One of the most beautiful wonders in the world, Blue Lagoon is the epitome of scenic beauty, pleasing ambiance, opulence, and indulgence. Its clear blue water is not only divine but is full of minerals that work magic for the skin. The scenery of azure water amidst the black lava fields and creeping grey moss is awe-strikingly beautiful and makes you fall in love with the surroundings.
The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula and attracts tourists from across the world for its extremely wonderful skin-nourishing hot spring water and spas. The average temperature of its mystical water also remains at 39°C (102°F) all year round, offering a proper bathing environment. Although the Blue Lagoon is amongst the world’s 10 best natural spas, in reality, it is a man-made wonder that is not natural and was formed in 1976 close to Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The water of the lagoon is completely clean, free from harmful chemicals, and is rich in natural minerals and silica that are highly beneficial for people suffering from skin ailments like Psoriasis.
Another high point of the lagoon is that the water continually streams into the lagoon and gets renewed in 48 hours, making it completely clean. Nestled in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark, Blue Lagoon is close to the Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík city center. It is advisable to book the Blue Lagoon package in advance as it is a hot favorite destination amongst tourists and allows only a limited number of visitors at a time. A café, restaurant, hotel, walking paths, tiny bridges, saunas, and a store selling Blue Lagoon’s luxury skin products are other highlights of this majestic lagoon.
How To Reach
Blue Lagoon is located in the center of Reykjanes, a famous and designated UNESCO Geopark. It is 20 minutes drive from the Keflavik Airport and 50 minutes drive from Reykjavik City Center.
To get to Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport you can opt from any of the below mentioned options:
1. By Car: Book a rental car and enjoy a scenic drive from either Reykjavik or Keflavik to Blue Lagoon, which is about 50 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. Take Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) to Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43) and arrive conveniently at Blue Lagoon following the road signs.
2. By Bus: Destination Blue Lagoon is the official transport partner of Blue Lagoon and runs multiple bus shuttles from Keflavík and Reykjavík. Buses depart hourly and it is advisable to book your travel ticket in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience. You can book one-way, round transfers, and mixed tickets between Keflavík, Reykjavík, and Blue Lagoon.
3. By Taxi: Taxi is easily available from any part of Reykjavík or Keflavík and is the best option to travel if you are traveling with family or a group of friends. It is most convenient and comfortable as well. Book through Kiwitax that offers taxi services at comparative prices.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Blue Lagoon is in the evening to experience the heavenly midnight sun in the summer or the Northern Lights in the winter. The opening times of Blue Lagoon generally remain from 10:00 am - 8:00/9:00/11:00 pm depending upon the season, and if you want to avoid crowds, head early in the morning.
1. Summer (June through August): It is the high tourism season with long bright sunny days and midnight sun. It offers pleasant weather conditions but heavy tourist crowds and higher prices.
2. Shoulder Spring/Autumn Season (April through May, September through October): Blue Lagoon doesn’t have much of a shoulder season and the tourist activities are also minimal. During these seasons, temperatures are cool and comfortable, tourists are few, and prices are lower.
3. Winter (November through March): Visitors love to come to Blue Lagoon in winters for hot springs and Northern Lights. Though the water temperature of the Blue Lagoon remains comfortable all around the year, the air temperature is on average -2 degrees Celsius and may frosts down to -15 in winters.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience without the crowds, plan your trip during the shoulder period but if you want to experience an otherworldly spa amidst the Northern Lights or midnight sun, plan accordingly.Other Essential Information
Apply a mud pack at the In-water Mask Bar: Make your face and skin feel ultimate rejuvenation with an experience at the In-water Mask Bar. Swim to the bar area, apply a silica mud pack (the water’s iconic white wonder) to your face and body. Let it stay for 10 minutes and feel silica’s cleansing radiance. You can also opt for other masks like algae, minerals, or lava.
Unwind in Sauna/Steam Cave/Steam Room: Enjoy relaxing and rewinding pleasures and benefits amidst dry heat or moist heat in an earthen chamber.
Enjoy a drink at the In-Water Bar: Quench your thirst with a refreshing drink or beverage right over the water at the In-water Bar and pay using your electronic bracelet.
Feel relaxed under Lagoon Waterfall: Relax your soothing muscles under the massaging energy of the geothermal waterfall of Blue Lagoon and feel refreshed.
Observe from the Viewing Deck: Visit the viewing deck situated on the second floor of the Blue Lagoon Complex and witness the extraordinary sight of blue waters amidst volcanic terrain.
Places to stay near Blue Lagoon Iceland
1. Silica Hotel: Located just a 10-minute walk away from the Blue Lagoon, it is an oasis of luxury and ambiance. A one-night stay includes breakfast, free Wi-Fi, gym, the Silica Lagoon, and premium admission to the Blue Lagoon.
2. The Retreat Hotel: The only 5-star accommodation in Iceland, it is an all-suite hotel located close to Blue Lagoon. Offering access to the Blue Lagoon, private Retreat Lagoon, subterranean Retreat Spa, and Blue Lagoon Ritual, it also features Yoga sessions, hikes, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, 24-hour room service, etc.
3. Northern Light Inn: Located 700 m from the Blue Lagoon, it features a wellness spa, gym, a fireplace lounge offering panoramic views, and free shuttle buses to/from the Blue Lagoon.
4. Harbour View: Offering stunning views of Grindavik Harbor, this property has a collection of modern wood cabins with an en-suite kitchenette, Wi-Fi, and other modern luxuries.
Places to eat near Blue Lagoon Iceland
1. Moss Restaurant: Offering fresh seasonal cuisine and wonderful choices of wine, it is the best place to dine near Blue Lagoon and have a delightful experience amidst amazing views.
2. Lava Restaurant: The best place to enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes, Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant offers not only mouth-watering delicacies and drinks but surreal surroundings and ambiance.
3. Spa Restaurant: Step out of the lagoon in your bathrobe and head to this wonderful Spa Restaurant to relish the refreshing flavors of your choice of drinks or quick bites.
4. Bryggjan Cafe: Situated close to the harbor, the Bryggjan Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with your family or friends. Along with a range of multi-cuisine recipes, it is known for its specialty Lobster Soup.
5. Max’s Restaurant: Located at the Northern Lights Inn close to the Blue Lagoon, the Max's Restaurant offers a wide range of amazing Icelandic delicacies, including vegan and vegetarian special menus.