Blue Lagoon is nature’s ultimate luxury spa located in the volcanic landscape of Iceland.
It is one of the most famous and iconic attractions in the country and is often visited by tourists as a welcome and goodbye to Iceland due to its close proximity to the two airports.
Relax and enjoy yourself in the lap of nature with geothermal waters, soft silica mud and special minerals that work wonders on your skin. Let's dive into the riveting history, features and offerings of the magical waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Set in the heart of a lava field near Grindavík in southwestern Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is commonly regarded as a geothermal spa. It is one of the main attractions of the island that draws tourists from across the world. The road to the Blue Lagoon is a short 15-minute ride from Keflavik International Airport and about 30 minutes from Reykjavik.
The clear answer to this question cannot be justified in a yes or no as its formation is a bit complex.
The part of the lagoon that stems from nature includes the water, the minerals, the white silica mud, the green algae, the color of the lagoon, the steam, and the moss-covered lava.
The way, however, the water debouches from the ground – to dovetail perfectly in the shape of the lagoon – and the temperature of the water isn't all nature’s work alone.
The water in the lagoon comes from a local geothermal power plant built in 1974 for the tourist attraction specifically.
However, the Blue Lagoon is still referred to as “au naturel” due to its natural presences that come from all the minerals, pure water, and pearlescent colors.
The part of the Blue Lagoon’s formation and history that has been caused by nature dates back to as early as the year 1226, when six volcanic craters located in the Reykjanes Peninsula exploded at the same time. The region had always been subject to frequent eruptions with numerous volcanoes, calderas, and craters. But the simultaneous explosion of major volcanic bodies caused a significant impact on the landscape.
The aftermath of the eruptions formed the astonishingly large lava field, Illahraun, near the lagoon that we come to behold today. The lava terrain since then is called Svartsengi (i.e., The Black Meadow), and starting in 1976, has harbored an active power station in the region.
The unique minerals found in the Blue Lagoon were essentially discovered at the power station set in that area. When the drilling work began in the area, a slimy thick and neon-colored water came out of the crevice. Unfortunately, though, the fluid turned out to be corrosive to the engine. It coated the inside of the engine and prevented it from running properly.
Because of this, the power station workers decided to dump the fluid into the lava field and resorted to finding a safer area to pump water. Meanwhile, the thick, blue fluid, which was actually silica-rich water, quickly coated the lava rocks and mixed in the water, creating one of the top attractions in Iceland that we know as the Blue Lagoon.
Due to its unnatural color and the reputation for coating the machines, for a long time people believed the lagoon water was poisonous. It was only until one of the power station’s workers, Valur Margeirsson, took a chance to bathe in the lagoon that people realized that it was harmless. It was further noticed that the mineral-rich water also worked to improve skin conditions and skin quality.
Since then, more and more people began coming to the lagoon.
However, it wasn't all safe at the time as there was no mechanism regulating the temperatures in the pool. Certain areas of the pool were extremely hot and the depth ranged from 1 meter (3 ft) to 7 meters (22 ft).
As the demand for bathing in the waters grew, people wanted a safer way to access the lagoon. The Blue Lagoon company, established in the year 1992, took charge to make this happen. The company successfully transformed the area into a safe tourist site and guaranteed visitors a completely safe and sound experience.
The number of visitors grew even larger when a clinic specializing in treatments for psoriasis advised patients, much like a prescription, that they bathe in the Blue Lagoon waters. The water, with its high mineral content, is known to improve various skin conditions.
The minerals present in the water have been under research for a long period of time. Developments in the research over these years have proved the lagoon waters to be one of the best treatments for psoriasis in Iceland.
GPS coordinates of Blue Lagoon 63.8804° N, 22.4495° W
The Blue Lagoon is harbored by the volcanic landscape at Grindavik. It is located in the Reykjanes Peninsula – a short 30-minute drive from Reykjavik Airport. Due to which, the lagoon is often the first place checked off by tourists from their bucket list when arriving at the airport.
Tourists looking to visit the Blue Lagoon can find their way to the magical waters through multiple routes. Buses from both Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík leave every hour, while one can also choose to rent a car or call a cab with no parking fee.
The distance from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon is a short one. To make your commute breezy quick, take the road Reykjanesbraut. This road running from the capital area leads the way with easy navigation signs until you reach the lava field near the lagoon.
The distance from Keflavík Airport to the Blue Lagoon is roughly around a 15-minute drive. You can either choose to take the shuttle bus that runs hourly or find yourself a rental. There is also an option to take one of the bus companies that stop at the lagoon.
The weather and waters of the Blue Lagoon are warm and inviting year-round. Changes in seasons aren't drastic. However, the prices in the summer are quite high as the tourists mostly seem to be coming at that time of the year. Off seasons, which is when winters are around, is where the prices are a steal.
Virtually any day is the best day to visit the Blue Lagoon. You can choose to take the bus right from the airport as you arrive and you will find the atmosphere to be breathtaking.
