Day Trip Guide to Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Blue Lagoon is situated on Reykjanes Peninsula, an intensely active volcanic region. The surrounding landscape is home to calderas, craters and volcanoes. In 1226, there were six volcanic eruptions causing colossal damage to the area but also creating this astonishing lava field. The lava field also called Illahraun, begins at the brim of Reykjanes peninsula into the charming harbor town of Hafnarfjorour. A part of the lava terrain called Svartsengi (The Black Meadow) has an active power station since 1976. With growing need of the population, the consumption of energy increased, and resources started depleting. So, the workers at the power station drilled at a new spot to create electricity and Power. Surprisingly, the water that emerged on the surface was neon blue in color which seemed thick. The Minerals present in the water coated the lava rock formation, sealing in the water and forming the first Blue Lagoon.

The water was not heat controlled but there were spots where you could take a bath. A worker who worked at the power station had psoriasis and he noticed that every time he worked with this mineral rich water; his skin got better. He started suggesting bathing in this water to his family and friends who in return thought he was crazy to even consider bathing in blue water that seemed harmful and poisonous until his doctor hesitantly said okay for him to take a bath. After bathing for three to four times he immediately noticed his skin improving. Word spread and people who sought cure for their skin problems flocked from nearby towns and started bathing in the lagoon. Soon, the lagoon turned into a party place, but it was highly unsafe because of the uneven surface and extreme hot areas. To meet the demand of the people in the year 1992, The Blue Lagoon Company was established. The Lagoon was moved away from the Power plant, the bottom surface of the lagoon was leveled, and heat controllers were installed for safety of all the visitors. The facilities were upgraded. Soon after that, a clinic specializing in psoriasis treatment was opened; this continues to operate even today. After 2000, The Silica hotel, private lounges, an exclusive spa and Lava restaurant became part of The Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon is a very popular destination and you have to pre- book for specific time slots or for specific days as everything gets booked up. You can book a self-drive itinerary for a whole stay in Iceland or for a guided summer package or a winter package that includes varieties of tours, accommodation and Blue lagoon visit.

The Admission tickets to the blue lagoon are separated into three categories with free entry for children between 2 years to 13 years of age. This includes the following ticket: Comfort: This ticket includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask,use of towel and first drink of your choice. The ticket prices start at 6759 ISK/ 54 USD (adult) but can vary with time and season. You can also rent added essentials like slippers and bathrobes as per your requirement.

Premium: This ticket allows entrance to the Blue Lagoon and includesSilica mud mask, use of towel, first drink of your choice, second mask of your choice, Slippers, Use of bathrobe, Table reservation at Lava Restaurant and Sparkling Wine at dinner. The ticket prices start at 9638 ISK/ 77 USD (adults).

Luxury Retreat Spa: This will give access to four Luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa, including a private Changing Suite, Unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and The Blue Lagoon. Ticket also gives lets you enjoy the amenities of premium spa, have exclusive treatments and an opportunity to swim at a secluded lagoon. The ticket price starts at 76,860 ISK/ 614 USD (adults).

The water at the Blue Lagoon completely renews itself every 48 hours, so you can be rest assured to be bathing in clean waters. However, it's compulsory to take a shower before you enter the lagoon. If you are worried about undressing in front of other visitors, you can get privacy because the lagoon is equipped with individual changing rooms and locker rooms. Do carry your towel and everything you would require for the lagoon before entering the shower area, as guests are not allowed to return back to the locker area after heading towards the lagoon. It can get very sunny at the lagoon and the minerals in the water make it highly reflective, hence, be sure to always carry your sunglasses. It is advised not to wear contact lenses as the silica in the water causes irritation in your eye. The temperature of the water in the lagoon varies from 37 degree Celsius to 39 degree Celsius. Since Blue Lagoon is rich in minerals like silica, chloride and calcium, it might make your hair brittle and stiff. so, its advised to use the conditioner provided in the resort.

The Blue Lagoon is known for its mineral masks. There are four types of masks available at the lagoon,

The Silica Mud Mask: Silica mud mask is the most popular mask among the three masks. It is natural and is dissolved from the primary rock direct from the Earth's mantle, highly enriched by essential minerals. The main function of silica is to strengthen, renew, exfoliate and deep cleanse the skin. When silica is mixed with algae, it becomes a healing substance as algae and silica complements each other.

The Lava Scrub Mask: If you are looking for an extensive face cleanse, the lava scrub mask is the recommended product. It is composed of actual lava grains which exfoliate the skin leaving it smooth and energized. This scrub is best suited for those who are looking for renewing their skin with deep cleansing, however, if you have an sensitive skin, it's better to choose the Silica Mud Mask.

The Algae Mask: Algae Mask is used to nourish and make your skin firm. The Algae mask reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is applied cold and usually applied after the deep cleanse and the scrub from the other masks. This mask works wonders for those with dry skin and for those looking for anti-ageing remedy. This mask is not recommended for those with oily skin which is prone to acne. The Algae mask is made from the blue- green algae grown in the water. This alga also plays an important character in coloring of the lagoon.

The Mineral Mask: Made from unique minerals from the lagoon, this mask helps in deeply hydrating your skin with a renewed vitality.This mask is left on for 20-30 minutes which ultimately makes you feel relaxed and fresh.

After enjoying a soak in the Lagoon, you may opt for a sightseeing tour package which includes horseback riding, snowmobiling, ATV riding or whale watching.

