Is Blue Lagoon Open?

The famous attraction of Iceland, Blue Lagoon, is finally open.

Blue Lagoon, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Iceland, has been closed since 9 November.

This is due to the threat of seismic activity, which has increased the risk of a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Moreover, the volcanic eruption on 18 December has unwantedly increased the closure.

But after the eruption, the situation has now been contained, and the country’s famous attractions are opening up.

Read on to learn all about this new development.

What Happened?

On 23 October, 2023, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management detected seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The government authorities advised many Icelandic attractions to close down.

Due to the prediction of volcanic activity in Grindavik, Blue Lagoon was temporarily closed on 9 November.

Although the area remained calm for over a month after the closure, a volcanic eruption on 18 December shocked everyone.

This eruption in Sundhnúkagígar compelled Blue Lagoon to remain closed until 5 January 2024.

The good news: With minimal damage to its structure, the doors of Blue Lagoon are open again.

Is the Blue Lagoon Open Today?

The Blue Lagoon is temporarily closed to the public

However, when it opens again its opening hours will slightly differ, from 11 am to 8 pm.

The last entry inside the lagoon will be permitted until 6 pm.

The last admission for LAVA restaurant and Spa restaurant will be at 6 pm and 7 pm, respectively.

The timings will remain the same until further notice.

Read all about the opening hours of Blue Lagoon and its facilities here.

What Will Happen to the Reservations?

People with reservations on upcoming dates can continue their trip without stress.

But if you have an admission booking outside the temporary opening and closing hours, you must modify your reservation.

You can do what is needed online here to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

Safety and Monitoring Precautions

The volcanic eruption that occurred on 18 December has been contained, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

However, experts are still closely monitoring the situation and conditions in the area as a precaution.

The Civil Protection’s Alert Phase is active in the country to ensure the utmost pedestrian safety.

In this phase, whenever an assessment reveals any heightened risk, urgent and necessary action will be taken for safety in the affected area.

It includes improving the local emergency and security services by implementing restrictions, closures, and evacuations.

Installation of Protective Walls

The construction of specialized barriers around Blue Lagoon is underway to increase security.

These barriers are to ensure that there is no significant structural damage to the lava flows.

As the construction is still underway, you will find heavy machinery and trucks at the site.

Visitors will have to navigate this construction site inside the lagoon carefully.

How to Reach Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is easily accessible via Reykjanesbraut (main highway 41), which connects Keflavík to Reykjavík.

Turn onto Highway 43 and follow the road signs to reach the lagoon.

Even though the road is displayed as closed on Google, it will be open for travel.

Learn other ways to reach Blue Lagoon here.

Things to do Near Blue Lagoon

If you want to combine your trip with attractions near Blue Lagoon, here are some excellent suggestions.

Some things to do near Blue Lagoon include its alternatives, stunning landmarks, and national museums.

1. Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon can be your ultimate destination if you want the perfect Blue Lagoon alternative.

Located in the greater Reykjavik area, this artificial geothermal spa is an excellent place for relaxation.

It is just fifteen minutes from Reykjavik, making it easily accessible from the capital.

Moreover, it celebrates Icelandic history and culture by featuring the seven-step ritual to cleanse your body from top to bottom.

Apart from this, you can take full advantage of its amenities like dining options, clean changing rooms, steam rooms and more.

Like Blue Lagoon, this attraction also has three packages to choose from.

Visitors can select from Pure Pass, Pure Lite Pass, and Sky Pass according to the benefits and facilities they want to enjoy at the lagoon.

Lastly, Sky Lagoon is a complete package for achieving rejuvenation and peace among the beautiful surroundings of Iceland.

2. Secret Lagoon

Secret Lagoon is Iceland’s gorgeous oldest swimming pool in Golden Circle.

It is an artificial pool whose water comes from naturally occurring hot springs located in the geothermal area of Hverahólmi.

