Blue Lagoon in Iceland: water, origins and visits
The Blue Lagoon spa is located in a lava field about 6 km from Grindavík. Silica in high concentrations gives the water its cloudy blue colour.
The lagoon water
Alongside silica, the water contains abundant salts and algae. In the area used for bathing and swimming, average water temperatures range from 37 to 39 °C. The lagoon water renews itself about every 40 hours.
The volcano hike and Blue Lagoon day trip from Reykjavik lasts 9 hours and includes a local expert guide for the hike, return transport from Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon Comfort admission and a safety briefing.
Svartsengi and the origins of the lagoon
The lagoon was created by human activity, with water coming as a byproduct of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The spa followed the accidental formation of a small pool from the plant's waste water. Deposits of silica sealed the ground, keeping the warm water from draining through it.
In 1969, the Grindavík municipal council decided to initiate research in the Svartsengi area. Work in 1975 included drilling the first well for fresh groundwater and constructing a heat exchange station at Svartsengi. After the power plant began operating in 1976, pools soon formed from its runoff. Svartsengi produces electricity as well as hot water. HS Orka operates and owns both the Svartsengi and Reykjanes geothermal power plants.
The water's mineral concentration prevents recycling, requiring the plant to keep excavating ponds in the surrounding lava field. Bathing facilities began welcoming visitors in 1987, followed by the formation of the Blue Lagoon company in 1992.
A spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula
Grindavík occupies the far southwestern part of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Keflavík International Airport is in the Reykjanes region and serves as a major gateway to Iceland. The airport is around 20 km from the Blue Lagoon.
The private Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon day trip lasts 8 hours, with a licensed local guide, private vehicle transport and visits to the peninsula's listed geosites included. Its Blue Lagoon Comfort admission includes a silica mask, a towel and one drink in the water.
The guided day trip to the Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields takes 8 hours and includes a professional guide speaking English, vehicle transport, access to the listed stops and guided explanations at each site.
Volcanic events around Svartsengi
Magma began accumulating beneath Svartsengi in late October 2023. Residents of Grindavík received an evacuation order on the evening of 10 November 2023. The Sundhnúkur crater row saw eruptions starting on 18 December 2023, then on 14 January, 8 February, 16 March and 29 May 2024. On 21 November 2024, lava from the eruption that began the night before covered the Blue Lagoon car park.
A longer Iceland tour
The private Iceland tour covering the Golden Circle, South Coast and Reykjavik lasts 5 days. It includes a dedicated private vehicle, a professional driver and guide throughout, Blue Lagoon entry, guided Golden Circle sightseeing, guided South Coast stops at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Reynisfjara, and a guided introduction to Reykjavik.
Why is the Blue Lagoon blue?
The cloudy blue colour comes from the water's high concentration of silica.
How warm is the bathing water?
The bathing and swimming area has average water temperatures of 37 to 39 °C.
Where does the lagoon water come from?
Water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant supplies the lagoon as a byproduct.
When did bathing facilities open?
Visitors gained access to bathing facilities in 1987, before the Blue Lagoon company was formed in 1992.
How far is the Blue Lagoon from Keflavík International Airport?
The distance between the airport and the lagoon is approximately 20 km.
Frequently asked questions
