The Blue Lagoon at sunrise

I’ve been meaning to update this post for months, my visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland was fantastic!! I arrived in Iceland at 6:45 a.m. sped through customs and got on a bus to the Blue Lagoon.

It is only 15 minutes from the airport, so if you ever have a stopover in Iceland, I highly recommend you visit. Be sure to make your reservation in advance otherwise you probably won’t be able to get in to to this highly popular place.

Despite it’s popularity the lagoon did not feel overly crowded and was incredibly relaxing as well as rejuvenating. I wrote about the history and the many health benefits of the Blue Lagoon when I first posted this article, so read below to get more details.

I wanted to add my personal experience as this was a huge highlight of a wonderful trip. I was amazed at just how great I felt after spending the day there. I also treated myself to an in water massage….awesome! This is a unique treatment at the lagoon and one you should try if you get the chance.

I have added photos and videos I took during my visit, I hope you enjoy them. I took this video when I first arrived as the sun was rising over the steamy water.

This video was shot while I was enjoying the lovely water of the lagoon, it felt like a dream.

My original post

Have you heard of the Blue Lagoon? I am not referring to the 1980 movie starring Brooke Shields or it’s worse 2012 remake, but the geothermal spa in Iceland.

This steamy spot in the land of fire and ice was recently named one of the top 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic; quite an endorsement.

The turquoise water has become well known for it’s healing and exfoliating properties, making it Iceland’s number one tourist attraction.

Not only do visitors find the one hundred degree water relaxing, but there are other health benefits as well. Hot springs are mineral rich and this one is packed with slica, algae, and other minerals that come from the bed of lava at the bottom of the lagoon.

What are some of the health benefits of bathing in the Blue Lagoon and other hot springs?

Our bodies absorb minerals from the water. This explains the therapeutic effects for the skin, the hot water opens the pores and the minerals fight bacteria. Visitors have reported the Blue Lagoon helpful for skin conditions like psoriasis and acne. The silica mud at the bottom of the spa, is plentiful and available for white mud masks which further exfoliate the skin.

Hot springs increase the production of endorphins which relieve stress and evoke positive feelings. In the picture to the right you can see how happy I was!

These lovely waters also increase blood circulation, which in turn leads to increased oxygen flow, possibly lowering blood pressure and helping our bodies to get rid of harmful toxins faster.

Origin of the Blue Lagoon

Iceland has many natural hot springs, but interestingly, the Blue Lagoon isn’t one of them. The land and the lava rock are naturally occurring, but the hot water is the runoff from the geothermal plant next door.

I know that sounds scary, but it does not make the water in any way toxic or harmful. The plant uses Iceland’s volcanic landscape to produce power from heat. The runoff is then filtered into the Blue Lagoon, thus heating the water.

ANNNNDDDD This week I will be in the Blue Lagoon!!!!

I’ve planned a wonderful jaunt to Reykavik, Iceland and Copenhagen, Denmark. I am VERY excited and intend to take some videos and photos to include here on my blog, so be sure to come back and visit. I look forward to sharing my passion for travel with you.