The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal seawater lagoon in Iceland. As the name reveals, it’s a magical blue colour. The water is a steaming 38° C (100.4°F) and it’s about 1.4m/4.7ft deep. This is no remote wonderland though – think swim-up bar, mineral face masks, a cafe, restaurant, hotels and more.
The Svartsengi geothermal plant which began operations in 1976 drills for hot water below ground, uses it to heat freshwater and then releases the water collected from below ground into adjoining lava fields. The silica in the released water formed a layer on the lava, preventing the water from draining and so, the lagoon was created.
The benefits of swimming in the Blue Lagoon include strengthening, moisturising and renewing your skin and scalp and relaxing your body and mind. Bliss.
The Blue Lagoon is the perfect stop on your way to or from Keflavík Airport to refresh and relax. There are plenty of amenities to get yourself ready for your flight or first day of your holiday. Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes drive from Keflavík Airport or 50 minutes drive from Reykjavík along the Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) to Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43). You can also take a bus (contact Destination Blue Lagoon to book a bus from Keflavík or Reykjavík) or take a taxi.
Selfishly, we love to have the Blue Lagoon as much to ourselves as we can, so the earliest session (8am) during September or October is our pick. That way we can avoid the major crowds and extend our trip to catch the start of the Northern lights in mid-October.
Iceland is warmest in Summer – July and August. That’s when you’ll find huge crowds at the Blue Lagoon and it’s almost as busy in June, when Iceland has 24 hours of daylight.
Unfortunately rainy and high winds can hit just about anytime, so keep an eye on the weather. Check the Blue Lagoon opening hours on their website and be sure to book a week (or more in peak periods) ahead to get the day and time you’d like.
There are three day visit packages to choose from:
From ISK 8 490 (US$67/AU$93)
From ISK 10 990 (US$86/AU$120)
From ISK 59 000 (US$462/AU$647)
The Retreat Spa is a separate facility with the fanciest amenities. When you choose the Retreat Spa package you get five hours at the Retreat Spa which has a private changing suite plus you’ll have access to the Retreat Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.
The minimum age to enter the lagoon is two years old, due to minerals in the water. Kids aged 13 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian and each guardian is only able to supervise two children under 10. Floaties must be worn by kids under eight years old and are available to everyone, including adults.
Once you’re done luxuriating, explore these great activities near the Blue Lagoon.
Take a wander around the front of the Blue Lagoon complex through the lava field, past the hotel and research centre to the forest at the bottom of Thorbjörn Mountain. This easy walk is about 4.5km/2.8miles.
Built in 1897 this lighthouse is near a beach where you can often spot whales, dolphins and seals. Magical.
There’s a good chance the North Atlantic will give you a bit of a splash while you’re on the viewing platform, but the view is worth it. Think massive sea cliffs and an other-wordly terrain contrasted against crystal clear water. Sublime.
Blue Lagoon itself has two hotels. You can choose from the lovely Silica Hotel rooms and the fancier Retreat Hotel suites. A little bit of a drive away are the Northern Light Inn or Harbour View Cottages Grindavik.
What are you waiting for? Get booking.
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