blue lagoon iceland tourism

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A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 43 Comments

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The steamy milky blue water against the black lava rock landscape creates an otherworldly setting like no other. Sitting in the hot waters of the geothermal spa can be a truly intoxicating and relaxing experience.

Its proximity to both the Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik makes it a perfect pit stop even if you are only in Iceland for a short layover. In fact, it is the mostly commonly visited paid attraction in Iceland.

Of course, the Blue Lagoon is not for everyone and is an expensive spa considering that there are hundreds of less expensive spas and thermal pools in Iceland. If you are on the fence about visiting and wondering if the Blue Lagoon is worth it or not, hopefully this guide can help you decide if it is a good fit for you or not.

We’ve created this guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland with all the questions we commonly get from our readers in mind. Our guide covers how to get there, cost, what to expect inside the spa, what you need to bring, how to protect your hair, how to protect your camera, Icelandic spa etiquette, and how to book add-on experiences. We also provide lots of tips on making the most of your time at the Blue Lagoon!

Table of Contents:

Guide to Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon before your visit. It will cover how to get there, the history of the Blue Lagoon, what you need to do to visit, costs, what to bring, what you can do there, and tips for making the most of your visit to the spa.

If after reading this guide, you still have questions (or have an additional tip to add), please just leave us a Comment at the end of our article.

What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon, or Bláa Lónið in Icelandic, is Iceland’s most popular geothermal spa and the most visited paid attraction in Iceland. It’s famous for its steamy milky blue water contrasted against the black rocks of the surrounding lava fields of the region.

Despite its organic looking appearance and being listed as a top “natural attraction” by many travel sites and magazines, the Blue Lagoon is not really a natural attraction. The lagoon is fed by runoff water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, making it a sort of quasi-natural attraction. The Blue Lagoon contains both seawater and freshwater of geothermal origin.

The water in the Blue Lagoon hovers around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), and both the water and the mud in the pool are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, especially for sufferers of psoriasis and eczema.

Today, the Blue Lagoon is operated as a spa resort and visitors have the option to bathe in the main Blue Lagoon pool or to book special spa treatments. There are also a variety of dining and lodging options available on site.

A Brief History of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon’s creation was purely by accident as it is fed by the runoff water from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The Svartsengi Power Station opened in 1976, and by 1977 the pools began to form.

The Svartsengi Power Plant is a significant power source in Iceland and was the world’s first geothermal power plant for electric power generation and hot water production for district heating. It is still used to heat thousands of households located on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

In the early 1980’s, a few men with psoriasis, such as Valur Margeirsson and Gísli Kristjánsson, started bathing in the waters and reported that it had helped alleviate their symptoms. By the late 1980’s it had become a popular local bathing area for those with skin diseases and later a clinic was established there in 1994.

It was officially opened to the public for bathing in 1987, and the Blue Lagoon company was established in 1992. The company also began selling a line of skin and bathing products. By the mid 1990’s it began attracting a larger number of international visitors, and was receiving about 50,000 visitors a year. A new bathing facility opened in 1999.

Since 2010, tourism to Iceland has increased dramatically. Increased international coverage about the Blue Lagoon on television programs, its appearance on must-see lists by prominent travel magazines, marketing by the Blue Lagoon company, and photos on social media would help boost visitors numbers to the Blue Lagoon.

A large percentage of visitors to Iceland visit the Blue Lagoon and it has become the most visited paid attraction in Iceland. By 2017, there were close to 1.3 million visitors annually, and up to 4,000 people a day visit the famous geothermal spa!

Where is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is inside the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark. It is located approximately 13 miles (20 minutes driving) from the Keflavik Airport or 30 miles (45 to 50 minutes driving) from central Reykjavík.

Address: Blue Lagoon, Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík

GPS Coordinates: 63.8804° N, 22.4495° W

How to get to the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is located approximately 50 minutes outside Reykjavík and 20 minutes away from Keflavik Airport (the main international airport in Iceland).

So the most popular times to visit the Blue Lagoon for visitors are often on their way to or from the airport, as a day trip from Reykjavík, or as part of a Golden Circle day tour.

If you are driving there is free parking for visitors in front of the Blue Lagoon reception area.

Blue Lagoon from Keflavík Airport

One popular way to visit the Blue Lagoon is on your way to or from the Keflavík Airport. It is about a 20 minute drive from the airport to Blue Lagoon. You can rent a car and drive yourself or you can take a shuttle or taxi.

It is easy to rent a car at the airport, and we recommend checking out the rental cars available online here , which focuses specifically on car rental in Iceland and also allows you to add on the specific Icelandic insurances like sand and ash protection.

If you are looking for a shuttle to the Blue Lagoon from Keflavík Airport, you can book the official shuttle here . You can book other journeys with the official shuttle, including back to the airport on or to Reyjkavik here .

Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík

Another popular way to visit the Blue Lagoon is as a trip from Reykjavík. It is about a 45 to 50 minute drive from central Reykjavík.

If you are looking for a shuttle to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík, you can book a shuttle here . You can also book the official shuttle here . The bus will pick up and drop off visitors off at most hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík or to the nearest bus stop.

If you are travelling as a small group, you might find it easier and just as cost effective to book a private transfer.

Blue Lagoon as Part of a Day Tour

There are a number of guided day tours from Reykjavík that include a stop at the Blue Lagoon, especially those exploring the Golden Circle. This is another popular way to visit the Blue Lagoon.

Note that most day tours do not include your reservation or entrance fee, so be sure to check on this. If not, you will need to be sure to book your entrance time in advance to correspond with the visit of your tour. The tour should provide this information to assist you in making your Blue Lagoon booking.

Here are some day tours to consider that include visits to the Blue Lagoon:

• This full day tour from Reykjavík includes stops at the highlights of the Golden Circle, including Thingvellir National Park, Kerið Crater, and Gullfoss waterfall and ends with a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
• This small group tour also includes the highlights of the Golden Circle and a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
• This full day tour includes stops at Golden Circle highlights and a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
• This private tour includes a private guide who will take you to explore the Golden Circle highlights, premium entry into the Blue Lagoon, and a reserved table at LAVA for lunch.

How much does the Blue Lagoon cost?

The cost of visiting the Blue Lagoon depends on the date, the time of day, and if you choose any of the spa add-on services. Going off-season and at less popular times of day can save you money on the entrance tickets.

All entrances to the lagoon include a towel rental and admission to the pools, sauna, and steam rooms, and an indoor relaxation area.

Here are the entrance fees (last checked May 2024):

• Comfort Package : Entrance to the pools, a silica mud mask, a ticket for one free drink, and a free towel rental. Prices range from around ISK 9900 to ISK 14490.
• Premium Package : Includes all of the amenities of the Comfort Package plus a second face mask, a bathrobe, and a second drink of your choice. Prices range from ISK 14490 to ISK 17490
• Signature Package (Seasonal) : Includes all the amenities of the Premium Package plus take home skincare products. Prices rage from about ISK 17990 to ISK 29500
• Luxury Retreat Spa Package : A 5 hour exclusive experience at the Retreat Spa including access to a private part of the lagoon, a private changing room, skin care amenities, and the Blue Lagoon Ritual (a series of special treatment rooms). Guests have access to the Spa Restaurant (or can book a table at the LAVA or Moss Restaurants). Price starts at ISK 89000.

There are also several additional experiences you can book including therapy treatments, massages, dining options, and even a hotel. These will be discussed later in the post.

Note: The Blue Lagoon stopped offering slippers as an inclusion with each Premium admission as part of their sustainability program.

Do I need Blue Lagoon reservations to visit?

Yes, it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation to the Blue Lagoon ahead of time as it often books up completely in advance. The Blue Lagoon has a timed ticket entry and it limits the number of guests who can visit daily.

You can make reservations easily on their website . Or you can book your tickets on GetYourGuide for the comfort package (limited time slots are available). You can also check prices on Viator here .

If you book direct (or for most tickets booked on GetYourGuide or Viator), just be sure to note the latest Blue Lagoon’s ticket terms and cancellation policy. As of May 2024, if you cancel more than 24 hours before your reservation time slot, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will receive no refund.

If you need to modify your booking, you need to contact them prior to the date of the booking to make a change.

If you want more flexibility, you can book Blue Lagoon tickets with free cancellation up to your time slot on tiqets.com here . We recommend checking out this option if you need flexibility in case of a last minute cancellation,

For any kind of ticket, if you show up late, you are not guaranteed entry.

What do I need to bring to visit the Blue Lagoon?

Really the only thing you need is proof of your Blue Lagoon reservation and your swimsuit.

But here are some things you may want to pack for the Blue Lagoon:

• Swimsuit or trunks
• Waterproof case for smartphone or action camera if you plan to take photos
• Comb / brush and any other hair styling essentials
• Hair tie for those with longer hair to help keep hair out of water
• Deodorant, facial moisturizer, body lotion, and other toiletries for after shower
• Sandals / water shoes / shower shoes
• Breathable waterproof bag for storing wet swimsuit and other wet items after swim
• Change of clothing for those who want fresh clothing after shower
• Sunscreen (recommend SPF 30+) – we like the brands Neutrogena & La Roche Posay
• Swim cap (for those who don’t want to get their hair wet)
• Clarifying shampoo (for those concerned about their hair)

We’d recommend having these items in a separate bag from the rest of your luggage so you can easily bring these items into the spa. We also left our jackets and coats in the car to avoid having to store them inside.

Most suitcases and larger bags will not fit in the lockers or be permitted into the Blue Lagoon. There is luggage storage (for a fee) available at the Blue Lagoon for those who need to bring luggage, you’ll just need to do this before checking in.

If you have your own towel (a travel towel is recommended for those visiting other swimming pools in Iceland where towels are not free or available), I’d recommend not using it here. Just use the provided towel so you don’t have to worry about carrying around a wet towel the rest of the day.

The Blue Lagoon includes complimentary shower gel and shampoo in the shower area, as well as body lotion in the changing area. So if you are OK with using those provided, you don’t need to bring your own soap, shampoo, or body lotion.

If you want a robe, I’d recommend getting the package where a bathrobe is included rather than bringing them as they are very bulky to pack.

Really, though, you can show up with just a booking and rent or buy everything you need including swimwear, swim caps, robes, and sandals. But this is very expensive so we would recommend bringing all the essentials you need with you.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?

This is subjective, and depends on what you are looking for. For some people the Blue Lagoon is a can’t miss bucket list attraction, an obligatory Instagram photo, and a must-do experience. Other people might find it an overpriced, crowded nightmare.

It is good to have realistic expectations when deciding whether or not to visit or not. If you are expecting to visit an uncrowded milky blue paradise in the middle of a remote part of Iceland, you may be very disappointed. The Blue Lagoon gets about 4,000 visitors a day, is a developed resort area, and is located next to a geothermal power plant.

However, that said, the Blue Lagoon is unique and beautiful and we were very happy that we visited. But it is not for everyone, and if budget is a concern, you might want to skip it and visit another geothermal swimming pool or spa during your time in Iceland.

For those concerned about the price but still want to visit, we would definitely recommend the lowest priced package (currently the Comfort Package) as this includes everything you need to enjoy the lagoon including a towel. We also recommend setting aside plenty of time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon so you feel you get your money’s worth. Those who are rushed are more likely to feel that the experience was not worth the money.

If you are looking for a peaceful luxury experience, you won’t likely find it at the Blue Lagoon with regular entry. If you want a luxury spa experience, you’ll want to book the Luxury Retreat Spa experience where you get access to private changing rooms and showers, another area of the Blue Lagoon, and extra spa facilities and treatments. This area is also limited to those age 12 or older.

Blue Lagoon Alternatives

If you are interested in visiting a geothermal bath in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is definitely not your only option.

A good alternative (although still pricey) to the Blue Lagoon is the Mývatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland. This is probably the place that most resembles the Blue Lagoon, and was our favourite in Iceland.

There is also, of course, the new Sky Lagoon (opened in summer 2021), which is located just outside of Reykjavik. Sky Lagoon is actually closer to the capital than the Blue Lagoon. The Sky Lagoon is smaller and doesn’t have the silky blue waters of the Blue Lagon, but it does offer more impressive views. The focus here is more on the offered 7-step ritual.

Sky Lagoon prices are fairly similar to the Blue Lagoon but it has been offering discounts to attract visitors here. Note that only those age 12 and older can visit the Sky Lagoon, so those with younger kids will want to go elsewhere.

Other nicer baths in Iceland to consider include Krauma Baths , Secret Lagoon , and Laugarvatn Fontana . We’ve been to all these and many more, so if looking for advice, just leave us a comment.

There are also many free (or donation only) natural hot springs around the country and many low-priced public baths and swimming pools that locals frequent. There are over a dozen public geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavík alone, and all are a fraction of the price of the Blue Lagoon.

Can I still visit if I don’t want to swim in the Blue Lagoon? 

Yes, people are welcome to visit the café, restaurant, and gift shop without a ticket or reservation. You will still be able to view sections of the baths from the windows of the café and from a viewing area.

However, you can not enter the Blue Lagoon swimming area, locker areas, spa, or explore the rest of the complex without a ticket and electronic bracelet (wristband).

The café can be a good waiting spot for families and groups where not all members want to visit. We saw a number of people sitting here having coffee or a meal at the cafe while their family or group went into the Blue Lagoon. We recommend bringing a book or something to do if you plan to wait.

However, in general, other than eating or buying something from the gift shop, there is not too much to do or see if you are not going into the Blue Lagoon. There is no exhibition or museum or anything here. So not really a recommended stop unless you (or those you are traveling with) are planning to go into the spa.

Can children visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, children over the age of 2 years  can visit the Blue Lagoon. Children under the age of 2 are highly sensitive to the water’s mineral content, and it can be harmful to them, so they are not permitted into the swimming area.

Children age 2 to 13 years old can visit the Blue Lagoon for free. Children under the age of 8 must wear arm floats in the lagoon for safety reasons, which are available for free on-site.

The minimum age to visit the Retreat Spa or the Retreat Lagoon at the Blue Lagoon is 12 years old.

What is there to do within the Blue Lagoon?

The most popular thing to do inside the Blue Lagoon is to simply soak in the warm milky water while enjoying the unusual scenery and atmosphere. Stand beneath the waterfall and let the hot water pound your shoulders, enjoy a silica mud face mask, take shelter in the steam cave, and have a drink at the swim-up bar.

Your entrance includes a free drink from the swim-up bar, so you can relax and enjoy your beverage in the water. There are also mud mask bars where you can coat your face in the mineral rich mud. For an extra fee you can get a massage while floating in the water.

Outside of the water, you can visit the sauna and steam room. There is also a relaxing viewing area with chairs where you can rest and look out over the lagoon. Note that there is limited space in these areas so you may need to wait your turn if the Blue Lagoon is busy during your visit.

There is also a full service spa, restaurants, snack bar, and a gift shop on site.

How long can I stay in the Blue Lagoon? 

You can stay at the Blue Lagoon as long as you like, from your scheduled entrance time until closing. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours at the lagoon, relaxing in the various pools and spas, and many break to have a drink or meal.

How much time does it take to visit the Blue Lagoon?

We recommend allowing at least 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon to have enough time to really enjoy the pools. Remember that some of your time will be taken up by standing in line to gain entry, changing, showering, drying off, and getting ready to leave. Add more time if you plan to eat here and/or need to store luggage.

When is the best time of day to visit the Blue Lagoon?

The least popular, and therefore least crowded and least expensive, times of day to visit the lagoon are first thing in the morning and late in the evening. For the least crowds and lowest prices, we recommend booking a time slot in the morning around opening time.

For those who want to visit in the evening, just note that if you book a late time slot, you will have more limited time. So be sure to double check closing time to make sure you will have enough time to enjoy your visit.

However, many people choose to visit the Blue Lagoon later in the afternoon or early evening as a place to relax after a busy day out and about. It can be the perfect place to wind down after a long day of travel or sightseeing.

Note that although a lot of people do visit the Blue Lagoon each day, the timed entry and large size, means that it can absorb crowds fairly well. It covers a large area so you can usually almost always find an area of the lagoon that is not crowded.

When is the best time of year to visit the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is open all year round and there are pros and cons to visiting in different seasons. The water temperature itself stays about the same year-round so it is only the air temperature that is different across the seasons.

In the summer months, the air temperature is more agreeable (it’s never really hot in Iceland), and the sun is more likely to be out. In the summer the lagoon is open until 22:00 or 23:00 in the evening and the midnight sun means it will still be light outside.

In the winter, there is a strong juxtaposition between the cold air and the warm water that many people enjoy. The water looks extra steamy and inviting. In the winter you even have a small chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you stay past nightfall. But you also have to contend with a greater possibility of rain or snow, and it is chilly getting in and out of the lagoon.

The least busy time of the year in Iceland is normally the Spring months, so this can be a great time to visit the Blue Lagoon and Iceland if you are wanting to avoid the crowds.

What is the temperature of the water at the Blue Lagoon?

The temperature of the water at the Blue Lagoon stays between 37°C to 40°C or 98°F to 104°F all year round. Its a really nice temperature and feels like slipping into a hot bath.

What is the chemical composition of the Blue Lagoon water?

The Blue Lagoon holds approximately 9 million liters of geothermal seawater which is naturally renewed about every 2 days. The water is rich in a number of minerals, primarily salt, silica, and algae.

But the Blue Lagoon contains a number of naturally-occurring minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, chlorine, and fluorine. You can read more about the chemical composition of the waters in this research article .

Why is the Blue Lagoon blue? 

The Blue Lagoon is actually a bit of a misnomer. The water itself it not blue, but a milky white color thanks to the large concentration (140 mg/kg) of silica in the water. Silica radiates more blue in daylight than other colors, so the reflection of the sky on the water makes the pool appear a glowing blue color.

This means that on overcast days the pool will not look to be as vividly blue as it does on clear ones.

Also note that the water does not always look blue, as sometimes it tends to look more green than blue depending on the mineral content and light.

Is photography allowed at the Blue Lagoon?

You are allowed to take photos and make videos in the main Blue Lagoon outdoor area, but photography and videography is not allowed in the changing/shower areas (obviously!), sauna, Retreat Spa, or any the spa sections.

Many people bring in a waterproof action camera or their smartphone into the pool. If you plan to bring your phone into the Blue Lagoon we recommend getting a waterproof phone case , these are relatively inexpensive and can help protect your smartphone from the steam and water.

We would not recommend bringing a regular camera into the Blue Lagoon unless you have it in a waterproof case or pouch that fits your camera as it is likely to get wet and could be ruined by the steam from the pools.

If you are not planning to take photos, you are probably best leaving your phone and/or cameras in the car, bus, the changing room lockers, or luggage storage facility.

Is there luggage storage available at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, the Blue Lagoon offers luggage storage facilities. So if you are traveling to or from the airport and need to leave your luggage, you can do so.

The luggage facility storage building is located next to the carpark. There is a small fee per suitcase or bag (ISK 800 per bag at last check). Be sure to keep your baggage claim ticket somewhere safe in your locker to be able to retrieve your bags.

If you are visiting the Blue Lagoon on a time crunch (have to catch a flight or bus) be sure to allow extra time if checking luggage here. It can take an extra 20 minutes to get through the luggage check desk and to then get your luggage before you leave if there is a large number of people checking luggage at the same time.

What food is available at the Blue Lagoon?

