Isn’t it miraculous how Iceland pulls it off to make us swoon over with delight every single time we lay eyes on it? Indeed, the spots in the land of fire and ice are enough to make an endless bucket list. As one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, the Blue Lagoon Iceland surely deserves an honorable place on that list.
Still, visiting the Blue Lagoon at night opens a whole new level of spa journeys and it creates a genuinely transformational experience. The chances are you will have fewer people frolicking around which is why nighttime is ideal to have the lagoon almost entirely to yourself.
What is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous geothermal spas in Iceland, and possibly in the whole world. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula just 20 kilometers from Keflavík International Airport and just 30 minutes from the capital Reykjavík, it is also one of the most visited spots in Iceland all year round. This is why any trip to Iceland should definitely include a visit to this magical lagoon. What makes it so special is the fact that its beautiful milky-blue water stands in stark contrast with the surrounding cone-shaped volcanoes and barren landscapes covered in grey moss. The lagoon really seems like something out of this world.
The lagoon is not a natural phenomenon, though. This hot spring was formed as a deposit body of water for Svartsengi power plant. So to say, it is filled with waste-water from the plant. However, not only is the water super-clean and free of chemicals but it also contains natural minerals that have healing properties and are great for the skin. The water from the plant is incessantly being streamed into the lagoon which ensures its cleanness.
Having in mind that Iceland has tremendous geothermal energy, it uses it to heat the urban areas. The hot water from the springs is full of minerals that could damage the pipes so it’s only used to heat the fresh water or produce electricity by running the turbines. Once utilized, the water is pumped into lava fields but it doesn’t drain into the ground. Instead, it stays in the lagoon because of the silica which forms the mud layer, preventing the water from escaping. The silica is also the reason why the water in the lagoon has the most beautiful shade of blue.
The temperature of the water in the lagoon stays pleasantly high throughout the year. Although the warm water is present in almost all parts of the lagoon and it is usually between 37 – 39 degrees Celsius, some parts might get a bit chilly if it’s really windy or cold outside.
It wasn’t until 1981 that the first person who had a skin condition (psoriasis) tried to bathe in the lagoon. Although people were rather skeptical about his feat, the result was surprising. Immediately after spending some time in the water, the man called Valur Margeirsson said that he felt tremendous relief from the itch and tickling which psoriasis caused. Just like that, the lagoon soon gained its worldwide fame for its beneficial properties. Today, dermatologists are more than ready to recommend it as a great way to appease skin-related ailments or else simply use it as a great skin care treatment.
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The Best Time to Visit the Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon permits only a limited number of visitors at a time. This is why it’s necessary that you book the tickets in advance. The management has decided to implement these rules in order to avoid the crowds and cramming in the lagoon but still, there are times when the lagoon is more crowded than usual.
Many of us can’t afford to reserve the lagoon entirely for ourselves as Bill Gates did in 2015. Instead, the best budget-friendly option is to either visit it very early in the morning or, even better, book your visit as late as possible. Not only will you have the chance to enjoy a tranquil magical midnight swim but you will also avoid hectic locker rooms and long waiting lines.
There are dozens of ways to experience the lagoon and the best part is that it’s open year round. The Blue Lagoon spa amenities include steam rooms and sauna, mud masks, an in-water bar, and a relaxation area overlooking the lagoon.
If you only have a few days to sightsee Iceland and you don’t want to skip visiting the Lagoon, it’s usually best to arrive or depart from Keflavík Airport which is closer to the Blue Lagoon than Reykjavík. That way you can save time and take a dip before your trip back or immediately after you land.
In addition to this, the Blue Lagoon Iceland can be visited as a part of various tours around the country. For example, some round trips include a full-day tour of the Golden Circle with a two-hour visit to the Lagoon. That way, you will have the chance to visit Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the Geysir Geothermal Area which are the Golden Circle’s main attractions. Soaking in the milky water of the Lagoon is an awesome way to top off the trip. Another fantastic way to experience Iceland with a side trip to the Lagoon is to embark on a whale watching cruise. You can admire Iceland’s incredible marine life, including minke whales, dolphins, humpback whales, and numerous sea birds which populate the area. After this amazing experience, you will head to the Blue Lagoon to blow off the steam.
