Blaa Lonid (Blue Lagoon)

Driving from Keflavik to Grindasvik on route #43, you can't but admire the moss covered  lavafields on either side of the road. In the distance, the flume of the Svartsengi power station is giving away our final destination.
Back in 1976, when the Power Plant started it's operation producing hot water and energy , a side product was created which would later result in the Blue Lagoon.
Back in those days, people noticed the benefits of bathing in the lagoon and applying the silica mud onto their skin resulting in beneficial results for psoriasis.

Roll on a few years and suddenly you find yourself at one of Iceland’s top attractions. Since we’d already mentioned silica mud, it feels fitting to talk about the Silica Hotel—aptly named and beautifully designed. With just 35 rooms, the hotel sits tucked between ancient lava fields, built with materials that blend seamlessly into the landscape. The dark exterior paired with green‑tinted glass mirrors the colours of the moss‑covered lava, making the building feel like a natural extension of its surroundings.
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The hotel is only a ten‑minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, yet it offers something even more exclusive: its own private bathing lagoon reserved for guests. Sheltered, serene, and surrounded by rugged volcanic scenery, it’s a peaceful alternative to the busier main lagoon.

Walking from the Silica hotel to the Blue Lagoon is a pleasant experience. A path has been carved through the lava fields and lagoons making it a pleasant walk on a particular sunny morning. The early morning sun was still hidden behind the steam flumes of the power station, but was trying its uttermost best to break through the thick steam flume.

It’s surprisingly peaceful walking from the Silica Hotel to the Blue Lagoon. The path winds quietly through the lava fields, giving no hint of the bustle waiting ahead. But once you reach the Blue Lagoon itself, the atmosphere shifts—buses pull in one after another, dropping off excited visitors eager to experience Iceland’s famous geothermal waters. Even so, everything is well organised, and despite the crowds it never feels chaotic when entering the building.

The main Blue Lagoon complex is beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, using dark materials and clean lines that echo the lava fields outside. Once inside, bathers head to the left to check in and access the changing rooms. To the right, the Blue Lagoon shop displays an impressive range of skincare products, while straight ahead you’ll find the Blue Café and the Lava Restaurant, both offering a warm break from the geothermal mist outside.

The Blue Café is bright and spacious, offering a perfect vantage point to watch the steady stream of bathers drifting through the milky‑blue water outside. It’s a relaxed spot to take a break, warm up, or simply enjoy the view. The menu includes sandwiches, sushi, light salads, and a wide selection of drinks—ideal for refuelling before or after your dip in the lagoon.

At the back of the café, a doorway leads into the Lava Restaurant, dramatically built right into the side of a lava cliff. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows open onto sweeping views of the Blue Lagoon, making it one of the most memorable dining settings in the area.
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The menu offers both à la carte dishes and a tasting menu, perfect if you want to sample a wider range of Icelandic flavours. Whether you’re stopping in for a relaxed lunch or a more refined dining experience, the setting alone makes it worth the visit.

And for anyone who still has a bit of energy left after a long soak in the lagoon, there’s always the option to browse the shops. Many of the Blue Lagoon’s signature skincare products are available to purchase, letting you bring a little piece of the experience home to enjoy in the weeks ahead.

Even if you don’t feel like getting into the water, the area is still well worth a visit. Wandering through the lava fields, admiring the milky‑blue pools, and stopping for a good cup of coffee makes for a lovely outing in its own right.
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