Iceland's Blue Lagoon: The Ultimate Travel Guide

What Is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular attractions, and it's little wonder as to why. The beautiful milky-blue water is unlike anything else found on earth and starkly contrasts with the surrounding black lava fields and creeping gray moss. The temperature of the Blue Lagoon is a consistent 102 F (39 C) year-round, making it the perfect bathing temperature.

The lagoon is on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, renowned for its barren landscapes and cone-shaped volcanoes. It's only a 14-mile (23-kilometer) drive from Keflavik International Airport. From the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon is 30 miles (49 kilometers). That makes it the perfect first stop when arriving in Iceland or the last stop before leaving the country.

Due to its excellent location, soothing waters, and rich skin nourishment benefits, Iceland's Blue Lagoon quickly became the country's most visited attraction, rivaled only by the Golden Circle sightseeing route.

The Blue Lagoon has become famous internationally as well and tops many travelers' bucket lists. National Geographic named it one of the top 25 Wonders of the World, and Conde Nast Traveller included it on a list of the top 10 spas in the world.

The Blue Lagoon has become so popular that you'll need to book your ticket days (or even weeks!) in advance to get in. And who knows, you might be rubbing shoulders with international celebrities when you do go. Celebrities such as Bjork, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, and Kanye West have been spotted in the Blue Lagoon, much to the delight of fellow visitors.

But what's so special about the Blue Lagoon in Iceland? Read on to learn more about its history, the difference between the entry tickets, why it's so blue, and what makes it unique.

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• Learn about The 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland
• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's Golden Circle

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Blue Lagoon Ticket Types

Discover Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon with the Comfort Ticket, perfect for a memorable yet budget-friendly experience. This ticket includes access to warm, mineral-rich waters, a rejuvenating silica mud mask, towel use, and a drink of your choice, allowing you to unwind in style.

It's just a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport and 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon is easily accessible and renowned for its stunning surroundings, moss-covered lava fields, and volcanic landscapes that make it a truly unique setting.

The Comfort Ticket is the most affordable option, ideal for a short or relaxed visit. However, you can also choose to upgrade to the Premium Ticket for extra perks like additional face masks and a cozy bathrobe. Take your time soaking in the geothermal spa and exploring its steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience Iceland’s most popular attraction during your time in the country, and make sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability. It's sure to be a relaxing escape in the heart of the Reykjanes peninsula.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

Before visiting, you’ll need to book your visit to the Blue Lagoon. With a limited daily capacity and its status as Iceland’s most popular attraction, entry slots often sell out, so it’s best to reserve well in advance.

The prices fluctuate depending on availability. If you are booking at the last minute, the price will rise, which is an even better motivation to make those reservations early.  If you are trying to book your ticket only a day or two in advance, it will likely be fully booked or only have one or two slots available at a higher price.

After securing your admission ticket, you'll need to arrange how you'll get to the lagoon. If you are booking it just after you arrive, you can reserve a bus that takes you from the airport to the Blue Lagoon and then to Reykjavik afterward.

Alternatively, if you are booking it just before you depart from Iceland, a bus from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon can take you to the airport.

If you are planning to rent an affordable car for your stay in Iceland, you can also drive yourself there. The Blue Lagoon is located 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Reykjavik.

You can also choose to join a tour that takes you to the Blue Lagoon and another activity or sightseeing spot on the same day, such as a Golden Circle sightseeing and Blue Lagoon tour. Note that you will still need to book your entry ticket to the Blue Lagoon yourself for many of these tours.

You can also book a self-drive itinerary for your entire stay in Iceland or a vacation package that includes interesting tours, accommodation, and a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

When you arrive at the Blue Lagoon parking lot, you'll see a walking path that stretches a couple of hundred meters through the lava to the entrance. If you need to store large bags during your visit, there's luggage storage at the start of the path, next to the parking lot.

The route is wheelchair accessible. Make sure you dress for warmth if you are coming in winter, as even a few minutes outside can be very chilly.