There is a café near the entrance to the building that offers a range of (comparatively) affordable snacks, sandwiches, drinks, and smoothies.

The Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon is a more upscale dining experience that overlooks the lagoon. The primarily offer à la carte options although they do sometimes offer fixed price two and three course meals. They also normally offer a tasting menu at dinner (currently 12,900 ISK). They also have a children’s menu. Reservations are recommended if you wish to dine here. You can wear nice “relaxed casual” clothing, or you can wear your bathrobe over your swimwear to dine here during the day until 16:00 (4:00 pm).

People visiting the spa can also dine at the dedicated Spa Restaurant which offers an all day à la carte menu. Most diners dine in their bathrobe over their swimwear here within the spa.

The newest fine dining option is the Michelin starred Moss Restaurant which offers a modern take on classic Icelandic cuisine. The restaurant only serves dinner, with various 5- and 7-course tasting menus on offer starting at 24,900 ISK per person. Reservations are essential and can be difficult to obtain. Dress code is “smart casual”.

You can find out more about the various dining options and make reservations here .

Are towels provided at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, a towel is provided to each guest with the cost of admission to the Blue Lagoon. This is for your use throughout your time at the Blue Lagoon and must be returned before you leave.

If you book the Premium or Luxury packages, then your entrance also includes a bathrobe.

If you have your own towel (or bathrobe), you are welcome to bring it to the Blue Lagoon to use. However, we recommend just using the free towel provided as otherwise you will have wet towels to take home with you.

What are the changing rooms at the Blue Lagoon like?

The main Blue Lagoon changing areas are divided by sex, there is one large changing area for men and a separate one for women. The locker room and changing area at the Blue Lagoon consists of a few large open rooms filled with lockers and benches. There are also some mirrors and hair dryers you can use here.

As you walk through the locker rooms and changing area, you’ll eventually come to the shower area. The shower area is mostly open showers but there are also more private showers where you have curtains. Soap, shampoo, and shower gel are provided.

You will see signs asking you to follow the Icelandic public spa etiquette before entering the waters of the Blue Lagoon. This means that you need to shower naked BEFORE putting on your swimsuit. Icelanders take cleanliness and swimming pool hygiene very seriously to keep their swimming pools clean and free from bacteria. You are asked to specifically wash with soap, concentrating on your hair, face, underarms, groin / genital area, and feet.

If you are timid about being naked in public, there are a handful of modesty changing stalls in the locker room area that you can use. There are also now a number of showers with curtains or screens that you can use—previously there were very few showers with curtains but they seem to have increased the number over the years.

It is much quicker and easier to just change in the public area, but you can definitely visit the Blue Lagoon without getting nude in public if you wish. Getting the package with a bathrobe (or bringing your own) may also help you feel more comfortable as you make you way from the locker room to shower to pool.

If you really don’t want to share a public locker room or shower room, the best option is the Luxury Retreat Spa package which includes access to a private changing room area and shower. Those who pay for this package can change and shower in private and have access to nicer showers and amenities. They also have access to a separate pool, spa area, and dining area.

Is there a place to dry wet swimsuits?

Unlike many of the regular pools in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon does not offer swimsuit driers. However, there are free plastic bags in the changing rooms where you can put your wet swimsuits.

We have been to several public pools in Iceland and most of them have wall mounted centrifugal swimsuit driers in the locker rooms. So we were surprised they were not available here. So we asked why and were told that this is because of the mineral content of the water which can ruin both the driers and your swimsuit. Drying the silica onto your swimsuit can ruin the fabric.

The silica in the water is not great for your swimsuit, so be sure to rinse it out while or after you take a shower. We recommend that you rinse your bathing suit in the shower, then squeeze out as much water as you can, and then store it in one of the provided plastic bags in the changing rooms.

If you are looking for a more secure or environmentally-friendly option to store your wet items during your trip, consider a breathable wet bag like this one .

Is the Blue Lagoon wheelchair accessible?

The Blue Lagoon is wheelchair accessible! There is disabled parking available and the entire main complex is wheelchair accessible. The lagoon itself can be accessed directly with specially designed wheelchairs which they will provide upon request.

Guests who require special assistance are allowed to bring along a companion to assist them free of charge.

If you have questions about accessibility or whether particular special needs can be accommodated, I would recommend calling the Blue Lagoon in advance before booking to be sure a visit is right for you.

What additional spa services are available at the Blue Lagoon?

The are many additional spa services available at the Blue Lagoon for an additional price. Some of these include:

• An in-water massage – starts at ISK 20,000 for 30 minutes.
• Private massages
• Beauty treatments including facials using silica, algae, and other natural elements.

If you are interested in more of the spa services, I’d recommend looking at the Luxury Retreat Spa package which includes access to additional spa services and treatment rooms.

Are there psoriasis treatments available?

Yes, the reason for the Blue Lagoon’s initial popularity with bathers was after it was reported that the waters may be beneficial to sufferers of psoriasis in the early 1980s. In the 1990s clinical studies supported that the waters of the Blue Lagoon can be beneficial to those suffering from psoriasis and a clinic was established here.

Today, those suffering from psoriasis can enjoy the regular areas and treatments at the pool or can book special treatments designed for psoriasis. You can read more about the available treatments and make booking for the clinical treatments here .

Note that clinical treatments for psoriasis at the Blue Lagoon may be covered by insurance for some visitors.

Can I stay overnight at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, there are two luxury hotels attached to the Blue Lagoon: The Silica Hotel and The Retreat Hotel.

The Silica Hotel offers access to a private lagoon and private verandas that overlook either the lava fields or the mountains. Rooms start at around ISK 90,000 a night.

The Retreat Hotel is Iceland’s first 5 star luxury hotel. It is attached to the Retreat Spa and offers access to the private spa lagoon and the Retreat Spa. All suites at the Retreat Hotel open out to the moss fields or onto the lagoon. Rooms start at around ISK 220,000 a night and most rooms have a two night minimum. The most expensive suite even has its own private lagoon pool!

What else is there to do near the Blue Lagoon?

There are a number of places to see near and within a short driving distance of the Blue Lagoon. This includes the sites of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the capital city of Reykjavík, and the Golden Circle attractions

We have a lot of content on Iceland across our two travel blogs, and have many more articles planned. We would recommend starting out with our Iceland trip planning guide to decide how you want to travel in Iceland and when you want to go.

For suggestions on things to do and itinerary planning, you can see our 3 day stopover itinerary , 7 day Iceland itinerary , and 1 week Ring Road itinerary .

We also have articles on Iceland winter driving tips , best guided tours in Iceland , Iceland on a budget tips , best day trips from Reykjavik , best winter activities in Iceland , Game of Thrones locations , where to see puffins in Iceland , best waterfalls in Iceland , suggested winter packing list , and many more.

We have traveled in Iceland in both summer and winter, and have traveled through most of the country so if you have any questions after reading through our articles, feel free to leave us a Comment with any questions!

Hotels near the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

Most people who visit the Blue Lagoon choose to stay in Reykjavik , but if you would like to stay  closer to the Blue Lagoon or the Keflavik International Airport, here are some options to consider:

• The Base – This hostel is a great budget option for those looking for an inexpensive (for Iceland anyway) place to stay near the airport or lagoon. They offer 6-bed dorms, double, triples, and family rooms. Great value for those traveling as a group. The Base is right next to the airport and is about a 18 minute drive from the Blue Lagoon.
• Geo Hotel Grindavik – This 3-star modern hotel is only 6 km from the Blue Lagoon and the hotel offers free shuttle service back and forth to the lagoon. They offer cozy single and double rooms, with WiFi and flat screen TVs. The hotel is located in the village of Grindavík so guests are within walking distance of the village businesses, including cafes, supermarket, bank, and public swimming pool. The hotel is about a 9 minute drive or ride from the Blue Lagoon.
• Northern Light Inn  – This is the closest hotel to the Blue Lagoon that is not on-site, and you can see the geothermal plan and the steam from the Blue Lagoon from the hotel. There is a free shuttle to the Blue Lagoon throughout the day. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and spa, and they can arrange a taxi service to or from the hotel (fee). We stayed here on our last visit to Iceland, and it is only about a 3 minute drive or ride to the Blue Lagoon.
• Keflavik Luxury Apartments – Close to the airport and the Blue Lagoon, these upscale apartments have everything you need to feel at home. They feature fully-equipped kitchens and comfortable living rooms and balconies. These are located next to the airport and are about a 20 minute drive away from the Blue Lagoon.
• The Retreat Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel located on-site at the Blue Lagoon, and one of the nicest hotels in Iceland. It is attached to the Retreat Spa and guests are offered unlimited access to the private spa lagoon and the Retreat Spa. All suites at the Retreat Hotel open out to the moss fields or onto the lagoon. If budget is not a concern, this is a fantastic hotel option for those who want to really enjoy the best of the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Visit Step By Step Process

The Blue Lagoon is very visitor friendly, even for people who have never visited a public bath before. But if you want to be prepared for exactly how to visit the Blue Lagoon, here is a step-by-step guide of what to expect when you go:

• Check your reservation timeslot and be sure to arrive at this time. You’ll need a copy of your reservation confirmation, either a printout or the ticket to scan from a smartphone.
• Once you arrive, take in everything that you need but leave everything you don’t in your car, tour bus, or the Blue Lagoon luggage storage facility. It is a good idea to pack everything you need to take into the Blue Lagoon into a large purse, backpack, grocery bag, or day bag as everything you bring needs to fit into a relatively small locker.
• When you enter the reception area, there are usually separate lines for those with reservations (most people) and those who are with a reserved group (most tours). There is also often a line for those without a reservation but we recommend pre-booking so hopefully you are not in this line!
• At the reception desk you will show staff your reservation confirmation and they will check you in and explain briefly the process. You will be given an electronic bracelet (which allows you entry into spa area, is your locker key, and can be used to pay for drinks from the bar and other services), a towel, and anything else specified in your reservation. Some packages include a bathrobe and other extras.
• Once you have checked in, you will then be directed to the changing areas. There are separate facilities for men and women. You will need to use your electronic bracelet to lock and unlock your locker. Remember your locker number!
• Next step is to get naked and shower as showering in the nude is required before entering the Blue Lagoon pools (and all public pools in Iceland). So you will want to take off your clothes and grab your towel and swimsuit and head to the shower. Shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner are provided for free in the showers. You should wash your entire body including your hair. Once washed, put on your swimsuit. Swimsuits are required in the Blue Lagoon.
• Some of the minerals in the lagoon water are extremely harsh on your hair, so apply liberal conditioner and consider leaving some in as extra protection against the water. If you have long hair you will probably want to put it up in a bun. Those with more vulnerable hair may want to keep it out of the Blue Lagoon water entirely.
• Now you will exit the shower area and head to the entrance to the Blue Lagoon, which is through the shower area. Be sure you have all you need (towel, bathrobe, sandals, waterproof case for phone etc.) before you leave. You do not need money or credit cards in the pool as you can charge any purchases made within the Blue Lagoon area to your account using your electronic bracelet. Make you way to the lagoon.
• There are several large racks for you to hang your towel, bathrobes, and leave your sandals or slippers. Just note that it can be very difficult to find the same towel or bathrobe again if you are using one from the Blue Lagoon, so it’s a good idea to remember the number on the rack where you left yours. I would not leave anything valuable here.
• Now you can walk directly into the soothing warm waters of the Blue Lagoon! Enjoy! Make sure to get your free mud mask, your complimentary beverage from the swim up bar, and any other things included with your package. Take as long as you like in the soothing water.
• If you want to purchase an additional drink, snack, or service while in the Blue Lagoon, you can do so using your electronic bracelet. This will charge it directly to your account and you will pay for it as you exit.
• If you like, you can also make time to visit the steam room, sauna, and relaxation lounge. These areas are all co-ed so you will probably want to leave your swimsuit on. These areas are also limited in space so you may need to wait a bit to find a space.
• When you’re ready to leave the spa area of the Blue Lagoon, head back to the locker room. You will want to shower a second time, rinsing your hair thoroughly and reconditioning your hair.
• The minerals in the water can be tough on your swimsuit, so be sure to rinse and wring it out while in the shower. You can then place your wet suit and any other wet clothes in a plastic bag (provided in locker room) or your own breathable waterproof bag.
• Now you can dry off and get dressed. There are mirrors and hair dryers in the locker rooms if you need them. Use your electronic bracelet to reopen your locker. Be sure to take everything out of your locker before you leave.
• On the way out you will need to leave anything you rented (towel, bathrobe, etc.), scan your electronic bracelet and settle any outstanding charges (if you purchased anything during your time in the lagoon), and leave your electronic bracelet.
• You can head out to the parking area or stop into the Blue Lagoon’s cafe, restaurant, or gift shop.

Note: The above is, of course, subject to change but it should give you a really good idea of what to expect and how to be prepared for your visit. 

Our Experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Laurence and I didn’t quite know what to expect when visiting the Blue Lagoon for the first time. Our visit was in the morning around opening time in winter. We had our reservations booked and the line to check-in was short. We did the Comfort Package which included the towel, one free drink, and silica mud mask.

We went our separate ways to go to the designated changing area (one for men and one for women). There were lots of free lockers and showers in the changing area, and electronic bracelets were easy to use to open and close lockers. There was free shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner in dispensers to use in the showers.

It was a bit confusing to find out how to get to the pool (via the shower room) but I think they’ve updated the signage since then to make it more clear.

The weather was freezing when we visited so we both quickly deposited our towels and sandals on the towel racks and raced into the hot water. The water felt nice, especially on such a cold morning. The bottom is soft on your toes with all the silica and minerals.

Note that while there are numbers on the hooks of the towel rack, people throw and place there stuff everywhere (especially when it is busy) including on top of other people’s stuff. So you may or may not get the same white towel back. We would not recommend leaving anything valuable (wallet, keys, camera, phone, jewelry, etc.) here!

There are a number of staff around the pool who are serving as lifeguards, drink servers, security, providing massages, etc. So if you have a question or concern, you can find a staff member without having to go back inside. Many of the staff members were wearing yellow safety vests.

Laurence and I floated around and explored the different areas of the spa. We spent a couple hours in the pool, had fun with the silica mud masks, took a few bad selfie photos, and drank tasty blueberry fruit smoothies. We checked out the steam cave which is a pretty cool cave-like area. We also had a look at the sauna and relaxation lounge. Mostly though we just enjoyed the warm water!

Laurence had his smartphone out and used it for the first 15 minutes or so we were in the lagoon. Then he decided to return it to his locker so he didn’t have to worry about holding it for the rest of the time. Screens get steamy fast so definitely recommend a waterproof case or waterproof action camera if bringing any sort of camera.

We were one of the first people in that morning but it did begin to be more crowded by the time we left. However, the Blue Lagoon is large and can hold a lot of people. We found that people tend to stand together in clumps (especially around the entrance, mud mask area, bar, and waterfalls) and we were easily able to find spots with few or no people as we moved around the pool area.

We spent about 2 hours in the pool and it was difficult to get out of the water. If you go in winter, be prepared to never want to get out of the thermal pool and back into the freezing air!

Then it was back to the showers and changing room. You leave your towel (and robes and slippers) in a designated bin before you leave and your electronic wristband is scanned on the way out. If you owe any money (for drinks, food, massages) you’ll be presented with a bill as you head out.

We then had a snack at the cafe and a quick browse of the gift shop before leaving. Overall it was a fun and fairly hassle-free experience. We both enjoyed it much more than we thought we would.

The Blue Lagoon is expensive, that is just a fact. Are we glad we visited? Yes, we were. But we would not recommend it to those traveling on a tight budget as there are much better value thermal spas to try in Iceland.

Would we return again? Well, yes, we actually have, but mainly because we are travel writers and wanted to see what it would be like in summer versus winter. But I think if we were just regular travelers, this would probably be a one time visit as there are so many other thermal pools, spas, and swimming pools in Iceland.

We’ve returned a couple times since our first visit to experience the Blue Lagoon in the summer months and to see if at different times of day. So you can see in the photos below the color of the lagoon, amount of steam, etc. do look different depending on time of year, chemical composition, amount of light, and angle of shot.

We present a variety of photos from different angles. You can even spot the Svartsengi Power Station in the background in some of our photos in this article, particularly the fourth one below. You won’t often see the power plant included in the Lagoon’s website and brochure photos!

Here are a number of photos to give you a realistic idea of what it looks like at the Blue Lagoon:

12 Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

If you’ ve read this far then you s hould have a pretty good idea of what to expect on a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Here are our 12 tips to remember to help make the most of this once in a lifetime experience.

1. Make your Blue Lagoon Reservations Ahead of Time

The Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and often sells out days or even weeks in advance. As soon as you know your travel dates and when you want to visit, we recommend booking your entrance so that you don’t miss out and don’t have to wait around for an available time slot.

2. Plan your Transport to the Blue Lagoon in Advance

The Blue Lagoon is nowhere near downtown Reykjavik, so you need a plan to get there. You have a few options. You can rent a car and drive there (free parking), take a shuttle (you can book the official shuttle here ), book a private taxi, or visit as part of a day tour like this one .

3. Make Restaurant Reservations Ahead of Time

While not absolutely required, it’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time if you want to eat at the Lava Restaura nt or especially the Moss Restaurant. Yo u can make reservations online or by phone.

No reservations are needed (or taken) if you just plan to get food or snacks at the café.

4. Consider Visiting On Your Way to or from the Airport

The Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes away from Keflavik International Airport (the country’s main international airport), making it a perfect stopover between Reykjavik and the airport. You can book shuttles to and from the Blue Lagoon from the airport or Reykjavik.

The Blue Lagoon is a perfect first stop in Iceland as the water feels so relaxing after a long plane ride, and it’s a great introduction to Iceland’s beauty.

Alternatively, it makes a nice final stop on your way out of the country and a perf ect goodbye to Iceland. Just be sure to plan ahead so you have enough time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon, get dry, and have plenty of time to get to the airport.

5. Bring a Waterproof Case for your Phone or Camera

You will likely want to take pictures in and around the water, so make sure you have a way to keep your camera from getting damaged if you are taking it into the pool. The steam and mist is not great for your camera.

We recommend taking a smartphone or waterproof action camera like a GoPro rather than a larger camera into the Blue Lagoon. If you bring in a smartphone, we recommend getting a waterproof case to protect it from getting wet or damaged in the pools.

If you are traveling as a couple, family, or larger group, you might just want to bring one phone or camera into the water and share photos afterwards. The less things you have to carry or worry about in the pool, the better.

6. You Can Rent a Swimsuit & Other Gear But Best to Bring your Own

If you are not prepared for a swimming pool or spa experience, most items can be rented or purchased at the Blue Lagoon. However prices are fairly high, so it is best to pack everything that you need before you leave home.

It’s obviously cheaper and more comfortable to bring your own swimsuit, but if you forgot to pack one, the Blue Lagoon has swimsuits that you can rent. They also have shower caps, bathrobes, sandals, slippers, skin care products, and other items that can either be rented or purchased on-site.

All admission packages of the Blue Lagoon currently include a towel so there is not reason to bring your own unless you really want to do so.

7. Take Care of Your Hair

One common complaint from visitors is that the chemicals in the water at the Blue Lagoon can do a serious number on your hair. Even the most luscious manes often come out of the lagoon water dry as straw, matted, and unmanageable. The water can be particularly harsh on those with dyed or color treated hair.

