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.

Book Culture Trip’s exclusive, five-day Iceland tour for the chance to relax at the Blue Lagoon, immerse yourself in Iceland’s stunning landscapes and dive into its foodie scene.

The milky-blue, mineral-heavy water of the geothermal Blue Lagoon

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 Blue Lagoon generates electricity for homes nearby

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.