You'll enter the main reception building, where you might have to queue up before talking to a staff member who will hand you an electronic wristband. If you ordered a comfort, premium, or luxury package, the staff will give you a towel, bathrobe, and slippers.

When you've gone through the reception area, you'll need to take your shoes off and enter a changing room. There are separate changing rooms for men and women.

There, you can take your clothes off and lock them inside a locker using your electronic wristband. You'll need to shower naked before putting on your swimsuit and entering the lagoon.

Showering naked in public is not something everybody is used to, but it's mandatory at all public swimming pools in Iceland. The water in the lagoon doesn't have any chlorine, so people must be completely clean when they enter it.

There are shower curtains and cubicles for you to shower in if you find it uncomfortable to use the communal showers. You'll almost certainly be called out publicly if you try to sneak through without showering.

Leave your towel inside by the showers instead of taking it out to the lagoon with you, as it may be raining or snowing outside, and you can swim between the indoor and outdoor areas.

When you've entered the lagoon itself, make sure you check out the swim-up bar, where you can purchase drinks using your electronic wristband. There's also a mud bar, where you can get a silica mud mask for your face (included for all visitors).

Additional algae masks can also be purchased using the electronic wristband. Algae masks are given to visitors who booked the premium package.

Explore the lagoon, let the water hit your shoulders at the small waterfall by the saunas, and cleanse your skin inside the three different saunas and steam rooms. If you've booked an in-water massage, there's a dedicated place for them by the saunas.

And if it's dark outside, remember to search the skies for the northern lights!

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• Learn more about the Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
• See also: When and Where to (Not) Get Naked in Iceland
• Discover The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

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Maximizing Your Visit to the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most iconic destinations, offering a relaxing escape surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

To make the most of your experience, it’s important to plan ahead. From understanding the opening hours to discovering the best time to visit, spa amenities, and unique offerings like in-water massages, this guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy your time at this world-renowned geothermal spa.

Blue Lagoon Opening Hours

The Blue Lagoon is open daily, with hours varying by season. From June 22 to August 20, it operates from 7 AM to 11 PM, and from August 21 to June 21, it’s open from 8 AM to 10 PM. Starting in 2025, summer hours will extend until midnight (June 1 - August 20), while the rest of the year (August 21 - May 31) will remain from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Holiday hours are as follows:

• Christmas Eve: 8 AM to 4 PM

• New Year's Eve: 8 AM to 6 PM

Guests are asked to exit the water 30 minutes before closing. As Iceland grows in popularity during the holidays, a Blue Lagoon visit makes a perfect seasonal experience—just be sure to book in advance, as holiday hours are limited and subject to change. For the latest schedule, check the Blue Lagoon’s official website.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Blue Lagoon?

Many people wonder when the best time to visit is, both in terms of the time of day and season. The least popular slots to book are the first ones in the morning and the last ones in the day. There may be fewer people around at 9 AM, and you may be able to book a slot with shorter notice.

Even though the last slot of the day is not as popular, the lagoon will likely remain full as there's no time limit. How long you will spend at the Blue Lagoon depends on you, though most people opt to spend at least two hours.

Even when the lagoon is full, you'll still have plenty of room around you as there's a limit on how many guests can enter.

To make the most of the lagoon, don't book a slot an hour before closing time, as they request you leave 30 minutes before the facility closes. This would leave you just 30 minutes to enjoy the waters.

Entering will take some time as you may need to wait in line for your key, then undress and shower. After enjoying a soak in the lagoon, you might want to take your time getting cleaned up, too.

The evening slots are probably the best time to visit. What better way to relax after a day of sightseeing, horseback riding, ATVs, snowmobiling, or whale watching than to hit the spa for a couple of soothing hours?

At the height of summer, the Blue Lagoon is open until 10 PM, so you might want to take a slot at around 7 PM, which gives you time to sightsee, have dinner, and then relax in the lagoon and enjoy the midnight sun.

In winter, evenings are popular mainly because there's no better place to admire the northern lights than from a comfortable, warm pool.

