Blue Lagoon
Bathe in milky blue geothermal water on a lava field, the most luxurious natural spa in the land of fire and ice.
Overview
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, its mineral-rich blue water dreamlike amid a lava landscape.
History
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, formed unexpectedly from wastewater discharged by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station, built in 1976. The milky blue water, rich in silica and blue-green algae, is credited with therapeutic properties, and the lagoon opened to the public in 1987. Water temperature stays between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius year-round, and the open-air bathing area built on volcanic lava has become one of the world's most distinctive spa destinations. It closed briefly in 2024 because of nearby volcanic activity.
Highlights
- •Steaming, milky-blue water like liquid gemstone
- •Unlimited free white silica face masks
- •A swim-up bar built into the lava rock
- •Floating under green aurora curtains in season
- •Remarkably soft skin afterwards
Practical tips
- •Book online in advance
- •Pairs particularly well with a northern lights tour
Practical information
- Best time
- September to March
- Tickets
- About ISK 7,500 to 10,000 in advance, including towel and silica mask
- Opening hours
- 8:00 to 22:00, extended to 23:00 in peak season; advance online booking essential
- Local food
- Seafood soup, hot dogs and Icelandic skyr
- Getting around
- About 45 minutes by car from Reykjavík; the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance
- Visa
- Iceland is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Self-drive trips in winter need close attention to road conditions and weather warnings.
Traveller reviews
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