The water doesn’t permanently damage your hair, but it can leave it dry and unmanageable for a few days after a swim. But there are several things you can do to prevent this and help treat your hair afterwards.

To protect your hair, rinse it and coat it liberally in conditioner before going in. Don’t rinse out the conditioner before going into the Blue Lagoon. Put your hair up in a pony tail or bun and try to keep it out of the water if possible.

The best way to protect your hair, and what is recommended by the Blue Lagoon staff if you really want to keep your hair from getting wet, is to wear a swim cap . If you don’t have one, they can be rented or purchased at the Blue Lagoon.

After your dip make sure to shower and wash your hair thoroughly (consider bringing along a clarifying shampoo if your hair reacts harshly to minerals/chemicals) and condition it again. You might want to pack along a deep conditioning hair mask to use the next day as well.

Even if your hair does end up a bit fried, don’t freak out. Usually the damage resolves itself within a week.

8. Make Sure To Remove Your Jewelry and Contact Lenses

Make sure you take off any jewelry, eyeglasses, watches, and any other valuables before going into the Blue Lagoon. This is for two reasons. First, the geothermal water can damage some types of jewelry so best to leave it at the hotel or in the locker. We wore our wedding bands in the Blue Lagoon but nothing else.

Second, you don’t want to lose or drop anything in the water as you may never find it again. The water is filled with minerals and the water is not clear. The bottom is covered by a thick layer of silica and is often shifting as the water is recycled and the bottom is constantly disturbed by bathers. Not a good place to lose a ring, contact lens, or earring!

It is strongly recommended by the Blue Lagoon that you remove your contact lenses. If you don’t, silica can get trapped in your eyes and it can be painful. If you can’t see without your contact lenses, you might consider bringing prescription glasses or sunglasses, or just be extra careful to avoid getting water on your face.

9. Wear Sunscreen and Sunglasses

You may not think about using sunscreen before taking a hot dip, but the sun can be strong when reflecting against the water, especially in the summer months.

Iceland is one of the few countries in the world where you can get a sunburn at 10pm! So it is good to use on at least your face and upper body to prevent burns. Sunscreen is especially recommended for children.

Sunglasses are a good idea as well, as the sun bouncing off the water can be a bit blinding on a really sunny day.

10. Stay Hydrated

Hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms can be extremely dehydrating so make sure you are drinking lots of water. You can bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money on beverages inside the complex. Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink.

Your Blue Lagoon ticket entitles you to a complimentary drink while in the pools. While the swim-up bar in the lagoon does serve a range of beer and wine, we recommend limiting alcoholic drinks which can lead to further dehydration. It might be smarter to take advantage of the yummy fruit smoothies.

11. Remember to Shower Both BEFORE and AFTER Going into the Blue Lagoon

There are lots of reminders telling you to shower before you can enter the pool, but don’t forget to shower afterward so that you can wash all the minerals off and out of your hair. Moisturize heavily after the shower with the free moisturizing lotion provided in the changing area, or bring your own.

Also be sure to rinse out your swimsuit thoroughly with water as well so it doesn’t get damaged from the silica. You can use either the provided free plastic bags in the changing rooms or bring your own breathable waterproof bag to store your wet items.

12. Leave Plenty of Time to Enjoy the Blue Lagoon

A visit to the Blue Lagoon should be a relaxing experience. Once you’ve entered you are allowed to stay as long as you like (until closing) so take your time exploring and soaking.

Be sure to get your free face masks and drink, explore the nooks and crannies, and check out the steam room, lounge room, etc.

Don’t book an entrance time too close to closing, or too close to your flight if you are headed to the airport afterwards. You don’t want to feel rushed and you want to get your money’s worth so spend as much time as you want.

Nearly everyone who visits Iceland makes a stop at the Blue Lagoon. It’s iconic, beautiful, and relaxing to boot. Hopefully these tips will help you have the most enjoyable Blue Lagoon experience possible.

If you are planning a visit to the Blue Lagoon in the future, consider pinning this article to Pinterest to find it again easily in the future:

Have you been to the Blue Lagoon? What was the experience like for you? Any tips we missed?

Planning your own trip to the Blue Lagoon? As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have about the Blue Lagoon or things to do in Iceland.

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Ariel Boucher Post author

May 30, 2024 at 10:40 am

Hello, first thanks for this very helpful guide about the Blue Lagoon. We are heading to Iceland in July and want to book our tickets in advance but are worried about timing. We will be arriving by plane late morning hopefully but I am a bit worried as flights have already been pushed back a bit later than originally booked. We want to I think head to hotel (in Reykjavik) and then onto Blue Lagoon in the afternoon after lunch and unpacking, but worried about timing to meet a specific time slot. We have that Monday free all day and then join a group tour the next day so its our only free day, just worried about flights and shuttles and timing. Trying to have a relaxing day as we have a week long packed group tour starting the next one. What do you think?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 30, 2024 at 2:22 pm

Happy to try to help and provide some of my thoughts.

So first of all, I would think about the extra time it will take you to go from the Keflavik airport to your hotel in Reykjavik, then to Blue Lagoon, and then back to your hotel. While there are shuttles buses or you can take a taxi, this is going to take you more time then if you go from airport to Blue Lagoon and then to hotel. The Blue Lagoon is closer to the airport than the city. So just something to consider. This would mean going with your luggage (you can pay for luggage storage at the Blue Lagoon) and a bit of extra hassle that way but it would save you time and the extra shuttle or taxi rides. You can always have lunch at the airport or Blue Lagoon. So I woudl weigh the pros and cons of that. However, if you want to relax at your hotel after arriving, then I would definitely do that, just be sure to allot in the extra time and book for a flexible later time so you are not rushed if there are some delays.

It is definitely recommend that you book your Blue Lagoon time slot in advance as some time slots will book up in advance. You don’t need to do so yet as most timeslots are still available in July, but I would certainly do it at least a few days before you head there. Now the Blue Lagoon’s cancellation policy is you need to book more than 24 hours in advance which can be hard to do if you experience flight or transporation delays. So I would recommend booking your time slot online here , as Tiquets currently allows you to cancel (or change your booking) any time up until your time slot. That will give you a lot of flexibility.

Also just to note, as I am sure you are well aware, that there have been a number of earthquakes and volcanic eriptions and activity around the Blue Lagoon, this has caused the Blue Lagoon to close several times recently. This also means that there have been a lot of road closures and restrictions around the Reykjanes Peninsula which can also make for longer drive times than normal. It is currently closed today actually. So just be sure to keep updated on that as you may want to have a back-up plan if you are not able to visit. You will of course get a refund if the spa is closed during the date of your booked visit.

One good thing about traveling in July is that it will be light until very late. I think they are open until 11pm during the summer so even if you go in late afternoon or evening, you should still have plenty of time to enjoy and relax. Just be sure to note any last return times for shuttles or booked transfers.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Iceland!

Best, Jessica

May 30, 2024 at 5:12 pm

Thanks Jessica, oh my, such a helpful and quick response. I do think we want to go to the hotel first but you definitely have me thinking about that, will talk to the DH about that. I will also do the flexible booking type for the ticket as being able to cancel the same day could be important to us as it is not cheap to visit–did not realize this was an option!!!!

Thanks so much again and may be back (although don’t want to bother you!) if we have any more questions. Our first real trip after Covid so trying to get back into remembering how to plan a big trip again!

May 31, 2024 at 5:47 am

You’re very welcome, and yes, happy to try to help if you have further quesitons about traveling to Iceland.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!

Linda ABBOTT Post author

May 28, 2024 at 7:53 am

What are the size of the standard size lockers for your backpacks inside the spa?

May 29, 2024 at 3:06 pm

They are a typical pool/spay/gym locker sort of size – I am not sure of the exact measurements but previously the Blue Lagoon said on their website that most of their regular spa lockers were 14 x 18 inches (35 cm X 45 cm), saying they could hold most small backpacks and light bags. So I would use that as a guide. It did not give a depth measurement but I would guess between 12 inches and 18 inches (30cm to 45cm) which is a pretty typical locker depth. I know that you can easily fit handbags, small to medium backpacks, small gym bags, etc. in them.

During our visits, we’ve taken in either a small day backpack or one of those drawstring runner bags with us and also left our regular shoes. They’ll hold all the typical essentials someone would need for a Blue Lagoon day visit.

Just remember a towel is provided with the ticket (so no need to bring your own) and you’ll take it to the shower and then you can take it outside with you and hang it, so you don’t need to store it in your locker. Some of the packages also incldue a robe which likewise you can hang up outside.

If you have actual luggage that you need to bring to the spa with you, then you will probably want to store that at the luggage storage area near the car park once you arrive and before you check in. The lockers will definitely not hold full sized suitcases or big backpacks. I beleive it is 800 ISK per bag (currently about USD $5.50 per bag) to have them store larger pieces of luggage.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions as you plan your visit to the Blue Lagoon!

Kim & Mitch Post author

December 20, 2023 at 5:16 pm

Hello Jessica! We are heading to Iceland for the first time in a few days and your website has been so helpful in planning our trip so I wanted to thank you very much for that. It is me, my husband and 2 teens over their holiday break. We are now worried about the volcano (we have been told it should not affect flights) but wondering if you think it will keep places like the Blue Lagoon closed due to the volcano eruption as it is the place my daughter has been looking forward to most. Of course we know the locals have much bigger problems, and know that a vacation is a minor concern, but in terms of our travel planning what would you recommend? Thanks!

December 20, 2023 at 5:48 pm

Hi Kim & Mitch,

So yes, the volcanic eruption at Sundhnúkagígar started on the evening of December 18. The Blue Lagoon announced the next day that is has closed and will stayed closed until at least December 27th, with a planned reopening on the 28th if all goes well.

So for your trip, there is a good chance you will not be able to visit the Blue Lagoon. But if you are going to still be in Iceland after December 27th, then I’d check their website to stay updated to see if they re-open reservations then. If you have already booked tickets, they will be issuing full refunds.

So far the volcanic eruption has not caused any flight delays or cancellations that I am aware of and international travel has been largely unaffected. They are not anticipating any issues, but I’d recommend monitoring the situation in case that changes. I think the biggest concern that has been noted is the potential air pollution that could drift over to Reykjavik or other places so I would monitor that as well and just follow whatever is recommended to stay safe and healthy.

In addition to the Blue Lagoon, I would recommend avoiding any travel to the Reykjanes peninsula. Many of the roads to and around the Blue Lagoon and the village of Grindavík are closed. Tourists are being encouraged to stay far away from the eruption right now and the village of Grindavik has been evacuated (sadly residents will have to spend the holidays away from their homes).

The above might change by the end of your trip if staying until the very end of December or early January. So it may still be possible to visit the Blue Lagoon before you leave but I’d recommend making alternative plans to visit another geothermal pool or spa (and leave some flexibility at the end of your trip if staying later in case it reopens as you could visit before leaving for the airport). A couple of good alternatives to the Blue Lagoon are the Sky Lagoon which is located near Reykjavik and is still open and operating as normal. Or if your trip includes northern Iceland, we can definitely recommend the Mývatn Nature Baths.

So I’d book an alternative and then be flexible and be sure to do regular checks of the local news before your trip and especially once you are in the country.

Hope that helps and wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday trip to Iceland!

Kim Post author

December 22, 2023 at 2:03 pm

Thanks so much Jessica for your quick & very thoughtful response. We have taken your advice aboard and in fact the next day I got an email from the tour we had booked (GetYourGuide Golden Circle day tour with a Blue Lagoon stop included) that it would be replaced with a stop at the Sky Lagoon instead of the Blue Lagoon or we could apply for a refund. So that sorts that out and was easy enough.

We will be in Iceland until the 29th so still some hope if it does open when planned on 28th but will just wait & see. I am sure my daughter will still love the Sky Lagoon and our hotel in Reykjavik also has a pool & hot tub for the kids to enjoy to keep them happy when not out sightseeing!

December 22, 2023 at 7:53 pm

That sounds great and glad that the tour switched out the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon for you. And wishing you and your family a wonderful time in Iceland!

Diane Anzai Post author

April 17, 2023 at 11:30 am

Awesome guide and information! Thank you! Thank you!

I’m looking forward to experiencing the Blue Lagoon and was wondering, besides showering, is it mandatory to wash your hair and face before going into the lagoon?

Aloha and mahalo! Diane

April 18, 2023 at 2:36 am

You’re very welcome. Yes, you should wash your whole body when you shower before (and after) going into the Blue Lagoon. As part of the pool etiquette, you are asked to specifically wash with soap, concentrating on your hair, face, underarms, groin / genital area, and feet. There are often a lot of oils and products on people’s faces and hair, so those are important to clean before going in. If you read our guide in detail, you’ll see some tips for washing and also protecting one’s hair.

If you are worried about your hair in the Blue Lagoon, I’d consider putting it up after washing it and keeping it out of the water as the minerals in the water can be drying and you might want to wash it with a clarifying shampoo and apply conditioner afterward.

Hope that helps and wishing you have a wonderful time at the Blue Lagoon!

Cathie Post author

February 12, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hi 🙂 We are trying to decide if we should go to the Blue Lagoon on our way to Reykjavik from the airport or on a day trip the next day from the city. Our flight gets in at 6am, the Blue Lagoon opens at 8am, do you have any recommendations on how long it would take to get out of the airport to a shuttle to the Blue Lagoon? We can reserve a 8am or 9am morning slot and then we need to figure out what time to reserve a shuttle, any advice? Thank you!

February 13, 2023 at 7:50 am

It is of course impossible to predict potential flight cancellations/delays or any issues you may have getting through security/customs/baggage claim at the airport. However, that said, Reykjavik is generally not that busy that early in the morning and the airport has been pretty well organized and efficient during our visits. I can’t imagine the whole process from deplaning to getting your baggage taking more than 1 hour, especially if you are not renting a car (that process can add some time).

So I think getting a 7:30 or 8am shuttle would definitely be doable. It takes about 20 minutes to get from the airport to the Blue Lagoon by shuttle bus or taxi.

But the other thing to consider is how you think you will feel when you arrive. If arriving from a long flight, you might either relish an early morning vist to the Blue Lagoon where you can relax or you might feel tired and just want to go to your hotel and do it another day. So I would consider how you (and anyone else in your group) are likely going to be feeling that morning. That might help you decide which option is best.

Wishing you a great trip to the Blue Lagoon!

Susan Post author

June 12, 2022 at 4:49 pm

If you’re staying at the Silica Hotel and arrive early before check in, can you go in the Blue Lagoon while you’re waiting for check in? If so, do you need to purchase a separate day pass to the lagoon for this? Or, would use of the lagoon early be included free as part of your hotel stay?

June 13, 2022 at 3:57 am

I suspect if your Silica Hotel package includes a one-day pass to the Blue Lagoon that they would allow you to go early (within reason of course) if you arrive before check in.

I would call the hotel ahead to ask as it may depend on your booking and package. Different packages include different access to the Silica Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, and/or Retreat Spa but I think most, if not all, do include one admission per guest to the Blue Lagoon. It may also depend on how early you want to go and how busy they are at the time as they do limit the number of guests who can go into the Blue Lagoon at any time.

Just note that if your hotel stay includes just one admission and you go in the morning, that if you want to go back to the Blue Lagoon that afternoon or the next day, you would need to book and pay for a separate entrance ticket. But generally most stays come with unlimited access to the smaller Silica Lagoon area which is part of the hotel so you could do that instead.

But a call to the hotel should clarify everything for you and your options. The staff are usually very good at answering guest questions.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a great trip to the Blue Lagoon and Iceland.

June 13, 2022 at 4:07 am

That’s very helpful, Jessica! Thanks for your quick response!

Polly Post author

January 10, 2022 at 9:23 am

Hi Jessica,

Thanks for the great info! If you do not have a bathrobe, can you walk into the pool area in just a swimsuit or do you need a cover-up? Also, if your towel is wet from showering first, does it stay wet while you are in the pools? When visiting in the summer, co you need flip-flops to walk to the different areas or can you use bare feet?

January 11, 2022 at 7:01 am

Glad you found our Blue Lagoon guide useful!

1.) You definitely don’t need a bathrobe here. The more expensive packages come with a bathrobe included or you can rent one there if you want one. You can walk around the pool area without a robe or coverup. Generally people just walk from the changing rooms, put towels/sandals/etc. on rack, and then go directly into water of the lagoon. There isn’t much of a pool lounge area or anything and it is often cold outside the water. But if you wanted something and don’t get a ticket with a bathrobe included, then a long T-shirt, bathing suit coverup, or sarong would work just fine and be much less bulky to bring (just be sure to bring a bag for it and your swimsuit after you are done). The only time you would need a robe or coverup over swimwear is if you plan to eat inside, but you could also just change back into your regular clothes instead.

2.) When you shower before getting into the pool, you just need to wash off with soap and water but don’t need to dry off. I basically just needed to dry off a bit to be able to slip my swimwear on and to lather on some sunscreen on my face and upper body. So we barely used the towels to dry off much as you essentially just need to dry off enough to get your swimsuit on, put on some sunscreen, and then you can walk outside and get into the pool. It doesn’t matter if you are wet to get into the pool, just clean. But then when you get out of the lagoon, I’d recommend again not using the towel to dry off too much as you are going to shower anyway and then really use it for drying off after that shower. We used bathrobes to walk back and forth so didn’t cover up with our towels. So you should be fine with just the free bath towel included but yes it can get pretty wet (and obviously if you drop it or something it can get soaked pretty easily). If you are worried you can also bring along a travel towel and keep it in your locker in case it is needed for some extra drying. We did have extra towels with us (as we used them at other baths/pools) but didn’t use them at the Blue Lagoon.

3.) Flip flops or slippers are recommended if visiting, but not essential. You can bring your own flip flops/sandals/shower shoes (or rent/buy a pair while there). I don’t think there is a specific rule that you need to wear footwear for the pool area, but generally I would recommend wearing something. Footwear is often recommended for hygienic reasons as it keeps your feet from touching potential bacteria and microorganisms that may thrive in the wet shared changing room/bathroom/shower/pool floor area. Something with a bit of tread or grip can also keep you from slipping. But again if you plan to eat at a restaurant, you do need to be wearing some kind of footwear indoors.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any more questions as you plan your visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!!

Sheana Post author

January 24, 2020 at 8:03 am

Thank you for such a detailed description of the Blue Lagoon and other geothermal spas. Is it possible to visit the nearby geothermal plant as well?

You may want to mention something of the Blue Lagoon’s cancellation policy. We were scheduled to visit upon arriving in Iceland at 6:30am. Our flight was cancelled TWICE due to inclement weather and we ended up cancelling our entire trip. We’re still planning to go but at another time of year. Because of the flight situation, most but not all, reservations for car rental, hotels, excursions, etc. allowed us to cancel and refunded our money.. Unfortunately, the Blue Lagoon refused to do this for our four premium tickets. We should have had travel insurance!

January 25, 2020 at 9:13 am

So sorry to hear about the terrible weather, your cancelled trip, and that you were not able to get your Blue Lagoon tickets refunded. I am guessing it was stated in their policy? Are they willing to let you reschedule your entry free once you do reschedule your trip to Iceland? You may see if they would be willing to do that since they already took your money. I will check into their cancellation policy further as well and maybe add something to the post to alert future readers. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I am glad that you were able to get refunds or do cancellations for most of the rest of your trip, but yes, travel insurance is always a good idea.