Double-check what time the sun sets (since it varies a lot depending on which month you're visiting Iceland), and try to book a slot that will give you at least two hours in the lagoon.

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• See more: Christmas in Iceland and Iceland in December
• Learn more with the Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland

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Blue Lagoon Spa Amenities

The Blue Lagoon has several spa amenities available to all guests. These include the silica mud mask, sauna and steam rooms, a human-made waterfall, a relaxation cave, an in-water bar, the option to book an in-water massage, and an indoor relaxation area with a view over the lagoon itself.

You can get the silica mud mask from the mud bars inside the lagoon. Cover your face with the white silica mask (be careful not to put it in your eyes), let it rest for a few minutes, and then wash it off. You'll have incredibly smooth and beautiful skin afterward.

There's also a traditional Finnish wooden sauna and a steam bath with a window out to the lagoon. Next to the sauna is a man-made waterfall. The strength of the hot water crashing down on your shoulders will relieve any tension you might have in your muscles.

Enter the cave to listen to an audio guide about the Blue Lagoon in several languages. It's also the perfect spot for photos.

Blue Lagoon Swim-Up Bar

The bar is inside the lagoon, and you can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with the electronic wristband you received on arrival. You'll pay your bill when you exit the premises.

The bar offers refreshing smoothies and slushies. It also offers red, white, and sparkling wine, as well as beer, cider, and sodas. There's a limit of three alcoholic beverages per person while in the lagoon itself.

Blue Lagoon In-Water Massages

Photo from Quick Blue Lagoon Shuttle Bus Transfer from Reykjavik

You can book in-water massages that last from 30 minutes to two hours. These massages need to be reserved well in advance as they're often fully booked.

The relaxation massage is the foundation of all the massages at the Blue Lagoon, and you can choose between a 30-minute session for around 91.50 USD or a 60-minute session for around 130 USD. Note that these prices do not include entry to the Blue Lagoon, which is charged separately. The massages are suitable for anyone ages five and up.

Different treatments are available to add to your massage for about 91.50 USD; each option adds 30 minutes to the experience. Your choices include a full-body silica salt scrub, foot and leg silica wrap, and upper body scrub.

You can also choose to do the two-hour signature treatment for around 230 USD, which includes a salt scrub, silica or algae wrap, and an in-water relaxation massage. Your skin is scrubbed and polished with minerals and salt as you float in the warm lagoon.

After the invigorating scrub, you can choose between being wrapped in either silica or algae while enjoying a gentle massage on your face and scalp. Or you can opt to indulge in a full-body massage for 50 minutes. It doesn't get more relaxing than that!

Blue Lagoon Skin Products

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its incredible skin treatment, and a big part of this is the products. In the lagoon itself, all guests are treated to the silica mud mask, and the algae mask can also be purchased for use in the water. Additionally, guests can use the Blue Lagoon hair conditioner in the showers.

It's also possible to buy these skin products, along with many others, to take home with you. Although the algae and silica mud masks are the bestsellers, there's a wide range of additional products for sale.

Bath salts, body lotion, foot balm, foot scrub, hand cream, home treatment sets, lava scrubs, mineral face exfoliators, day cream, night cream, moisturizing cream, eye cream, lip balm, shampoo, bath oil, body oil - you name it, they've got it!

The first five products were released in 1993 and focused on treatments. The skincare line expanded into cleansing, boosting, healing, and nourishing products in the following decades.

The algae are anti-aging, the silica is strengthening, and the minerals are revitalizing. The skincare line adheres to an eco-friendly sustainability model and is harvested through a zero-waste process.

Where to Eat at the Blue Lagoon

A visit to the Blue Lagoon is more than a soak in geothermal waters; it’s an immersive experience complete with unique dining options. From gourmet meals to casual bites, the Blue Lagoon offers a range of choices to suit every palate.

Lava Restaurant

The Blue Lagoon has a top-notch restaurant with a view towards the water. It provides you with the perfect stop for a romantic meal before or after soothing your muscles in the water. The restaurant is also suitable for relaxed lunches or family dinners.

