The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most visited attraction — a geothermal spa in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula whose milky-blue, mineral-rich water (70% seawater, 30% freshwater, heated to 37-40°C by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant) has become the image that sells Iceland to the world. The lagoon is man-made (the water is runoff from the power plant, which discovered the water's skin-beneficial properties by accident), but the setting — steam rising from turquoise water in a black lava landscape — is genuinely otherworldly.
The lagoon's silica mud (white, mineral-rich sediment that accumulates on the bottom) is used as a face mask by every bather, creating the surreal image of hundreds of people floating in blue water with white faces. The on-site restaurant, bar (serving drinks in the water), and the luxury Retreat Hotel make the Blue Lagoon more spa resort than natural wonder, and the prices (entry from ISK 9,990, about $75) reflect its status as Iceland's premium tourist experience.
The Blue Lagoon is 47 kilometres from Reykjavik (about 45 minutes by car or bus), near Keflavík International Airport, making it a natural first or last stop for visitors arriving or departing.
Verified Facts
The water temperature is 37-40°C
The lagoon water is runoff from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant
The Blue Lagoon is 47 kilometres from Reykjavik
The silica mud is used as a face mask by bathers
Get walking directions
Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