There are no public tours available of the Svartsengi Power Station, so if you just stop by you can’t see much. But online a few people have said that they were able to arrange a tour in advance of their trip by contacting the plant directly, but it seems most of these were several years ago and most have/had jobs related to engineering and power plants. So unlikely, but you could contact them before your trip if really interested.

But if you are interested in touring a geothermal plant in Iceland, there is a geothermal energy exhibition at Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant and they also do public tours (currently in Icelandic and English). It is about a 30 minute drive from Reykjavik. You can find out more here . So that may be a better option if you want to tour a plant.

Wishing you wonderful weather for whenever you decide to reschedule your trip! Jessica

January 25, 2020 at 12:47 pm

Yes, the Blue Lagoon’s refund policy is clearly stated, although one would think there would be exceptions for circumstances such as cancelled flights. After the initial refusal to refund our money (with their sympathies) we did ask to use it as a credit toward a future visit, but up to now this has also been denied.

January 25, 2020 at 12:52 pm

Just learned that two in our party who have already rebooked their trip to Iceland and are going sooner than we are were able to shift their tickets to a new time. I’m hoping we can do the same.

January 28, 2020 at 1:56 am

Hi Sheana, That’s great news and it shows it never hurt to ask! Best of luck with rebooking your own trip. Best, Jessica

Melissa Post author

November 24, 2019 at 3:07 pm

Good Information to know! I love the Blue Lagoon too! Such a magical place! Did you get a massage there or anywhere there ? Where do you recommend? I can’t get enough massages while travelling lol ! ?

November 25, 2019 at 1:37 am

Hi Melissa,

Yes, you can definitely get a massage at the Blue Lagoon. If you book one of the regular entry packages, you can add an in-water massage while you are there and charge it to your account while in the lagoon.

But since you are more interested in the massage part, I’d probably recommend booking the Spa Experience package instead which will give you access to the more exclusive spa facilities and treatments and you’ll have the option of a number of massages there. You also get access to upgraded changing room and shower facilities and private areas.

There are several options of spa facilities in Reykjavik such as the Reykjavik Day Spa which offers a number of massage options. So that might be a good option if you don’t want to return to the Blue Lagoon and are more interested in getting a good massage than the Blue Lagoon.

Richard Post author

August 29, 2019 at 7:41 am

Jessica & Laurence – great guide. My wife and I are thinking of devoting much of a day to visiting the Blue Lagoon on the day before we leave Iceland. We have 2 kids: ages 7 and 11. It is pretty expensive for our family budget so we are thinking about getting tickets to go in morning and then spending several hours here to enjoy and get our money’s worth. This guide was super helpful but I still had a couple questions that hopefully you can help me with.

1. It sound like the cafe at the Blue Lagoon is the least expensive place to grab some sandwiches and snacks. Can we take a break to eat there and then return to the pools? Or do we need to wait to eat until finished?

2. For the Northern Light Inn where you stayed, could we walk comfortably to the Blue Lagoon. I am guessing it not steep or difficult walk?

August 29, 2019 at 11:48 am

Hi Richard,

Sounds like you have a fun family trip to Iceland planned! And yes, I definitely think that planning to spend a bit of time at the Blue Lagoon is a good idea and glad our guides has been helpful!

1. Yes, the Cafe is the least expensive and most casual place to eat the Blue Lagoon. If you are looking for causal sandwiches, snacks, soups, etc. then that is probably the best place. Now, you could potentially swim, eat here, and then return to the pools, but you would need to dry off and put on bathrobes (or your clothes) to dine here. It is also a place where people not going to the pool come and eat. So, yes, I think it is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable place. And if you don’t have a bathrobe (the Comfort package does not include one) then you would need to change back into your clothes, which would not be fun.

If you have the Premier package then you have the option to eat at the Lava Restaurant and the restaurant allows guests to eat in their bathrobes until 4:00pm. After 4:00, regular clothing is required. But if you are trying to save money, that is probably not going to be an ideal option.

So what I might recommend is having a good breakfast in the morning before you go and drink the fruit smoothies in the pools (most filling and healthy option) and those should hold you over for a bit. Then I’d shower, change, and exit and then have a late lunch at the Cafe. I think the Cafe is open all day. That way you could spend a lot of time in the pool and not need to break for food. I’d also recommend bringing water bottles so you can save on purchasing other drinks at lunch and have it to stay hydrated at the pools.

2. So yes, we did stay at the Northern Light Inn and it is the hotel closest to the Blue Lagoon that is not a part of it. The hotel offers a free shuttle that you can arrange to the Blue Lagoon I believe. But if you want to walk, you could do it. It is probably about a 25 to 30 minute walk from the Blue Lagoon visitor entrance. You’ll want to just follow alongside the road. I haven’t walked it personally but it is a very flat area and not steep or difficult at all. I’d just be sure to keep your kids by the hand as there will be traffic going up and down the road but you should be able to walk along the sides rather than on the road there.

Hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip with your family! Jessica

Kalyan Panja Post author

August 17, 2019 at 6:26 am

These pictures are stunning! Thanks for the great information on this place. Pinning the information so I can plan a trip one day to Iceland.

August 17, 2019 at 6:28 am

Hi Kalyan, Glad you enjoyed our Blue Lagoon photos – it is definitely a photogenic spot! But it is only one of the thousands of stunning places in Iceland. Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Iceland. Best, Jessica

Castor Post author

August 16, 2019 at 10:05 am

Hi Ya’ll, excellent guide. Quick questions, can you submerge your face under the water? We are planning to go with a youngster that loves going underwater, and would like to know our limitations. Aside, how do you wash-off the face mask? Can you do it in the pools or have to go to the showers? Many thanks and great work.

August 16, 2019 at 11:24 am

Yes you can indeed put your head underwater and submerge your face if you wish in the Blue Lagoon. Just note the water is not clear and its a busy place, so it is not really a place for actual swimming but children can certainly play around and put their heads underwater.

Note that children under age 2 are not allowed in the pools (young children can be very sensitive to the water’s mineral content) and children under age 8 need to wear arm floats (free to get on-site) for safety reasons. Children age 2 to 13 can visit the Blue Lagoon for free!

For the face masks, you wash them off in the Blue Lagoon itself. You can submerge your face or just wash them off using your hands and water.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions!

Ashik Post author

July 16, 2019 at 12:15 am

Cool Places . My childhood dream is going there as like places. I saw this type places many time . There picture was cool and the beauty is mindless. How much money to need to go there. I am very interested to go there. Can you told me am waiting for your reply.

July 17, 2019 at 12:38 pm

Yes, the Blue Lagoons is definitely beautiful. The cost depends on the package and they are all listed in the article although I would always recommend checking the latest prices on the website. The current cost for the most basic package is ISK 6900 which is currently the equivalent of about USD $54. If this is too expensive, there are many other thermal swimming pools you can visit in Iceland that cost much less.

If you visit the Blue Lagoon, you will want to be sure to make a reservation in advance as they do timed entry.

Hope that helps! Jessica

Norma Post author

July 1, 2019 at 11:14 am

Loving your site! We are planning an 11day/11 night Ring Road adventure commencing Sept 17, 2019. Seeing the Aurora Borealis is our must do! We have decided to forgo the Blue Lagoon , probably substituting the Mývatn Nature Baths. Once one has entered this lagoon ( with the required reservation) is there a time limit to your stay? I haven’t been able to find this info.

Also, do you perhaps have a bit longer itinerary ( more than your 7 night) that we might access? Thank you

July 1, 2019 at 6:13 pm

You definitely have a chance to see the Northern Lights in Iceland as the best months are mid-September through end of March. But they of course depend on a bit of luck but having 11 days in Iceland will increase your chances 😉

Mývatn Nature Baths are one of our favorite baths in Iceland. Yes, you can stay as long as you want (until closing time) in the baths once you enter them; there is no time limit. I would recommend making a reservation in advance. Also note that a towel rental is not included in the base ticket price (unlike the Blue Lagoon) so you may want to bring along a travel towel or you can rent one there.

We do have an 8 day Ring Road itinerary that we’d recommend checking out to help plan your trip in addition to the 7 day Iceland itinerary on this site. We’d recommend just doing this at a slower pace with more 2 night stays in areas where there are more things that you want to see and do. You can also add areas like a visit to the Westman Islands or spending time exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula. We have done a much longer trip along the Ring Road so if you have any questions, let us know.

irene Post author

June 11, 2019 at 12:18 am

This is excellent information! You included all the details about how to find everything to.. that’s very convenient. thanks for sharing..

June 11, 2019 at 4:07 am

You’re very welcome Irene, just let us know if you have any questions about the Blue Lagoon, enjoy!

Seana Turner Post author

May 20, 2019 at 7:51 am

One thing I really love about your blog is your honesty. I have to admit I’ve never heard of the blue lagoon, but I would have been picturing me, alone in this beautiful water if I decided to go. Thank you for being clear that this is a busy tourist destination. Still potentially worth it, but know what you are going to get for your investment. Keep the detailed information coming!

May 20, 2019 at 10:42 am

Hi Seana, Glad you enjoy it! Yes, I think because a lot of the publicity photos show a woman floating alone in the Blue Lagoon, it gives some people the wrong impression. The Blue Lagoon is beautiful geothermal resort and a unique experience but I do think people should be given a realistic picture of what to expect, especially since it is a pretty pricey experience. Best, Jessica

Alma Post author

May 17, 2019 at 4:55 pm

Wow…that was extensive info…thanks. We were curious but had already decided from the guide books that the Blue Lagoon was not for us as we are on a budget but not keen on hordes of tourists. We are very interested in the other locations you mentioned. We are going in Sept…will drive the Ring Road so any comments would be valuable and appreciated. Thank you. I already subscribe to the newsletter.

May 18, 2019 at 3:02 am

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is not for everyone and it is pricey. The most similar spa (large with blue waters and nice scenery) is Mývatn Nature Baths which was one of our favorites – it is still pricey but not as expensive as Blue Lagoon. Tickets for adults are currently ISK 4500 to ISK 5000 (compared to 6900 to 12000 for Blue Lagoon) depending on time of year with discounts for teens, seniors, and disabled folks. The only thing we didn’t like about Myvatn is that a towel rental is not included (can be rented for extra fee) so we packed our own travel towel. It is located in northern Iceland easy to add into a Ring Road itinerary. We went in the evening and it wasn’t too busy, and it is a big area like the Blue Lagoon.

Krauma is ones of the newest and it has several small geothermal pools at different temperatures, steam baths, and a relaxation room. Adults are 3800 ISK at the moment so a good deal compared to the others. Not as impressive as the other two but it was very clean and relaxing and they have an excellent cafe on-site. It is heated by and right next to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Again no towel included but you can bring your own (or rent one on site).

There are also free geothermal pools you can find along the route although many are a bit off the Ring Road. One is a geothermal river Reykjadalur Geothermal River – a popular place for locals and tourists. There is about a 3km hike and then you get to the hot part of the river where you can sit in the river. Just note there are almost no facilities here (just some not-so-private dividers where you can change/leave stuff).

In Reykjavik, the public swimming pools are very inexpensive and most include geothermal hot tubs, pools, and full sized swimming pools. Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach has thermal pools and a small beach area and is free in summer (although often busy). If you purchase the Reykjavik City Card , you get free entry to 7 or 8 of Reykjavik’s thermal pools. Best place to swim with locals.

We’ve been to lots of pools in Iceland and plan to write a guide later in the year, but hopefully above helps give you some ideas!

May 18, 2019 at 8:51 am

Thank you very much…very helpful!! We will try one or more out.

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Things No One Tells You About the Blue Lagoon Iceland

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Visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland is a must for anyone visiting this awesome adventure destination!  The Blue Lagoon is the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland — it seems like nearly every traveler who visits Iceland works a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon into their itinerary.

And being the most popular destination, there are plenty of guides and how-tos for the Blue Lagoon Iceland on the internet. But to be honest, I was surprised by how many things I didn’t know.

This geothermal spa is a lot more than meets the eye. Between the warm water and convivial atmosphere, this might be one of the most memorable stops on your Iceland trip.

I’ve visited the Iceland Blue Lagoon several times, in different kinds of weather. As you can see by my photos, I’ve seen the Blue Lagoon on a gorgeous day in May; I’ve also visited the Blue Lagoon on a cold and rainy August day. It wasn’t ideal, but it was still worth visiting the Blue Lagoon in the rain.

Before you go to the Blue Lagoon, here’s what you need to know — so you can kick back and have an unforgettable experience.

This post was last updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Blue Lagoon Iceland FAQ

The Blue Lagoon strongly recommends advance reservations , as tickets are often sold out. But you can book at the door if necessary.

The temperature of the Blue Lagoon is 37-40 Celsius (98-104 Fahrenheit) and feels like a warm bath.

The minimum age to visit the Blue Lagoon is two years old. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult; children under 8 must wear floaties (which are available at the entrance and free of charge).

The Blue Lagoon advises not wearing contact lenses. If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them, but don’t get them wet, as the Blue Lagoon could damage them.

It actually isn’t! Many hot springs in Iceland are natural, but the Blue Lagoon isn’t .

Try to avoid getting your hair wet at the Blue Lagoon, and coat it in conditioner beforehand, because the results aren’t pretty .

Is the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik?

The Blue Lagoon is not in Reykjavik. It’s in the town of Grindavík, close to Keflavík International Airport and about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Two-thirds of Iceland’s population may live in Reykjavik, but the Blue Lagoon is quite a distance away. If you haven’t rented a car, you’ll need to book a transfer with a tour company. You can book Blue Lagoon tickets with optional transportation from your hotel or the airport here.

That said, Reykjavik is a fabulous city and being based here is the best option for visiting the Blue Lagoon and exploring the nearby region. See below for where to stay in Reykjavik .

Blue Lagoon COVID Entry Requirements (2023)

As of 2023, the Blue Lagoon Iceland is no longer taking any COVID entry requirements beyond Iceland’s own precautions. As for the country of Iceland, Iceland is now fully open to visitors and no COVID test or proof of vaccination is required.

Still, many travelers are canceling their Iceland trips last-minute due to COVID infection. If you need to cancel your 2023 reservation at the Blue Lagoon, full refunds will be honored up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel within 24 hours, you will not receive a refund.

Is the Blue Lagoon a natural spring?

The Iceland Blue Lagoon is not a natural spring. While Iceland is a country brimming with natural hot springs, the Blue Lagoon actually isn’t one of them. The land is natural, as is the lava that shapes the pool, but the hot water is actually the result of runoff from the geothermal power plant next door.

The geothermal plant was built first, and it uses Iceland’s volcanic landscape to produce heat power. The runoff is filtered straight into the Blue Lagoon, which is what heats the water.

That doesn’t mean it’s dangerous or toxic — far from it! It’s still a geothermal pool with mineral-rich water. The Blue Lagoon is simply not the natural phenomenon that many people believe it to be.

Best Time to Go to Blue Lagoon

When is the best time to go to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland? The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Iceland, so I recommend planning your trip carefully to avoid crowds.

If you want to have the space mostly to yourself, I recommend going as soon as it opens, first thing in the morning. If you’re waiting at the Blue Lagoon right as they open and you rush in the locker room, you could be the first person in it!

(This is also the best option if you want to avoid a long line, or get photos without other people in them.)

If you want to be a bit of an overachiever, you could check the flight schedule at Reykjavík airport and plan your trip when the fewest flights are arriving and departing. Personally, I think this is a bit overkill, but some people who live for data enjoy doing this.

In terms of the best time to visit Iceland, you have options. While Iceland is very popular throughout the year, Iceland is at its busiest and most expensive during the summer months. This is when you have long days (and midnight sun!), the most pleasant weather (though in Iceland the weather can be brutal and ever-changing year-round), and the most activities available.

If you choose to visit Iceland during the summer, be sure to book accommodation, tours, and car rental as soon as possible. Many hotels, flights, cars, and activities sell out in advance.

Winter is the slowest time of year for tourism in Iceland. If you want to experience a quieter Iceland, I highly recommend visiting during the winter. Keep in mind that it’s a cheaper time to visit, flights will likely be less expensive, and fewer tours and activities will be available. 

Are you interested in seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland? The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are most likely to be seen during the winter months and around the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (March 21 and September 21). You are extremely unlikely to see them in the summer.

However, the Northern Lights are finicky and unpredictable. Despite your best efforts, you might not get to see them. Many an Iceland tourist has been disappointed at missing their chance. 

My advice? Don’t make your trip all about the Northern Lights. (Frankly, there are places much more reliable than Iceland to see the Northern Lights, like parts of Alaska and northern Norway.) Go in with cautious optimism. If you see the Northern Lights, great! If you don’t, you’ve still had a fun trip to Iceland.

Blue Lagoon at Night

Can you visit the Blue Lagoon at night? Yes — but the opening hours vary based on the time of year. From June through mid-August, the Blue Lagoon is open until midnight. During the summer months, the midnight sun ensures that you always have a bit of light out.

One advantage of visiting the Iceland Blue Lagoon at night is that it has a peaceful, dusky, almost spooky atmosphere. Plus, most of the visiting children will have left by night.

However, don’t plan to get images of the Blue Lagoon at night underneath a dark sky. If you visit during the summer months, midnight in July will only be a bit dusky; frankly, it will be a lot darker in late December at 5:00 PM.

Is it possible to see the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon Iceland? Technically, it’s possible, but it’s very unlikely.

Most of the images you’ve seen of the Northern Lights have been in places with little to no light pollution. The Blue Lagoon is full of light. Proper Northern Lights tours — like this Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon tour — will take you far outside the city to see them.

Iceland Blue Lagoon Hours

• January 1-May 31: 8:00 AM-9:00 PM
• June 1-August 20: 7:00 AM-12:00 AM
• August 21-December 31: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM

How Deep is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a maximum of 1.7 meters (4.7 feet) deep.

For this reason, all children are required to have a guardian while in the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Temperature

The Blue Lagoon has wonderfully warm water. It has a water temperature usually ranging between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius (98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit).  

It feels like a nice, warm bath. However, keep in mind that the outdoor temperature and weather mean that the temperature can fluctuate a bit higher and lower.

The temperature of the Blue Lagoon is warm enough to keep you toasty on a cold day.

Are there medicinal benefits to the Blue Lagoon?

You might notice that geothermal spas around the world, as well as the Blue Lagoon, like to infer that their spas can help medical conditions, especially skin diseases. The Blue Lagoon’s medical benefits were first discovered by Valur Margeirsson, a young man from Keflavík looking for treatment for psoriasis.

Margeirsson reportedly cured his psoriasis from frequent soaks in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Of course, tales like this must always be taken with a grain of salt. Even so, many people with skin conditions enjoy spending time in an environment like this.

As always, if you have medical concerns, talk to a medical professional.

Do you have to shower before going into the Blue Lagoon?

Not unlike spas in Europe and around the world, you must take a shower before going into the pool.  The Iceland Blue Lagoon goes one step further and requires you to shower naked.

This is an absolute requirement at every swimming pool and geothermal spa in Iceland. You must be naked. It is the height of rudeness to shower in your bathing suit. Icelanders take cleanliness in pools very seriously.

Don’t worry if you don’t want to be naked in public! While most Iceland locker rooms have communal showers out in the open, there are now several private shower stalls at the Blue Lagoon where you can wash in private.