The Lava Restaurant's design is gorgeous and uses the natural lava rocks as decoration. The restaurant was built into the lava rock; floor-to-ceiling windows allow diners to view the blue waters.

Although casual clothing is allowed, Lava Restaurant is a little upscale, as expected, at a spa resort, and the prices reflect that. Expect to pay a similar amount for your meal as you do for the entry to the lagoon. But the food is delicious, so this gourmet treat is worth it for foodies.

The food is mainly forged from traditional Icelandic ingredients. The menu changes regularly, although some favorite dishes remain the same. You can expect to see Icelandic classics such as lamb, arctic char, root vegetables, langoustine, cod, and beef, along with Icelandic herbs, berries, and, of course, the traditional Icelandic dairy product, Skyr.

A highly recommended four-course tasting menu is available for the whole table, and a children's menu is also on offer. There are some vegetarian options on the menu, too. You can get an accompanying wine menu or buy drinks by the glass.

Moss Restaurant at Blue Lagoon Retreat

The newest addition to the Blue Lagoon is the Michelin star Moss Restaurant. The menu is seasonal but relies on fresh Icelandic ingredients. It's located on top of The Retreat, giving customers beautiful views over the surrounding lava landscapes through wall-to-wall windows.

High-quality ingredients fill the menu, sourced straight from farmers across Iceland. A team of esteemed chefs develops the meals and dedicates themselves to getting to know the producers and the product. Each dish is well conceptualized and meticulously executed with the passion of Icelandic volcanism.

Moss Restaurant is only open for dinner reservations between Wednesday and Sunday, with the first seating at 6:30 PM and the last at 9:30 PM. It's recommended you reserve a table well in advance.

Spa Restaurant

If you're enjoying the services provided at The Retreat Spa, then you can also take advantage of the in-house Spa Restaurant for a bite to eat.

No reservations are needed, and you're invited to dine in your bathrobe or fully clothed. The Spa Restaurant is open from 11:30 AM to 9 PM daily.

The small menu features dishes like smoked salmon, avocado toast, chicken salad, and pancakes with berries and vanilla ice cream. Various wines, coffees, hot teas, and hot chocolate are also offered.

Blue Cafe

The fourth option for eating at the Blue Lagoon is a cafe, open daily between 08:00 and 21:00. Visitors can stop by and grab light snacks and refreshments while still enjoying a view of the lagoon.

The café serves breakfast in the morning, making it an ideal stop for travelers arriving on early flights from the airport.

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• See also: Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

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Hotels Near the Blue Lagoon

You can find many great hotels near the Blue Lagoon and places to stay all over the beautiful Reykjanes peninsula, such as Keflavik accommodations. Hotels around this famous geothermal spa offer not only comfort and luxury but also an ideal location for exploring the wonders of the Reykjanes peninsula.

Whether you’re on a short stopover, beginning or ending your Icelandic adventure, or simply seeking relaxation, these accommodations provide a peaceful retreat just minutes from the rejuvenating waters of the Blue Lagoon. From modern amenities to scenic surroundings, each hotel offers a unique experience, blending Icelandic charm with convenient access to one of the country's top attractions.

Courtyard by Marriott Keflavik Airport

The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport offers luxury and convenience just 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from Keflavik Airport, ideal for business and leisure travelers. Located on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, the hotel provides easy access to the Blue Lagoon, only 13 miles (21 km) away, as well as natural sites like the Gunnuhver hot spring and the Bridge Between Continents. Keflavik’s nearby dining and cultural attractions, including the Reykjanes Art Museum and Viking World, add to the experience.

The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik has a lovely on-site dining space, and you can book a table at The Bridge restaurant to enjoy a nice meal in the area.

The hotel’s rooms feature blackout curtains, high-speed Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can relax in shared lounges or use the fully equipped gym. With event spaces and a convenient event planning app, the hotel is also ideal for meetings and celebrations.

