Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

## Overview The Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic geothermal bathing destinations in the world, nestled among the dramatic moss-covered lava fields of Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. Located near the town of Grindavík and fed by volcanic aquifers roughly 2,000 meters below the earth's surface, the lagoon's striking milky-blue water owes its otherworldly color to its exceptionally high silica content. With a pH of approximately 7.5 and a salt content of around 2.5%, the mineral-rich water — a blend of geothermal freshwater and seawater — has long been celebrated for its skin-nourishing properties. The story of the Blue Lagoon begins in 1976, when the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station opened. Superheated water drawn from deep underground was used to drive turbines for electricity generation and then routed through a municipal heating system before flowing into a natural depression in the surrounding lava field. By 1981, a local man suffering from psoriasis began bathing in the warm runoff and reported significant improvement in his symptoms. Word spread, informal bathing grew in popularity, and basic facilities were established in 1987. The Blue Lagoon company was formally founded in 1992, and a dedicated psoriasis treatment clinic opened in 1994. A year later, the company launched its own skincare line featuring the lagoon's signature trio of silica, mineral salts, and algae — ingredients that remain central to its products today. The water in the lagoon renews itself approximately every 40 hours, and the facility has been recognized with a Blue Flag certification for over a decade, reflecting its commitment to environmental and water-quality standards. Note that while the lagoon water is rich in beneficial minerals, it is a bathing facility and is not intended for drinking. ## Directions The Blue Lagoon is conveniently situated between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, making it an easy stop whether you're arriving, departing, or based in the capital. 1. **From Keflavík International Airport (KEF):** Head southeast on Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut). After approximately 15 km (about 20 minutes), turn south onto Route 43 (Grindavíkurvegur). Follow signs for the Blue Lagoon; the entrance is about 7 km down this road on your left. 2. **From downtown Reykjavík:** Take Route 41 (Reykjanesbraut) southwest toward Keflavík for roughly 45 minutes. Turn south onto Route 43 (Grindavíkurvegur) and follow the signs to the Blue Lagoon. 3. **By bus:** Reykjavík Excursions and other operators run regular shuttle buses from both Reykjavík's BSÍ bus terminal and Keflavík Airport directly to the Blue Lagoon. This is a popular option for travelers with layovers. The GPS coordinates are **63.880854, −22.446339**. There is a large, well-marked parking area on site. ## What to Expect ### The Lagoon & Bathing The main geothermal pool maintains a comfortable average temperature between 37 °C and 39 °C (99–102 °F). The deepest section reaches approximately 1.4 m (4.7 ft), while the shallowest areas are around 0.8 m (2.6 ft), making it accessible for most visitors. A ramp is available for wheelchair users. Children under 9 must wear complimentary pool floaters, and children under 14 enter free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. All guests are required to shower without swimwear before entering the lagoon — a standard practice at Icelandic pools. You may wear your own swimsuit in the water. Every admission ticket includes a towel, a silica mud mask, and one complimentary drink. Beyond the main lagoon, guests can enjoy a sauna, a steam room, and the atmospheric Steam Cave — an enclosed earthen chamber filled with warm, moist geothermal heat. ### Bars & Masks The **In-Water Bar** serves soft drinks, beer, wine, smoothies, and juices — all enjoyed without leaving the warm water. At the **Mask Bar**, guests can apply two complimentary treatments: a silica mud mask, known for deep cleansing and stimulating collagen production, and an algae mask that nourishes the skin. ### Dining Four dining options are available on the premises. Reservations are strongly recommended for the sit-down restaurants. - **Blue Café** — A casual spot for snacks and light bites with views over the lagoon. Typically open 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM. - **Lava Restaurant** — Casual fine dining along the lagoon's edge, serving lunch through dinner (approximately 11:15 AM – 9:00 PM). Guests may dine in their robes until 4:00 PM. - **Moss Restaurant** — Recommended in the 2019 Michelin Guide, Moss features refined Icelandic cuisine and panoramic views of the volcanic landscape from the resort's highest vantage point. - **Spa Restaurant** — An exclusive dining space for Retreat Spa guests, offering à la carte breakfast and an all-day menu (approximately 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM). ### Spa & Treatments The **Retreat Spa** offers an extensive menu of beauty treatments and massage therapies. The signature in-water massage — performed while you float in the warm lagoon — is widely considered the most therapeutic treatment available, with sessions ranging from 30 to 120 minutes. ### Accommodation Two hotels operate within the Blue Lagoon complex: - **Silica Hotel** — The more accessible of the two, featuring rooms with views of surrounding mountains, volcanic moss, and the silica-rich waters. - **The Retreat Hotel** — A luxury property designed as a serene escape, with select suites offering private lagoon access. ### Booking Advance booking is required for all visitors — walk-ins are not accepted. Tickets can be purchased through the Blue Lagoon's official website. Given its immense popularity, reserving well ahead of your travel dates is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months.