Locals and visitors enjoy the steaming water of the Blue Lagoon, near Reykjavik, Iceland.
Traveling along a barren, rocky lava terrain 40 minutes from Reykjavik – suddenly, one of the world’s most unique spas appears — the Blue Lagoon Iceland.
The centerpiece of the Blue Lagoon geothermal complex is a 1.5 million gallon swimming lagoon filled with steaming blue-green mineral water averaging 98 – 102 degrees F.
Part of a Geothermal Power Plant
The lagoon water — rich in silica, sulfur and algae – comes from the nearby Svatsengi geothermal power plant. Superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water passes through a heat exchanger that provides heat for a municipal water heating system. The water is then fed into the swimming lagoon, and refreshed every 48 hours. The water’s high temperature neutralizes common bacteria, eliminating the need to add chorine.
Everyone must shower before entering the lagoon. Boxes of the white, mud-like silica are positioned around the lagoon for guests to rub on their skin while soaking. The Blue Lagoon complex, including a restaurant, indoor lagoon and spa facilities, attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year, making it one of Iceland’s most visited sites.
Blue Lagoon Iceland also operates a world-renown medical spa as well as a R&D facility focused on finding cures for skin ailments using the mineral-rich water.
The company creates and sells spa products created from its geothermal seawater’s active ingredients – minerals, silica and algae. Of course, there’s a shop on site to buy these products. Plus, there are two more Blue Lagoon shops — in Reykjavik and at the airport — if you can’t make it to the source. And, when you need refills, Blue Lagoon products are available online for global delivery.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon Iceland
Located in a lava field, the Blue Lagoon is a 40 minute drive from downtown Reykjavik or 20 minutes from the international airport.
We visited Reykjavik on a Northern transatlantic cruise. Once in the city, we took the Blue Lagoon Express Bus offered by Reykjavik Excursions. The company also offers a special Flybus direct between the airport and the Blue Lagoon, promoting a warm soak and soothing massage to arriving or departing international passengers.
If you go to Reykjavik, a trip to the Blue Lagoon is not to be missed.
Have you been to the Blue Lagoon Iceland? What did you think?
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