The Blue Lagoon, also known as Blue Lagoon, was included this year in the list of 25 unique spa complexes that are worth visiting not only for those who know what the abbreviation spa stands for, but for everyone. I visited the Blue Lagoon in January of this year and am ready to honestly talk about the pros and cons of Iceland’s most famous spa complex.

Let me start with the fact that the custom of spending evenings (and sometimes days) in thermal pools is instilled in Icelanders from infancy. In Reykjavik, thermal pools can be found at every step, a visit (provided you buy a subscription) costs around 1.5 euros, and all Icelanders consider it their duty to lie in the hot water at least a couple of times a week thermal water open air.

Pictured: outdoor pool at Blue Lagoon

In the hot baths you can meet people of any age: from gray-haired elders to babies who still don’t know how to sit; The rules for visiting swimming pools are standard: come, undress, take a shower, dry yourself, run out into the street and dive into the water. The only fundamental difference. In Iceland, before taking a thermal bath, you need to not only rinse in the shower, but also wash your hair, and since our mother taught us all in childhood that only suicides who decided to get meningitis go out with wet hair, the rule of washing your hair is very confusing for novice bathers. Oddly enough, there is no need to be afraid, the danger of catching a cold, and even more so of getting sinusitis or meningitis, is greatly exaggerated; at least, I was convinced from my own experience that a wet head is not a hindrance to hot baths in the fresh air.

In the photo: Blue Lagoon thermal complex

Thermal complex Blue Lagoon It differs from all other pools not only in its surroundings, but also in the fact that the water of the Blue Lagoon is rich in clay, algae and all kinds of microorganisms beneficial to health and, as a result, beauty. Thanks to clay and algae, the water in the lagoon has a characteristic blue tint, hence the name of the complex. We discovered the Blue Lagoon, one might say, by accident. The fact is that in Iceland, renewable natural energy sources, mainly volcanic water, are used to generate electricity.

Near the place where the spa complex is now open Blue Lagoon, also built a power station, by the way, it still functions to this day. Soon, water of an unusual blue color began to flow near the power plant. For the curious natural phenomenon Scientists became interested, and after some research they found out that local water, as well as clay, algae and microorganisms can improve the condition of skin, hair and nails. Since the principle of “everything goes” is close to the Icelanders, a spa complex was erected on the site of the fault, and after a while production was established.

On the picture: famous photograph Björk and his son in the Blue Lagoon

It is better to set aside a whole day to visit the Blue Lagoon. Firstly, the thermal complex is located outside of Reykjavik, about 30 minutes away by car. If you haven't rented a car, then bus tickets to the Blue Lagoon can be bought at one of the Reykjavik tourist offices, however, keep in mind the fact that the tour. buses are often late, if you are really unlucky, you can wait vehicle Thirty minutes. Second point. It is better to buy tickets to visit the Blue Lagoon in advance on the website. The basic ticket price only includes swimming. Want a robe, flip-flops, masks and drinks at the local bar located right in the middle of the pool? Then book a premium ticket.

Another funny moment. After purchasing a ticket, you will receive a confirmation email, in order to avoid unpleasant situations, it is better to print it out and bring it with you in paper form. The entrance to the Blue Lagoon is a path laid between solidified pieces of black lava. The edges of the pool are also decorated with the same massive pieces of lava; for this reason, you should be careful near the edges so as not to inadvertently get scratched by the lava.

Before diving into the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon, showering and washing your hair are strictly required. A small bonus for those who are afraid to go outside with wet hair - in the cabins of the spa complex there are dispensers with gel and shampoo from the Blue Lagoon line, so you will not wash your hair with anything, but with the most expensive Icelandic shampoo.

Inside, the spa complex fully reflects the Icelanders' idea of ​​what luxury is, namely a stylish interior, which, unfortunately, is not thought out enough in terms of basic comfort. For example, for some reason there are only two benches in the locker room, as a result, guests of the Blue Lagoon have to change clothes while standing, touching their neighbor with her shoulder as she pulls off her tights. Or there are only three hairdryers in the rest room, as a result, during rush hours, queues of people wanting to dry their hair line up at the tables. The whole point is that the Icelanders themselves do not pay attention to such nuances at all; judge for yourself if your whole life is spent in harsh conditions. weather conditions, little things like an uncomfortable bench in the locker room cannot be bothered.