Northern Light Inn

Experience comfort and relaxation at the Northern Light Inn, an elegant hotel just 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers) from Iceland’s renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Perfectly situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the inn offers easy access to natural and cultural attractions like the Bridge Between Continents, the vibrant Krysuvik geothermal area, and the Viking World Museum. A short drive away, Grindavik provides additional amenities, including cafes and seafood restaurants.

The Northern Light Inn provides an array of amenities designed for a restful stay. Guests can enjoy the on-site wellness spa, featuring saunas, massage treatments, and flotation therapy. Stay active in the fully equipped gym, and indulge in daily meals at Max’s, the on-site restaurant with panoramic countryside views.

This three-star hotel also offers cozy, well-appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi, a fireplace lounge, and free parking. Choose the Northern Light Inn for convenience, quality amenities, and proximity to the best of Iceland’s attractions on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

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• See also: The Most Romantic Places in Iceland

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Things To Do Near The Blue Lagoon

Photo by Kaspar Dzenis

The Blue Lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Visitors to Iceland often overlook this area, as they only see it on the journey to and from the airport.  However, the peninsula has plenty of beautiful attractions to admire and won't have hordes of tourists around.

Attractions in the area include countless craters, the geothermal area of Krysuvik, Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Lake Kleifarvatn, the Bridge Between Continents, the natural pool Brimketill, and the town of Keflavik.

Geothermal Spots

The Reykjanes Peninsula has its fair share of geothermal areas. The most well-known, geothermally active ones are Seltun in Krysuvik, near Lake Kleifarvatn, and Gunnuhver, closer to the Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavik.

Seltun is a colorful area featuring bright yellow-, orange-, red- and green-toned earth. It has a wooden path that snakes past boiling mud pots, hot springs, and hissing fumaroles, as well as many educational signs in the area.

Gunnuhver is a large hot spring area consisting of fumaroles and mud pools that are too hot for bathing. This place has a haunted past, with a peasant woman's murderous ghost said to be trapped in the steam.

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• Read about Seltun and Gunnuhver in Geothermal Areas: Beautiful, Steamy, Smelly Spots
• See also: Have you met the angry Ghost at Gunnuhver Mud Pool in Reykjanes?

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Lake Kleifarvatn

Lake Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula and the 26th largest lake in Iceland, at about 5.5 square miles (nine square kilometers).

Its depth is around 295 feet (90 meters) at its deepest, making it one of the deeper lakes in Iceland. However, a couple of earthquakes in 2000 opened a crack that made the water level drop.

As a result, the lake's coastline is fascinating, with steam from hot springs rising around it and gorgeous lava flow rock formations that are well worth exploring.

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• See also: 22 Best Things to Do on the Reykjanes Peninsula

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Brimketill Natural Pool

Photo by Richard Chapman

Brimketill, or the Whitewater Cauldron, is a naturally shaped pool by the seaside. However, the water is freezing cold seawater and shouldn't be entered, especially during high tide or in windy weather, as enormous waves continually crash on it.

It's, however, a sight to see in rough weather. A viewing platform is close by and accessible to everyone.

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• Check out this Helicopter Tour by Latest Lava Fields in Reykjanes Peninsula with Transfers

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Keflavik Town

Keflavik, or Reykjanesbaer, is the largest town on the Reykjanes peninsula. It has some lovely cafes and shops, holds the annual Night of Lights festival at the end of summer, and is home to the Icelandic Museum of Rock & Roll.

The town is near a former US Navy Base that has been converted to university housing and apartment blocks. It's an interesting place where you can still see street names written in English.

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• See also: The Top 20 Festivals in Iceland

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Bridge Between Continents

You can also choose to walk between tectonic plates on the Bridge Between Continents, hike up the cone-shaped Keilir mountain, or visit the Leidarendi lava cave by the Blue Mountains (Blafjoll).

Check out this day tour, the small group 6-hour Reykjanes tour, which will take you to all the wonders in the surrounding area of the Blue Lagoon.

Similar Experiences to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Although the Blue Lagoon is the most popular bathing spot in Iceland, it's hardly the only one. Water fills Iceland in every imaginable form: steaming, frozen, hissing, fresh, cool, scalding, bubbling, and muddy. 

