THE BLUE LAGOON

The Blue Lagoon is located in the Reykjanes peninsula in what is now a UNESCO Global Geopark. In 2012 National Geographic named it one of the 25 wonders of the world. The lagoon is actually man-made due to the discharged water from the Svartsengi geothermal power station that did not seep back through the lava due to its high silica content instead it formed various pools. The Svartsengi power plant opened in 1976 and the runoff began to create these man-made pools soon afterward. The pools milky blue color is due to the way silica reflects sunlight. The geothermal seawater (30% fresh 70% seawater) is naturally renewed every 40 hours with a temperature between 99 degrees and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Very few organisms live in the water apart from blue-green algae. Despite the water not being artificially disinfected, it contains no fecal bacteria, environmental bacteria, fungi or plants.

A local psoriasis patient and worker at the geothermal plant would bathe in the water and he along with his doctor noticed the enriched water with silica, algae and minerals alleviated his symptoms. Bathing facilities opened in 1987 and the Blue Lagoon company was established in 1992. Local citizens can use the lagoon at no charge.

We checked into The Silica Hotel in the late afternoon after hiking on last years primitive new earth volcanic eruption. Our room keys were wristbands with a chip in it that opened our room as well as allowed us into the VIP Blue Lagoon line. We immediately gathered our suits and headed to the Blue Lagoon and our hotel took us over by van but we didn’t understand the layout. We were left about half a mile from the entrance and walked the hike from the drop off to the entry in useless hotel flip flop slippers. Next time we’ll stay fully dressed as they have nice albeit busy changing rooms. Showering naked before going in is imperative and putting conditioner on your hair saves it from ickyness.

We left our phones in the room as none of them had waterproof cases. I didn’t need proof that Larkin and I did three masks at the Mask Bar while floating around. We each got one drink to enjoy floating around and had an interesting lecture on the mysteries of Iceland’s elves and how they had to be forced to leave before the building commenced at the lagoon. As a part of Iceland’s history, elves aren’t just for kids. These magical creatures make Iceland all the more wonderful. They have played a part in the cultural fabric of the land of fire and ice for over a thousand years. Their lore is woven into the magic of the land, where they are as much a part of an unseen universe as they are a part of nature itself, even inspiring these road and building developers at the Blue Lagoon to respect their habitats. Without respecting these elves, the Blue Lagoon would not be here, or so the story goes…

Elves are sometimes known as Huldufolk or Hidden people. According to the headmaster at the Icelandic Elf School (yes there is one), Magnus Skarphedinsson, there is one kind of huldufolk and 13 kinds of elves on the island. He says that the hidden people “are just the same size and look exactly like human being, the only difference is that they are invisible to most of us. Elves on the other hand, aren’t entirely human, they’re humanoid.” I laughed when I read Huldufolk like to drink coffee, whereas the elves, not so much.

Elves are just like us, they cut hay, row boats and pick berries. They live primarily in the rocks , but may be found in houses as well. Icelanders believe it’s best to not bother them and treat them with respect. They are territorial so when the Blue Lagoon commenced constructions, machines kept breaking or stopped operating with no explanation. Once an elf whisperer came in at the Blue Lagoon and blessed the process and the elves that resided there, construction could commence. Elves have inspired environmental movements and this speaks to the value of nature. Elves are a kind of a, “ritualistic attempt to protect something meaningful, respect something of importance and acknowledge something of worth,” says writer and professor, Haukurs Ingi.

When the three of us returned to our hotel, Larkin and I decided to go in our hotels portion of the lagoon. It was much smaller, a lot less crowded and we talked to folks from Denver while rubbing the silica enriched mud all over our bodies! I forgot to put more conditioner on my hair and it took me a week to get all the silica and other “stuff” out of my hair. I must have taken minute portions of Iceland home with me. Michael on the other hand cleaned up and enjoyed directing the acting bartender on how to prepare his drink.

After we cleaned up from all the relaxing soaking, Larkin and I walked to LAVA for dinner and took photos along our way. Michael joined us after he took the van over later.

The Lava Restaurant is built into an 800 year old lava cliff on the banks of the Blue Lagoon. Their website states: The Lava Restaurant is a place where dynamic cuisine and enchanting design create unforgettable culinary experiences. The food once again was delicious. Our table overlooked the mask clad soakers and the outdoor bar. My appetizer was a cured beef with black garlic and blueberries – yummy! Our mains were lamb, beef and fish of the day and each dish was delightful. We even saw a magnum of Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet on the wine bar being poured by the glass.

The Blue Lagoon was a relaxing place to end our Arctic trip. Fragmented lava covered in vibrant moss, steaming bright blue water overlaying extinct volcanoes. Larkin and I had enough time to take a few photos in the early morning outside with the blue sky highlighting the landscape during our last hour in the Icelandic countryside. Our hotel pool was void of people this early but still serene and inviting.

Valdi mentioned that as we know, everyone in Europe goes to their local bar for gossip and news. However, in Iceland the locals go to their warm geothermal pools which are located in every town. I can’t imagine a more relaxed way to enjoy conversing with friends and family.

We learned that Iceland has the most incredible fish in the world. After our trip, I agree with this assessment. We also learned in the middle of winter, Icelanders enjoy traveling to what they call Sun Countries…anywhere south and into the sun! We felt the sense of magic that this island offers and are ready to go back!

We were told to get to the airport early but I guess 3 hours wasn’t enough as the entry hall was jammed packed with wall to wall people. We left Larkin searching for United as we stood in line for Delta. If I’d had known it was a more than a two hour process, I’d have given her a hug before we watched her trudge off. We did make it through with Delta and security and noticed an Israeli like presence of checking passenger asking the folks in front of us what color their van was and asking me what books I enjoy. I did tell the guy checking our passports we’d been to Jan Mayen and he told me I pronounced it correctly. We were boarded before Larkin made it through security. United was having major issues with their baggage and it was just another problem to add to their naughty list this year! The positive – we made it home despite going through Newark and Larkin through Dulles. Blessings we were never at Heathrow this year and once in Frankfurt was enough!

The northern lights are supposed to be incredible…anyone want to join?

However, we love being home after all our travels…stay cool over Labor Day and into the fall!