The Blue Lagoon in Iceland offers a wonderful and relaxing spa in geothermal hot water. Although the Blue Lagoon has become a major tourist attraction, we highly recommend a visit here. The warm turquoise blue water and the contrastingly cool air give off a sense of calm that even the tourist crowds can't beat. The Blue Lagoon is a must!
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Blue Lagoon - for the fourth time
The first time I (Helena) visited the Blue Lagoon was in 1992. I have no photos from that visit, but as I remember it, the bath itself was about the same size. The building on the other hand ... a lot has happened there! Peter and I were also there in 2012.
This time we went directly from Keflavik airport to the Blue Lagoon, and got a little presentation before it was time for swimming. There were more people this time, but still it was just as relaxing. Soooo nice to lie in the warm water, while feeling the cool winds in your face.
Swimming to the bar
There is a bar in the baths, where you can easily order a drink using the wristband you receive at check-in. A drink (beer, wine, bubbly, soft drink or smoothie) is included in the price. So, how good can it be?
Sauna and treatments
If you want, you can swim to a sauna adjacent to the bath, or perhaps to the small hut where you get clay for facial treatment. We were content to enjoy the bath, and we would like to thank Christian from Food and travel blog for illustrative photo!
For those who wish, there are also various spa treatments such as massages, beauty treatments, "The Blue Lagoon Ritual" and private bathing experiences.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a geothermal spa that has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. In fact, the spa has so many visitors that they have had to limit the number of visitors per day and ensure that people book their visit in advance.
The spa is located in the middle of a huge lava field, at Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, not far from Keflavik Airport, and not too far from Reykjavik. In Icelandic the bath is called 'Bláa Lónið', which means the same thing, and in English 'Blue Lagoon'.
How was the Blue Lagoon created?
The Blue Lagoon is located next to a geothermal power plant called Svartsengi, which is where the water comes from. The bath was originally discovered when some locals noticed the water and asked the power plant for permission to bathe. As well as enjoying the 38-degree water, one of the bathers found that his or her psoriasis improved. The bathers told their friends about the bath, who in turn told their friends... Well, you get the picture!
The water in the Blue Lagoon
The warm water in the Blue Lagoon is a mixture of salt and fresh water, taken from a depth of about two kilometres. Down here, the water maintains a temperature of 240 degrees centigrade, but before it reaches the bath, the temperature drops to a comfortable 38 degrees centigrade (36-39 degrees).
The water is pumped up by the Svartsengi power plant and used to drive turbines that generate electricity. After passing through the turbines, the water passes through a heat exchanger to produce hot water for the municipal water system. Only then does the water reach the lagoon, as waste water from the power plant.
The water is rich in minerals such as silica and sulphur and contains over 200 micro-organisms, making it a beautiful turquoise blue colour.
Do you have to book the Blue Lagoon?
In the past you could come to the Blue Lagoon without booking, but nowadays tourist pressure has become so great that they have decided to set a limit of 500 visitors. This means you have to book in advance! The limit is probably a good thing, because it means that there will never be any just too crowded. When we were here (in March) there were about 300 visitors, and the water felt relatively calm.
Do you need a towel?
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland today is a modern spa. You arrive at a large, modern facility and pay at a reception desk before being let into the pool. The cheapest visit (comfort) costs from 6990 Icelandic crowns (about 530 SEK) and includes a towel, mud mask and a drink at the bar.
A slightly more luxurious (premium) visit costs from 9900 Icelandic crowns (approx. 760 SEK) and includes a towel, bathrobe, slippers, mud mask, another mask of your choice, a drink at the bar, table reservation and sparkling wine for dinner.
You are also welcome to bring your own towel, bathrobe or slippers. It's best to bring your own swimwear, but if you've forgotten, you can rent one at the reception.
How do the bracelets work?
When you check in, you receive a wristband, which you use to lock and unlock your locker in the changing room. The wristband is also used to buy drinks at the bar. Very convenient! Just make sure you don't lose the wristband - or you'll have to pay for it!
Can you take your children with you?
Children must be at least 2 years old to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Smaller children are not welcome because they may be sensitive to the mineral-rich water. Children aged 2-13 enter for free when accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 8 must wear arm warmers, which are available for free, and parents are responsible for supervising their children.
Protect your hair and jewellery!
The water in the Blue Lagoon is supposed to be healthy and good for the skin, and I must say that my skin felt very smooth in the evening after the bath. However, those in the know say to be a little careful with your hair, which can become very dry. If you dip your hair in the water, you may want to use the bath's conditioner afterwards, which is available in all showers.
We were also told that it's a good idea to take off any jewellery that you treasure so that it doesn't get damaged by the water. You should also be careful with glasses and contact lenses.
Restaurants in the Blue Lagoon
There are several restaurants and cafés in the resort by the Blue Lagoon, where you can enjoy everything from 5- and 7-course dinners to simple café dishes. It is also possible to book a hotel room, at one of the two hotels Silica Hotel or Retreat Hotel. For our part, we did not have time for anything other than a beer in the pool, which was perfect!
