How the Blue Lagoon in Iceland Became a Beloved Tourist Attraction

The famous waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, which opened in 1976, have captivated travellers and contributed to the tourism boom in recent years. It’s still a worthwhile place to visit, living up to its hype for its health-giving properties as well as its beauty. But how did it get to be so renowned? The answer lies with dermatologists.
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The waters of the Blue Lagoon are full of mineral salts, healthy algae and a kind of silica mud that contributes to its cloudy blue colour as well as being a nourishing tonic for our skin. The lagoon was the accidental result of drilling by the Svartsengi Geothermal Plant. Shortly after its genesis, people were curious and began to bathe in the waters and noticed how great their skin felt after a dip. Word got around, as it does easily on the small island, and attracted the attention of Icelandic dermatologists and biologists who wanted to explore the water’s effect in treating skin conditions.

The first bathing facilities opened to the public in the 1980s, with a special clinic for psoriasis patients, whose skin rapidly improved after swimming in the water. The Reykjanes peninsula became a hotbed of research on the health benefits of the Blue Lagoon’s waters and subsequently, a line of skincare products and treatments based on the mineral content were launched. Harnessing natural resources while following environmental sustainability was also a huge draw.

Iceland’s location on the volcanic Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the meeting place of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, creates steady tectonic action, contributing to Iceland’s volcanic activity. Part of this volcanic network is its hot springs and boiling geysers. Although an accident, the Blue Lagoon is also a result of Iceland’s placement on the tectonic ridge that creates the hot springs that keep the lagoon at a comfortable temperature. The reservoir also provides clean, sustainable heating for residents nearby.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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