Blue Lagoon Iceland is a one-of-a-kind outdoor spa situated outside Grindavik, Iceland, and is best known for its beauty; it’s one of the most photographed spots in all of Iceland, with its milky blue water and remarkable landscape.
But it’s also pretty fun to visit—you can go swimming in the lagoon, take a mud bath, or just relax in the milky blue waters.
There’s plenty to learn about Bue Lagoon Iceland. From its history to its health benefits, this post covers just about all you need to know about visiting the world-famous Blue Lagoon. And while you’re there, you can explore many other beautiful places in Iceland.
Things to Know Before You Visit Blue Lagoon Iceland
The History of Blue Lagoon Iceland
The history and formation of Blue Lagoon Iceland are fascinating and will leave you amazed, starting with its discovery when the Svartsengi power station made its fortuitous error.
In the late 1970s Svartsengi drilled for geothermal energy on a nearby property when surplus water and steam leaked out in the wrong location. Thus, accidentally leading to the discovery of the now popular attraction, Blue Lagoon Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon’s existence is entirely accidental and, due to the nature of the geothermal pool, the water in the Lagoon is approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius all year round. In addition, its water has incredible health properties, as it is rich in microalgae and minerals like sulfur and silica.
What Does Blue Lagoon Offer?
Blue Lagoon Iceland offers multiple activities, from in-water massages to cocktails, and fine dining in its fantastic restaurants. You can also choose a full-day tour and visit other places around the Blue Lagoon.
The primary reason why so many tourists visit Blue Lagoon Iceland is the array of wonderful spa treatments at Blue Lagoon. In fact, the minerals and bioactive molecules in the water treat various skin conditions and promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and soothing of the skin.
The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is all year round but the wintertime can be extremely fascinating. It is advised to spend time soaking in the water both in the morning and evening: in the morning, you get to start your day relaxed; in the evening, it is an opportunity to rest well for a peaceful sleep.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon Iceland is also famous for being one of the most visited spots in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, but don’t let that deter you: even if you go during peak season, you’ll still find plenty of space to relax and enjoy yourself.
The best time to visit Blue Lagoon Iceland depends on what you want out of your trip there. If you want to avoid crowds, then we recommend going during the off-season (September-November). However, if you want to see all of Iceland’s natural beauty at its best, then we recommend visiting during the summer months (July-August).
If you’re looking for a warm place to relax after exploring Iceland’s many other natural wonders (like waterfalls or national parks), then Blue Lagoon is perfect!
The Health Benefits of the Blue Lagoon Water
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a natural geothermal pool that’s been used for centuries by locals and visitors alike. It’s no secret that the water is good for you: it has a high concentration of silica and sulfur, which help to ease joint pain, detoxify your skin, and alleviate stress.
The lagoon is fed by geothermal seawater, which contains silica and algae that help heal your skin. This combination is what makes this bathing experience so unique—and so beneficial.
The lagoon also has a high pH level, which means that it’s alkaline. Alkaline water helps to balance out your body’s acidity levels and hydrate your skin without stripping away its natural oils or moisture.
The warm water of Blue Lagoon Iceland is also rich in minerals like Silica, which helps reduce inflammation and improve circulation. And if that’s not enough to convince you to plan a trip to Iceland soon, here are some other reasons why this place is worth visiting.
It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth! The silica-rich blue waters are surrounded by lava fields and mountains that make for an incredible view every time you look out over their edge. The water is naturally heated by geothermal energy from below ground, which means it’s always perfect—no matter what temperature outside!
And because there are no waves or currents in the lagoon, it feels like nothing else but calm relaxation as you float around on top of those silky-smooth waters.
Health Benefits of Silica
Silica is a water-soluble mineral found in high concentrations in the Blue Lagoon and is actually what gives the water its unique milky-blue color.
Silica is an incredibly important mineral for human health. It’s a major component of collagen and elastin, as well as hair and nails. Silica also helps your body form connective tissue and strengthens bones.
But it’s not just the inside of your body that benefits from silica; your skin does too! Here are some of the ways silica can help you keep your skin looking its best:
– It reduces wrinkles. Silica plays a role in keeping your skin strong and plump, which makes it less likely to develop wrinkles or saggy areas over time.
– It promotes healthy hair growth. Silica deficiency can cause dryness and breakage in hair, but supplementing with this mineral can help prevent these issues by strengthening strands from the root up.
– It boosts your immune system. Silica supports immune function by helping white blood cells fight off infection more effectively, so you’ll be less likely to get sick when exposed to germs or viruses—and if you do get sick, it will be less severe than it would have been otherwise!
Health Benefits of Microalgae
Microalgae has multiple health benefits as well, and this is because microalgae contain astaxanthin, which has higher bioactive properties and higher anti-oxidant activities, promotes human health, and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Microalgae are a natural source of nutrients for the skin, hair, and body. It’s been used for centuries as a beauty treatment and it’s not hard to see why: microalgae is packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients that are great for your skin.
Here are just some of the health benefits of microalgae:
-It reduces inflammation in the body.
-It helps you absorb nutrients from food better.
-It keeps skin healthy by increasing blood flow to the area.
-It helps with weight loss by reducing appetite and improving metabolism.
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon with Psoriasis
In the early 1980s, locals with skin conditions, especially the ones with psoriasis, started bathing in the Blue Lagoon Iceland as they saw that by doing so the symptoms subsided. The men with psoriasis who made this discovery are Gsli Kristjansson and Valur Margeirsson.
This led to the development of a health clinic near the Lagoon in 1994. Long before the discovery of the Blue Lagoon, traditional psoriasis treatment required exposure to excessive UV light.
Unlike the conventional method, the Lagoon offers a relaxing and much safer alternative with similar outcomes. The mineral that helps soothe the skin is mostly silica and the microalgae contained in the water, let’s take a closer look at these two crucial elements.
So next time you’re looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, bring your family or friends along for some R&R at Blue Lagoon Iceland.
Have you ever been to Blue Lagoon Iceland? If yes, please share your experience! If you are yet to visit, how would you plan to visit the fascinating Blue Lagoon with friends and family?