The hot water running underground is tapped and used in radiators to warm up people's houses. It comes directly from the showers and faucets and fills dozens of warm outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs.

Besides the swimming pools found in Reykjavik and Iceland's countryside, there are also multiple natural hot springs and luxurious spas.

Myvatn Nature Baths

The Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland are somewhat comparable to the Blue Lagoon. These baths have the same opaque blue texture as the Blue Lagoon and have modern showers, changing facilities, a sauna, and a restaurant/cafe on site. 

The Myvatn Nature Baths are much smaller than the Blue Lagoon, receive fewer guests, and are more modestly priced. So, if you are looking for an alternative in the North of Iceland, don't miss out; visit the Myvatn Nature Baths.

The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon is found in South Iceland, not far from the Golden Circle. The water here is nice and toasty but doesn't have the same opaque blue, milky waters as the Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths. It does, however, have an adjacent geothermal area.

It's located inside a man-made structure, although the water comes straight from the ground. There's a small, bubbling hot spring next to the water to remind you of exactly where the hot water originates. If you are driving through the Golden Circle area, make sure to book your admission to the Secret Lagoon in advance and secure your spot.

Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon is a breathtaking geothermal spa located just outside Reykjavik, offering a luxurious and tranquil escape with stunning ocean views. Designed to blend seamlessly with Iceland's natural beauty, it features a dramatic infinity-edge pool, a rejuvenating 7-step spa ritual, and modern facilities inspired by Icelandic bathing traditions.

Whether you're seeking relaxation or a unique cultural experience, soaking in the Sky Lagoon promises an unforgettable blend of comfort and nature. It's the perfect place to unwind after exploring Iceland's landscapes.

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• Read about The Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon

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History of the Blue Lagoon

This world-famous geothermal spa is open year-round, inviting visitors to soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscape. With temperatures kept around 102°F (39°C), the lagoon is perfect for a relaxing dip any time of year, whether under the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter.

Although it looks natural, the Blue Lagoon actually formed in 1976 near the Svartsengi geothermal plant. Rich in silica and algae, the water has unique skin-soothing properties, especially popular with those who have psoriasis. Located just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, the lagoon is easily accessible and an unforgettable spot to experience Iceland’s distinctive combination of nature, wellness, and breathtaking scenery.

Interesting Facts About the Blue Lagoon

Here are some facts about the Blue Lagoon:

• The Blue Lagoon is a spa in Iceland and is open all year.

• Blue Lagoon tickets start at around 72 USD for adults (14+).

• You can choose between comfort level, premium entry, or the signature spa.

• The minimum age to enter the Blue Lagoon is two years old, and admission is free for two to 13-year-olds.

• Pre-booking is required. We recommend booking days or weeks in advance.

• The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is in the evening to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter.

• The average water temperature is 102 F (39 C) all year.

• The Blue Lagoon is not natural and was formed in 1976.

• The warm seawater is rich with minerals (such as silica) that do wonders for your skin.

• The Blue Lagoon offers psoriasis treatments.

• The water in the Blue Lagoon completely renews itself every 48 hours.

Is the Blue Lagoon natural?

The Blue Lagoon's history dates back to 1976, when it formed next to a geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. Contrary to many people's belief, the lagoon is not a natural hot spring but a pool created by a human-made structure. It's wastewater from a power plant drilling for steam and hot water.

But don't worry; the water is completely clean and does not contain any harmful chemicals, only natural minerals that have been proven to be very good for people's skin. Since the water continuously streams into the lagoon, it's renewed in 48 hours, ensuring it always stays clean.

How was the Blue Lagoon formed?

Work on the Svartsengi geothermal plant started in 1971; it began operations in 1976. 

Iceland has a long history of utilizing the country's geothermal energy. It has been used for heating buildings and cooking (such as baking bread by burying it in the ground).

For heating, boiling water is taken directly from the ground and pumped into the radiators of Iceland's houses. The Svartsengi plant drills for hot water for this purpose, and the water it receives is around 392 F (200 C). 