If you’re interested in more privacy, you get access to private changing rooms with Retreat Spa tickets . More on that below.

Once you’re rinsed and your hair is conditioned, you can put your bathing suit on and head on into the Blue Lagoon.

Should you book the Blue Lagoon before or after your flight to Iceland?

Try to time your visit to the Blue Lagoon to your flight to Iceland.  If you have super early flights to Iceland, you may not be able to do this — but if you have a morning or afternoon arrival or an afternoon or evening departure, you should take advantage of hitting up Iceland’s Blue Lagoon on the way to or from the airport.

The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, much closer to Keflavik International Airport than Reykjavik. Going to the Blue Lagoon en route to Keflavik airport will save you time. The Blue Lagoon Iceland is the perfect place to chill out for a bit before your flight.

If that’s the case for you, I recommend booking Blue Lagoon tickets and adding an airport transfer . This will give you time to enjoy the lagoon on the way to Keflavík Airport, giving yourself more time to spend doing other things in Iceland.

If you’re visiting Iceland as a stopover between North America and Europe, you’ll find much more convenient times for visiting the Blue Lagoon from North America to Iceland to Europe than if you are flying from Europe to Iceland to North America.

Should you combine a Blue Lagoon visit with another tour in Iceland?

If you’re only visiting Iceland for a few days, you can save time and money by booking day tours that include multiple activities in a day. Not a bad way to combine a Blue Lagoon tour with another activity! Here are some suggestions:

• Visit the Blue Lagoon and tour the Golden Circle, including Kerid Crater (easy).
• Visit the Blue Lagoon and tour Reykjanes Geopark (easy).
• Visit the Blue Lagoon and hike to Merdalir Volcano (moderate to hard).
• Visit the Blue Lagoon and go on a Northern Lights safari afterward (September through April only).
• Visit the Blue Lagoon and go on an ATV Adventure on the Reykjanes Peninsula (moderate).

All of these tours include admission to the Blue Lagoon in the price.

Speaking personally, I think combining the Blue Lagoon with the Golden Circle is a great way to spend a day in Iceland.

Your hair will get DESTROYED at the Blue Lagoon.

The one thing that everyone says is, “Use lots of leave-in conditioner.” The locker rooms at the Iceland Blue Lagoon offer lots of conditioner, so that made it easy.

The water at the Blue Lagoon is not good for your hair. I would be especially cautious if you have natural Black hair, curly hair, or color-treated hair.

I thought my curly hair would be okay. Well, after covering my hair in conditioner, twisting it up in a French twist, leaving the conditioner in, and going into the Blue Lagoon, then coming out, rinsing my hair, conditioning it like crazy, and leaving it in again — my hair was destroyed for the next five days.

Take my advice — even if you condition your hair, don’t let it touch the water. You’re not missing out on much if you don’t. You can choose to wear a swim cap if you’d like, but it’s still better to keep your head dry.

The Blue Lagoon has swim caps for sale if you think you need one.

Iceland Blue Lagoon Pricing

The Blue Lagoon has overhauled their website and made it easier to see how much they charge. I’m glad to see that development! Adult tickets are sold to those who are age 14 and older.

Tickets are sold in tiers: Comfort, Premium, and Retreat Spa. Comfort and Premium just vary in terms of amenities, but the much more expensive Retreat Spa tier gives you access to a private spa and private area of the Blue Lagoon Iceland.

Comfort tickets at the Blue Lagoon cost $62 USD. Comfort tickets include entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel (you can also bring your own towel), and a drink of your choice free of charge.

Premium tickets at the Blue Lagoon cost $79 USD. The premium package includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, use of towel, first free drink of your choice, second face mask of your choice, dining reservation (optional), and sparkling wine with your dining reservation.

Retreat Spa tickets at the Blue Lagoon cost $479 USD. Retreat spa tickets include entrance to the Blue Lagoon, access to the private Retreat Spa (four hours), access to a private changing room, The Blue Lagoon Ritual, Retreat Lagoon, skin care amenities, access to the Spa Restaurant, and first free drink of your choice. The Retreat Spa has floor to ceiling windows and is a luxurious experience.

Yes, the Retreat Spa is expensive!! But it’s so different. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It feels removed from the busy main lagoon. One of my travel writer friends told me the Retreat Spa was the best spa experience she’s ever had.

Which tier is best at the Iceland Blue Lagoon? Personally, I think that Comfort is more than fine — there’s no real point to Premium. But if you want to go all out and have the cash to spend, go ahead and book the Retreat Spa .

Can you walk around the Blue Lagoon?

Certainly! There is a trail around the grounds of the Blue Lagoon. It’s about 1.6 km (one mile), it’s almost entirely flat, and it works out to be around a 30 minute walk.

Dining at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon has several restaurants on the property, making it possible to stay there for hours and enjoy all the amenities.

I highly recommend pre booking for all three restaurants, but especially for Moss, as it’s very popular. You want to make sure you can get your time slot.

Moss Restaurant

If you’re looking for something truly special, Moss Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon offers high-end, elegant, beautifully plated cuisine. Moss Restaurant is the best restaurant at the Blue Lagoon, with views looking down into the surrounding landscape of the lagoon, and is open for dinner only. It’s also the only restaurant to make Iceland’s Michelin Guide.

Moss Restaurant serves tasting menus exclusively, for five and seven courses. A regular menu is available and there is a vegan tasting menu as well. Expect exquisite, modern Nordic dishes featuring high-end Icelandic produce.

Lava Restaurant

Lava Restaurant features gourmet dining overlooking the shores of the Blue Lagoon. Both lunch and dinner are served in this restaurant. While high-end, it’s not as fancy as Moss, and you can order from two- and three-course set menus as well as à la carte dishes.

Lava Restaurant features a seafood menu, Icelandic menu, and vegetarian menu. Here the lava field is brought indoors, and you dine while surrounded by the remains of a lava cliff at the Blue Lagoon.

Spa Restaurant

The Spa Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon specializes in light, healthy dishes to be enjoyed in a quiet, peaceful environment. Plenty of vegetarian, seafood, and even meat dishes are on offer, and they have a nice selection of juices.

My Blue Lagoon Experience

I enjoyed my time at the Blue Lagoon.  Being the kind of girl who loves extreme heat, I thought the water wouldn’t be hot enough for me, but it turns out that there is a super-hot section just for cold-blooded ones like myself!

Right away I got into the water, soft with milky blue-green algae and natural minerals, and immediately felt ten times more relaxed.

It never gets too hot in Iceland — in my spring and summer trips, temperatures hovered in mid-40s Fahrenheit (about 6-9 C), which made the pool nice and toasty, and not so cold that walking outside was like Nordic torture. It felt just fine.

If you visit the Blue Lagoon in winter, it will be colder, but that just means you should get in the water a little bit faster. It’s nice and cozy year-round.

The Blue Lagoon gives you wristbands that connect to your credit card. You can use for purchases while in the water. This is a brilliant way of paying for items without having to keep an eye on your purse or wallet. The wristband system also prevents people from buying more than three alcoholic drinks.

The Blue Lagoon has a sauna and steam room, as well as an exclusive section. You can get a variety of spa treatments, like face masks, but nothings’s better than a massage on a float right in the Blue Lagoon! There are cocktails and alcoholic beverages at the swim-up bar, but I prefer the smoothies instead, which you can conveniently pay for with your wristband.

On the way out, there’s a gift shop filled with souvenirs to take with you.

Overall, if you’re going to Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a beautiful place and one of those experiences that you just have to try.  If only for the social media posts! But if you can, I recommend you do it on the way to or from the airport — and I beg you, don’t let that water touch your hair!

Once you’ve tried the Blue Lagoon, you may be up for trying more of Iceland’s fantastic hot springs — including the Sky Lagoon .

Sky Lagoon Iceland

Iceland is a fantastic country, rich in geothermal spa experiences! Whether you want another high-end spa day or you want to hit the city pools with the locals, you have plenty of choices both in Reykjavik and around the country.

I am a huge fan of the Sky Lagoon , which opened in April 2021. This spa is much closer to Reykjavik (about a 15-minute drive from downtown) and it’s a more luxurious, more adult-oriented experience, all gray and misty and overlooking the ocean. You can see my full review of the Sky Lagoon here.

I think the Sky Lagoon is a great option if you want a quieter, less kid-filled experience (the minimum age here is 12 and adult supervision is required) without shelling out the sky-high fees for the fancy Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon. You can book the Sky Lagoon here.

Additionally, within Reykjavík are several public swimming pools that you can enjoy for a low fee. I personally visited the Sundhöllin Reykjavik downtown, a public pool complex that has indoor and outdoor pools and several hot pots.

The cost is a reasonable 1,150 ISK ($8 USD) for adults, 185 ISK ($1.30 USD) for 16- and 17-year-olds, and free for kids under 16 and seniors. (Keep in mind phones and cameras are NOT allowed at public swimming pools in Reykjavík.)

Beyond Reykjavík, there are so many memorable geothermal pools in other parts of the country. Three of my favorites are the Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir, East Iceland; Hvammsvik , about 45 minutes north of Reykjavík (opposite direction from the Blue Lagoon); and the GeoSea Geothermal Baths of Húsavík, North Iceland.

Read More: Is the Sky Lagoon Worth It?

Blue Lagoon Iceland Address

Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland at:

Blue Lagoon Iceland

Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík

+354 420 8800

More Things to Do in Iceland

Iceland is home to some of the most exciting, once-in-a-lifetime activities you can imagine! This is your chance to go all out with scenery and adventure. It seems like everywhere you go in Iceland, you’re close to the top spectacular wonders of the world.

Here are some of my top recommendations of things to do in Iceland, beyond the Blue Lagoon. Here is a mix of small group tours and individual events.

Snorkeling Silfra with Professional Photos — Snorkel the cold, clear, bright blue waters between the European and American tectonic plates, wearing a drysuit to stay warmish. A very adventurous activity, unlike anything else in the world, and the best thing I’ve ever done in Iceland.

Horseback Riding in the Lava Fields — Icelandic horses are a unique species in the world, fuzzy and short and adorable. Hop on horseback and explore the lava fields, another truly only-in-Iceland activity.

South Coast of Iceland Tour — The South Coast is the most scenic part of Iceland that you can see on a day trip from Reykjavik (if not the most scenic part of the entire country). This tour takes in multiple waterfalls, cliffs, and a black sand beach, all seen by jeep with off-roading capabilities. A fabulous choice for Instagrammers.

Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour — Icelandic cuisine isn’t exactly world-famous, so here’s your chance! Taste unique dishes from the sea and the land, including the famous street hot dog, with a local expert and new friends.

Northern Lights Hunt and Photo Shoot — Watch the green Aurora Borealis dance across the sky, and learn how to photograph it well, even with your phone. Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are seasonally dependent and never a guarantee, but this tour offers you a SECOND TRY if you don’t see them your first night! Get photos of yourself beneath the Northern Lights, too.

Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour — Head out to three cool bars in Reykjavik, led by a guide and surrounded by new friends, tasting Icelandic beers, schnapps, and spirits you never would have known about otherwise. A fun way to enjoy booze in a pricey country.

And this is just the beginning. The Reykjavík area is only one small part of Iceland. To really get to know the country, head out on a road trip, exploring the Ring Road and seeing even more incredible landscapes at every turn.

READ MORE: 35 Awesome Things to Do in Reykjavík, Iceland

Where to Stay In Iceland

Where’s the best place to stay in Iceland?  If you’re only staying in Iceland for a few days, Reykjavik makes an excellent base for exploring western Iceland.

Here are my top recommendations for Reykjavik accommodation, whether you prefer hotels, hostels, and apartments.

Best Reykjavik Hotels

All of the following hotels are located within Reykjavik’s city center or a short walk away.

Best Luxury Hotel: Sand Hotel — Immaculate, gorgeous, and brimming with textured amenities, all set in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, steps from everything. Artsy Icelandic touches in all the right places. Truly outstanding.

Best Mid-range Hotel: Hotel Ódinsvé — Classy, clean, black and white modern hotel rooms, all in a perfect central location. Feels special without breaking the bank. Has a Danish restaurant with an elegant bar on site.

Best Budget Hotel: Igdlo Guesthouse — A warm and welcoming family-run guesthouse with both private rooms and dorms available, plus access to kitchen, barbecue, and laundry to keep costs down even further.

Best Hostel: KEX Hostel — One of the coolest and hippest hostels in the Nordics, featuring a gorgeous lounge area, a nice restaurant, and both dorms and private rooms.

Find deals on Reykjavík hotels here.

Best Reykjavik Apartments

All of the following apartments are located within Reykjavik’s city center or a short walk away.

Best Luxury Apartments: House of the Snowbird — Two gorgeous apartments in a cheery red house that feels like a piece of art. Filled with hand-carved furnishings, comfy robes, and pieces of Icelandic artwork. Feels almost like a retreat hotel. Unforgettable.

Best Mid-Range Apartments: Island Apartments — A minimalist Scandinavian paradise in the absolute heart of downtown. Everything you need in a very convenient spot.

Best Budget Apartments: Stay Apartments Einholt — Simple, clean, high quality apartments at a low price by Reykjavik standards. Simple kitchen facilities and access to laundry machines.

Find deals on Reykjavik apartments here.

Blue Lagoon Essential Info

The Blue Lagoon has several different tiers of pricing: Comfort, Premium, and Retreat Spa, with entry as cheap as 62 USD. Ticket prices vary based on the date and time of booking.  Book tickets to the Blue Lagoon including optional transfers from the airport or Reykjavík here. Alternatively, book the much fancier and pricier Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon .

For flights to Iceland, I find the best rates on Skyscanner . Double-check to make sure you got a good rate.

Would you like to experience Iceland on a fun group tour? G Adventures has several Iceland tours , all with small groups.

The best way to get from the airport to downtown Reykjavík and back, or to and from the Blue Lagoon, is the Flybus . It’s cheap, easy, and runs frequently.

While Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, it’s vital to get travel insurance before your trip. If you get seriously injured and require an air ambulance home, it could save you literally hundreds of thousands of dollars. I don’t travel anywhere without insurance. Check out World Nomads , a company I’ve used before, to see if they’re right for you.

Plan Your Trip to Iceland:

• What My Actual Iceland Trip Cost: Detailed Budget Breakdown
• Iceland Packing List: What to Pack and What to Leave at Home
• What NOT to Do in Iceland

More Hot Springs in Iceland:

• Sky Lagoon: An Upscale Geothermal Spa Close to Reykjavík
• Are the Vök Baths Iceland’s Best Geothermal Spa?

More on   Reykjavík:

• 35 Awesome Things To Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
• Sail Through the Sky with FlyOver Iceland
• Snorkeling Silfra: The Cold Neon Waters of Iceland

Cool Places to Visit in Iceland:

• Kvernufoss, My Favorite Waterfall in Iceland
• Studlagil Canyon, East Iceland’s Spectacular Wonder
• A Guide to the Gorgeous Tröllaskagi Peninsula of North Iceland
• Visiting Stokksnes and Vestrahorn Mountain, Iceland

More than a decade ago in 2012, the Iceland Tourism Board  hosted my first Blue Lagoon visit. I’ve since returned, paying my own way. All opinions, as always, are my own.

The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon SPA

Home | Travel | Europe | Iceland | The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon SPA

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, a spa with turquoise waters in the middle of lava fields, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.

Moreover, it has become one of the essential things to do near Reykjavik , due to its location, which isn’t far from the capital of Iceland.

We have only visited the Blue Lagoon once, despite traveling to the island every year to run our Iceland photo tour . However, there are plenty of hot springs in Iceland in addition to the Blue Lagoon, so we try to visit a new one every year so as not to repeat experiences.

Guide to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Although we will talk about whether the Blue Lagoon is worth it or not later, I can tell you that it’s a unique place that has been featured in many international travel magazines and it’s very popular on social media. It is no wonder that it has become one of the most popular things to do in Iceland .

If you are going to travel to the island, book half a day to go to the Blue Lagoon and relax in its hot springs. So you know exactly what to expect, in this guide I will explain everything you need to know about Iceland’s Blue Lagoon : how much entrance to the Blue Lagoon costs, hotels nearby, how to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik, and much more.

Specifically, in this guide to the Blue Lagoon of Iceland , you will find:

What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

• Tickets for the Blue Lagoon Spa and prices
• Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa opening hours

Best time to visit Blue Lagoon Iceland

• How to get the to the Blue Lagoon hot spring in Iceland

Blue Lagoon Tours from Reykjavik

Iceland blue lagoon hotel and other places to stay nearby.

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located about 40-45 minutes from Reykjavik and about 20 minutes from the airport. Its waters are known for their medicinal properties, thanks to their high content of minerals such as silica and sulfur, which are beneficial for curing some skin ailments such as psoriasis.

Furthermore, silica, when dissolved in water in high concentrations, reflects blue light, giving the Blue Lagoon a beautiful milky blue color. Were you wondering why the Blue Lagoon of Iceland is blue ? Well, that is the reason, and the color has made the Blue Lagoon the most popular spa in Iceland. However, nowadays few visit it for medicinal purposes. Most of us go to this lagoon to relax in its blue waters while being surrounded by an incredible volcanic landscape.

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon was included in the 25 natural wonders of the world by National Geographic and is also considered one of the 10 best spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. And despite these qualifications, the Blue Lagoon is man-made . Are you disappointed? You don’t have to be. The Blue Lagoon is worth it

It was formed in the 1970s to reuse water from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. This seawater, naturally heated by volcanic activity 6,500 feet underground, is used to move the power plant’s turbines. When propelled towards the lagoon, the water drags the silica and minerals from the terrain and cools until the water in the Blue Lagoon is at a temperature between 98 and 106 ºF.

Now that you know what the Blue Lagoon of Iceland is , I assure you that bathing there is very relaxing, and despite its being a very touristy place, it’s worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. The Blue Lagoon is huge, at 7000 m 2 (75,000 ft²) ; you can definitely find a place where you can be practically alone, even in peak tourist season.

Tickets and prices for the Blue Lagoon Spa

Some of the most frequent questions we are asked are “ how much is the Blue Lagoon ” and “ what is included in the Blue Lagoon ticket. “

To help you buy the Iceland Blue Lagoon ticket that best suits you, I’ll briefly explain what each package includes. Of course, keep in mind that the price of the Iceland Blue Lagoon varies according to the time of year and hour booked, so the information provided here might be different for your dates.

Comfort: Blue Lagoon

The Comfort: Blue Lagoon package is the most basic of all and the one that we chose. Includes entrance to the lagoon, a silicon facemask, towel, and a drink of your choice. The price of this ticket is $76.

Although this is the standard entrance to the Blue Lagoon , it may seem expensive compared to other hot springs in Iceland. However, if you can afford it, I think it is worth experiencing and enjoying this relaxing bath even once in a lifetime.

Premium: Blue Lagoon

The Premium: Blue Lagoon package is superb. In this case, in addition to the entrance, a silica facial mask, a towel, and a drink of your choice, it also includes a second mask, slippers, bathrobe, a reservation at the Lava restaurant, and a glass of wine if you ultimately decide to have dinner at this restaurant.

The entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon is $97 with this package. Considering that it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland, it isn’t that expensive if you value everything it includes and decide to dine at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.

Luxury Retreat Spa

The entrance to the Blue Lagoon Luxury Retreat Spa is the best you can buy, but it’s also the most expensive by far. For $560, in addition to everything included in the Premium package, you will have access to a private changing room, various skin treatments, and access to different bathing areas, including the Retreat Lagoon, where you can take a relaxing and intimate bath surrounded by volcanic canyons.

