A beginner’s guide to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and its restorative waters

The striking waters of the Blue Lagoon — like electric-blue milk, billowing with steam and lapping against burnt-black volcanic rock — are among Iceland’s most iconic sights. The spa sits on a lava field at the foot of Mount Þorbjörn on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Keflavík International Airport in southwest Iceland. Despite the dramatic, desolate beauty of the surrounding black rock and milky-blue water, the lagoon was actually built in the early 1980s, around pools created by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The water’s properties, however, are all natural: it's rich in minerals, algae and silica known to benefit the skin, and is heated by geothermal activity to a soothing temperature. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Blue Lagoon unique, along with practical guidance on the best time to visit, how to spend your time and where to stay.

Why is the Blue Lagoon’s water so unique?

The Blue Lagoon is fed by geothermal seawater. It is made up of a distinctive mixture of seawater and freshwater that combines under the earth before being naturally heated to temperatures of up to 240C by volcanic activity. By the time it emerges above ground, the water sits at a wonderfully warm 38C — but it’s the ingredients it picks up along the way through the rock that make it extra special. From the lava rock comes silica, an anti-inflammatory compound that gives the water its characteristic bright-blue colour. The water is also rich in minerals, known for their skin-soothing properties, as well as a rare species of blue-green algae found at the Blue Lagoon and nowhere else.

When is the best time to visit?

Open year-round, the Blue Lagoon is dazzlingly beautiful, revealing different qualities depending on when you visit. In summer there’s the chance to bathe beneath the lingering twilight of the midnight sun. In winter, meanwhile, the warm waters are incredibly cosy and inviting, offering a welcoming contrast to the chilly air. Booking in advance is encouraged, and it’s advisable to visit early in the morning, when the dawn light is especially beautiful.

What can I do during my time here?

A full sensory experience is on offer at the Blue Lagoon, with plenty to do beyond soaking in the famous waters. A day visit includes use of the steam room, an atmospheric space that feels like a cocoon of dark volcanic rock, dimly lit by a single skylight. The steam provides a wet heat designed to hydrate the skin and clear the airways. There’s also an outdoor ‘steam cave’ where you can enjoy the restorative powers of geothermal steam. By contrast, the sauna — housed in a minimalist, wood-panelled room — uses dry heat to promote perspiration and deep muscle relaxation.

For those keen to book a treatment, one-to-one or couple’s Float Therapy sessions are available, specifically targeting the musculoskeletal system whilst encouraging a deep sense of relaxation. Alternatively, in-water massages are a popular choice, with flotation mats used to enable people to drift atop the lagoon’s steamy waters whilst a therapist stands alongside.

At specific times throughout the day, visitors can head to the in-water ‘storytelling area’, where engaging accounts of the lagoon’s heritage are told from the pool’s edge. Or, to opt for a reflective moment instead, the Quiet Zone is always open — a meditative area with little distractions. The Mask Bar is also located within the lagoon, where visitors can sample a range of scientifically developed skincare products, with one mask (the Silica mud mask) included with the standard ticket. Choose between silica mud masks, known for strengthening the skin barrier; algae masks, which support collagen production; and lava scrubs that exfoliate the skin with fine volcanic rock grains.

Dining at the Blue Lagoon ranges from casual to high-end, with two restaurants and a café on site. The Lava Restaurant is carved into the lagoon’s black volcanic rock and serves locally sourced dishes such as Arctic char and lamb fillet. The Michelin-starred Moss, meanwhile, offers a tasting menu that changes regularly, shaped by seasonal produce from the Icelandic countryside and coast. If you're looking for a lighter option, Blue Café serves smaller bites, and each Blue Lagoon entrance ticket also includes a drink here, redeemable at the swim-up in-water bar.

How long should I spend at the Blue Lagoon?

Your ticket allows you to stay as long as you like, though most visitors stay for around two to three hours. This allows time to soak in the water, enjoy a drink and make use of the steam room and Mask Bar — though allow a little longer if you’re planning to eat.

Where can I stay?

Staying overnight makes it easier to experience the Blue Lagoon at a slower pace, with two on-site hotels available. Silica Hotel offers comfortable rooms with a classic, low-key Scandi design and a private lagoon for guests. The Retreat Hotel, meanwhile, provides a more luxurious stay, with lagoon water lapping at the windows of its suites, a subterranean spa and yoga sessions overlooking the lava fields.