However, as soon as you find yourself in the thermal pool of the Blue Lagoon, any thoughts (especially about insufficient seats in the locker room) evaporate by themselves, and you understand, here it is, that very unearthly pleasure for which it was worth flying to Iceland in the middle of winter! Thick steam rises from the water, guests cruise around the lagoon (the depth is insufficient for swimming), trying to find areas where the water is not just warm, but hot. The fact is that the pool is not additionally heated, as a result, all guests of the Blue Lagoon, whether they want it or not, are included in the “hot-cold” game, they took a step - it was cool, walked a couple of meters - they fell into a stream of hot water.

In the photo: on the shore of the Blue Lagoon pool

There is a bar in the center of the pool. The bar’s assortment allows you to either improve your health by drinking vitamin cocktails or increase your energy levels - in addition to healthy drinks, there are alcoholic drinks on sale; by the way, guests of the Blue Lagoon order drinks of the second type with great enthusiasm.

Every now and then a young man appears on the side of the pool, his face and stately figure reminiscent of a Viking from the Scandinavian epic. Only the modern Viking is armed not with a battle ax, but with an iPad, and his job is peaceful - to take photographs of the guests of the Blue Lagoon and immediately send the photos to them by email in real time.

In the photo: a photo taken by a young Viking

In addition to drinks, the local bar sells blue clay scrubs and masks (if you book a premium ticket, you get a scrub and mask by default). They give out beauty products in plastic cups, these are usually used for draft beer at all kinds of music festivals. By the way, the Icelanders themselves don’t buy masks and scrubs at the water bar, they say, why spend money on something that lies under your feet for free? Indeed, blue clay accumulates at the edges at the bottom of the pool; Icelanders collect clay from the bottom and apply it to their faces. Remember what I said about the attitude of the country's residents to comfort? Here is a clear confirmation of my words.

Besides outdoor swimming pool The Blue Lagoon has saunas, a waterfall, and a grotto, which are mandatory for all thermal complexes, as well as a grotto, in which lights simulating candles are lit at nightfall, plus in the grotto you can turn on music, or listen to information about the Blue Lagoon. Perhaps, artificial grotto- the most romantic part of the thermal complex, associations involuntarily arise with the very cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte made love in “Game of Thrones” (by the way, this scene was filmed in Iceland). It’s a pity, really, the grotto of the Blue Lagoon is always full of people, so you won’t be fooled around like the characters in the series. By the way, one more important point. The water in Blue Lagoon is not only not additionally heated, but also not purified with any chemicals; it is completely renewed on its own within a day, so there is no need to add bleach or other disinfectants.

And finally, about the Lava restaurant, which is open directly thermal complex Blue Lagoon. His visit caused mixed feelings. On the one hand, the kitchen, run by chefs Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon (recognized as the best chef in Iceland in 2013) and Viktor Örn Andrésson, is beyond praise. The local smoked salmon and rack of lamb are the best I've had on the island.

In the photo: rack of lamb at Lava restaurant

But the service, unfortunately, is unique in Icelandic: firstly, the restaurant manager, regardless of whether you have a reserved table or not, has to wait 15-20 minutes (you are not allowed to sit at a table on your own), secondly, waitresses move around the hall very sporadically. In short, it’s not that the appetite disappears, but the desire to leave a tip does not arise.

However, for the impression of the dubious service of the Lava restaurant to disappear, after lunch you just need to dive into the waters of the Blue Lagoon again. They are magical, they not only rejuvenate the skin and hair, but also instantly wash away irritation and dissatisfaction.

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Yulia Malkova- Yulia Malkova - founder of the website project. In the past, he was the editor-in-chief of the elle.ru Internet project and the editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about travel for my own pleasure and the pleasure of my readers. If you are a representative of hotels or a tourism office, but we do not know each other, you can contact me by email: [email protected]

The Blue Lagoon geothermal resort, located in Iceland, is a true miracle of nature. Its water has healing properties. It can help cure serious diseases, strengthen the body and boost immunity. Guests of this unusual “hot spot” are promised an unforgettable experience.

