There is a good reason why Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a Hollywood blockbuster star. With its unique aesthetics and various health and wellness benefits, it offers a sight and experience you won’t soon forget.
This article dives into what makes the Blue Lagoon such an iconic attraction and must-visit hot spring hot spot, what to expect from its healing waters, and what you need to know to plan your visit. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal venue here in Iceland that officially began operations in the 1980s. It is one of Iceland’s natural hot springs found deep below the earth’s surface that keeps the Blue Lagoon’s pool water hot and healing.
While the original temperature of the hot spring is at Kentucky-Fried-Human levels of 240 degrees Celsius (464 degrees Fahrenheit), it is cooled down so the Blue Lagoon water is around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit)
What Facilities and Amenities Does the Blue Lagoon Have?
The Blue Lagoon offers a wide range of facilities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. These include:
The (Actual) Blue Lagoon
As the name suggests, you will find a lagoon at the Blue Lagoon. It is man-made (with a little hot spring help from Mother Nature, of course). It consists of about 70% saltwater and 30% freshwater and can get quite deep (up to 1.7 meters at its deepest). But it’s the lagoon’s bright-blue milky color and its almost magical mud that makes it such a draw.
You see, the color is due to the mineral-rich water and even the mud has high silica levels, all of which offer various health and wellness benefits. But the rest and relaxation don’t begin and end at the lagoon.
The Retreat Spa
The Blue Lagoon spa in Iceland called the Retreat Spa is probably one of the most sought-after spas here on the island. Here you will find anything and everything from exclusive Blue Lagoon products to various spa treatments, such as facials, scrubs, and massages, and even unique experiences such as float therapy.
The spa also offers various packages combined with some of the other facilities and amenities at Blue Lagoon, such as overnight stays and culinary treats.
The Hotels
At the Blue Lagoon there’s no reason for the relaxation to end, and you can sleep on-site by booking at one of the following:
The Retreat Hotel
The hotel’s unique design makes it seem like it is floating on top of a lagoon (for exclusive use by the hotel and not to be confused by the lagoon open to the public, although it uses the same bright-blue waters). This makes the hotel not only extremely convenient but also breathtakingly beautiful, offering visitors incredible views of the Icelandic landscape.
It’s no wonder that this 60-suite luxury hotel has won a number of awards. When you book a stay at the Retreat Hotel, you will also get unlimited access to the Retreat Spa. Just keep in mind that any products or treatments will be at an additional cost.
The Silica Hotel
The Silica Hotel is very similar to the Retreat Hotel, where you have exclusive use of a private lagoon which seems almost an extension of the hotel itself because of its design. This hotel is roughly a 10-minute walk away from the Blue Lagoon. You also have the option of choosing from a variety of overnight packages that will add all sorts of activities and extras to your Silica Hotel experience.
Dining at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has four restaurants on-site where you can grab a bite depending on the admission package you choose. All of them offer different dining experiences. They are:
The Moss Restaurant
Open: Wednesdays to Sundays from 18:00
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Eating at the Moss Restaurant is a Michelin-starred dining experience. Here you will have the option of a seasonal set menu consisting of 7 courses or a Kitchen’s Table experience where you can get a behind-the-scenes culinary peek at the chef’s creations paired with a sensational wine selection. But take note that seating for the Kitchen’s Table is limited.
The Lava Restaurant
Open: Mondays to Sundays between 11:30 and 21:00
Dress Code: Relaxed Fine Dining
The Lava Restaurant specializes in Icelandic cuisine made from freshly sourced local ingredients. Even the design itself tries to keep things as authentically Icelandic as possible, with its walls of lava rock. Visitors can choose dishes from an a la carte or tasting menu.
The Spa Restaurant
Open: Breakfast, 7 days a week, from 08:00 to 11:00
Monday & Tuesday, 12:00 to 21:00
Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 to 17:00 (but beverages and snacks continue to be served)
Dress Code: Casual
The Spa Restaurant allows you to grab a bite to eat in between pampering. You also have the option of dining clothed or in your robe. The restaurant dishes up (pun intended) all sorts of light delicacies.
