Highlights of Iceland | Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

The amazing Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist attraction in Iceland, named for its milky-blue geothermal seawater. The lagoon, set in a black lava field, was formed in 1976 near the Svartsengí geothermal power station and makes for a striking view. The water has temperature at a soothing and relaxing 38 degrees Celsius and is believed to have healing abilities. The Blue Lagoon company has opened a 62-room luxury hotel in 2018 and operates with sustainability in mind.

The Blue Lagoon is not located in the capital, Reykjavik, but in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark in the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, twenty minutes from the Keflavik International Airport and 50 minutes from the capital city. The Reykjanes Geopark is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is visible above sea level, as 90 percent of this mountain range is underwater. The MAR separates the North American Plate from the Eurasian Plate in the North Atlantic. These two tectonic plates continue to move apart, causing minor earthquakes.

In the heart of all this is the Blue Lagoon, where guests can take in the scenic beauty while immersed in warm geothermal seawater, which is 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater. This water emerges from 1,971 metres below the surface, at a maximum 240 degrees Celsius, but reaches the ground at 38 degrees Celsius, just the right temperature for relaxation.

Conde Nast Traveller readers have voted Blue Lagoon resort as one of the top resorts in Europe in 2019. It has also been named one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic in 2012.

Visitors can decide to head straight to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa from Keflavik as it is nearer to the airport than to the capital. Booking can be done online but should be done well in advance. There are two types of lagoon tickets, Comfort and Premium, with the Comfort Package as the most economical. The Comfort Package ticket price includes basic amenities including the use of a towel and a complimentary drink. Premium includes basic amenities plus the use of bathrobe and slippers (the slippers are yours to keep).

The Retreat Spa, the new, upscale end of the lagoon tickets offering, offer access to private changing rooms and provides a more private and secluded way to enjoy the lagoon and its services. Rooms are designed in spare, Nordic aesthetic, and the spa offers in-water massage (where you are given the massage while in the pool) and beauty and spa treatments using the natural silica, algae, and mineral salts found in the lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon also has the Blue Cafe and the Lava Restaurant, which offers gourmet dining to guests.

One of the well-loved attractions in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a great way to begin or end your Nordic adventure.

Articles about the Blue Lagoon and Iceland published by Odyssey Traveller.

The following list of articles published by Odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Iceland when visiting:

• Questions About Iceland
• Visiting Iceland for Mature and Senior Travellers
• Lunar Landscapes and Geology in Iceland
• Photographing the Northern Lights

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.

External articles to assist you on your visit to the Blue Lagoon and Iceland

• Blue Lagoon Iceland
• Lava Restaurant
• A Guide to Enjoying Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
• Inspired by Iceland: The official tourism website
• Travel + Leisure: How to travel to Iceland
• Ice, Fire and Feuds: On the Trail of Iceland’s Sagas
• Lonely Planet: Ten things to do in Reykjavík