This is most definitely the best entrance to the Blue Lagoon that you can buy if you want to have the full experience, but I’ll admit that the price is quite high, and not everyone can afford it.

If you want to know more about tickets to the Blue Lagoon , I recommend checking the official website , where you will get much more detailed information .

Blue Lagoon Geothermal SPA opening hours

The Blue Lagoon is not open to the public 24 hours a day , although it’s open every day of the year. If you don’t want to miss a visit to the Blue Lagoon on your trip to Iceland, I advise checking the schedule during your dates, since the opening hours of the Blue Lagoon vary throughout the year, in addition to changing from one year to another.

Currently, these are the opening hours of the Blue Lagoon on its official website :

• From January 1 to May 24: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• From May 25 to June 28: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• From June 29 to August 19: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• From August 20 to November 30: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• From December 1 to December 30: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• December 24: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• December 25 and 31: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m .

Best time to visit the Blue Lagoon of Iceland

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon of Iceland depends on your preferences. If you would like to see idyllic scenery and swim in the steaming Blue Lagoon, surrounded by snow, it’s best to visit the Blue Lagoon in winter . Summer is also a good time to visit, since it isn’t hot outside and the water stays at the same temperature throughout the year, so bathing is just as pleasant.

On sunny days, the Blue Lagoon will look much bluer, so to take photos in the Blue Lagoon, I recommend avoiding cloudy days.

As for the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon , this also depends on what you are looking for. In the central hours of the day, the sun will be higher and, therefore, the silica in the water will reflect more blue light. However, if you travel in peak tourist season, crowds may form in certain areas of the Blue Lagoon.

If you want to keep away from the crowds, it is best to go first thing in the morning or late in the day . Keep in mind what time it gets dark during the dates of your trip, since it changes abruptly throughout the year, and if you go to the Blue Lagoon at night, you will not be able to appreciate its milky blue color.

Check our guide on the weather in Iceland for more recommendations on when to visit.

Blue Lagoon at night – Northern Lights in the Blue Lagoon

During winter, it gets dark very early in Iceland. During many months, it is completely dark at 5 p.m., and considering that the lagoon doesn’t close until 9:00 p.m. from December to May, this leaves us many hours to enjoy the Blue Lagoon at night .

Furthermore, seeing Northern Lights in Iceland is something you have to do at least once in your lifetime. I assure you that it’s one of the best experiences you can have here, and seeing them from the Blue Lagoon is incredible. The colors of the sky together with those of the lagoon create a spectacular landscape. This is another reason why I consider visiting the Blue Lagoon in winter the best option.

Blue Lagoon at night

However, seeing Northern Lights in the Blue Lagoon can sometimes be difficult, as the hotel’s light pollution makes it difficult to see them unless there is a fairly strong solar storm.

If the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights are on your bucket list for your trip to Iceland, book this tour , where you can spend the day relaxing in the Blue Lagoon and then go to an area where there is a high probability of seeing the Northern Lights.

What is a visit to the Blue Lagoon SPA like?

Visiting the Blue Lagoon isn’t cheap, so before you book your ticket, I want to give you my opinion on whether the Blue Lagoon is worth it or not and tell you exactly what it is like to visit the Blue Lagoon for the first time .

Things to know before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

First of all, don’t go to the Blue Lagoon without a reservation . All the times book up months in advance, so if you want to bathe in the Blue Lagoon, book your ticket beforehand.

There is free parking at the Blue Lagoon , so if you have rented a car, you can drive there directly. After registering, they will give you a bracelet for everything, from ordering a beer to getting your silica mask or locking your locker. You can also rent a swimsuit and slippers if you forgot to bring them.

What are the Blue Lagoon facilities like?

After going to the locker room, which is separated by sex, and storing your belongings, you will arrive at the indoor pool, where there is also a store where you can buy snacks or a waterproof case for your phone if you forgot to bring one.

Take a shower and go outside to discover the best of the Blue Lagoon, and don’t worry: you won’t get cold, even if the temperature is below 32 ºF. From here, my advice is to make the most of all the facilities you have access to with your type of entrance to the Blue Lagoon , including the bar where you can get drinks while you bathe. I assure you that there is nothing like enjoying a beer at the Blue Lagoon. Don’t forget to ask for your free mask at the kiosks that you will see in the center of the lagoon.

You will also find several restaurants, the Moss Restaurant, the Lava Restaurant, and the Spa Restaurant, so you have several options to eat in the Blue Lagoon .

My advice to visit the Blue Lagoon is to stay away from the main building. The Blue Lagoon is huge, and if you stray a little, you can enjoy a relaxing experience without so many people around.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?

Many photos of the Blue Lagoon you have seen were actually taken at Retreat Lagoon instead, which is a series of remote volcanic canyons that you will only have access to if you have paid for the Blue Lagoon Luxury Retreat Spa package.

If you pay the price of that ticket, I assure you that you will leave there thinking it was worth it. But if you go with the basic entrance and have those dreamy landscapes in mind, the Blue Lagoon might disappoint you a bit.

If you are good at being in very touristy places and sharing space and water with hundreds of other people, I think the Blue Lagoon is worth it, even if you pay the basic entry.

I didn’t regret visiting it, but, in my case, it’s not something I think I will do again, since there are many other hot springs in Iceland that I still have to visit. However, if you’ve never done it before, I think visiting the Blue Lagoon is the best thing to do in Iceland .

Where in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon? Is the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik?

If you’re wondering, “ where is the Blue Lagoon ,” don’t worry because I’m going to give you all the details you need to get there. The Blue Lagoon is very close to Grindavík, on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Iceland. From Reykjavik, it takes approximately 40-45 minutes by car, and from the airport, it takes approximately 20 minutes.

Although it’s a very popular visit among tourists visiting Reykjavik and it’s even suggested as one of the essential visits from the capital, the Blue Lagoon isn’t in Reykjavik . Still, due to its proximity, it is one of the most popular excursions from Reykjavik .

How to get to the Blue Lagoon hot spring in Iceland

If you are going to rent a car in Iceland , you will have no problem getting there, as it’s well signposted and there is free parking .

Find Cheap Rental Cars in Iceland

However, if you are traveling through Iceland without a car, don’t worry. You can get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik by bus .

If you have already bought a ticket to this spa and want to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik , I advise you to book this transfer , since it includes both the outward and return journey. The best thing is that there are departures every hour from the BSI bus terminal, and the same goes for departures from the Blue Lagoon. If you prefer a private transfer, you have this option .

Keep in mind that neither of these two options includes admission to the Blue Lagoon SPA, but if you book a Blue Lagoon tour from Reykjavik , you can save quite a bit, as you will see below .

If you don’t plan to rent a car in Iceland, then I will tell you the best tours to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik that you can book.

1. Blue Lagoon Entry with Roundtrip Transfers

This basic tour includes entrance and transport to the Blue Lagoon of Iceland from Reykjavik and helps you save compared to booking the entrance to the Blue Lagoon and the transport separately.

A bus will pick you up at the hotel where you are staying in Reykjavik and will take you to the Blue Lagoon, where you will have about four hours to enjoy yourself before returning to Reykjavik. The ticket included in this tour is the basic one, the Comfort: Blue Lagoon package .

• Highlights : Comfort entrance to the Blue Lagoon and round-trip transportation from Reykjavik.
• Duration : approximately 5 hours.
• Price : $123.81 ( check availability )
• Description : visit the Blue Lagoon with your Comfort ticket and enjoy a relaxing dip surrounded by a spectacular volcanic landscape. The bus will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the spa entrance. Then, they will drop you off at the hotel again.

2. Small-Group Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Tour with Admission

If, besides the Blue Lagoon, you are interested in seeing other attractions near Reykjavik, I recommend you take this tour in which you will also visit some of the essential Iceland Golden Circle stops .

In addition to taking a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon , you will visit the main tourist attractions of the Golden Circle , such as Thingvellir National Park, the active Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerid Crater.

• Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerid Crater, and Blue Lagoon.
• Duration: approximately 11 hours.
• Price : $ 229.16 ( check availability )
• Description: Enjoy the main attractions of the Golden Circle, such as Thingvellir National Park, the active Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss waterfall, and Kerid Crater. Then, access the Blue Lagoon with a Comfort entrance. The tour takes place in small groups, with a maximum of 18 people.

3. From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

The Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights tour is another of the best excursions to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik that you can book and I recommend doing so here . If it’s your first time in Iceland and, in addition to seeing the Blue Lagoon, you want to enjoy a spectacle of nature such as the northern lights, I recommend you take this tour. Also, so that you can immortalize the moment, I recommend taking a look at our guide on how to photograph the northern lights .

• Highlights : visit with admission to the Blue Lagoon and tour to see the northern lights.
• Duration : 8 hours approximately.
• Price : $178.83 ( check availability )
• Description : With this tour, in addition to transfers, you will have access to the Blue Lagoon with the Comfort package. Later, with a local guide, you will take a tour to see the northern lights .

If you are wondering where to stay in the Blue Lagoon of Iceland to be close to this wonderful spa, then check out the best hotels in the Blue Lagoon that you can find.

1. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

The Retreat is, without a doubt, the best hotel in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon . It is a luxury hotel located in the Blue Lagoon itself. In addition to 62 suites, a fitness center, and a traditional Icelandic restaurant, the hotel offers a host of activities, from yoga to hiking. There is no doubt that this is the best hotel in the Blue Lagoon, since you will have unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon, the Blue Retreat, and different body treatments. However, only a few lucky people can afford it.

2. Northern Light Inn

The Northern Light Inn is a family hotel with a spa, fitness center, fireplace lounge, and best of all, incredible panoramic views. It is 0.5 miles from the Blue Lagoon, making it perfect and very comfortable for those who want to visit the lagoon first thing in the morning or late in the day. And best of all, it has a free shuttle to the Blue Lagoon , which is why it has become one of the best hotels in the Blue Lagoon .

3. Mar Guesthouse

Unlike the previous two, the Mar Guesthouse is somewhat far from the Blue Lagoon, 4 miles to be exact, but it’s the best option if you are looking for a cheap hotel near the Blue Lagoon.

The rooms are perfectly equipped, some even have a kitchen, and it’s in the center of Grindavík, a town that I love because it has a lot of good restaurants. It’s certainly a good place to stay in the Blue Lagoon . In addition, since it’s somewhat more modest than the previous hotels, it is perfect if you are traveling on a budget.

FAQS and other Iceland Blue Lagoon SPA Facts

Where is the blue lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is in the southwest of Iceland, specifically on the Reykjanes peninsula, very close to Grindavík and 40 minutes from Reykjavik.

Is the Blue Lagoon a natural spring or man-made?

The Blue Lagoon was artificially created to take advantage of the water used by the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant.

Why is the Blue Lagoon Blue?

The blue color of the Blue Lagoon is due to its high content of silica, sulfur, and other minerals that, dissolved in the water, give the Blue Lagoon its characteristic color.

How is the Blue Lagoon Water Temperature?

The average water temperature of the Blue Lagoon is usually between 98 and 106 ºF.

How big is the Iceland Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon has a total surface area, taking into account the lagoon, the hotel, and restaurants, of 950,000 ft². Even in peak tourist season, you can enjoy privacy in the areas furthest from the Blue Lagoon facilities.

How often do they clean the water of the Blue Lagoon?

The 9 million liters of the Blue Lagoon are naturally renewed every 40 hours, so the Blue Lagoon is always kept clean without the need for chlorine or other disinfectants.

What's the cost of Iceland's Blue Lagoon?

There are several types of tickets, and prices vary according to the time of year and the schedule. The price of the Blue Lagoon is approximately $76 for the Comfort package, which is the most basic of all, $97 for the Blue Lagoon Premium package, and $560 for the Luxury Retreat Spa.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Blue Lagoon?

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is in winter, since the landscape around the lake is much more beautiful and the steaming water invites you to swim in it. In summer, the Blue Lagoon tends to be more crowded with tourists, especially in the months of July and August, but the outside temperature is more pleasant.

When is the best moment to visit the Blue Lagoon?

It is better to visit the Blue Lagoon first thing in the morning, since there will be fewer tourists. At noon, the Blue Lagoon may be more beautiful because if it’s a sunny day, you can see intense blue colors in the water. If you visit the Blue Lagoon at night, you may see the Northern Lights.

Is the Blue Lagoon Better at night or during the day?

If it’s your first time visiting the Blue Lagoon, it is better to visit it by day to see its beautiful colors in the sunlight, although if you go to the Blue Lagoon in winter, you may see the northern lights in the Blue Lagoon if you visit it at night.

Can you see the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in the Blue Lagoon, although you will need a fairly strong solar storm, with a kp greater than 5, for the light pollution of the Blue Lagoon to let you see them.

What are the changing rooms at the Blue Lagoon look like?

The changing rooms at the Blue Lagoon are modern, spacious, and fully equipped with private lockers that open with a personal bracelet, showers, soap, gel, and a hairdryer. The Blue Lagoon locker rooms are divided by sex. You can also choose a private changing room in the Blue Lagoon if you book the Luxury Retreat pack.

Do you have to shower before going into the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, a shower is mandatory before entering the swimming area of ​​the Blue Lagoon.

Are there any restaurant at the Blue Lagoon?

Inside the Blue Lagoon, there are three restaurants: the Moss Restaurant, the Lava Restaurant, and the Spa Restaurant. There is also a cafeteria.

Can you bring your own food to the Blue Lagoon?

Bringing food to the Blue Lagoon isn’t allowed. In the facilities, there are restaurants to eat, and you can also buy snacks.

What should I bring to the Blue Lagoon?

It is essential to take a swimsuit and slippers to the Blue Lagoon, although if you have forgotten, you can also rent them there. In addition, it’s recommended to bring a waterproof case for your phone.

Are towels provided at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, towels are included in the Blue Lagoon ticket price, regardless of the type of ticket.

Do I need flip flops for the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you will need to wear flip-flops to access the Blue Lagoon, and it is better to bring them from home.

Can you wear glasses in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you can wear glasses in the Blue Lagoon, but try to keep them away from water because the minerals in the water could dirty or deteriorate them. Wearing contacts in the Blue Lagoon is more comfortable.

Can I wear makeup in the Blue Lagoon?

No, you shouldn’t put on makeup to bathe in the Blue Lagoon, as the water could get dirty. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why it’s mandatory to shower before entering the Blue Lagoon.

Does the Blue Lagoon ruin your hair?

Yes, the water from the Blue Lagoon ruins hair. It is recommended not to submerge your head in water, since prolonged contact with water could leave it dull. Keratin-treated hair will also be damaged.

Does the Blue Lagoon ruin your bathing suit?

No, the Blue Lagoon water won’t ruin your swimsuit, although it is recommended that you wash it very well afterward to remove any water components that may have remained on the fabric.

Can I take photos in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you are allowed to take photographs in the Blue Lagoon but not in or around the changing rooms. The user is solely responsible for any damage that his/her camera, telephone, or any electronics may suffer at the Blue Lagoon.

Can children and pregnant women visit the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, children can access the Blue Lagoon from the age of two. As for pregnant women, they are not prohibited from entering, but each woman is responsible for her own health, considering she will be bathing at a temperature that can reach 106 ºF.

Is there free parking at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, there is free parking for Blue Lagoon customers.

How many hours do you need at the Blue Lagoon?

Any of the entrance packages allow you to be inside the Blue Lagoon for an unlimited time on the same day. Most visitors stay in the Blue Lagoon for 2-3 hours.

How deep is the Blue Lagoon?

The deepest area of ​​the Blue Lagoon is 4.5 feet, and the shallowest is 2.6 feet.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting?

Yes, it is worth visiting the Blue Lagoon and having the experience. There are also other natural hot springs where bathing is possible, but they are less crowded with tourists and you can enjoy spectacular landscapes.

And that’s all. Now that you have your complete guide to the Blue Lagoon of Iceland , book your ticket or tour as soon as you know the dates of your trip. As I have mentioned before, it’s a very touristy place and the tickets may get booked up for your dates.

I also encourage you to take a look at our article on the best maps of Iceland so that you can plan your trip much better and know, in detail, everything to do near the Blue Lagoon . You can even find other hot springs in Iceland in case you haven’t managed to reserve a ticket for your dates.

Now I can only wish you a happy trip, and I hope you enjoy your dip in Iceland’s popular Blue Lagoon. Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment if you have any questions.

Ascen Aynat

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The Truth About Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland: 14 Essential Tips + All You Need to Know

Last Updated: July 26, 2024 //  by  Ashley Smith 59 Comments

Some like it hot; I prefer it geothermal, which is why visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of my favorite things to do there! I mean, what’s better than a ginormous body of 104°F water, magic face mud, cold beer, and the color blue? Nothing—those are all fantastic things!

I’ve now visited Iceland’s Blue Lagoon a couple of times and I’m here to reinforce your opinion that the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a must-do. I have yet to meet anyone who disagrees! However, there are a handful of things you definitely need to know before your day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. (And I’ve got plenty of helpful tips to boot!) Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Blue Lagoon Iceland facts

Iceland is a country bursting with volcanic activity—both literally and figuratively. Because of this, all that hot stuff under the Earth’s surface is brought closer and closer to the top where we can actually make use of it in a ton of fun and helpful ways. Drill, baby, drill!

Iceland harnesses its surplus of geothermal energy using power plants located around the island. This energy accounts for almost 30% of the country’s electricity and 87% of its heating and hot water requirements. Plus, like most of its tourism output as well—seeing as how I recently visited mostly so I could hike to the erupting volcano.

These power plants drill into the earth and run the superheated ground water and steam that comes out through turbines to generate electricity.

To experience the Blue Lagoon and other (secret) geothermal areas, check out my full 7-day Iceland itinerary . You’ll get to see and do so much!

Blue Lagoon water

In one such power plant (the Svartsengi Power Station), the water is then expelled from the plant into a man-made (but still awesome) lagoon where we then bathe and cover ourselves with its precious waste. Yes, we are a weird people—but a weird people with baby soft skin, so hush.

However, the Blue Lagoon’s water isn’t just power plant backwash. These waters that run a constant 98°F – 104°F are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. These make it perfect for exfoliation, treating skin ailments, and making your friends laugh via your spot-on Mrs. Doubtfire impression. Hewwlewww!

But do know that all the water in the Blue Lagoon is naturally replenished every 40 hours. And, as you’ll see, that is a lot of water.

The same thing happens at the power plant in Tampa, Florida but here it’s manatees that bathe in the hot water. Check out this post on Tampa’s Manatee Viewing Center to see what I mean!

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Now that you know some Blue Lagoon facts and a little background to impress your friends with, here’s what you need to know about actually visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

You should still visit even though it’s “touristy”

Whether you’re planning a quick trip to Iceland or a week-long Iceland road trip , you’ve surely seen the Blue Lagoon mentioned at least a hundred times already. Half the population thinks it’s the greatest thing this side of the boiling point, while the other half (haters) find it too mainstream for their boujee tastes.

I’m in the first group, obviously—a proud Blue Lagoon cheerleader. And so is everyone else who I’ve actually discussed this with.

Sure, Iceland is overflowing with geothermal swimming holes. Sure, the Blue Lagoon is only loosely a naturally-occurring phenomenon. And sure, visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland costs more than some other similar spots.

But, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is also beautiful and interesting, totally unique, easy to get to, and possibly the best damn time you’ll have this close to the Arctic Circle.

Is it “touristy?” Sure, a lot of tourists know about it and probably most of the people who visit are tourists. But, it’s not overcrowded (I don’t think you understand just how huge this place is); it’s not exorbitantly priced; there aren’t people trying to scam you into buying cheap crap; nor will you feel like you’ve been duped after visiting. 

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is still a seriously fun, relaxing, and interesting cultural experience out in a less-populated area of Iceland. “Touristy” or not, it’s absolutely worth visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. So get those haters out of your head already! (My advice for today and always.)

Visiting the Blue Lagoon is just one of the many awesome things to do on my perfect 4-day Iceland itinerary . Check it out at that link and copy the whole beautiful plan if you want! And don’t forget to pack all the right stuff for Iceland . (Free packing checklist in that link!)

Blue Lagoon Iceland packages

When visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, you’ll have three packages to choose from:

• Comfort – the most basic
• Premium – the basic stuff + a few nice extras
• Luxury – Off the charts splurge

Here are a few more details on the different Blue Lagoon packages…

Blue Lagoon Comfort package

“Comfort” is the Blue Lagoon’s most basic package and costs just $64 (USD). It includes:

• Entrance to the Blue Lagoon (and unlimited amount of time in it) plus access to the saunas and steam rooms as well
• Silica mud mask (the white mask you see everyone wearing)
• Use of the lockers and towels
• Free drink of your choice at either the swim-up bar (recommended, obviously) or the Blue Café. This includes alcoholic drinks as well as non-alcoholic ones.

This is the package I have purchased each time I have visited and it is really all you need for a fabulous day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! However, if you’re looking to splurge a little bit more on the finer things in life, check out the following two packages.

Blue Lagoon Premium package

The next step up from the “Comfort” package is the “Premium” package ($82 USD) which includes:

• All the same stuff as the Comfort package, plus…
• A second mask of your choice (either another silica mask or the black algae mask)
• Use of some slippers
• Use of a bathrobe
• A glass of sparkling wine if you’re dining at the Lava restaurant – but if you’re not, I guess you don’t get this perk

The Premium package costs just a little bit more than the Comfort, but really doesn’t include that much more. You get to use towels for free and you can wear your own flip-flops, so a robe and slippers just seems unnecessary.

Plus, when you go into the lagoon you hang your robe up at the communal rack. There’s a chance it won’t even be there when you get out of the water anyway.

Blue Lagoon Luxury package

Costing a whole 5x more than the Premium package (at $495 USD) is the Luxury package which includes:

• Five hours at the luxurious Retreat Spa
• Private changing suite
• Unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon
• The Blue Lagoon ritual
• Skin care amenities
• Access to 8 “subterranean spaces” – I guess you’ve gotta pay up to find out what they are.

This is beyond anything I would ever book so I have no idea if it’s worth it or not. I guess it just depends on how badly you need some pampering in your subterranean spaces.

Blue Lagoon Iceland prices

Despite the fact that Iceland is one of the most expensive countries I have ever visited, visiting the Blue Lagoon is actually reasonably priced. (The bulk of the expense of visiting the Blue Lagoon is the shuttle service there and back if you’re staying in Reykjavik.) The prices for each package are:

• Comfort package (most basic, all you really need): $64 US
• Premium package: $82 US
• Luxury package: $495 US

All Blue Lagoon packages include one drink of your choice, the use of towels and lockers, unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon, and the use of their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hair dryers.

Let’s talk about Blue Lagoon Iceland nudity

Before I went to Iceland the first time, I did a lot of research and everything I read about the Blue Lagoon said that you are required to:

• Shower before entering the Blue Lagoon
• Shower completely naked
• And do so in a communal shower with other people

The point of showering (completely naked) before entering the lagoon is to make sure all your dirty little bits get clean before heading into what is essentially a giant communal tub. The lagoon is huge and the water is hot, but aren’t you glad all the bodies that are in there have been scrubbed clean first? I am! Therefore, I am happy to do my part for the sake of hygiene.

Now, I want to set the record straight here. First of all, there aren’t locker room enforcers stripping you down and hosing you off. This is a spa after all, not a prison.

(There are locker room attendants however. And while I found them mostly cleaning up and helping people figure out how to work the lockers, they’re probably well prepared to tell you to remove your bathing suit if you try showering in the communal shower with your suit on.)

Blue Lagoon Iceland showers

Secondly, they have plenty of private shower stalls , with doors, made of frosted glass. And almost everyone opts for this route anyway so don’t worry that you’ll look like the odd (wo)man out. You just may have to wait in a short line.

The Blue Lagoon has separate locker rooms for men and women, and even private special needs facilities should you need one. You can change into your swimsuit in the locker room as almost everyone does, or take your business into one of the private bathroom stalls.  

Lastly and most importantly, no one is looking at you or judging your choice to shower in a stall! The other nudies in the room are either completely unconcerned with your nudity because it’s nothing new to them, or they are so concerned with their own nudity that you don’t even exist at that moment.

Again, this is not prison; you are not being booked for a crime. You will not be standing in a nude line up to be judged on your jugs.

I personally know a few people who skipped out on the Blue Lagoon’s magnificence and another who almost did because of public nudity fear mongering. Don’t let these assumptions keep you from visiting one of Iceland’s hottest attractions. (Ha, hottest, get it?)

The lesson here: when it comes to nudity at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, you only have to get as nude in front of other people as you feel comfortable. Be that all the way or not at all.

Showering at the Blue Lagoon is nothing compared to visiting a Turkish hammam where you’re all kinds of naked in front of all kinds of people while a stranger scrubs you from head to toe. Click that link for all the sudsy details.

Can you go nude into the Blue Lagoon?

No, you can’t go into the Blue Lagoon nude or topless. The Blue Lagoon mandates that you shower naked before entering, but also that you wear a bathing suit in the lagoon, the sauna, and in all public areas.

Blue Lagoon Iceland luggage storage

Given its location near the main airport in Keflavik, the Blue Lagoon makes a great pre- or post-flight excursion. For this reason, you may need to store your luggage while you bathe in those beautiful blue waters.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland does offer luggage storage for 550 ISK (about $6 US) per bag. Your bags will be kept at the Luggage House in the main parking lot.

Keep in mind that many people arrive at and depart the Blue Lagoon at the same times, so you may need to allow extra time for retrieving your bag(s) when it’s time to leave.

Blue Lagoon lockers

OK, but doesn’t the Blue Lagoon have lockers? Yes, but they are seriously tight. You can fit a small backpack or tote bag in there, along with your clothes while you’re in the lagoon, but not much else. And they’re awkwardly shaped. (Definitely choose a top locker if one is available!)

Blue Lagoon Iceland temperature

Regardless of what time of year it is, the water in the Blue Lagoon stays between 98° and 104°F. And the temperature of the water is actually different in different parts of the lagoon.

There are known hot spots (the best spots, in my opinion) and “cooler” areas. You can discover them on your own, or take a look at the screen above the exit to the lagoon for a temperature map of the lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Iceland silica mud masks

By now you’ve surely seen pictures of the Blue Lagoon and all the anonymous white faces within. These white face masks are the lagoon’s famous silica mud masks.

Each Blue Lagoon package includes a free silica mud mask which you can pick up (have plopped into your hands) at the in-water mask bar.

The high silica content of the Blue Lagoon’s water (the stuff that gives it the milky blue color) settles as soft mud at the bottom of the lagoon. Then it’s scraped off the bottom for you to rub all over your face and body, because of course, this is totally normal.

The white silica mud is said to smooth, deep clean, and clear up your skin. Apply it generously, give ‘em your best Mrs. Doubtfire impression, take your pictures, and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off in the hot water of the lagoon.

Need to know: the Blue Lagoon sells their silica mud mask for $45-$95/bottle. In the lagoon it’s free! Definitely don’t miss your chance to sample the goods.

Blue Lagoon algae mask

If you purchase the Premium package, you’ll also receive an algae mask after your silica mud mask. The black algae mask is believed to nourish, moisturize, and stimulate collagen production for all that anti-aging goodness.

Again, apply the algae mask liberally and leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with warm lagoon water.

Best time to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is whatever time is best for you! If you can only visit at night, do it. If you can only visit in the morning, do it! That being said, if you do have pretty open availability, I personally recommend visiting during the day.

During the day is when you can really take in the blue water of the Blue Lagoon in all its milky glory. You also get to see the nearby power plant from which these awesome hot waters originate.

While visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland at night has its advantages, if you can’t see how truly blue the water is, are you not just hanging out in a big public hot tub?

If you’re afraid visiting during the day will be too crowded – don’t be. The Blue Lagoon is immense and though people do tend to congregate in certain areas (the mask bar, the bar bar), it never seems crowded.

Blue Lagoon Iceland at night

During the summer in Iceland, the sun barely sets and the sky never gets dark. So, even at midnight there will be light in the sky. During the winter you’ll experience a fully dark sky and much earlier in the day.

The Blue Lagoon at night will be less crowded than during the day (though, again, it never feels uncomfortably crowded even then) and with fewer kids in their floaties. So if you’re looking for a truly relaxing experience to just unwind, maybe visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland at night is for you.

Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights

Another benefit to visiting the Blue Lagoon at night is for the chance to peep the Northern Lights while you’re there. Given its remote location, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon are higher than if you stuck around in Reykjavik.

But keep in mind that weather and cloud cover can be unpredictable, and you’ll still have to contend with the (albeit limited) light pollution in and around the lagoon. (Ergo, it’s never 100% guaranteed that you’ll see the aurora during your visit.)

If you did want to do both the Blue Lagoon and see the Northern Lights in the same day , you can book this tour that covers both (just not simultaneously).

Blue Lagoon Iceland Tips

Now that I’ve absolutely convinced you to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, there are a few things you should know first. Here are my best Blue Lagoon tips:

1. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, but don’t worry if you do

When packing for a trip to a country with “ice” in its name, forgetting to pack a swimsuit can be easy. No one can fault you for that. Just kidding – your friends are totally going to roast you when you have to rent one there that says “For Rent Only” down the side.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon should top your list of things to do in Iceland, so you should most definitely not forget to pack a swimsuit . However, if your excitement for this new land should cloud your packing judgment, know that it is possible to rent a bathing suit at the Blue Lagoon.

For women, it’s a navy blue one-piece swimsuit that’s embroidered with “For Rent Only” down the side. For men, it’s a pair of shorts. And for the rest of your life, it will be a hilarious joke no one ever forgets.

2. Bring a waterproof phone case

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland will be a memorable and unique experience you’ll absolutely want to document. Trust me when I say you will want those photos of your friend in her rented bathing suit and your husband in his mud mask.

However, if you should drop your phone, consider it toast. Not only must the sulfur-y, silica-y, super-hot water just destroy your phone, but you will never, ever find it down there. The Blue Lagoon’s blue water has the consistency and clarity of milk – you can’t see anything below the surface.

A waterproof phone case with a strap is an absolute must if you plan on taking pictures inside the Blue Lagoon. I honestly can’t even imagine how many phones they scrape out of there. (That link is the one I use and I love it.)

GoPros are another popular option for the Blue Lagoon. And if you do plan to use one, I recommend the Floating Hand Grip mount with wrist strap for extra security.

Also, my advice: take your phone in, snap some pictures, but return your phone your locker at some point so you can enjoy the magnificence of the Blue Lagoon without the stress of worrying about your phone.

3. Don’t forget about your free drink

Because this comes included in your package, some people forget about it, or might not know about it at all. (I mean, really people.) You don’t want to miss out on the chance to drink ice cold Icelandic beer from a swim-up bar in a geothermal lagoon right?

You have the option of alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cider) and non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, Gatorade, smoothies) as well. And also something literally called Krap, which I think is just a slushie.

Longing for more unique European spa experiences? Check out this post on what it’s like visiting a Prague beer spa ! And this about getting a honey massage in Slovenia !

4. Try not to get your hair wet in the lagoon

Of all the Blue Lagoon tips I have to dole out, this one is the most important, obviously. The minerals in the water make it great for your skin but a nightmare for your hair.

Guys: whatever, no one really cares what your hair looks like. But ladies! Do your best to keep your hair out of the water at all costs. This is easier for some, but for people like me whose hair often gets stuck in her own waistband, you’ll want to tie it up on top of your head.

In the locker room showers the Blue Lagoon provides you with all the hair conditioner your tresses could ever dream of, free of charge. Take advantage of this! Absolutely smother your hair in this conditioner and leave it in . (<- This is key!) Then, wrap it up into a bun and secure it.

Without the conditioner, should you get your hair wet in the lagoon’s water, it will be horribly dry and just wrecked. Like, can’t get a brush through it, wrecked. This is especially important if you have anywhere to be immediately after your day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

With the conditioner, your hair will be unbelievably soft and smooth afterwards, and it won’t be the worst thing if your hair does touch the water just a little bit. (I wouldn’t recommend going completely under the water or anything though.) You can still get those good Blue Lagoon pics with your hair down, just make sure to coat it in their conditioner first.

5. Don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand

It’s important to know that the Blue Lagoon does manage their capacity limits, and because this is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, pre-booking a reservation is definitely necessary.

Getting to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik takes around 45 minutes and unless you’ve rented a car, you’ll have to book your spot on a shuttle bus. Many times you’ll have to show your Blue Lagoon reservation to do so.

But the easiest way to go about visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is to simply book admission and transportation all together. You do not have to book your Blue Lagoon package directly through the Blue Lagoon, so securing your reservation through a tour company (which includes roundtrip transportation) is really the best method.

You can book your day at the Blue Lagoon (including roundtrip transfer to and from Reykjavik) through companies like Reykjavik Excursions and Grayline . I’ve actually used both for this and both are fantastic. It really is the stress-free solution.

Booking your day at the Blue Lagoon through a tour company ensures you have roundtrip transportation on a nice bus and, though you are limited by drop-off and pickup times, they always make sure you have ample time at the Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Iceland tours

However, the best deal (financially and logistically) would be to book your Blue Lagoon reservation as part of a grander tour that includes other activities like hiking, horseback riding, the Golden Circle tour, a Northern Lights excursion, and many more. Here are some awesome tours that include the Blue Lagoon with many other great activities:

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Kerid Volcanic Crater

If you have limited time in Iceland (like if you're just one a quick stopover), this tour takes you to all the most popular spots in Iceland in a single day.

It will be a long day full of tons of great sights, but you get to end the day in the relaxing waters of the Blue Lagoon. It includes hotel pickup and drop off and a professional guide.

Check out the reviews - everyone loves this tour!

Active Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon Day Tour from Reykjavik

On my recent visit, I did the volcano hike and the Blue Lagoon on separate days, but doing it in the same makes even more sense since they are located near each other!

On this tour you get to experience the awesome volcano eruption... then relax your weary hiking muscles in the Blue Lagoon. It's perfection actually.

The Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

Once again, this popular tour that includes admission to the Blue Lagoon and an excursion to see the Northern Lights at night, all in a single awesome day.

6. Bring a sealable bag for your bathing suit

The Blue Lagoon is out in the middle of nowhere so, after leaving the lagoon, your suit is going to be wet for a while . A funky wet bathing suit in your luggage/purse for possibly hours is no bueno. And, with no way to dry them at the spa, you’ll need to batten down the hatches until you can hang it up.

In the locker rooms, the Blue Lagoon provides compostable, eco-friendly “plastic” bags for you to put your suit in as you prepare to leave. This is fantastic (because they didn’t use to offer that), but the bags are on par with the ones you put your apples in at the grocery store—hella thin with an open top.

They’re good for the moment if you have nothing else, but if you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before a flight out (like I did the first time) or continuing on for a longer excursion or tour, you’ll most definitely want something sturdier that seals shut so you can pack it away.

For this, I recommend gallon-sized Ziplocks —something I bring with me on all trips actually because they are endlessly useful!

Big tip here: Do not forget to take your wet suit out and hang it up immediately when you get to wherever it is you’re going. If you’ve ever forgotten about a wet bathing suit or wet towel in your luggage, then you know.

7. Don’t miss the indoor entrance into the lagoon

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit Iceland, it’s going to be cold during your visit to the Blue Lagoon. (My latest visit was in the middle of July and the temperature never hit above 48°F.)

The waters of the Blue Lagoon are hot-hot-hot, but walking from the spa to the water in just your bikini is ice-freaking-cold. Even worse is the walk back when you’re soaking wet and soaking up that frigid breeze.

Luckily, the walk from the locker rooms to the water (and back) is not long at all. But, if you’d still rather not experiment with hypothermia, don’t miss the hidden little indoor entrance into the lagoon.

When you exit the locker rooms to head to the lagoon, look to your left and you’ll see a spot where you can enter the hot waters of the lagoon while still inside the building, and then exit to the larger lagoon where your friends are waiting with silica masks and Krap.

8. Don’t miss the bonus areas in the lagoon

Besides the massive lagoon and all its boiling nooks and crannies, there are also some “bonus” areas around the lagoon you could easily miss that are still included in your general admission package.

Be sure to stop by the:

When you exit the main building and you’re facing the lagoon, all of these areas are found on your left, up against the building pretty much. The Blue Lagoon is so much more than a giant hot tub!

9. Don’t forget to hydrate!

Luckily, the Blue Lagoon staff will remind you of this a few times during your visit, but it’s still easy to forget (and just as easy to dehydrate).

You’ll find ice cold water stations around here and there, even in the lagoon itself. Most people just stick their faces under it to drink, but the easiest thing to do is to use the cup you got with your free drink to fill up at the water station.

10. Remove all jewelry before entering the lagoon

The high levels of minerals in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon do have the potential to damage your jewelry. I’m not sure how much damage can be done since I haven’t really worn any in there, but I will say that nothing at all has happened to my silver belly button ring on any of my visits.

I’m sure it depends on the metal and the quality of it, but if you have a piece of jewelry you love, I wouldn’t risk wearing it into the lagoon.

However, like with the phone thing I mentioned above, the real danger is in your jewelry slipping off and never, ever finding it again. The lockers are totally secure and I have never felt uncomfortable leaving my jewelry in there.

11. Take note if you wear contact lenses

Blue Lagoon staff will alert you upon arriving that if you wear contact lenses, it’s best to remove them before entering the lagoon. They say the minerals and other elements in the geothermal water can irritate your eyes if you’re wearing them. (Plus, you know, should one of them pop out…)

And since you’ll have to wear glasses if you remove your contacts, they also recommend making sure to not submerge your glasses as the silica in the water can damage your prescription lenses. So, basically, if you were looking for a sign you should finally get LASIK surgery, this is it. (I can attest that it will be the best money you’ve ever spent.)

12. Check out the hidden walking paths

Before you leave the Blue Lagoon for good, check out the hidden walking paths behind the lagoon for some interesting views.

When you exit the main building towards the parking lot, on your right will be a series of walking paths that go behind the building, the parking lot, and the lagoon. What you’ll see is a series of overflow areas that make for some great tourist-free photos.

You can check out the awesome Icelandic moss-covered lava formations, the blue water and white silica mud, the distant power plant, and you’ll be mostly all alone back there.

13. Don’t underestimate the lagoon’s healing powers

The Blue Lagoon will tell you all about the supposed benefits of the geothermal water to those with all sorts of skin ailments including psoriasis and eczema. However, it’s my belief that the Blue Lagoon cures more than just skin diseases.

