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Disappointing photos reveal what Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon really looks like

Home> News> Travel

Published 17:01 15 Mar 2024 GMT

Disappointing photos reveal what Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon really looks like

It's not quite as scenic as people had hoped.

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton

Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon attracts more than 700,000 visitors every year, but not everyone leaves the experience happy.

The Blue Lagoon was named as one of 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012, and people from far and wide travel to Iceland to experience the lagoon's 'unique geothermal seawater'.

Its waters are a mix of both seawater and freshwater which is rich in silica, algae, and minerals - all of which are said to benefit the skin.

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But it's not just the mineral-filled water and health benefits that attracts people to the Blue Lagoon - it's the scenery that surrounds it too.

Some photos of the famous landmark have led people to believe that the lagoon is in a remote part of Iceland, but it's actually just a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport (the country's largest airport).

It's also part of a luxury spa and dining resort, with saunas, restaurants and other facilities dotted around the lagoon.

Tourists from far and wide flock to Iceland's Blue Lagoon.
Jim Dyson/Getty Images

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However, there's also a powerplant and factory that sit just behind the attraction; undeniably a bit of an eyesore for visitors.

Travel blog Transverse penned a review of their experience visiting the lagoon in 2022 and noted the 'misleading scenery'.

Part of the review read: "What the photos hardly ever highlight is the massive powerplant and factory that sit behind the Blue Lagoon.... Yes, that's real.

"On the same road as the Blue Lagoon, there is a huge geothermal power plant with tons of pipes, steam and ugly looking infrastructure. And you can see it from the lagoon!"

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There's a factory closeby to the lagoon which spoils the view for many visitors.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Some people have labelled the lagoon has being like the 'Instagram Vs Reality' trend where it appears much better on social media that it is in real life.

But, aside from some of the questionable surrounding of the Blue Lagoon, the attraction does boast over 11,600 'excellent' reviews on Tripadvisor, compared to less than 500 'terrible' ones.

One person who visited the Icelandic staple recently wrote of their visit: "We loved the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon itself was lovely and it was nice to have a drink and a face mask while we were in there.

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"We were only able to stay for around two hours but would recommend spending more time to make the most of the sauna and steam rooms as well."

The Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes from the airport.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images

"Lovely day in the thermal pools. Highly recommend a half day on your schedule in Iceland," added a second who went to the lagoon earlier this month.

To conclude, it sounds like the definitely worth a visit, but maybe alter your expectations of the lagoon's not-so-remote surroundings...

Featured Image Credit: Blue Lagoon

Topics: Iceland, Travel

Niamh Shackleton
Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

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@niamhshackleton

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