Blue Café
Open: 22 June to 20 August, 7 days a week, 07:00 to 23:00
21 August to 21 June, 7 days a week, 08:00 to 22:00
Dress Code: Smart Casual
The Blue Café is the go-to for any quick snacks and refreshments. Bagels, muffins, you name it, you’ll find it at the Blue Café.
Where is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland’s Location?
The Blue Lagoon is located in the lava field about 5 kilometers outside of Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Since that means the Blue Lagoon is roughly halfway between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, many choose to visit either shortly after arriving on the island or right before catching a flight back home. Others also opt to visit as a day outing from the capital city, making use of the shuttle service from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon.
How was the Blue Lagoon Discovered?
Many would be surprised to learn that the Blue Lagoon we all know and love today would’ve never happened if it wasn’t for a man called Valur Margeirsson and his Psoriasis. Valur was an employee of the Svartsengi Geothermal Plant who suffered from Psoriasis (a skin condition). The condition had kept him away from the mainstream hot springs on the island.
So, when the plant started collecting geothermal wastewater in a nearby lava field in 1976, he took his chance and asked for permission to go swimming in the wastewater. Needless to say, the suggestion wasn’t very welcomed. Back then little was known about the water and if it could have any adverse and negative effects. But the company relented, and to everyone’s surprise (including Valur who just wanted a place to swim), his condition actually started to improve.
Soon those suffering from similar ailments were clambering to gain access, and with pressure from the public mounting, the Icelandic authorities finally opened the area to the public in 1987. Soon popularity spread not just among those afflicted with skin conditions, but those just looking for some relaxation, and the area eventually became the modern facilities we have today.
What are the Blue Lagoon in Iceland’s Opening Hours?
The Blue Lagoon’s operating hours change throughout the year along with the seasons and the number of visitors to the island:
- 22 June to 20 August = 07:00 to 23:00
- 21 August to 21 June = 08:00 to 22:00
*Please note that all visitors must exit the lagoon 30 minutes before the official closing time.
How Much are Tickets to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
Admission to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland varies in price based on the package you choose. You can choose from the following:
Comfort
9 990 ISK ($71.95/€66.65)
Includes:
- Entry
- A silica mud mask at the mask bar
- The use of a towel
- One drink
Premium
12 990 ISK ($93.55/€86.70)
Includes:
- Entry
- A silica mud mask at the mask bar + an additional two
- The use of a towel
- The use of a robe
- Two drinks
Signature
16 490 ISK ($118.75/€110.05)
Includes:
- Entry
- A silica mud mask at the mask bar + an additional two
- The use of a towel
- The use of a robe
- Two drinks
- Two Blue Lagoon products to take home with you (the 30 ml Silica Mud Mask, and 30 ml Mineral Mask)
*Please note that the use of any of the other facilities and amenities is not included in your admission fee. Retreat Spa packages start from 79 000 ISK ($568.90/€527.05) and hotel stays start from 96 000 ISK ($691.30/€640.45). There are also other add-on options such as In-water Massage and Float Therapy starting from 19 900 ISK ($143.30/€132.80)
Special Events at the Blue Lagoon
With the Blue Lagoon’s main focus being on rest and relaxation, you won’t find any special events such as concerts here. But that doesn’t mean that you cannot experience any special events here. If you plan to stay at the Retreat Hotel, you might have the opportunity to participate in some morning yoga.
If you visit the Blue Lagoon during the colder months in Iceland, you might get to see the Northern Lights dancing above your head while lounging in the lagoon. Or you can visit mid-summer when you can experience 24-hour “days” as the sun temporarily dips behind the horizon, but darkness never really falls. During this time, you can experience another of Iceland’s most famous natural phenomena, the Midnight Sun.
Let the Blue Lagoon Kickstart Your Iceland Adventure
It’s clear that the soothing waters with striking blue hues are an absolute must on any Iceland trip itinerary. Whether you take it on as a warm and welcoming embrace when you first arrive on the island, a relaxing farewell before you leave, or make it the rejuvenating starting point to the rest of your Icelandic adventure – the Blue Lagoon cannot be missed.
If you plan on making it the starting point to a much larger adventure, we highly recommend that you rent a RV in Iceland and go on one of our popular road trip routes such as the Ring Road, the Golden Circle, or the Diamond Circle. You will also find plenty of other hot spring hot spots along the way to add to your geothermal experience here on the island.
