs Blue Lagoon.
What is Icelandâs Blue Lagoon?
Icelandâs Blue Lake is a spa whose main attraction is its warm outdoor waters at an average temperature of 39°C all year round. The water of the lake is blue, hence its name, due to the algae that are present in the water and the grayish blue characteristic of silica, one of the main elements contained in the water.
The lagoon welcomes a large number of visitors daily and throughout the year. So it has strict hygiene rules such as showering naked before and after bathing. On the other hand, water renewal is done every 48 hours, so there is constant oxygenation of the water.
History of the blue lagoon
This lagoon has an interesting history because it is not a natural lagoon but an artificial one. It was built in 1976 for the purpose of receiving wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant.
The geothermal power plant drills into the ground to obtain hot groundwater up to 200°C. Once used to generate electricity, it is used to heat water from the municipal hot water system and finally the water, at a lower temperature, reaches the Blue Lagoon.
Initially the water disappeared by seeping through the porous lava, but silica has clogged the pores over time to form Icelandâs famous Blue Lagoon.
However, despite its origins, there is nothing to worry about! Since it is a water free of chemicals or pollutants. On the contrary, it is rich in natural minerals such as silica, so it has earned the reputation of being very good for the skin.
It is known that the first person who decided to go into the Blue Lagoon, Valur Margeirsson, did it trying to find a cure for psoriasis. He achieved his goal and baptized the lagoon as âBlĂĄa LĂłniĂ°â in Icelandic which means Blue Lagoon. This happened in 1981 and 6 years later it opened its doors as a public bath for people with skin problems such as psoriasis and similar diseases.
In 1999 it underwent a major transformation and year after year its facilities are improved until it is recognized as a wonderful Spa. Today it attracts visitors from all over the world, even National Geographic included it as one of the 25 wonders to visit in the world.
Where is Icelandâs Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, a place to enjoy the outdoors in southern Iceland.
It is a volcanic system with great activity and extensive lava surfaces and countless natural attractions such as the Gunnuhver hot springs; you can also visit Lake Kleifarvatn striking for its black volcanic rock formations; on the Black Coast you find the famous natural âpoolâ of Brimketill, among others.
It is only 35 minutes from the capital, Reykjavik. For this, the locals visit it frequently, and only 13 km from the airport so it also has an important influx of foreigners.
What to do in the Blue Lagoon
There are plenty of tours in Iceland available to discover the country, and near the Blue Lagoon, you can do a variety of activities, as well as dive in to enjoy the warm water.
The warmth of the water makes it appropriate to go at any time of the year from summer to winter, many people choose winter to visit the lagoon for health-enhancing thermal shocks.
Depending on the time of year it is advisable to visit the Blue Lagoon early in the morning or in the evening to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. And if you are lucky you will be able to contemplate the lights of the northern lights, quite a spectacle!
Another option is to enjoy it as a Spa, in fact, it is known as a Great Spa because it is in constant harmony with nature. There you can receive massages, do yoga and apply natural clay and silica masks.
You can also enjoy typical Icelandic food and drinks, even without leaving the water because it has a bar.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
From Keflavik International Airport you can opt for a bus directly to the Blue Lagoon resort. A perfect option for those who travel to Iceland exclusively to dive into the blue waters of the lagoon. To return from the spa, from there you can take a bus to Reykjavik.
Another way to get there is to rent a car from Reykjavik, a more independent option that allows you to stop and enjoy the scenery. The transfer is about 40 minutes by car.
In both options remember to buy the ticket to the Blue Lagoon in time, as it tends to sell out quickly due to the influx of tourists.
For a romantic getaway, you have the option of staying at the Hotel Silica, just a 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. It is also great for those looking for privacy, as the hotel has its own private lagoon for guests only, open between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm.
To enjoy the wonderful experience that the Blue Lagoon of Iceland offers you, we recommend that you dedicate about two days of visit. So that you can also see its surroundings in addition to enjoying the lagoon and its hot waters.
Are you up for a dip in Icelandâs most famous blue waters?