While you’re on your arctic adventure, make sure to stop at the Blue Lagoon Iceland. This is a must for anyone exploring this majestic island. After soaking in its baths, you’ll quickly discover why it’s one of the region’s most popular attractions.
With a prime location near the Keflavík International Airport, you can either spend a day at the Blue Lagoon Iceland before embarking on the Golden Circle or before you make your way back home.
To ensure that you get the most out of your trip, we’ve put together a handy guide for you detailing all you need to know about this Iceland lagoon before you visit.
What is the Blue Lagoon?
The azure waters of the Blue Lagoon Iceland hot springs is a unique experience that you won’t soon forget. A stark backdrop of black lava fields and rolling mist creates an inviting scenario for you to relax in the 100°F waters of the Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik is a half-an-hour drive away, making it a premier destination for travelers not only for its beauty but for its ease-of-access.
This Blue Lagoon island paradise rests on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, with the surrounding view riddled with volcanoes. The lagoon’s majesty has even found its way onto the National Geographic Top 25 Wonders of the World.
While Iceland is ripe with natural wonders and phenomena, the Blue Lagoon is man-made. Created from the byproduct of a geothermal power plant back in 1976, the lagoon was formed into the mountain Svartsengi.
History and Facts of Blue Lagoon
The country is famous for its hot springs, and Iceland resorts have sprung up around them. The Blue Lagoon Iceland hotel is among them. However, this wasn’t always the case. While the lagoon was formed in the mid-70s, it wasn’t until September of 1981 when the first person decided to take a dip in the geothermal water waste.
While many people were skeptical about how wise it is to bath in the byproduct of an energy plant, Valur Margeirsson was advised by one of his physicians that the Blue Lagoon (not yet named as such) might help his psoriasis. To his and everyone else’s surprise, it seemed to help alleviate his symptoms. After word spread of his recovery, others with similar conditions set off to take a dip in ‘Bláa Lónið’. The site officially opened in 1987 to help treat skin ailments.
Since its early days, the facility has continually expanded and was eventually relocated in 1999, further away from the geothermal plant.
This new site continued growing, eventually becoming a spa resort that offered several amenities to weary travelers. What started off as just a white sandy beach and a few showers eventually became a major attraction, drawing around 4,000 guests a day.
How to Visit and Best Times to Go
When visiting the spa, the first thing you need is Blue Lagoon tickets. You’ll want to snag them well in advance as spots do sellout. Plus, last-minute tickets can be drastically more expensive.
After you’ve secured your tickets to the Blue Lagoon Iceland, you need to find transportation to get there. If the lagoon is your first destination after you arrive on the island, then you can make accommodations to take a bus and another one to your hotel. If it’s your last attraction, then there are buses that run from the lagoon to Keflavík International Airport.
If you plan on exploring all of Iceland, then your best mode of transportation and accommodation is to rent an Iceland camper van. These vehicles give you the ability to traverse the country’s unique landscape with all the comforts of home.
If you’re traveling by camper van, you’ll be able to visit the Blue Lagoon first thing in the morning. The morning is the optimal time to soak in the water and take those spectacular Instagram pics without too many people crowding the shot.
Another prime time to visit Blue Lagoon Iceland is in the evening. If you visit in the evening, crowds will be much smaller and will include almost no children. As a result, you can have a relaxing evening under the stars while soaking in the warm waters of the lagoon.
Keep in mind that if you’re hoping to see the Aurora borealis (the Northern Lights), the Blue Lagoon is too well lit to see them. To get a good view of the Northern lights, you have to make your way well out of any city location, into an area with sparse light pollution.
Book With Rent.is for a Trip you’ll Never Forget
The Blue Lagoon is on many people’s bucket lists for a reason. It’s one of the most wondrous places in the world. You’ll sit in milky-blue water amidst a country full of volcanoes, geysers, and mountains.
To fully enjoy this mysterious Nordic island, book an Iceland camper rental. You’ll be able to set your own agenda and experience your vacation the way you want without having to share the adventure with a crowd.
At Rent.is, we have an assortment of topline campers that are tailored for your specific adventure.