During the night is when the dazzling waters of the lagoon can be seen in their full glory, especially in the summer months. Starting from August, you can enjoy the blue waters until 23:00.
The scene in the lagoon waters during those late hours is also quite inviting for couples as there aren't any families or kids around.
Another upside of going out in the late hours is that you might have a chance to catch another one of Iceland's most famous attractions – the Northern Lights. Through the dark skies around the lagoon and dimly lit spa, you can actually have an ideal setting to see the Auroras, though it may not be as clear from such a distance.
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Date |
Opening Hours |
|
1 Jan – 31 Jan |
8:00 am – 21:00 pm |
|
1 Feb – 3 Mar |
8:00 am – 22:00 pm |
|
4 Mar – 30 May |
8:00 am – 21:00 pm |
|
31 May – 27 Jun |
7:00 am – 23:00 pm |
|
28 Jun – 18 Aug |
7:00 am – 00:00 pm |
|
19 Aug – 28 Nov |
8:00 am – 22:00 pm |
|
29 Nov – 31 Dec |
8:00 am – 21:00 pm |
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Date |
Opening Hours |
|
24 Dec |
8:00 am – 3:00 pm |
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25 Dec |
8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
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31 Dec |
8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
The entry ticket to the Blue Lagoon starts at 6,990 ISK for adults. The tickets do not have a time limit and can be used to stay all through the day.
The prices of the ticket can be a bit higher in the peak season when the place is more crowded than usual.
Included in Comfort:
A day at the Blue Lagoon is an endless opportunity for fun. Here are some of the things you can do at the Blue Lagoon:
There is a wide and growing variety of Blue Lagoon Skin Care Products. However, the main ones are the Lava Scrub Mask, Silica Mud Mask, Algae Mask, and Mineral Mask.
Here are the Blue Lagoon mask reviews:
The Silica Mud Mask
The Silica Mud Mask is perhaps the most popular of them all. It is an all-natural mud mask derived from the rock inside the earth’s mantle. Silica is also the main mineral present in the waters of the Blue Lagoon.
The purpose of silica in the mask is to improve the skin by exfoliation and deep cleanse of the layers of the skin. It is the main product of Blue Lagoon skincare and is often seen given out free to those around.
The Lava Scrub Mask
For the ultimate deep cleansing that leaves your skin reinvigorated and smooth, the Lava Scrub Mask comes enriched with grains of actual lava.
However, the lava mask is recommended for skins that require a deeper cleanse and might not be appropriate for sensitive skin types.
The Algae Mask
The Algae Mask nourishes and firms up the skin. The algae is mainly made of blue-green algae that grows in the water and colors the lagoon in summer.
The Algae Mask is especially great for those with dry skin and for those looking for an anti-aging remedy. It’s not suitable for those prone to acne or oily skin.
The Mineral Mask
Composed of some of the Blue Lagoon’s most unique minerals, the Mineral Mask gives your skin deep hydration and renewed vitality. Apply it on clean skin and the mask will make you feel relaxed and fresh.
The Blue Lagoon company offers two different accommodations to choose from for tourists looking to spend the night at the Blue Lagoon. One is the “original” Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel and the other is the luxurious Blue Lagoon Retreat.
One of the closest hotels to the Blue Lagoon by distance, the Silica Hotel is a luxurious stay surrounded by landscapes of lava. The hotel is one kilometer away from the main site and boasts 35 spacious rooms, exquisitely decorated and equipped with all the necessary amenities. There is also a private spa and massage rooms for you to relax in.
The price for the night starts at 526 USD.
If you’re looking for something more opulent and pricier, the newest addition to the Blue Lagoon complex, the Retreat is the place you should book your stay at. The Retreat is the first 5-star hotel in Iceland and reflects elements of luxury around every corner. The hotel accommodates every amenity you’d come to expect from a high-class stay. It boasts stunning designs, sumptuous restaurants and spas, and even a private lagoon.
The price for the night starts at 1,210 USD.
LAVA RESTAURANT
The Lava Restaurant captures the vistas of the volcanic scenes of the peninsula in wide panoramic views. Built into a lava cliff, the restaurant affords a stunning view of the lagoon as well and is an excellent choice for a sweet romantic dinner meal.
MOSS RESTAURANT
Elegant interior design, exquisitely reinvented local cuisine and ethereal views of the volcanic horizon. What more could one ask to add to make the perfect dinner table? Give yourself a treat by dining at one of Iceland's finest restaurants led by members of the National Chef Team.
CAFÉ BRYGGJAN
There’s nothing like a good serving of lobster soup to whet your appetite after a playful dabble in the blue waters of the lagoon. Café Bryggjan in Grindavik is a famous locally loved cafe that you can stroll to in less than 10 minutes from the site.
The waters of the Blue Lagoon do not have any damaging effect on your hair. The result of having bathed in the lagoon for a longer period is merely a build-up of minerals which makes the hair hard and brittle. However, that does not mean the minerals damage the hair. Read more about what the silica-rich water does to your hair.
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