BLUE LAGOON ICELAND: HOW THE COUNTRY'S MOST FAMOUS GEOTHERMAL SPA WAS CREATED
- Roman Pech
- 7. 8.
- Minut čtení: 7
Today, the Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: Bláa Lónið) is one of Iceland's most visited attractions. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world come here, and for many of them, soaking in the milky-blue geothermal water is one of the main reasons to visit the island. What few people realize, however, is that just fifty years ago, there was absolutely nothing here.
Back then, there was no spa, no luxury hotel, and no iconic photographs—only a vast black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is where one of Iceland's greatest tourist icons was born, almost entirely by accident.
Born by Accident
During the 1970s, Iceland increasingly turned to geothermal energy. In 1976, the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant, located near today's Blue Lagoon, began producing electricity and hot water for nearby communities.
The plant pumps water from wells nearly two kilometers deep, where geothermal heat raises its temperature to more than 240°C (464°F). After generating electricity and providing district heating, the water is still around 70°C (158°F). Engineers originally discharged it into the surrounding lava field, assuming it would simply seep into the porous volcanic rock. Nature had other plans.
When the Water Refused to Disappear
Although the lava was full of cavities, the geothermal water contained large amounts of dissolved silica. Over time, the silica gradually sealed the pores in the lava.
Instead of disappearing underground, the water began forming a growing lagoon.
At first, this was considered a problem rather than an attraction. The power plant had to figure out what to do with the unexpected body of water.
Why Could the Blue Lagoon Only Exist in Iceland?
Iceland sits directly on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Earth's crust is unusually thin here, allowing magma to remain relatively close to the surface.
Thanks to these unique geological conditions, Iceland is one of the world's leaders in geothermal energy. Around 90% of homes are heated using geothermal water, while a significant share of the country's electricity also comes from geothermal power.
Without these extraordinary conditions, the Blue Lagoon would never have existed.
The First Swimmers
In the early 1980s, local residents began bathing in the lagoon, even though it had never been intended for swimming.
The best-known story is that of a young man suffering from psoriasis who noticed a significant improvement in his skin after bathing regularly in the lagoon. His experience attracted medical attention and launched scientific research into the effects of geothermal water rich in silica, minerals, and microalgae.
This marked the beginning of what would later become a global phenomenon.
Before Iceland Became a Tourism Powerhouse
Today, almost every traveler associates Iceland with the Blue Lagoon. In the 1980s, however, the situation was very different.
Only a few tens of thousands of tourists visited Iceland each year, and the country's economy relied primarily on fishing. Few could have imagined that tourism would eventually become one of Iceland's most important industries.
From a Simple Bathing Spot to a Luxury Resort
The Blue Lagoon officially opened to the public in 1987. It looked nothing like today's world-famous spa.
Visitors had access to little more than basic changing rooms, simple facilities, and a few wooden walkways.
During the 1990s, the site expanded rapidly. Restaurants, wellness facilities, a dermatology research center, and a skincare line based on silica, minerals, and microalgae were gradually added. Today, the Blue Lagoon is considered one of Northern Europe's premier luxury spa resorts.
Why Is the Water Blue?
The lagoon's famous milky-blue color is not caused by algae or artificial coloring.
Instead, microscopic silica particles suspended in the water scatter sunlight, creating its distinctive blue-white appearance. The same silica also forms the famous white mud that visitors apply as a facial mask.
How Does the Water Stay Clean?
Unlike conventional swimming pools, the Blue Lagoon uses very little chlorine.
The entire lagoon is naturally renewed with fresh geothermal water approximately every 40 hours. The constant flow and the mineral-rich composition help maintain excellent water quality.
Does It Really Help the Skin?
Scientific studies suggest that the combination of geothermal water, silica, and supervised light therapy can significantly relieve symptoms of psoriasis in some patients.
This led to the establishment of a specialized dermatology clinic at the Blue Lagoon.
However, the Blue Lagoon is certainly not a miracle cure for every skin condition. Many claims circulating online and on social media have never been scientifically proven.
Living Under the Threat of Volcanoes
Since late 2023, the Reykjanes Peninsula has experienced a series of volcanic eruptions. Lava has repeatedly cut off the main road leading to the Blue Lagoon, forcing the resort to close several times.
Massive protective barriers have since been built around the resort to divert future lava flows. So far, they have successfully protected the complex, even though volcanic activity continues just a few kilometers away.
The striking contrast between a luxury spa and an active volcanic landscape is one of the reasons why the Blue Lagoon remains one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.
My Experience: Don't Visit Without a Reservation
The last time I visited the Blue Lagoon, in 2023, I was surprised by the enormous crowds. Visitors waited in line for tens of minutes, making it clear just how quickly the site's popularity had grown.
If you're planning to visit during the high season, I strongly recommend booking well in advance. Today, you can no longer count on simply showing up and buying a ticket at the entrance.
