Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Grindavík, Iceland
There’s plenty to do in Grindavík, Iceland, a placid fishing town steeped in fish trade history. Many of the same families have been trolling these waters for generations, and visitors can see fishers hauling their daily bounty of cod out of the harbor by day and dine on the local catch at night. But the Grindavík area’s greatest claim to fame is the giant manmade geothermal expanse of the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið)
Svartsengi; tel. 354/420-8800; www.bluelagoon.com; 9am-9pm daily; adults from 9,990ISK, ages 2-13 free, no children under age 2
Built on an 800-year-old lava field, the Blue Lagoon covers an area of 8,700 sq m (93,600 sq ft) and draws visitors from around the world to soak in its gloriously milky-blue waters amid a dreamlike atmosphere. The geothermally heated water, which ranges 37-39°C (98-102°F), is heavenly any time of year. Enjoying the steamy air while soaking during the summer is lovely, especially on sunny days. In winter, a visit here is eerie and wonderful; watching as snow falls from the jet-black December sky or as northern lights dance across it while lounging in the hot water is sublime.
The water isn’t deep, about 1.5 m (5 ft), and the bottom is covered with white silica mud, the result of a natural process of recondensation. It’s common to see visitors cover their faces with the mud—it’s great for your skin, and all guests receive a free silica mud mask with standard admission. The gift shop sells Blue Lagoon skin products that have ingredients ranging from silica mud to algae found in other parts of Iceland. At the swim-up Lagoon Bar, in the main section of the lagoon, you can purchase drinks to enjoy while lounging in the waters. There are also two steam baths on the property, as well as a dry sauna and massage area, and spa treatments are available.
Many tours feature a visit to the Blue Lagoon, but if you’re traveling independently, it makes sense to visit right after you fly in or before you head home, as it’s very close to Keflavík airport. A rejuvenating soak is a great way to kick off your trip or end it on a relaxing note.
Tickets
The comfort package fee is 9,990ISK for those over age 13, and free for ages 2-13. Children under age 2 are not allowed in the lagoon. Also included in the price of a ticket is a silica mud mask, the use of a towel, and your first drink of choice. The premium package (12,990ISK) includes everything the comfort package offers as well as two additional masks, use of a bathrobe, and two drinks of your choice. The signature package (20,990ISK) includes everything from the premium package plus two products from the Blue Lagoon skin care line to take home with you.
Because of the increase in tourism over the past several years, the Blue Lagoon now requires you to book a time slot ahead of your arrival, which you can do on its website. Reserve your time at least several weeks before your trip. Thousands of people visit the site every day, and it can get quite crowded during summer months. For the best chance of avoiding the crowds, book for early in the morning or late in the evening.
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