Stóragjá, Geothermal cave near Lake Mývatn, Iceland.
Stóragjá is a narrow cave near Lake Mývatn containing a geothermal spring with luminous blue water. Visitors reach this thermal pool by navigating a tight ravine using ropes and stone steps carved into the rock.
Following volcanic eruptions in the region between 1975 and 1984, this cave became a place where people could access thermal waters. Nearby Grjótagjá had become too hot for safe bathing, making this site a practical alternative.
Local inhabitants developed specific techniques to navigate the cave's entrance, establishing rope-assisted descent methods for accessing the thermal waters.
A pedestrian path of about 200 meters descends from the main road to the cave entrance, with metal stairs and ropes providing secure footing. The water feels warm and inviting, but swimming is not permitted at this site.
The water's striking blue color comes from specific algae that thrive in the spring and give it its distinctive appearance. Because of these algae, swimming is forbidden despite the temperature being otherwise perfect for bathing.
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