The geothermic pool of the Blue Lagoon - Iceland

On the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 30 miles from the Icelandic capital, the Blue Lagoon is one of the country's tourist hotspots. Built upon a flow of lava close to the geothermic centre of Svartsengi, it is a true thermal complex famed for its hot and milky water, the colour of which is a heavenly blue. In the middle of a black volcanic rock, in the vapour arising from the high water temperature, one can escape while bathing at 38°C. The colour of the water is due to the presence of silica, limestone and blue green seaweed. The source is buried almost 6,000ft below ground level and feeds the Svartsengi centre before flowing into the Blue Lagoon. In general, tourists coming from Europe come here to relax straight from the airport, while Americans tend to finish their trip in Iceland at the Lagoon. The water is reputed for its therapeutic properties, particularly effective against skin diseases.

Texte et photos : Julien Nessi.

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