Iceland’s vibrant Blue Lagoon is one of the tiny island nation’s premier attractions, which can — and should — be experienced by literally jumping in. This can seem daunting, but rest assured that the Blue Lagoon experience is well designed to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all. Here’s what you need to know:
What exactly is the Blue Lagoon?
Visitors often imagine that the Blue Lagoon is a natural lake, but it is entirely man-made. In 1971, a geothermal plant began operating near the original site of the lagoon. Runoff water from the plant formed pools of water in the porous lava rock nearby. Silica in the water gradually created a mud that caulked the cracks and holes and a lagoon began to form. This has been enlarged over the years, and today the lagoon is 8700 square meters with a large visitor’s center and a separate facility adjacent to a new luxury hotel.
Is it Hygienic?
It is. The water in the plant comes from one of Iceland’s numerous natural underground hot springs. The water is pumped out and replaced frequently.
I’ve heard bathing in the Blue Lagoon is good for people with skin disease?
Exactly right. One legend about the Blue Lagoon says that filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, who suffered from psoriasis, immersed his hands in the water and found that his symptoms improved. Whether that is true or not, the fact is that silica and the green-blue algae in the water are very good for skin conditions. There is a separate psoriasis clinic on the territory of the Blue Lagoon that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Blue Lagoon minerals are also beneficial for normal skin. The Silica mud hydrates and soothes, and after a session your skin will feel smooth and silky.
When is the best time to go?
The Blue Lagoon is open year-round. Iceland’s increasing popularity as a travel destination has led to high demand, and visitors are well advised to book in advance for entry slots. Once you’ve arrived at the Blue Lagoon for your entry time, you may stay as long as you wish until the facility closes.
Isn’t it too cold in the winter?
The air is cold in the winter, but the lagoon water keeps you warm. The contrast is invigorating!
What will I find at the Blue Lagoon when I arrive?
The Blue Lagoon facility is very well designed: you will be directed to a large public changing room where you will find lockers to store your belongings, shower facilities, and areas to relax in when you are not in the lagoon. From the changing room, you walk a short distance to the lagoon itself and there are numerous staircases to facilitate getting into the water. The water level in the Blue Lagoon comes up to about chest level for an adult, and it is easy to walk along the smooth surface of packed Silica mud. There are many snack bars, a large restaurant, saunas and steam rooms as well as a “swim up bar” and mud bar where you can try a number of the Blue Lagoon’s silica facemasks and creams.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, clean clothes to change in, sunscreen (the glare from the lagoon is intense even on what might seem like a cloudy day), swimming goggles, and your personal belongings. The Blue Lagoon provides towels, slippers, shower gel, shampoo, and abundant silica hair conditioner, which they recommend you slather on your hair to avoid it being dried out by the minerals.
What does it feel like?
It feels great! The water soothes your tired muscles and makes you feel very relaxed and happy. In fact, my favorite thing to do is to reserve an entry slot at the Blue Lagoon on the day of my departure. Because the Blue Lagoon is located near the international airport, they provide a very convenient place to leave your luggage and regular shuttle buses to and from the airport. There is no better way to round off a trip to Iceland and prepare for a relaxing flight home or onward than a few hours of basking in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon!
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Adventures Across Iceland- Summer and
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