Step into the ultimate sanctuary of relaxation – The Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon began as a simple pool of water left behind by the Svartsengi power plant. Over time, its unique healing properties and alluring blue hues, a result of high silica and mineral concentrations, transformed this ‘blue muddy pond’ into a world-renowned spa destination. Welcome to The Blue Lagoon, a place where natural beauty converges with invigorating wellness experiences – a quintessential Icelandic retreat.
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The History of the Blue Lagoon
Iceland is known for it’s natural geothermal hot springs, but the Blue Lagoon isn’t one of them. The Blue Lagoon started out back in 1976, as a pool of wastewater from nearby power plant Svartsengi.
In 1981 the first Icelander brave enough to take a dip faced some backlash, for wanting to swim in what was essentially a blue muddy pond. After a while, he noticed the healing qualities of the water and others joined in. By 1987, the first proper swimming facilities opened.
Fast forward to the present day and the Blue Lagoon has been voted one of the 25 wonders of the world, expanding to include: a spa, bars, restaurant, shop, skincare line and hotel. Welcoming on average 4000 visitors a day, from all around the world.
Why is the Blue Lagoon Blue?
The pools may be man-made, but the blue colour is all natural. The water at the Blue Lagoon has a high concentration of silica and minerals, which give the water it’s distinctive blue colouring.
The pool is made from volcanic black rock, which is coated white from the silica within the pool. You’ll feel this silica underfoot in places and can apply it to your face (and all over your body, seriously, I’ve seen this more than once), in the form of the complimentary silica face masks.
What is special about the Blue Lagoon Iceland?
For many people, when they think of Iceland they think of the Blue Lagoon. It’s earned it’s reputation for good reason, it really is a unique experience that I recommend everyone going to Iceland tries at least once.
The Blue Lagoon is going to be popular with travellers who enjoy relaxation, bathing and spending time outdoors. If you don’t enjoy hot tubs, I’d wager you’re not going to be fussed with the Blue Lagoon. However, if like me you love spending time in water, this isn’t an experience you’ll want to pass on.
On my first trip to Iceland, I sat in the Blue Lagoon and changed my flights so I could stay longer. Whilst the Blue Lagoon is a tourist trap, it’s got a quintessentially Icelandic vibe and I remember it being one of those moments where I fell in love with the country. The smell of Silica, sight of geothermal steam and the contrast of the bright blues and volcanic blacks surrounds you, as you bathe in hot water of up to 39°C … Bliss!
Naturally with it being so popular, this draws crowds and it can be busy, especially during peak times. Once you’re a seasoned visitor to Iceland, you may find you prefer the calm vibes of the smaller geothermal pools, like Laugarvatn Fontana, or The Secret Lagoon.
Personally I like to visit the smaller pools regularly to unwind, with the Blue Lagoon being more of a ‘spa day’ kind of treat.
Does the Blue Lagoon have healing properties?
One of the things Icelanders first noticed in the 80s was that the waters at the Blue Lagoon had healing properties. People with psoriasis and eczema noticed that bathing in these waters helped calm their symptoms.
After bathing, make use of the complimentary moisturiser in the changing rooms to hydrate your skin after your swim. This is an essential step after swimming in Iceland as whilst the silica and minerals are great for your skin, they can be drying.
The Blue Lagoon now have a full skincare line which they ship to customers around the world. Whilst bathing in the pool you can use the complimentary silica and algae face masks, which are also available to buy.
Facilities at The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has large changing rooms, lined with lockers to store your things. As with all pools in Iceland, you will take your shoes off before entering and leave them outside.
Once you’ve changed and stored your things, you can pass through the shower area before going out into the pool.
Showering
As with all pools in Iceland, you will need to shower without your bathing suit before entering. As the Blue Lagoon welcomes many tourists who may be shy about this, they have plenty of shower cubicles as well as a shared shower area. All showers have complimentary Blue Lagoon products for you to use.
The Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is essentially a giant swimming pool, made up of an irregular shape, with bridges to pass over parts of the pool and different areas to enjoy. There’s a sauna, a steam cave, mask bars, a massaging waterfall and swim up bars.