There are two restaurants and a bar at the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon Bar: Once in the warm waters, you don't have to get out for a drink because of the built-in bar in the water. You can find both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks like smoothies, sodas, wine, beer and cider. However, there is a limit of maximum 3 alcoholic beverages per person inside the lagoon.

The Lava Restaurant: This restaurant is built into a 800 year old lava cliff on the western bank of Blue Lagoon. It is perfect for a romantic meal or after a relaxed day at the lagoon.

Moss Restaurant: This restaurant is built on the highest point of the lagoon, from where you can get stunning views of the volcanic horizon.

Considering the lagoon's proximity to Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik, many travelers visiting Blue lagoon, make a day trip out of their visit and return to their accommodation at night. Geo Hotel Grindavik, Guesthouse Borg, Mar Guesthouse, Harbour View, Anita's Guesthouse and Lagafell Guesthouse are few of the accommodation near Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon Company has two options for stay, Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel and Blue Lagoon Retreat. The Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel was originally thought as a treatment hotel for wellness and well-being. It has spacious rooms and a private lagoon attached the hotel where you will be provided with unlimited silica Mud Mask. They have a walking path from the hotel to the Blue Lagoon and all guests have free access to the lagoon throughout the stay. On the other hand, The Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon is the newest addition to the Blue Lagoon complex. This is a luxurious designer hotel with a private lagoon, spa and a high end restaurant. Each room has access to the private lagoon with a splendid view of the horizon.

But if you really want to indulge yourself more in the Lagoon, you can stay at the Northern Light Inn. It is located very close to the Blue Lagoon. Northern Light Inn offers free shuttle service to and from the lagoon. You can also take the shuttle to and from the airport. As you enter the Inn, you will be mesmerized by the panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Inn is equipped with fireplace to make those winter nights cozy. You can also get some delicious Icelandic dishes in their restaurant.

Each season has its own charm when you visit Iceland and the Blue Lagoon. The early morning slots are usually calm and less crowded as all guests tend to visit the lagoon later in the day and stay until midnight. The best time to visit Blue Lagoon is late in the night to witness the magical Northern Lights in winter and stunning midnight sun in summer. You will at least need to spend 2 hours minimum to enjoy and relax in the warm waters of the Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon is open all year long with different timings with changing seasons.

.January to 25 May, the Blue lagoon opens from 8 am to 10 pm,

.26 May to 29 June, the Blue lagoon opens from 7 am to 11 pm,

.30 June to 20 August, the Blue lagoon opens from 7 am to 12 pm,

.21 August to 1 October, the Blue lagoon opens from 8 am to 10 pm,

.2 October to 31 December, the Blue lagoon opens from 8 am to 8 pm. However, on Christmas, the lagoon closes at 3 pm.

The Blue Lagoon is located 13 miles from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) and takes 20 minutes by road to reach the destination. You can hire a taxi or book a Blue Lagoon bus service with a pre-purchased ticket. Also, the Blue Lagoon is located 30 miles from Reykjavik which is a 1-hour drive. The roads are maintained in excellent conditions and you won't face a problem even on a snowy day. The lagoon has ample of free parking space. However, a lot of the guests avail the hourly bus system or a private shuttle, which can be arranged through multitude of tour agencies.

.Brimketill: Brimketill is a rock formed at the mouth of the ocean with a stunning view of the ocean. The rocks and lava formation are pitch black against the persuasion blue of the ocean which hammers upon the rocks. The drive to Brimketill takes around 50 minutes from the Blue Lagoon.

.Gunnuhver geothermal area: With bubbling mud pools, steam, boiling water and distinct smell of sulphur, Gunnuhver is the most interesting place to visit. It is said that a ghost caused quite a stir until a priest trapped her in the pool over 400 years ago. This attraction is 50 minutes away from the Blue lagoon.

.The Viking World museum: This Museum focuses on vikings, best known for its viking ship. It is 37 minutes away from the Blue Lagoon.

.The Museum of Rock and Roll: Keflavik is hometown for popular bands, and a town known as The Beatle's town is 1 hour away from the Blue Lagoon. Music enthusiast must visit this museum for the history of Icelandic pop and rock music.

.Kleifarvatn Lake: It is a lake whose size reduced after an earthquake 10 years ago. The formations along the road are formed by volcanic eruptions which are split by the earthquake. You can walk up to the south end of the lake which has steam rising from many geothermal areas with hot spring, colorful lakes and old craters. Graenavatn is the most beautiful because of its green colored lake with algae thriving in it. It takes only 28 minutes to reach Kleifarvatn Lake from the Blue Lagoon.

.Hafnarberg Cliffs: One of the most beautiful places to watch the ocean beat on the cliffs of the shore in Reykjanes is at Hafnarberg.Located south of town Hafnir, this old fishing town is popular among bird watchers and photographers, as the cliff holds varieties of species of sea birds. It takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach Hafnarberg from the Blue Lagoon.

.The Bridge between continents: The boundaries between the North American tectonic plates and Eurasian plates lie right under Reykjanes Peninsula. As the Plates move away from each other, it forms large fissures on the surface. On one such fissures lie in this bridge close to Sandvik, west end of peninsula. Travelers either stand up on it or go down into the fissure and stand on the borders of the two tectonic plates. The drive from the Blue Lagoon to The Bridge between Continents takes up to 49 minutes.

.Beach by Reykjanesviti: The lighthouse stands tall on a hill and looms over the beautiful beach marked with straight elegant cliffs. The view from the lighthouse is great but to trek down to the rough beach is even better. It takes only 12 minutes by car to reach the Beach from the Blue Lagoon.