Only 20 kilometers separate Keflavik International Airport from The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most well-known tourist destinations. The water released from a geothermal power plant that drills for hot water and steam accidentally turned into a man-made lagoon. Due to the Blue Lagoon’s abundance of minerals and blue-green algae, which have been found to be incredibly healthy for the skin, visitors to the geothermal spa enjoy taking baths there. Bathing in the waters of the Blue Lagoon has proven to be quite beneficial for many people with skin disorders like psoriasis. The water is warm (around 39°C) throughout the year and always remains warm because the water gets completely renewed every 48 hours by the continuous water stream from the plant. The lagoon has been transformed into a state-of-the-art wellness facility with all the amenities of a modern spa, including saunas, massage stations, in-water massages, and in-house skincare products made with components from the lagoon. Overall, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a great place for people who want to relax, unwind, and get a top-notch spa treatment for their skin while soaking in healing and nourishing warm waters.
OVERVIEW
Location: Iceland
Nearest Airport: Keflavik International airport
How to reach: 20 min drive from Keflavik airport
Famous for: Hot water pools rich with minerals
Best time to visit: Jan to Dec
WHAT TO SEE
Main attractions:Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Alien lava field, Northern lights or Aurora Borealis (October to March), The Retreat Spa.
Restaurants and bars:Blue Lagoon Bar, Lava Restaurant, Moss Restaurant, Spa Restaurant, and Café.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland history dates back to 1976 when it formed next to a geothermal power plant called Svartsengi. The power plant drills for hot water at around 200°C, which cannot be used for warming up houses (as the minerals will damage the pipes), but is instead used to heat freshwater that is supplied to the homes. The excess hot water is drained into the nearby lava field which is believed to be from a volcanic eruption in the year 1226. The water accumulated over time and formed what is now the Blue Lagoon.
The first person who tried bathing in the Blue Lagoon was Valur Margeirsson, who suffered from psoriasis and decided to dip in it for the first time after getting permission from the plant in 1981. He subsequently discovered that the minerals and algae could do wonders for his skin condition and christened it the Blue Lagoon, a name which stuck for posterity.
It opened to the public in 1987, with locals with skin problems being the first visitors to the lagoon, until it bloomed into a tourist hotspot. In 1999, it was moved further away from the plant and was refurbished with modern amenities.
Is the Water in The Blue Lagoon Natural?
The Blue Lagoon’s water is not naturally occurring because the lagoon is not a natural phenomenon, but it is perfectly safe and does not include any toxic chemicals. Instead, it contains dissolved minerals and blue-green algae, which have been found to be extremely healthy for the skin. Silica, chloride, natron (sea salt), calcium, and traces of sulfur, carbonate, and magnesium are some of the dissolved minerals. The water is clear and has a year-round average temperature of about 39°C. The water is continuously refreshed every 48 hours by the steady water stream coming from the plant, so it stays this way forever.
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon is not your typical swimming pool experience. There are a few essential measures to take before entering it. They are elaborated on below:-
Guests are expected to shower before entering the lagoon using the showers provided at the spa.
It is recommended that you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes as the water can get very reflective due to the presence of minerals especially when it gets extremely sunny.
Don’t wear contact lenses as the silica can get stuck in between your eye and the lens.
The high concentration of minerals in the lagoon can make your hair brittle and stiff, so it is advisable to use a conditioner (you can try the lagoon brand or use your own) afterward.
The minerals can also damage jewelry, so you should take them off before entering.
The lagoon water will not damage your swimsuits, but it is advised to rinse them with cold water and soap after bathing.
Restaurants and Cafés in The Blue Lagoon:
The dining experience at The Blue Lagoon, Iceland is enriched by three fine restaurants and a relaxing café. The main restaurants are Lava Restaurant, Moss Restaurant, and Spa Restaurant. Here’s more on them:-
Moss Restaurant: This restaurant is perfect for smart-casual evening dining. The ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced, and they even offer a special vegan menu along with their permanent menu and their special chef’s table feast.
Lava Restaurant: The Lava Restaurant is built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, giving it a unique architecture and design. They provide gourmet lunch and dinner menus made from fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Spa Restaurant: The ambiance in this restaurant is meant to be relaxed and an after-spa experience—you are even allowed to dine here in your robe. You can choose a fresh and delightful meal from their all-day menu.
Café: The café is open throughout the day, providing an impressive range of snacks and refreshments with a relaxing ambiance and a stunning view of the lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon Skin Treatment:
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers skin treatment and luxury skincare products for people with psoriasis, and it is one of the only treatments available to psoriasis patients. The Blue Lagoon Clinic provides in-house treatment in a private lagoon with UV light therapy and in-house products.
The spa is fully equipped with all the facilities needed in a modern spa such as saunas, showers, massage stations, in-water massages, and much more. They also sell luxurious skin products such as silica mud masks, algae masks, shampoo, hair conditioners, body lotion, foot balm, hand cream, lava scrubs, mineral face exfoliators, day and night creams, moisturizers, eye cream, lip balm, and oils among many more.
What is the Best Time to Visit The Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is open for business for the majority of the year, but winter is the best season to go since it allows guests a chance to see the Northern Lights. Additionally, because there are only a certain amount of tickets available each day, it is crucial that you purchase your entry tickets in advance to guarantee that you receive a space at the spa.
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