One more piece of advice: remove all jewelry before entering the water. Staff warn visitors because the minerals and sulfur in the geothermal water can permanently darken silver and other metals. I saw several visitors who forgot to remove earrings or rings before entering. After spending time in the lagoon, their jewelry had turned almost black, requiring extensive cleaning afterward.
Is It Worth Visiting?
The Blue Lagoon is certainly not one of Iceland's cheapest attractions.
However, if this is your first trip to Iceland, it offers an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Because tickets often sell out well in advance during summer, early booking is highly recommended.
The Myth Everyone Believes
Many people assume the Blue Lagoon is a natural lake.
In reality, it is a man-made lagoon created as a by-product of the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant. Nature, however, played the decisive role: instead of disappearing underground, the water formed a unique lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is therefore the result of an extraordinary collaboration between human engineering and Iceland's remarkable geology.
Five Things That Might Surprise You at the Blue Lagoon
1. You won't be allowed into the lagoon without a proper shower
Just like in all Icelandic swimming pools, every visitor is required to shower thoroughly without swimwear before entering the water. While this may seem unusual to many foreign visitors, it is completely normal in Iceland. Thanks to this long-standing tradition, much less chlorine and other chemicals are needed to keep the water clean.
2. You can order a drink without leaving the water
Right in the middle of the lagoon, you'll find a swim-up bar. The electronic wristband you receive upon arrival also serves as a cashless payment device. Simply tap it at the bar, and your drink will be charged to your account. Most admission packages include one complimentary drink.
3. Your hair may become dry and stiff
The silica-rich water is excellent for your skin, but not necessarily for your hair. Unless you apply conditioner beforehand or thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water, it may become dry, stiff, and difficult to brush afterward. Staff therefore recommend applying conditioner both before and after bathing.
4. It's much shallower than it looks
In photographs, the Blue Lagoon often appears to be a deep lake. In reality, most areas are only 0.8 to 1.4 meters (2.6–4.6 ft) deep, meaning that most adults can comfortably stand almost everywhere. Visitors spend far more time walking through the lagoon than swimming.
5. The water isn't blue because it reflects the sky
Many people believe the lagoon's color comes from the reflection of the sky. In fact, its distinctive milky-blue appearance is caused by microscopic silica particles suspended in the water, which scatter sunlight. That's why the lagoon remains beautifully blue even on cloudy days or during Iceland's long winter months.
Interesting Facts
The water temperature ranges from 37 to 39°C (99–102°F).
Most of the lagoon is only 0.8 to 1.4 meters (2.6–4.6 ft) deep.
The water is rich in silica, sulfur, and other minerals.
The famous white mud is made primarily of silica and is widely used as a natural facial mask.
Applying conditioner before entering the lagoon is highly recommended, as silica can leave your hair extremely dry.
Although the water appears milky, its striking blue color is purely an optical effect caused by the scattering of sunlight by microscopic silica particles.
The Blue Lagoon is not the only place in Iceland where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in warm geothermal water surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
In North Iceland, near Lake Mývatn, you'll find the Mývatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin við Mývatn). Opened in 2004, the complex features mineral-rich geothermal water with temperatures ranging from 36 to 40°C (97–104°F), as well as steam baths and hot tubs.
The Mývatn Nature Baths opened in 2004 and feature mineral-rich geothermal water with temperatures ranging from 36 to 40°C (97–104°F). The complex also includes steam baths and hot tubs.
Compared with the Blue Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths offer a much quieter and more intimate atmosphere. Instead of a large luxury resort, you'll bathe in the middle of North Iceland's volcanic landscape, surrounded by lava fields and views of nearby craters. Their smaller crowds and peaceful setting are among the main reasons many travelers recommend them as an excellent alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
An Even Older Bathing Tradition
The tradition of geothermal bathing around Lake Mývatn predates the modern spa by centuries.
As early as the 17th century, Bishop Gísli Oddsson described a natural steam bath where people sat or lay in warm volcanic sand while geothermal steam rose through the ground beneath them. At the time, many believed this "earth bath" had healing properties.
According to Jónas Rafnar's 1942 translation of Oddsson's writings:
"A hut once stood on level sandy ground... Two people at a time would undress, sit or lie in the warm sand, roll around as they pleased, and enjoy the pleasant sensation..."
About the Author
Iceland has fascinated me for many years. Over the course of numerous journeys across the island, I have driven tens of thousands of kilometers, experienced storms that changed travel plans within minutes, and witnessed days when choosing the right route meant discovering places that most visitors never see. I documented many of these experiences in my documentary film Island in the North.
Through this website, I share practical travel advice, up-to-date information, and firsthand experiences from the field to help others explore Iceland more safely and gain a deeper understanding of its unique landscapes and ever-changing nature.
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