Iceland
Blue Lagoon
Welcome to Iceland! The Blue Lagoon is a strikingly bright, milky-blue pool of warm water, heated deep underground by the same volcanic forces that shape this icy island.
Why is it famous?
Its bright, milky-blue color against black lava rock and steam makes it one of the most otherworldly sights in Iceland.
The water stays warm even in freezing weather, so steam rises off the surface all year round.
How was it formed?
The warm water actually comes from a nearby geothermal power plant that pumps up water heated by underground volcanic rock.
The water is rich in silica and minerals, which is what gives it that famous bright blue-white color.
Amazing facts
The water stays around 98–102°F (37–39°C) year-round, like a giant warm bath.
Iceland sits on a crack in the Earth's crust called the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is why there's so much volcanic heat here.
Quick facts
- The water stays around 98–102°F (37–39°C) year-round, like a giant warm bath.
- Iceland sits on a crack in the Earth's crust called the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is why there's so much volcanic heat here.
- The silica in the water is sometimes used to make skin creams.
- It's one of Iceland's most visited spots, even though it began almost by accident in the 1970s.