The Blue Lagoon is the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland.
A must-visit for every traveler, the lagoon has many realities and facts that one might only know once they visit the site.
To help you avoid such mysteries and make your visit even more enjoyable, we have listed interesting facts about Blue Lagoon.
1. Blue Lagoon’s Origins
Not many know, but Blue Lagoon’s geothermal water originates from a volcano aquifer 2000 meters underground.
This is where the natural heating process begins: when freshwater and ocean water converge in a tectonic realm with extreme pressure.
The water consists of natural minerals like silica, algae, and sulfur that refresh, rejuvenate, and cleanse your mind and body.
If you want to know more about the lagoon’s water before dipping yourself in it, read our article.
2. Blue Lagoon has a Self-cleansing System
Yes, you read it right! The lagoon is naturally equipped to cleanse itself.
The lagoon holds nine million liters of geothermal seawater, which is naturally cleansed every 40 hours.
A regular sampling of the lagoon’s minerals and resources explained how foreign bacteria cannot thrive in its water.
This is why this geothermal spa does not require chlorine for cleansing.
3. Blue Lagoon has Healing Properties
When Svartsengi opened the retaining pond as Blue Lagoon, no one imagined it would become a major tourist attraction.
One reason for its popularity was the rumor that it had medicinal properties for people suffering from skin diseases like psoriasis.
Since the water is rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, people believe the lagoon has skin-healing properties that benefit everyone.
But apart from the minerals, the lagoon today has many spa treatments that offer healing.
Many people come here to float away their mental stress and relax in the warm waters of Blue Lagoon.
Another significant fact about Blue Lagoon is that it is abundantly rich in minerals.
You can find high concentrations of silica and sulfur that give the water its milky blue color.
The mineral also has medicinal properties that can help people with skin diseases like psoriasis.
Other therapeutic benefits of Blue Lagoon are:
- It reduces inflammation
- Boosts your immune systems
- Reduces stress and relaxes the muscles
- Soothes your skin
- Improves blood circulation
4. It is a Man-made Phenomenon
Given its healing properties, it is surprising that Blue Lagoon is not a natural hot spring.
Although the land and lava are instrumental in making the lagoon natural, the water is not.
Blue Lagoon’s water is the result of volcanic formation and geothermal plants.
To explain in simpler terms, a geothermal plant uses a volcanic landscape to generate heat and power.
Once the water goes through the turbines, it cannot be reused again for energy production.
The heated water is due to the plant’s runoff filtered directly into Blue Lagoon.
But worry not, as this runoff contains no dangerous or toxic pollutants.
5. Blue Lagoon is in Keflavik and not Reykjavík
Another interesting fact about Blue Lagoon is that it is in Keflavik, not Reykjavik.
Various buses from the Keflavik airline terminal will take you to the lagoon before heading to the central city or returning to the airport.
On the other hand, if you plan on traveling from Reykjavik, you will have to drive for 45 minutes to the lagoon.
Most public transportation from Reykjavik does not have access to the Blue Lagoon.
This is why we recommend you book a ticket with airport transfers to avoid the hassles of arranging vehicles.
6. Its Warm Temperature
The Blue Lagoon’s temperature usually ranges from 37°C to 40°C (98-104°F).
This tends to change depending on the weather or season. The temperature can fluctuate beyond its usual heat.
Nonetheless, the lagoon will remain calm, warm, and relaxing throughout the year.
7. A Must-Nude Shower Ritual
Yes, you read it right. Every visitor must follow this rule.
As one of the most visited lagoons in Iceland, the shower stalls have locks that give you all the privacy you need.
Once you shower, you can wear your bathing suit and enter the lagoon without hesitation.
Moreover, Blue Lagoon staff members are placed around the shower stalls to ensure security.
Tip: If you have an issue showering in cubicles, buy the Retreat Spa ticket to get private changing rooms.
8. It is not Ordinarily Famous, but Movie Famous
One interesting fact about Blue Lagoon Iceland is that it is a big movie star.
It is not only a thermal spa but also a gorgeous location that manages to attract several filmmakers.
You may have spotted this luxurious lagoon on the TV reality series Amazing Race and Britain’s Next Top Model, as well as in movies like Hostel – Part III and the documentary Look Alive.
9. Tickets Come in Different Packages
One of the facts about Blue Lagoon is that its entry tickets come in different packages.
There are three different ticket types:
- Comfort: The comfort package is the most basic ticket package for Blue Lagoon.
It includes an entry ticket, a towel, a silica mud mask, and a drink for visitors.
This standard option costs ISK 20,619 ($151).
- Premium: The Premium package comes with three additional perks.
It includes two masks, bathrobes, and a complimentary wine at the famous LAVA restaurant.
This affordable yet luxurious package comes at ISK 23146 ($170).
- Retreat Spa Ticket: This luxury package with VIP facilities is a steal.
It provides access to a restricted area, private changing rooms, and skin care amenities.
This deluxe package costs ISK 1,67,391 ($1213).
Visitors can choose the best ticket package according to their needs and budget restrictions.
To choose the best, know all the pros and cons of the ticket packages here.
10. Pay with an Electronic Bracelet at Blue Lagoon
After verifying your ticket passes, you will receive an electronic bracelet linked to your credit cards.
This is essential for purchasing food, drinks, and other facilities inside the attraction.
Inside the lagoon, you can even rent towels, bathing suits, and robes and get the chance to pay via the electronic bracelet.
Furthermore, you can access your locker by using these bracelets.
Keep the bracelet safe. You will have to pay a penalty if you lose or misplace it.
11. Blue Lagoon Supports Research
Since the waters of Blue Lagoon have healing properties, it is not surprising that they support a few research interests.
The company behind the site actively researches how mineral-rich waters can cure skin diseases like psoriasis.
Another exciting piece of research involving the neighboring Svartsengi power plant is how quickly the mineral deposits form.
This way, they can monitor how it environmentally impacts the geothermal production in Iceland.
12. A Member of Blue Flag
Since 2003, Blue Lagoon has been a proud member of the Blue Lagoon organization.
It is a voluntary eco-label that recognizes beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
There are various criteria to qualify for the Blue Flag Label, like environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
Quick Facts About Blue Lagoon:
- Blue Lagoon is an all-inclusive luxury resort, not just a thermal spa.
- It is Iceland’s most visited attraction.
- The six million liters of lagoon water come from 6,500 feet (1981 meters) under the surface.
- Children under the age of 13 get free admission.
- As a popular tourist attraction, you must book your visit in advance.
The best way to do so is to purchase the entry tickets online.
An average Blue Lagoon admission ticket costs ISK 20,646 ($152), but this depends on which package you choose to go with.
FAQs
What is an interesting fact about the Blue Lagoon?
One interesting fact about Blue Lagoon is that it was built upon a field of lava known as Illahraun (Evil Lava) in 1226.
The mineral-rich water is filled with 70% ocean and 30% fresh water and enriched with silica, algae, and sulfur.
What is so special about the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The mineral-rich water of Blue Lagoon Iceland is quite therapeutic.
Many visitors have claimed it has healing properties that cure skin diseases like psoriasis.
What is the story behind the Blue Lagoon?
The famous lagoon was created unintentionally by a condensed water outlet from the power station in Svartsengi.
The water collected in the porous lava field, which was supposed to disappear, is one of today’s most famous tourist attractions.
Why is it called Blue Lagoon?
It is called Blue Lagoon because the silica and sulfur make the water milky blue.
Featured Image: Bluelagoon.com
