Visiting the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon Iceland is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in Grindavík (on the Reykjanes Peninsula). This geothermal hot spot is known today as one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. To see where the lagoon is located you can find a map here.
During our May visit to Iceland, it was a nice relaxing afternoon break at this thermal spa. We enjoyed the naturally heated spa waters that left us feeling warmed and restored.
History & about the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa was discovered in 1976 during works at a nearby geothermal power plant when a pool formed at the site. In 1981, people began bathing in the unique waters for both recreational and medicinal purposes. In 1992 the Blue Lagoon company was created and the bathing complex was opened for visitors.
It is a man-made lagoon supplied by the water output of the neighbouring geothermal power plant Svartsengi. The lagoon is renewed every two days.
The rich minerals are provided by the subterranean geological layers and driven to the surface by the hot water from the plant.
Image: travel-nest.com
Entry & wearing a wrist bracelet
You will get a wrist bracelet with a chip upon entrance to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. This bracelet can be used to secure your locker in the changing area and pay for food and drinks while you are there. If you want to leave the premises while you are there, ask at reception to keep your bracelet on.
Spa changing area
There are excellent facilities available here – with both a men and women’s changing area (showers, changing areas and toilets included). The women’s changing room offered a lot of space and my husband reported the same for the men’s area. There are lots of mirrors, hair dryers and showers available after your bathing experience. Entrance to the lagoon is out the back of the changing areas.
The spa experience – bathing & swimming in the lagoon
There is a strict hygiene code at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa (which is always reassuring) and you have to shower before bathing in the lagoon. Once you are ready to go in, simply head out the back entrance of the changing area and step in the water. We brought our own towels to the lagoon and placed them by the edge of the water while we were swimming.
We visited in the spring so the air wasn’t too cold once leaving the changing area. I really felt spoiled bathing in the warm waters. You can also explore the caves or stand under a waterfall!
Image: www.nli.is
Mineral rich skin treatment
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is surrounded by black lava fields and the water has a beautiful milky blue colour. There is a distinctive smell of sulphur in the air. With so much mineral richness in the air and water, I knew my skin was going to benefit after bathing for awhile. In fact, my skin felt fantastic afterwards. So I am convinced this is experience is therapeutic and rejuvenating for your skin – a wonderful treat.
It is said that the silica and sulphur in the water can help those suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. Iceland’s Blue Lagoon also has it’s own research facility that uses the mineral-rich water to help find cures for skin problems.
There are silica mud pots dotted around the edge of the lagoon. I enjoyed covering my face in the white mud as a natural face mask. You will see lots of people bobbing around with mud painted faces as well.
Image: seattlestravels.com
Water temperature & depth
I found the water temperature at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa surprisingly warm but not too hot to handle. I was worried it might be mildly warm but it definitely warms your body and muscles through. Temperatures average around 37-39 °C (98–102 °F). One tip is to get up close to the wooden boxes since this is where the hot water arrives through the vents and is the warmest part of the pool.
There are varying depths here. I am pretty short and could stand in the lagoon with water coming up to my shoulder level. The bottom is a smooth and rocky under your feet. I was comfortable getting around barefoot.
Swim-up bar
I really enjoyed the swim-up bar on the side of the lagoon. You can purchase both soft and alcoholic drinks here using your electronic wrist band. I treated myself to a skyr smoothie which was really refreshing.
Image: theplanetd.com
Spa treatments & pampering
There are of course other spa and massage treatments available at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa as well as treatment rooms here. I did not take advantage of these opportunities. I’m sure they would be great after a swim in the water and also if your budget allows for some luxury care. You can find more information about spa treatments and prices here. They also have their own range of skin care products for sale (which I personally thought appeared too expensive).
Dining here, food & restaurants
If you are interested in having a meal here, there are a couple of dining options I have listed below.
Blue Café
The more casual option is a canteen area at the Blue Café. Here you can find a range of ready to go sandwiches, sushi, snacks, light dishes and hot/cold drinks.
Pick what you want, pay and choose a place to sit. This cafe has large windows where you can see into the lagoon while you are having a meal. I enjoyed some sushi and a drink which was perfectly fine for lunch.
LAVA Restaurant
The second option is a more up-scale dining room, at the LAVA Restaurant. The restaurant is built into a cliff overlooking the lagoon.
This restaurant offers a sit-down dining experience for lunch and dinner. It is the type of place where you might also want to enjoy a glass of wine with your meal. They pride themselves on offering “fresh ingredients in an inspiring setting”.
Costs & entry prices
A visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland isn’t cheap but I think it was worth the money we paid for the experience. We got a Standard package for €35 per person. This included a pass and access to the Blue Lagoon Iceland. I thought this was appropriately priced for an afternoon in the mineral heated waters.
Other entrance packages include the following options:
• Comfort package (€60) – pass, lagoon entrance, bathrobe, towel, drink, skin care trial pack, algae mask
• Premium package (€94) – everything the Comfort package includes + slippers and a meal at the LAVA Restaurant
• Luxury package (€172) – everything the Premium package includes + entrance to the Exclusive Lounge
Tours, packages & deals
We did not visit the lagoon through a tour company but there are many companies offering all inclusive package deals.
If you’re looking to book your visit, these all inclusive trips from Reykjavík are offered by AttractionTix.
How to get there
The drive to the lagoon was relatively easy. We drove from Reykjavík which took us about 45 minutes. There is a large car park upon arrival where we had no trouble getting a space. Parking was also free! See more travel details below for getting to the Blue Lagoon.
By Car
• 20 minutes drive from Keflavik International Airport
• 45 minutes drive from down-town Reykjavík
By Bus
• scheduled bus departing from the BSI bus terminal in down-town Reykjavík
• Netbus, another cheaper service, includes hotel pick-up and Blue Lagoon entrance fee
By Taxi
There are a lot of taxi companies that offer trips here. The taxi driver will wait while you enjoy a dip in the warm waters. However, this can become really expensive since you will have to pay the driver for any waiting time at the lagoon.
Opening hours per season
• January to 31 May, 10:00 – 20:00
• June to 30 June, 9:00 – 21:00
• July to 10 August, 9:00 – 21:00
• August to 31 August, 9:00 – 21:00
• September to 31 December, 10:00 – 20:00
Have you visited the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland?
Please share your stories about visiting this geothermal spa and advice to fellow travellers.
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Continue reading about nearby attractions in Iceland:
We spent a week in Iceland and had the opportunity to visit some other extraordinary places during that time.
You might also be interested in reading about my visit to:
—> A beautiful 3,000 year old volcanic crater lake, Kerid Crater located in south Iceland
—> Icerburgs moving across a glacial lake at Jukulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
—> Visiting the Gullfoss Waterfall, a beautiful and dramatic gorge
—> Learn about when to go and the best time to visit Iceland
—> Guide to the Golden Circle Iceland Route
—> Find a list of exciting things to do in Reykjavik
