Written/Compiled and Reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network
At Christmas 2013, the Hollywood movie *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty* was released. In the film, Walter steps away from his monotonous life, embarks on a series of adventures, and encounters breathtaking scenery that changes his life forever. Among them, Iceland—this island nation with an area three times that of Taiwan, and a population of just 300,000—boasts black volcanic rocks covered in snow and vast, boundless vistas. The coexistence of glaciers and volcanoes creates a particularly stunning sight, making it a popular travel destination in Europe in recent years.
The beautiful and dreamy Blue Lagoon has become one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. (Image source / bluelagoon)
Iceland is home to the world’s largest outdoor hot spring, the “Blue Lagoon,” which is located in one of the most geothermally active regions on Earth.In 1976, Icelanders drilled a 2,000-meter-deep well near the Blue Lagoon to build a power plant, using the abundant geothermal resources to heat seawater. The superheated seawater produced large amounts of steam for electricity generation. After generating enough electricity and heat to supply nearby areas, the power plant discharged the used hot water back into the volcanic lava. The hot water unexpectedly dissolved minerals from the rock layers, forming therapeutic white silica mud. Due to its high silicon content, over months and years of deposition, it took on its current slightly milky, aquamarine, dreamlike appearance. A happy accident, the Blue Lagoon became Iceland’s most beautiful mistake—and its most renowned hot spring spa.
The mineral-rich Blue Lagoon mud has soothing and beautifying effects. (Image source / bluelagoon)
In winter, Iceland is a frozen world. In near-zero temperatures, the most challenging part is walking from indoors to the outdoor Blue Lagoon in a swimsuit—the journey before soaking in the lagoon. Every visitor tries to complete the three steps—taking off the robe, hanging it up, and rushing into the Blue Lagoon—as quickly as possible.The temperature of the Blue Lagoon water is artificially maintained at 37–40 degrees Celsius, a very comfortable hot bath temperature. The vast lagoon has uneven water temperatures in different areas. While soaking, move around to find your favorite temperature spot, and enjoy the snow-covered, undulating mountains in the warm, cozy waters—a truly magical experience.
The Blue Lagoon has been voted one of the most unique outdoor hot springs. (Image source / bluelagoon)
(Image source / familyadventureproject)
“Broaden your perspective, see the world, come closer to others, feel life—that is the purpose of life.”This is the most iconic line from *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty* (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty). If this movie moved you, shouldn’t you give yourself the chance to step out and experience the real world?
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