Lastly, there are two additional tours comprising cultural sightseeing tours of Reykjavik with a visit to the Lagoon and the one that includes a visit to the Kerid volcano crater. No matter which tour you choose, it is certain that your trip to the Blue Lagoon will be all the more memorable if you include some of these tours in your visit.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon at Night
Apart from having fewer people around, visiting the Blue Lagoon at night has another fantastic perk. Being perfectly positioned in the Auroral Zone, Iceland is one of the best destinations in the world to catch sight of the Northern Lights – the surreal occurrence of dreamlike colors in the night sky. The best time to witness this celestial phenomenon in Iceland is to visit it during the winter months (October to March). The darkest months are December and January, with nights lasting for anywhere between 10 to 20 hours. As you may guess, they make up for a perfect opportunity to take a dip in the lagoon while gazing at the spellbinding light show in the night sky.
If you happen to visit the Blue Lagoon during the summer months, spending night hours there might happen to be not so dark at all. Due to Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, summer nights in Iceland can get pretty bright. This dazzling natural phenomenon is commonly known as the Midnight Sun and it refers to the occurrence of continuous daylight which lasts for almost half a year. You can only imagine how otherworldly the experience can be as you float immersed in the warm milky water while there is an astounding celestial light show put on in the night sky.
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Things to Keep in Mind
Reserving a visit to the Lagoon is done through the official Blue Lagoon website. As it’s one of the top attractions in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon sells the daily ticket capacity within only a few hours do timely booking is an absolute must. The ticket prices will also go up depending on the availability so if you wait for too long to book, the price might be much bigger than the initial amount.
The opening hours vary depending on the season and so does the closing time. From January throughout May or August throughout December, the lagoon is open from 8 in the morning until 10 in the evening. From May until August, it opens an hour earlier (7 AM) and remains open until midnight. Still, you have to keep a few things in mind before visiting.
First of all, you won’t be able to go into the water the minute you arrive there. Sometimes, you might have to wait for a while until your locker key is available. On top of that, you will need to count in the time it will take you to take a shower because no one is allowed to go into the water unless previously showered.
Spa amenities and different packages are also available in the lagoon. The Blue Lagoon Comfort package lets you use towels, have the first drink of your choice, and enjoy silica mud mask. On the other hand, you can treat yourself in the Premium Blue Lagoon package and revel in a few additional things not covered in the Comfort Package – a table reservation at Lava Restaurant, sparkling wine if dining, the use of bathrobe, and the second mask of choice. If you want to go over the top and opt for the ultimate pampering experience at the lagoon, Luxury Retreat Spa is a dream come true. This deluxe treatment opens new vistas of wellbeing by opening the doors to the Lava Cove – a secluded lagoon, in-water massage, a hidden spa, and so much more.
If you’re traveling to the Blue Lagoon with kids, keep in mind that the minimum age for using the Blue Lagoon is two years old. The elevated mineral content in the water might not be good for toddlers. Children between 2 and 13 years of age are admitted to the Lagoon free of charge and any child younger than 8 must wear floaties which are available at the entrance and are free of charge. Having in mind that the depth of water may even reach 1.4 m in depth at certain spots, it’s an absolute imperative that all children are supervised by a parent or guardian. Although we can’t blame the little ones for expressing their excitement by being a bit noisy, everyone is strongly encouraged to respect the serenity of the tranquil environment.
Obviously, visiting the Blue Lagoon at night is not only magical but it’s also a way to enjoy this unique destination with very few tourists around. The feeling this experience instills will surely be the one you will remember for many years after the minerals have washed away from your hair.