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Facts about the Blue Lagoon
- Address: Blue Lagoon, Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík.
- Location: The Blue Lagoon is located in Grindavík, 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from Keflavik Airport and about 50 minutes from Reykjavik.
- More info: You can read more at website of the baths
Opening hours
Blå Lagunen is open 365 days a year. The opening hours below are taken from the Blå Lagunen website in February 2020. Please note that the opening hours may change. See the bath's website for any changes.
- Peak season 07:00 - 23:00 (5 June - 23 August)
- Low season: 8:00 - 21:00 (1 January - 4 June and 24 August - 31 December)
- Different opening hours: The pool closes at 15:00 on Christmas Eve (24 December).
Prices
Prices are taken from the Blue Lagoon website in February 2020. Please note that prices are subject to change. Please check the website for any changes.
- Comfort visits: From 6990 Icelandic crowns (about 530 crowns), the price includes entry, silica clay mask, towel loan and a drink of your choice.
- Premium visits: From 9900 Icelandic crowns (approximately 760 crowns), the price includes entry, silica clay mask, towel loan, a drink of choice, another mask of choice, bathing slippers, bathrobe loan, reservation at restaurant Lava and a glass of sparkling wine at restaurant Lava.
- Children: Children aged 2-13 enter free when accompanied by an adult.
- Exclusive Retreat Spa: From ISK 79,000 (approximately SEK 6100) including four luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa. Price includes Retreat Spa, Retreat Lagoon, private changing room, The Blue Lagoon Ritual, Blue Lagoon, skincare products and a drink of choice.
Treatments
- Maskable: In the centre of the bath is a "mask bar" where you can try different face masks. "Silica mud mask" is for deep cleansing and "Algae mask" is anti-ageing and nourishes the skin.
- Sauna and steam room: There is a sauna and a steam room.
- Massage: The spa offers "In-Water Massage". The massage can be booked for 30, 60 or 120 minutes and is carried out in a separate part of the spa.
- Psoriasis treatment: Treatment is offered in a private lagoon at the Silica Hotel.
Service
- Food service: There are several restaurants in the resort. Moss Restaurant and Lava Restaurant are gourmet restaurants and Spa Restaurant is a more casual restaurant. There is also a café and a drinks bar in the spa.
- Accommodation: There are two hotels on the Blue Lagoon, the Silica Hotel and the Retreat Hotel. Many accommodation options are of course also available in Reykjavik.
- Shop: There is a shop where you can buy skincare products such as cleansing creams and face masks. You can also order from the spa's website.
Accessibility
- Parking: There are car parks specially designed for people with disabilities. It is a 5-minute walk from the car park to the baths.
- Accessibility of premises: The bathroom is accessible with specially adapted wheelchairs, which can be borrowed from the reception. There is an extra large changing room and shower stools.
- Assistant/companion: An assistant can accompany you at no extra cost, which should be booked by email in advance.
Getting here
- Travelling to Iceland: You can travel to Iceland with, for example Icelandair.
- Car: Take the Reykjanesbraut road (road 41) towards Grindavíkurvegur (road 43) and then follow the signs for the Blue Lagoon.
- Bus or taxi: You can also take bus or taxi.
This trip was a press trip, organised by the Food and Fun Reykjavik festival and Icelandair. All texts, photos (unless otherwise stated) and opinions are, as usual, our own.
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Lena in Wales says:
Wow, wow, what a place! Very tempting.
Take care!
06 March 2019 - 10:28
Helena says:
Wonderful! And thank you the same! 🙂
06 March 2019 - 17:19
Ditte says:
What fun! I have not yet been to Iceland but if I do, a visit here is a "must". Thanks for good info and great pictures.
06 March 2019 - 13:38
Helena says:
Iceland is really worth a visit! 🙂
06 March 2019 - 17:19
Veiken says:
It is so wonderful with all these geothermal baths. It's a moment of bliss to enjoy hot baths and in many cases fantastic views...
06 March 2019 - 15:31
Helena says:
Yes, wonderful! In addition to this big name, there are also several smaller ones around the country.
06 March 2019 - 17:20
BP says:
It was probably good that you visited the Blue Lagoon "off season". Remember that when bloggers Husbilen Ellen and Mia's Mix were there in the summer of 2018, there was a queue and they could not wait for several hours. Good timing on your part, then.
06 March 2019 - 19:21
Helena says:
Oh, queue!? I understand that you have to book in advance!
07 March 2019 - 8:09
Goatfish says:
My daughter has been there twice, when she visited her husband who was working there temporarily.
I have never been to Iceland but would like to!
Wishful thinking!
06 March 2019 - 20:49
JoY says:
It looks so big, it must have been cosy to swim around there.
06 March 2019 - 22:23
Lena - good for the soul says:
That seems super nice. Have of course heard about it, but did not understand that it was so big and arranged.
Hug Lena
07 March 2019 - 18:59
Christine - 29°. says:
What a lovely place! 🙂
08 March 2019 - 1:30