The Retreat Spa
If you fancy upping the luxury, you can spend the day at The Retreat Spa. With private changing rooms, an exclusive lagoon, access to the spa restaurant and cosy lounges/outdoor spaces. This is the premium way to enjoy the Blue Lagoon and avoid the crowds. The spa is known for it’s three-step experience ‘The Ritual’, which incorporates silica, algae, and minerals, for a luxurious, relaxing spa moment. Add on a range of spa (and even in-water) treatments for the ultimate pamper day.
Food and Drink at The Blue Lagoon
If your swim leaves you feeling peckish, you can grab a bite to eat at the spa restaurant. This restaurant serves food all day and gives incredible views out over the lagoon and surrounding area.
For those looking for a more special dining experience, the Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is a must. This unique restaurant is built into a lava cliff and offers panoramic views of the geothermal landscape. The menu features Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist, using locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes.
And for the foodies looking to make their visit extra memorable, there’s the Michelin Starred Moss Restaurant.
Swim-up Bar
Whilst in the lagoon, drinks can be purchased from the swim-up bar using your electronic bracelet. Choose from an alcoholic beverage, or something refreshing like a slushy or smoothie. All packages include at least one drink of choice.
Accomodation
Why not extend your visit with a night in one of the hotels? The Silica Hotel is a ten minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, but has it’s own exclusive Silica lagoon for guests to enjoy. Included with your stay is entry into the Blue Lagoon and a gourmet breakfast.
There’s also the luxury Retreat hotel, which boasts a subterranean spa, Michelin-starred dining, and a private lagoon. Your stay includes unlimited access to the Retreat Spa and lagoon. With add-ons like yoga and Icelandic Coffee time.
Understandably (albeit sadly for me), the minimum age for the Retreat is 12 years old.
Plan Your Trip
Is It Bad to Get Your Hair Wet in the Blue Lagoon?
It’s not going to damage your hair permanently, but it’s best to try and avoid getting your hair submerged in the Blue Lagoon. The silica and minerals can dry your hair out and leave it looking dull and tangled.
There’s complimentary conditioner in all the showers, so I always apply a healthy amount to the ends of my hair before going in.
I’ve got my hair wet here on many a trip and it’s never caused me much hassle, so this is more of an FYI than anything to worry about.
Electronic Bracelets
You will be given an electronic bracelet, which allows you to enter, lock your storage locker and even purchase drinks! Once you’ve finished bathing, your bracelet will be automatically collected as you leave.
Children
Children over the age of two can enter. Any children under the age of eight are required to wear armbands, which are supplied for free. The deepest part of the pool in the centre is 1.4m deep, so children will require constant supervision.
Our little one first went when she was four and she loved it.
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon Whilst Pregnant
The Blue Lagoon states that it is safe for pregnant women to enjoy. And indeed many pregnant women bathe there. Attitudes towards this are different in Iceland/the rest of Europe, to the UK. I know that in the UK, we are advised to avoid hot baths, so this is going to be a personal choice. I went whilst pregnant and made sure to stay hydrated, but found it to be the perfect way to relax when feeling more tired than usual.
Prices and Opening Times
Booking in advance is essential. For day entry, the Blue Lagoon has three packages: Comfort, Premium and Signature. The starting package (Comfort) costs ISK 9990 (roughly £50) and includes: entry, towel hire, a drink of your choice and a silica mud mask. Check the website for up-to-date pricing and information.
Seismic Activity
You may be wondering if the Blue Lagoon will even be open, or safe to visit. With the ongoing volcanic eruptions in Grindavik, the Blue Lagoon is experiencing some disruption. In the UK, disruption from nature might mean a leaf on the train tracks … In Iceland, that could mean the entire connecting road being swallowed up by lava.
Iceland is generally very safe to visit, even when this volcano is erupting. The Blue Lagoon closes when required and Grindavik is not accessible to non-residents, but otherwise it’s unlikely your visit will be impacted.
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