All about The Blue Lagoon
Iceland is famous for its geothermal spas, and the Blue Lagoon is the perfect place for you to relax in spectacular surroundings!
Close to the international airport at Keflavík, you can make the Blue Lagoon the first of many memorable experiences when you visit Iceland, taking a delightful dip there soon after you’ve collected your cases.
Or you can choose it as the ideal pre-flight preparation, your final encounter with Iceland’s stunning lava landscapes, soaking up the views and soothing your body after exploring the country.
Icelanders love their geothermal hot pots – it’s the unofficial national pastime to meet in a geothermal pool, share the news, and tell stories.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon gives you a taste of that exceptional experience – here’s everything you need to know about it!
Where is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located between Keflavík International Airport and Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.
It’s about 25 kilometers from the airport and 50 kilometers from the city, surrounded by eye-catching jet-black lava fields.
It’s easy to get to, with frequent shuttles from the city and the airport.
Gray Line offers several options to help you get to the Blue Lagoon – check below for more information!
What’s the Blue Lagoon like?
The Blue Lagoon is a treat for all the senses, with clouds of steam vapor rising above mesmerizing milky-blue waters in a breathtaking black lava field. It’s Iceland’s most famous tourist destination, and you’ll soon see why! Slip into the warming waters and feel yourself relaxing, almost like entering another world.
How did the Blue Lagoon get made?
A geothermal power plant was built here in the 1970s, tapping into the natural resources of Iceland, pumping geothermally heated water to the capital and elsewhere. Locals soon noticed that they could bathe in pools created by the project and that the white mineral-rich silica mud in the pools was also good for treating skin conditions.
The Blue Lagoon began its life in the late 1980s, perfecting the mix of superheated water (70% seawater, 30% freshwater) algae, mineral salts, and silica mud and regulating it at 38 °C.
That means the Blue Lagoon is not a natural “hot pot” like the Secret Lagoon. Instead, the waters bubble up from two kilometers below the surface and are then piped into the Blue Lagoon.
It is now Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, and National Geographic named it one of the “25 Wonders of the World”!
How does the Blue Lagoon get its color?
The white silica mud on the bottom of the Blue Lagoon reacts with the warm waters to give a distinctive milky-blue color.
What facilities does the Blue Lagoon offer?
Iceland’s grandest geothermal spa has an ultra-modern visitor complex with spacious changing areas, steam rooms, saunas, in-water bars, massage tables, restaurants, lockers, a roof terrace, and a gift shop. There’s even a “hot” waterfall! A high-end add-on, “The Retreat,” offers even more luxurious experiences with private lagoon access and other exclusive treats.
Is a visit to the Blue Lagoon good for my health?
Relaxing in warming waters is excellent for calming your body and soul, but the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon is also recognized for soothing skin conditions like psoriasis. Slap on some silica mud – it’s great for exfoliation! It’s wise to keep your hair out of the water, though, as the water can be drying for long tresses. And remember to stay hydrated!
When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?
You can visit the Blue Lagoon at any time of the year! Some prefer to visit in the winter to enjoy the unique experience of bathing outside, surrounded by snow and ice. Others love to enjoy endless summer nights under the Midnight Sun.
What should I bring with me to the Blue Lagoon?
All you need to bring is your bathing suit, toiletries, camera, or smartphone. Everything else is provided or can be rented while you’re there. That includes towels, bathrobes, slippers, face masks for the silica skin treatment, access to in-water bars, and a restaurant. Of course, if you forgot to pack a bathing suit, you can rent one too!
We offer a range of Blue Lagoon tours for you to choose from, with different schedules and formats.
So no matter your plan, there’s sure to be a Blue Lagoon tour that suits you!
