Iceland is a place known for being a cold and sort of unwelcoming island, with high levels of volcanic and geothermal activities and a rugged landscape requiring a Superjeep to navigate – definitely not the place where’s you’d find a nice, warm blue lagoon.
But it’s exactly that geothermal activity that makes the Blue Lagoon, located near Iceland’s western coast, close to the capital Reykjavik, such an alluring place. Part of the typical, rugged Icelandic landscape, its water comes from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, and is replaced every couple of days to ensure it is always fresh.
Though Iceland can get really cold, the water is always a pleasant 98-104°F (37-40°C). Also, the pool is never more than a few feet deep, so safety shouldn’t be a concern, even for those who can’t swim. And by the way, the lagoon’s alluring blue (sometimes with a touch of green) color comes from the silica (and algae) in the water.
The setting and the beautiful blue warm water make the make Blue Lagoon one of Iceland’s best, most inviting tourist attractions.