It has remarkable surroundings like little pathways, geothermal hot spots, geysers, and fertile green land.

Furthermore, while swimming in the pool and enjoying the view, an active geyser sprouts near it every five minutes, catching your attention.

The warm geothermal water flows through the pool, giving you instant relaxation in the cold weather.

You can also achieve true peace there, as it is primarily vacant and free of busy daily crowds.

So, if you wish to have a pleasant, crowd-less experience in a soothing pool with great views, the Secret Lagoon is for you.

3. Golden Circle Iceland

The Golden Circle is the most scenic and popular destination in Iceland.

It consists of three stunning locations:

• Thingvellir National Park
• The Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss Waterfall

These locations perfectly illustrate Iceland’s island’s geographical features, majestic landscapes, and abundant culture.

This is an excellent break from Blue Lagoon, especially for thrill seekers who love a good adventure.

You can perform adventurous activities like snorkeling and snowmobiling and even ride a helicopter at this popular natural location.

Apart from these primary sites, this circle has much more to explore, like the Kerid Crater and Fludir’s Secret Lagoon. 

4. National Museum of Iceland

After being captivated by Iceland’s geographical location, it is time to learn more about its rich history.

The National Museum of Iceland is the best place to do that.

With over 3000 historical items, it explains the history of the island, right from early settlements and the Middle Ages to the present.

Its unmissable highlights include the permanent exhibition” The Making of the Nation” and the twelfth-century door of the Valþjófsstaðir Church.

Moreover, the museum is within walking distance from Reykjavik City Center, making it more accessible.

5. Gunnuhver

Gunnuhver is a fascinating and powerful geothermal area that offers insight into Earth’s powerful forces.

It is a lesser-known landscape with a geyser said to be named after a ghost called Gunna, who was trapped by a priest inside the geyser.

Although it is a legend, this backstory is quite popular among the locals.

You can watch the geyser erupt every five minutes, with boiling hot water spurting out of it.

Visitors will also find Iceland’s largest mud pool there, with a diameter of 20 meters.

If you wish to explore the country’s unique geothermal energy further, Gunnuhver is a must-visit for you.

6. Brimketill

Brimketill is the hub spot for many hidden geological gems in Iceland.

Near Blue Lagoon, this large Lava Rock rock pool sits at the bottom of a cliff at the ocean’s edge, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It is a beautiful landscape on the Reykjanes Peninsula that consists of a gorgeous contrast of golden sand, pitch-black lava rocks and a wide blue ocean.

There, you can walk right up to the cliff’s edge, watch the waves strike against the lava rocks, and enter the Brimketill pool.

Visitors often find it tempting to enter the pool but the slippery lava rocks can make your journey difficult.

So we recommend not trying to swim in the pool due to the unpredictability of the waves.

Lastly, Brimketill is an amazing place to visit any time of the year, making it a perfect place to explore near Blue Lagoon.

7. Reykjanesviti

The oldest lighthouse in Iceland, it is located on the tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Near Blue Lagoon, the lighthouse is a landfall light for Reykjanes and Keflavik.

The original tower, built in 1878, was destroyed in an earthquake eight years after its construction.

The tower is about 31 meters (102 feet) tall and is actually a renovated lighthouse built in 1929 in honor of its last predecessor.

It is worth visiting, as its modern yet traditional structure gives it a unique look.

Moreover, its light characteristic allows it to flash every 30 seconds.

The lighthouse is located in an area of thermal activity, and the steam and fog can often be seen surrounding the site.

So if you wish to take a break from the natural landscapes of the country, you can head towards Rejkjanesviti to explore something different.

Due to a volcanic eruption in the southeast of Hagafell Mountain on January 14, 2024, the lagoon was temporarily closed again.

There is no need to worry, as Blue Lagoon is located safely away from the eruption site.

It will remain closed until January 16 unless there are any further updates.

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Featured Image: Benjamin R. on Unsplash