However, this water is full of dissolved minerals mixed with seawater and is therefore not suitable for direct use to warm up homes (the minerals would damage the pipes). Instead, the water heats freshwater, which is pumped to nearby urban areas.

After this, the water is simply released into the nearby lava field. The lava field surrounding the geothermal plant is called Illahraun ("Evil Lava") and is relatively young in volcanic terms, believed to have come from a volcanic eruption in 1226.

Lava is porous, so water usually sinks into it and seemingly disappears. This water, however, is rich with silica that separates as it cools down. The silica quickly formed a muddy layer in the lava that stopped the water from seeping through, thus creating the lagoon.

Why did People Start Bathing in the Blue Lagoon?

When the first person decided to try bathing in the Blue Lagoon in 1981, people weren't so sure about the idea. A young man with psoriasis was willing to try anything to help relieve his skin condition. He received permission from the geothermal plant chairman to go into the lagoon, where the water and the algae quickly did wonders for his condition.

The young man, Valur Margeirsson, was the first one to name the site "the Blue Lagoon" or "Bláa Lónið" in Icelandic, and the name stuck. The first public bathing facilities opened in 1987, mainly intended for people with similar skin problems.

These early facilities were basic, consisting of only a few showers and a little white sand beach next to the geothermal plant. They are now called the "old Blue Lagoon" as the area was transformed in 1999.

Iceland has a rich bathing culture, with many swimming pools around the country and Reykjavik and plenty of natural hot springs, too.

It didn't take long for locals to start flocking here, especially since its location was a convenient short drive from the capital city. Many older Icelanders miss the days when you could hop into the pools free of charge.

The Blue Lagoon quickly became one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and after consistent development, the Blue Lagoon is now a world-class spa. It caters to hundreds of thousands of guests each year.

The 1999 transformation moved the lagoon further away from the geothermal plant and added modern changing facilities. They also added a cafe, hotel, restaurant, and a shop where it's possible to buy Blue Lagoon's luxury skin products. Walking paths, small bridges, and saunas were also added. The Blue Lagoon is continually growing, recently expanding from 53,819 square feet (5,000 square meters) to 93,646 square feet (8,700 square meters).

Why Is the Water in the Blue Lagoon Good for People With Psoriasis?

No one knows exactly why the water is so good for the skin. Some believe it's due to the mix of the dissolved minerals in the water, the blue-green algae that thrive in the water, and a type of bacteria only found in the Blue Lagoon. The algae are the reason for the water's milky blue color, but it lends the lagoon a more greenish tinge when it blooms on sunny days.

Some of the water's dissolved minerals include chloride and natron (which form sea salt), as well as calcium. There are also some traces of sulfur, carbonate, and magnesium.

Since 1994, the Blue Lagoon has offered skin treatments for people who have psoriasis. The Blue Lagoon Skin Treatment is one of the few natural therapies available to people with psoriasis that can also be done at home. In 2005, the Blue Lagoon Clinic opened for in-house treatments in a private lagoon, supported by UV light therapy and select skincare products.

The Design of the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is celebrated for its simplistic, respectful architecture reflective of Icelandic Modernism. The parking lot is a few hundred meters away from the lagoon entrance, so you need to walk along a path carved from the lava before reaching it.

As a result, you'll never see a car or a bus or hear noise from traffic at the lagoon itself. The walk is a beautiful preparation for what's to come.

The buildings are low and in harmony with the surrounding landscape, using primarily natural materials, such as wood and lava. The on-site restaurant, Lava Restaurant, is built around a lava cliff. One wall is solid rock, and the room's outlines follow the curves of the natural lava hill. The buildings have tall windows, giving you a view of the lagoon as soon as you enter the reception.

We hope our ultimate guide to the Blue Lagoon proved helpful to you in ensuring you make the most of your visit to Iceland. There are many hot springs in Iceland to explore, but the Blue Lagoon should be high on your list. We'd love to hear your questions and comments below!