The Blue Lagoon - Iceland
The Blue Lagoon: Harnessing nature
In a country as mind blowing as Iceland, it’s an impressive claim to be the most visited attraction. And the Blue Lagoon can claim just that. Set amidst a centuries old lava field, its geothermal seawater provides an oasis of relaxation renowned for its health benefits.
The history of the Blue Lagoon is as surprising as the experience itself. In the 1970s the milky blue seawater formed in the shadow of the nearby geothermal power plant. Locals began bathing in the warm waters and applying its silica mud to their skin with noticeable improvements. Since then the Blue Lagoon has undergone a number of innovative renovations to cater to the growing number of visitors from around the world.
The harmonic convergence of the manmade and the natural is the defining feature of Blue Lagoon architecture. In fact, the design of the Blue Lagoon facilities was inspired by the interplay of lava, light, moss, and steam – the constituent elements of the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic surroundings.
The secret to the Blue Lagoon lies 2000 metres beneath the lagoon where two tectonic plates collide. Here, seawater and groundwater converge under immense heat and pressure before surging to the earth’s surface. As the fluids pass through this process they are enriched with unique concentrations of silica, algae, and minerals. When the water emerges, its temperature sits around the idyllic temperature of 38°C (100°F).
Entering the sublime geothermal seawater feels as if entering the world renewed. Admission to the lagoon includes access to the in-water silica bar, sauna and steam rooms, the waterfall and relaxation area. Refreshments can be accessed from the in-water bar or cafe.
For an even more luxurious experience there are options to benefit from an exclusive lounge or in-water massage. While the exclusive Lava Restaurant provides a sublime setting to experience the culinary delights of New Nordic Cuisine.
Just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is simultaneously remote and easily accessible. Approaching the site will reveal a terrain alive with craters, fissures, mud pools, steam vents, hot springs, and moss covered lava flows.
The geothermal phenomena is a natural wonderland, thoughtfully harnessed in a way to allow visitors to take advantage of its healing benefits now and well into the future.
