THE BLUE LAGOON
ICELAND’S MOST FAMOUS SECRET
In 1974 the local geothermal power company established the Svartsengí Geothermal Power Plant and began harnessing geothermal energy. A reservoir of steaming, milky blue seawater formed in the shadows of the plant. People suffering from psoriasis began bathing in the warm, soothing waters. Word of the water’s comforting power spread and soon people come to the lagoon not only for healing, but also for pleasure. Blue Lagoon’s history is defined by discovery, expansion, evolution, and ascent: from obscurity to the upper reaches of Icelandic tourism.
Blue Lagoon is located in a sprawling, 800 year old lava field in the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula – a UNESCO Geopark. Just 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík, Blue Lagoon is simultaneously remote and easily accessible.
Named in 2012 as one of National Geographic's “25 Wonders of the World," Blue Lagoon has evolved from its infancy as a reservoir of geothermal runoff into a world of geothermal wonder.
The unique properties of its waters provide not only an enchanting lagoon experience, but also the patented, active ingredients in Blue Lagoon skin care: silica, algae, and minerals.
Situated in a vast lava plain on the south coast of Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon holds nine million liters of geothermal seawater, covers an area of 8,700 square meters, and has an average depth of 1.2 meters and a maximum depth of 1.6 meters. The lagoon’s water is sourced directly from the Svartsengí geothermal field and its recirculation interval is 40 hours.
In addition to the sublime pleasures of geothermal seawater, the lagoon offers a sauna, a steam room, a waterfall, a luxury lounge, a cafe, an in-water silica bar, an in-water beverage bar, and a tantalizing selection of inwater massage and treatments.
Geothermal Seawater
The wellspring of the Blue Lagoon’s beneficial powers lies 2000 meters within the earth, at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. In this subterranean frontier of porous lava and searing heat, seawater and groundwater converge, giving rise to a hybrid fluid known as geothermal seawater. Under immense pressure, this fluid surges to the earth’s surface, integrating the elements through which it passes and emerging enriched with unique concentrations of silica, algae, and minerals – the primary, rejuvenating components of geothermal seawater.
Architecture
The harmonic convergence of the manmade and the natural is the defining feature of Blue Lagoon architecture. Sigrídur Sigthórsdóttir, designer of all Blue Lagoon facilities, is inspired by the interplay of lava, light, moss, and steam – the constituent elements of the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic surroundings:
"I attempted to capture the mystery of the location with the everchanging play of light and shadow across the lava, the steam from the lagoon and the special light that characterizes the northern part of the world...Icelandic materials from moss and stones characterize the design. We wanted to emphasize the relationship between nature and the manmade."
Lava Restaurant
Built into a lava plateau on the western shore of the Blue Lagoon, Lava Restaurant, with its bold, exposed lava walls, embodies the unification of nature and architecture. Endowed with stunning views of the lagoon and the surrounding volcanic landscape, Lava is a sublime setting for experiencing the culinary delights of New Nordic Cuisine. Lava's chefs find inspiration in local, fresh, and natural ingredients.
Silica Hotel
A sanctuary of relaxation and healing, Silica Hotel is comprised of 35 rooms, a private geothermal lagoon, complete spa facilities, and a clinic for psoriasis treatments.
Architected into the heart of the Blue Lagoon lava field, the hotel achieves a wonderful state of harmony with its volcanic surroundings and received the 2007 Icelandic Architectural Award.
UNESCO GeoPark Status of the Reykjanes Peninsula
In 2015, the Reykjanes Peninsula was officially given the status of UNESCO GeoPark.
Home of the Blue Lagoon, the Reykjanes Peninsula straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – the tectonic boundary where the North American and Eurasian plates converge. Owing to its volcanic provenance, the peninsula is a wonderland of geothermal phenomena. The terrain is alive with craters, fissures, mud pools, steam vents, hot springs, and moss covered lava flows.
The Blue Flag
In acknowledgement of its clean, safe waters and eco-friendly environment, the Blue Lagoon has received the prestigious Blue Flag award for 13 consecutive years.
View the gallery below and Visit the Website: bluelagoon.com
