Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa)

The Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: "Bláa Lónið") geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The steamy waters are part of a lava formation.

The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. [ [http://www.newsweek.com/id/130626 "Iceland's Energy Lessons"] "Newsweek", 14 April 2008, link accessed 9 April 2008] The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 40 °C (104 °F).

The lagoon is fed by the water output of a nearby geothermal power plant. Superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water passes through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal hot water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.

The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. It is situated approximately 13 km from the Keflavík International Airport and 39 km from the capital city of Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon spa and geothermal complex is clearly visible from any of the usual satellite imagery sources at coordinates (63.879, -22.434).

Iceland has a strict code of hygiene and guests are required to shower in the communal shower area before and after bathing.

It is claimed that in June 2007 the Blue Lagoon appeared green, It bewildered the people of Iceland and its tourists. [ [http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_life/?cat_id=16567&ew_0_a_id=284297 "When blue goes green"] "IcelandReview.com", Daily Life section, 22 June 2007, link accessed 21 July 2007]

References

ee also

*balneotherapy

External links

* [http://www.bluelagoon.com Official Blue Lagoon Website in Iceland]
* [http://www.med-owl.com/health/blue-lagoon-iceland.html Photo essay on the Blue Lagoon] written from a psoriasis perspective.
* [http://www.visitreykjavik.is/yellowpages.asp?cat_id=111 Icelandic hygiene instructions]
* [http://www.islandsmyndir.is/html_skjol/sudvesturland/Blaa-Lonid_Heilsulind/sv-Blaa-Lonid-Heilsulind_01.htm Pictures from www.islandsmyndir.is of Blue Lagoon Clinic]
* [http://travel.ciao.co.uk/The_Blue_Lagoon_Iceland__Review_5595338 Review of Blue Lagoon, critical of the high entrance fees and the artificiality of the facility]