In addition to the unusual landscapes, the Blue Lagoon geothermal resort has excellent healing properties. Visiting him improves the general condition of the body.

Enriched with minerals beneficial to the skin, water is perfect for various masks to nourish and cleanse the skin. It includes blue-green algae, quartz and sea salt. There are no harmful bacteria in the hot springs, and the lagoon is constantly renewed.

The turquoise color of the water is the result of high levels of silicon. Here it seems that Iceland itself is blue.

Thermal itself hot water is formed when ordinary water from the sea enters through the porous surface of lava. It is heated in underground tanks up to 200 ºС.

The Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes from international airport Keflavik (50 minutes from Reykjavik). You will be surprised by the facts about this place that you will learn about by reading this text.

1. Visiting can be expensive

During high season (June to the end of August), standard admission will cost you $54. According to the site, the most popular package of the four offered is the third level - Premium ($90), which includes admission, silica mud mask, towel, drink, algae mask, robe, slippers, optional reservation to Lava Restaurant, and a glass sparkling wine if you decide to have lunch.

Looks like this the best option to get the most out of your investment!

2. Amazing spa amenities included in admission price

In addition to the free matte mud mask included in the standard package, you are given the opportunity to use special equipment. There are saunas, steam rooms, a waterfall and a relaxation area with soothing music, comfortable seating and stunning views.

If you really want the full treatment, Blue Lagoon also offers a relaxing water massage.

If you buy the Luxury package ($234), which includes everything Premium offers, you'll also receive a bundle of spa products and free access to an exclusive lounge.

Guests have access to a private shower and changing room, as well as free skin care products. The lounge features a fireplace, designer furniture and an outdoor terrace.

4. The hotel has a restaurant and cafe

The Lava restaurant is built on the left cliff. This perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch or a romantic gourmet dinner in the evening.

Blue Cafe's open space is perfect for grabbing a bite between meals or sipping coffee. It has a relaxed atmosphere. The cafe offers light snacks, fast food, sandwiches and healthy options. Seating is available both inside and outside.

5. You don't have to leave the lagoon to get a drink.

The Blue Lagoon Resort's floating bar serves cocktails, wine and beer. You don't even need to carry cash with you. List cash to your entry card and pay before leaving.

6. The lagoon isn't really a natural wonder.

You may not want to put your head in the water... Fact is that the lagoon was originally formed as a reservoir for runoff water from a geothermal power plant in 1974.

People noticed medicinal properties water and increasingly used it for bathing for skin diseases.

Although water is fantastically effective in treating psoriasis, it can seriously damage your hair. If you have them painted, the paint can come off easily. It is advisable to wear a shower cap.

The “Blue Lagoon” of Iceland is the dream of everyone who wants not only to relax and unwind, but to feel refreshed and emerge, in the truest sense of the word, from a geothermal source. This spa center is the most visited attraction in Iceland today. The resort is located in the southwest of the country, in Grindavik, a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik and close to Keflavik airport.

The main treatment at the Blue Lagoon is carried out using mineral water, which is very rich in useful substances, it contains silicon dioxide and sulfur. The waters of the lagoon are renewed every two days, thanks to a geothermal energy plant. The services offered here are unique; there are few centers in the world that have such a generous natural resource. It offers visitors both a treatment center and a beauty salon. You can choose whatever your heart desires. This can be a relaxing massage using special oil that contains active microelements. The skin takes on a healthy and glowing appearance.

Locally prepared scrubs contain lagoon silica, which exfoliates the skin, removes dead cells and stimulates blood circulation. All cosmetics used at the Blue Lagoon Spa are based on geothermal sea ​​water, minerals and algae. Cosmetics with this composition can only be found in Iceland. Algae treatments are very popular among guests of the center. Specialists can polish the skin using special wraps. A whole system of strengthening procedures for pregnant women has been developed at the Blue Lagoon, which relieves swelling and back pain.

