The Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lonið) is a healing thermal outdoor pool and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland set amidst a stunning backdrop of pitch-black lava.
The Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lonið) is located in the west of Iceland near the capital Reykjavik and not far from the village of Grindavík. The picturesque lagoon with wellness factor is one of our top 10 sights of Iceland.
Almost every visitor to Iceland makes a stop here and lets himself be pampered by the soothingly warm and healing waters. Certainly also because the island's airport - Keflavík - is not far away.
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PICTURES: Bláa Lonið (Blue Lagoon)
Photo gallery: Bláa Lonið (Blue Lagoon)
What makes the Blue Lagoon in Iceland so special?
There are many thermal baths, but this one is really unique! The Blue Lagoon has its name not by chance. The healing thermal water actually has a fascinating, bright blue color due to the silicic acid dissolved in the water, which forms a breathtaking combination with the pitch-black lava rocks in the surrounding area.
From power generation to bathing
Today's bath was never planned in this form, but was created as a "by-product" of the neighboring Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Hot water of over 200 degrees is pumped up from a 2km-deep borehole and used to generate electricity and to run a district heating plant. The Blue Lagoon was originally the catch basin for the water, which is still up to 100 degrees hot.
At the beginning, only a few bathers enjoyed the pleasantly warm salt water of the Blue Lagoon in front of the fascinating backdrop: a high-tech power plant, the pitch-black lava landscape with the azure water of the lagoon and, in addition, the hissing and hissing from the smokestacks when the steam clouds took off into the sky.
Then, in 1984, when a bather discovered that the water and pebble mud of the lagoon cured his psoriasis, the first bathhouse was built - after scientific confirmation of the healing effect.
Then in 1999, after the power plant needed more space, about 2 km away from the original lagoon, the construction of the bathing establishment took place at its current location, which was further expanded in 2007. Today, the thermal bath offers all the amenities of a modern top bathing establishment: changing rooms, restaurant, massages, sauna, souvenir store, etc.
All year bathing pleasure
The thermal bath at the Blue Lagoon is open all year round. The water in the 5,000 square meter lagoon has a pleasant 37-40 degrees. Within 2 days, the entire water in the lagoon is replaced once by evaporation and replenishment from the natural spring - so nothing stands in the way of bathing pleasure in the wonderfully warm fresh water.
Tip: A visit in winter is worthwhile and has, in addition to the advantage of fewer visitors, many other charms in this bizarre landscape.
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