Unusual Places: Iceland

The Blue Lagoon 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 sulphur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 98-102 °F.

The lagoon is a man-made lagoon which is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi and is renewed every 2 days. Super heated 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 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 Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is situated approximately 8 miles from the Keflavik International Airport and 24 miles from the capital city of Reykjavik. That is roughly a 20 minute drive from the airport and a 40 minute drive from Reykjavik.

Also to see while in Iceland is Seljalandsfoss. Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls of Iceland. A unique waterfall in the river Seljalandsá, about 75 miles east of Reykjavík. It is 60 meters high with a foot path behind it at the bottom of the cliff, but with a thin cascade. It is the only known waterfall of its kind, where it is possible to walk behind it. The waterfall is very picturesque and therefore its photo can be found in many books and calendars.

Than there is Gullfoss. Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

As one first approaches the falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river simply vanishes into the earth.

Glacial water is brownish, since it carries lots of sediments that the glacial ice has carved off the earth. Gullfoss is called the "Golden Falls", since on a sunny day the water plunging down the three step staircase and then tumbling in two steps down into the deep crevice truly looks golden. 

To stand at Gullfoss and wallow in the beauty and the wonder of nature is an uplifting experience. One feels more energetic when leaving Gullfoss than when arriving. That's the impact these unique nature sites such as Gullfoss have on us.

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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