The beauty salon is a true care for the face and body. Special creams and massages make the skin more elastic and significantly reduce the signs of aging. Facial treatments are divided into three categories, each designed to suit the needs of different skin types. For mature skin, they target the skin's own collagen production and provide essential moisture. For normal and dry skin, this is, first of all, strengthening the protective barrier. Dry and combination skin undergoes deep cleansing and detoxification. Deep cleansing based on a silica mask is very effective.

The center also offers VIP service. An exclusive salon that offers privacy and peace. This complex is designed for a maximum of 12 people. The living room, with a fireplace and designer furniture, is a real oasis, fenced off from the hustle and bustle. Guests are provided with direct individual access to healing waters lagoons and a la carte service from the restaurant. In addition to treatment and relaxing spa treatments, guests will also enjoy an exciting excursion. Experienced guides will tell you the whole history of the creation of the resort, and will introduce you in detail to natural features this place, and explain its value from the point of view of medical science.

Anyone can visit the lava fields that are located near spa center and learn a lot of interesting things about volcanic activity in Iceland. The excursion program must include local myths about elves and trolls, as well as the signature Blue Lagoon cocktail, a visit to the laboratory and a small surprise.

March 3, 2014

Geothermal resort Blue Lagoon - fabulous, incredible a nice place on the map of Iceland. This amazing lake with water, the color of which combines a mixture of milk and incredible blue, attracts a large number of tourists to its open spaces. Many guests of this Icelandic resort come here more than once.

Iceland's most famous spa resort

The healing properties of water were discovered completely by accident. Employees of a thermal power plant located not far from the lake, after swimming in it, began to notice that their health improved, both hair and nails grew faster, excess weight was lost, and the skin was cleared of various rashes.

Observations confirmed their guesses. As eyewitnesses say, one patient with psoriasis, while walking next to hot water, slipped and fell into the water. Healing water worked miracles - the disease subsided after a while. Then the city authorities called scientists to study the properties of this reservoir.

Healing water of the Blue Lagoon

Research has shown that milky blue water contains various salts, minerals, clay, algae, and quartz. The temperature in the lake remains at +37 degrees. The hydrogen content is 7.5%. And the content of mineral salts is almost 2.5%.

Under such conditions, with a large tourist flow (up to 300 thousand per year), a huge number of different bacteria should appear in the lake. But the Blue Lagoon keeps another secret - there are no bacteria here! This is another confirmation that the wonders of nature contain many puzzles and mysteries.

Geothermal water helps to get rid of extra pounds, defeat cellulite, and treat skin diseases. Various mineral salts have a beneficial effect on the entire body. Blue and green seaweeds and quartz have wonderful properties. The white clay that covers the bottom of the lake helps get rid of skin problems on the face and body.

Relax in one of the best spa resorts in Europe

The complex, located next to a geothermal lake, includes a clinic, a spa center, a restaurant, and a store that sells excellent Blue Lagoon cosmetics, developed based on local water, clay and mineral salts.

Guests of the Blue Lagoon can take a course of spa treatments, which includes: algae-based body wraps, salt peeling, lymphatic drainage, different kinds massage, mud baths. The Blue Lagoon cosmetics line works real miracles, making the skin smooth and velvety, smoothing out wrinkles and cleansing the surface of the body from scales and growths.

Patients of the dermatology clinic can stay in a room that meets all requirements. A conclusion from the attending physician is required, who recommends treatment in this particular sanatorium-resort complex. Already after a week of taking the first procedures, a significant improvement in the patient’s skin diseases is observed.

The nature around this wonderful piece of nature also helps in healing. Rocky coast, amazing fumaroles, hot springs, fields covered with volcanic lava. And also a noisy, colorful bird market, where many species of birds can be found.

The Blue Lagoon is a magnificent spa resort that has won the Blue Flag award many times. This sign means recognition of this complex as one of the most environmentally friendly places on Earth. And in 2005, the magnificent Blue Lagoon was awarded the title of Best thermal spa resort and medical complex in the world! Pride - a wonderful spa complex is always happy to welcome guests.

What could be more beautiful - to bask in a warm lake with azure water and admire northern lights, sparkling in the heights, above the huge rocks...

Blue Lagoon in Iceland photo