Hear me out: three months before my first trip to Iceland I suffered some nerve damage in my hand due to a freak flying trapeze incident (true story) after which I lost all feeling in my left middle finger down to my palm.

Let me repeat: I had no feeling in my finger for three months. However, after my three hours in the lagoon, all feeling was immediately restored and has been 100% ever since. So, consider me a believer.

Will a visit to the Blue Lagoon cure the common cold? Your spouse’s prolific snoring? Hiccups? Who’s to say… but isn’t it worth some experimentation anyway?

14. Plan to spend at least three hours at the Blue Lagoon

…but aim for more like four or five. Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is not a quick activity to be rushed. Consider it a slow simmer, because it quite literally is.

In addition to your time actually hanging out in the lagoon, you also have to factor in time for checking in, changing, showering… then showering, changing, and checking out. To do all that, a good five hours should do. And trust me, you will not think that is too long!

It may sound like a long time to spend, essentially, hanging out in a hot tub, but when you’re there, you’ll agree more is more.

The Blue Lagoon is such a fun, fascinating place so take it easy and don’t try to rush your experience. Plus, if you book your package through one of the tour companies, they typically assign you drop off and pick up times anyway. And since they know what’s up, they give you plenty of time for everything.

What to pack for the Blue Lagoon

For your visit to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, here are the few key items you need to pack:

• Bathing suit – Do NOT forget to pack a swimsuit. I personally love the styles and quality (and prices) from Cupshe .
• Ziplock bags for holding your wet suit when you leave
• Flip-flops – you can rent sandals there or go without them altogether, but I prefer to wear them in the locker room and around the lagoon
• Waterproof phone case – a must-have if you plan on taking pictures at the Blue Lagoon
• Or a GoPro and floating handle with wrist strap
• Hair ties and/or clips to keep your hair out of the water
• Or even a shower cap if you choose! I have seen a handful of shameless shower cap-wearers

Hotels in Iceland near the Blue Lagoon

Being about an hour outside Reykjavik, getting to and from the Blue Lagoon isn’t super convenient, especially if you have a late/early flight coming up.

Even though it seems the Blue Lagoon is way out in the middle of nowhere, there are still places to stay near the Blue Lagoon, and they’re pretty nice too! Plus, you now have the added benefit of being near Fagradalsfjall, the erupting volcano and being away from the city for Northern Lights viewing.

If your plans don’t include ample time to travel back and forth, check out these hotels in Iceland near the Blue Lagoon:

Northern Light Inn

The Northern Light Inn is a great hotel that’s only half a mile from the Blue Lagoon and includes free shuttle buses back and forth potentially saving you tons of cash. (They even have an exclusive airport taxi as well.)

This hotel offers panoramic views of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the awesome lava fields. They have an amazing on-site restaurant, free WiFi, free breakfast is included, and lots of free cancellation options. When it comes to hotels in Iceland near the Blue Lagoon, you can’t beat the Northern Light Inn.

Konvin Hotel by Keflavik Airport

The Konvin Hotel is a great option if you’re looking to stay near the airport for that late night or early morning flight out of Keflavik. (You probably know how bonkers the Icelandair schedules are by now.)

The offer free shuttles to and from the airport, free parking, and even on-site car rental! And they will even arrange excursions to the Blue Lagoon for you. Reviewers absolutely love the helpful staff and spacious rooms, and you just can’t beat the location.

Harbour View Cottages Grindavik

Also located near the Blue Lagoon are the Harbour View Cottages in Grindavik just over 5 miles away from the Blue Lagoon. The unique property has a shared lodge with sun terrace, private cottages, free parking, mountain views, and amazing reviews.

Given its awesome location, they also offer a variety of activities on-site or nearby like hiking and biking.

Iceland Blue Lagoon review

Personally, I love the Blue Lagoon. And you know what? So does everyone I’ve ever spoken to that has been. I didn’t find it “touristy” or lacking in any way. And even though I had already “been there, done that,” I still wanted to visit again on my latest visit to Iceland.

Many people say the Blue Lagoon is overpriced but… uh, have you been to Iceland? Iceland is the most expensive place I have ever been, so naturally you’re going to spend more money here than you’d think reasonable.

However, while many things are overpriced—like, stay far away from the gift shop—it costs just over $50 for unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon and the bonus areas, a free drink, a silica mud mask, and then some. I think that’s more than reasonable and absolutely worth the value.

The Blue Lagoon is an incredibly interesting and fun way to spend a day in Iceland. You get to relax in a super weird hot tub that looks like it’s filled with bantha milk from Tatooine. In a setting that looks like you’re on another planet. What’s not to love, young Padawan?

Even after two visits, my opinion remains the same: I highly recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

More info for your day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

• Visiting Iceland? Read hotel reviews on Tripadvisor  then  book your room here .
• Need a rental car? Check out the best Iceland deals here.
• Don’t forget an Iceland guidebook for everything else.
• And this essential Iceland customs and culture guide !
• Want more weird spa experiences ? Check out these posts .

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 39 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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Experience the Blue Lagoon with Reykjavik Excursions

We will help you make the most of your blue lagoon visit..

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. This milky-blue geothermal spa is located right between Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík City, which makes it a perfect spot to visit on any Iceland adventures, even if it is only for a short layover. Do you wish to learn more about what makes the Blue Lagoon so unique? Read our complete guide to the Blue Lagoon .

Reykjavik Excursions can help you with finding the perfect tour or transport option, tailored to your needs. We offer various options if you wish to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon to your airport transfer from Keflavik . Also if you wish to combine one of our popular day tours with the Blue Lagoon , we got you covered. See below the numerous Blue Lagoon tours and packages offered by Reykjavik Excursions, with extra options to please every traveller.

BLUE LAGOON

Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission & Transfer

Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon Premium Admission & Transfer

Keflavík Airport - Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission & Transfer

Keflavík Airport - Blue Lagoon Premium Admission & Transfer

Blue Lagoon Round-Trip Transfer

Blue Lagoon Transfer from KEF Airport with drop off

COMBO OFFERS

Blue Lagoon & Golden Circle

Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights

Panorama ATV Tour & Blue Lagoon Transfer

Reykjanes Peninsula & The Blue Lagoon - Small Group Tour

Lava Beach ATV & Blue Lagoon Transfers

Volcanic Wonders & the Blue Lagoon

Blue lagoon blog.

A Few of our Favourite FAQs

Iceland is often described as magical, extreme and otherworldly. It makes sense then that our guests feel unsure about what to bring, how to prepare and what to expect. So, here are a few of our favourite frequently asked questions about Iceland.

Blue Lagoon Transfer Schedule

Reykjavik Excursions provides exceptional flexibility for Blue Lagoon tours. You can board the bus at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in downtown Reykjavík, enjoy all that the Blue Lagoon has to offer, and catch a convenient ride back to Reykjavík when you're done. The drive takes appr. 45 minutes between the BSI and Blue Lagoon, and an additional 30 minutes if you select the hotel pick-up.

Our schedule is aligned with the Blue Lagoon's opening hours, and we adapt it frequently due to the exciting volcanic activity in the area. Typically, there are 3 to 4 departures daily from Reykjavík, with a return trip scheduled four hours later from the Blue Lagoon back to the capital.

Here is our current schedule, valid from 1st August to 31st October 2024.

Please note that we will keep you informed via email and text message regarding any schedule changes.

More information about the Blue Lagoon

Relax and Enjoy!

Surrounded by a mossy green lava field, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a truly otherworldly experience. The lagoon is indeed blue with a floor covered in silica mud, which is incredibly healing and soothing for the skin. What was originally a pool of wastewater from a geothermal plant, soon became a national hit as Icelanders started bathing in the water and applying the wholesome mud. Now a luxurious spa, the Blue Lagoon is a glorious destination that still retains its beautiful natural atmosphere and surroundings. Treat your senses to unforgettable moments in the Blue Lagoon and let your mind and body rejoice in this relaxed and wholesome setting.

Opening hours

Generally, the Blue Lagoon is open all day. Opening hours do vary by season, based on weather and sunset, and are as follows:

Dining at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon has a variety of dining options. Moss Restaurant is perhaps the most refined and was recommended by the 2020 Michelin Guide. It offers stunning views of the volcanic horizon and has set menus based on the finest and freshest local ingredients.

Lava Restaurant is another option, showcasing the savoury highlights of Icelandic cousine with a la carte lunch and dinner menu.

Finally, the Spa Restaurant is a place to unwind and relax that extends the spa experience. Feel free to dine in your robe if you like. No reservations are necessary at Spa Restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is located right in between Reykjavík and the Keflavík International Airport. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get there from Reykjavík and the bus ride from Keflavík Airport takes 20 minutes.

The official address is: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland GPS Coordinates: 63.8804° N, 22.4495° W

If you booked directly through Reykjavik Excursions, either online or at a sales office, you can always change your booking. Just make sure you do it in time, so pick up information can be changed. To change your booking contact us via e-mail, [email protected] or by phoning (+354) 580 5400. Please have all the necessary information at hand, including your confirmation letter.

If you booked through another travel agency you have to make the changes through that agency and follow the terms set by them.

You can expect up to 24 hours to pass before receiving a confirmation via email.

Try looking in your email's 'Trash' or 'Junk' folder. Sometimes confirmation emails can get misplaced by your email server and do not reach your inbox.

If more than 24 hours have passed, or if you booked a tour with a short notice, send us an email to [email protected] and we will get back to you. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached.

Reykjavik Excursions offers pick up at designated bus stops, and selected hotels, guesthouses and hostels at an extra cost. Pick up starts 30 minutes before departure and passengers are requested to be ready in time at your pick up location. Passengers are responsible for being ready and visible for their pick up. If passengers miss their Reykjavik Excursions pick up they need to arrive at BSÍ Bus Terminal in time for their tour´s departure at their own cost.

Attention passengers staying in hotels and guesthouses in the restricted area in the city centre need to go to the nearest bus pick up spot. For more information on pick up locations refer to our pick up location page . The pick up is operated by smaller and bigger coaches throughout the city, dictated by accessibility.

Drop off starts after indicated arrival time. Please note that drop off locations may not be directly in front of your hotel or guesthouse dictated by actual conditions (e.g. narrow streets, coach size, roadworks, etc.). Those staying in hotels and guesthouses in the restricted area in the city centre will be dropped off at the same place they were picked up from.

Pick up and drop off for day tours operated by subcontractors may vary, please refer to each tour.

Here are the basic items we recommend bringing with you when visiting the Blue Lagoon:

• Toiletries, hair brush, deodorant
• Sandals or water shoes
• Waterproof bag for your items

An Honest Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland: Is It Worth It?

Posted on Published: September 29, 2023  - Last updated: July 31, 2024

Categories Europe , Iceland , Travel

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is arguably one of Iceland’s top attractions (if not the number one… unless there’s a volcano erupting, which easily takes precedent!).

But over the years, it’s gotten a lot of flack for being an overcrowded expensive pool.

So, is that the case? Or should you reserve a spot at the Blue Lagoon Iceland?

Here’s my unfiltered guide and everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and if you should ultimately get your hot springs fix somewhere else .

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Blue Lagoon Nearby Volcano Eruption August 28 2024 Update

The Blue Lagoon is now open. There is a nearby volcanic eruption but it is now safe to visit the Blue Lagoon.

You can find up to date information on their website .

Blue Lagoon Review Iceland

In my Blue Lagoon Iceland review, I’ll cover why you might want to skip the Blue Lagoon and why it’s a must-do in Iceland.

Why You Might Want To Skip The Blue The Lagoon Iceland?

The Blue Lagoon Iceland has received somewhat of a bad reputation over the years.

People are complaining that it’s overhyped for what it is; that it’s really just a giant over crowded pool that’s completely man made.

And for the most part, they’re not wrong…

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• The Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: Which Is Better For You?

Let’s just say that for a spa, the Blue Lagoon is not what I would have expected. It was actually the least spa-like experience I’ve ever had.

And I guess on a certain level, of course it is just a giant swimming pool. It’s a manmade structure that’s been filled with water and people swim in it. There’s nothing natural about the Blue Lagoon other than it’s surroundings.

The Water Is A By Product Of The Nearby GeoThermal Plant

So, unlike every other lagoon in Iceland, the milky blue water at the Blue Lagoon isn’t technically a natural hot spring.

The water is actually a by-product from the nearby power plant – doesn’t that sound inviting!?

The power plant uses the geothermal water to generate electricity, and as it turns out, that process creates a discharge of creamy silica filled water. Locals started bathing in this pool claiming it had healing powers, and the rest is history! You can read more about it.

The power plant still exists today, and you’ll actually drive by it on your way to the Blue Lagoon. Without it, you wouldn’t have the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

The Floor Of The Lagoon Is Kind Of Weird (So Bring Shoes)

I didn’t think too much about what I’d be walking on at the Blue Lagoon, but I wish I had.

If you’re someone like me, who gets freaked out by walking barefoot on unknown terrain, and just ocean floors in general, you might want to consider bringing water shoes.

And yes, flip flops and water shoes are allowed in the Blue Lagoon (probably because they know the floor feels weird).

I would recommend water shoes over flip flops so you don’t risk them falling off and losing them while you’re in the water.

For the most part, the floor of the lagoon is solid rock (silica sediment). There are no jagged edges where you can risk injuring yourself. But what freaked me out was when it became somewhat softer…

I originally thought I was walking on sand, like a typical ocean floor – until I realized that doesn’t actually add up… there’s no sand here! My partner thought it was hairy kelp, which really freaked me out. So much so that I couldn’t bear to put my feet down anymore.

And then, we realized it was probably algae…YUCK!

The Blue Lagoon In Iceland Is Touristy & Over-Crowded

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the country’s top attractions (if not the most popular!). So it’s should come as no surprise that there will be a lot of people there.

But from my experience, it didn’t feel over-crowded at all, especially when you consider that we visited mid day, during high season.

I’ve seen regular pools that are WAY worse than the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

The reality is, the space at the Blue Lagoon is actually quite large , so you’re not ever really on top of other people. You can easily walk around a bit and find a place to settle and relax without anyone sitting on top of you.

You will probably still wind up bumping in to people when moving through the lagoon. That’s not a problem of over crowding though, more of an issue of limited visibility (you just can’t see anything below the water!). So, I stepped on a lot of feet, and I may have kicked some people with my own…oops!

The Quiet Zone At the Blue Lagoon Iceland Hot Spring Was The Best!

If you do want a bit more of a reprieve from “the crowds” there is a Quiet Zone at the back of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Because it’s so far from the entrance, there are far fewer people who make the trek all the way there.

The Blue Lagoon Is NOT For Relaxing – It Is Family Friendly

If you’re interested in a spa experience, the Blue Lagoon Iceland is not for you.

Like I said, there are quite a few people there. And among those people are children.

Kids as of the age of two our allowed in the spa (in fact, their entrance is free until they’re 12!). So, although it’s great for families, it might not be the romantic couples getaway you were hoping for!

I Was Ultimately Disappointed With The Facilities

I’m not one to expect luxury, but it’s not like the tickets to the Blue Lagoon Iceland are cheap either.

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My digital and printable packing guide on Etsy . Filled with packing planning prompts for your next trip!

P.S. Get an additional discount on my Etsy shop with my code ATRLOVE !

The whole changing room experience just felt a little chaotic and uncivilized to me, when it should have felt more spa like.

I ended up in the upstairs changing rooms, and they were quite small, cramped, and ultimately felt like more like an old gym locker room.

There was nowhere to sit or put anything down (like a bench). Right behind the lockers was a vanity with sink and blow dryers, so it just felt like everyone was on top of each other.

There was a main second locker room for women on the ground floor, so maybe it was better?

P.S. The women’s showers actually have some with doors, but the men’s are completely open.

A Little Stingy On Towels… For No Reason

All Blue Lagoon Iceland tickets include a towel. But! What they don’t say is that said towel is only given to you at the end of your time in the Blue Lagoon .

So, on top of not having a great area to change, you also don’t have a towel to change and shower with.

And let me remind you, they also want you to shower nude before entering the Lagoon…

I definitely would have appreciated a towel to help me change, and to use after my shower before heading into the lagoon.

All I’m saying is that for such a high ticket price, I think they could afford to update their facilities, and especially provide a second towel, or even unlimited towels!

So either upgrade you package to include at least a bathrobe or bring your own quick dry towel to use!

P.S. You can try and go to the entrance to the lagoon and ask for a towel. But they might not give it to you.

Why You Need To Visit The Blue Lagoon In Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is marketed as the 25th wonder of the world, which I’m not sure is even a real thing. But if it is you can say you’ve been there, so that’s something!

Also, don’t listen to people who say it’s just like any other pool. I don’t know what pool they’re talking about, but it’s unlike any pool or even lagoon that I’ve ever been to, even in Iceland!

What sets the Blue Lagoon in Iceland a part from other geo thermal lagoons is the water. You’ll notice it’s a creamy blue colour . That’s because it contains silica, which also gives the lagoon some beneficial properties for your skin!

The water is actually pumped up through the ground (from 6500 feet deep) for you to enjoy. It doesn’t need any separate heating system, the ground does all the work!

You’re then surrounded by lava rocks, because, of course it’s perched on a glorious 800 year-old lava field ( p.s. that’s pretty young for Iceland’s volcano fields! ).

I would actually argue that if you’re visiting Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most unique things to do that you can ONLY do in Iceland!

Although I will say this, i t’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into, what to expect, or to upgrade your package to get more of what you want (continue reading for a low down on the packages at the Blue Lagoon Reykjavik ).

Tours To The Blue Lagoon From Viator

Blue Lagoon Entrance Ticket (with optional transfer) →

Full day trip from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon →

For more organized tours in Reykjavik Iceland, click here .

The Benefits Of The Unique Water At The Blue Lagoon Iceland

The water is hands down what sets the Blue Lagoon a part from any other lagoon in the world.

The silica gives the water a creamy white colour and is beneficial for your skin. It strengthens your skin’s barrier making your skin seem brighter . If you do visit, the every package includes a silica mask for you to try!

On top of the silica, the water also contains unique minerals and algae that are also beneficial to your skin. The algae in particular can reduce collagen breakdown and increase collagen production, which gives you younger looking skin!

More Information On The Water At The Blue Lagoon Iceland…

How hot is the water at the blue lagoon in iceland.

The water is about 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). We visited on a cloudy, and very windy day and it was very comfortable to be in the lagoon. There were some cold spots in the water, but if you move around you could find another hot spot again (and just hope it’s not actually pee!).

Is The Water Treated?

The water doesn’t have to be treated (i.e. there’s no chlorine added to it) because the water is on a 40 hour cycle. That means the entire lagoon naturally replenishes itself every 40 hours! That’s the beauty of nature for you!

You Can’t Experience This Anywhere Else Even In Iceland

A visit to the Blue Lagoon Iceland is all about the experience of soaking up these beneficial milky waters – which you can’t get anywhere else .

There are SO MANY natural geothermal lagoons in Iceland, but the Blue Lagoon doesn’t even compare to them. I mean, they can’t even be compared because they’re two completely different experiences.

You just have to remember that a visit to the Blue Lagoon is NOT for a relaxing spa experience and that’s okay, because that’s not what it’s about (even though maybe back in the day it was).

But if a spa experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is something that interests you, you might still be able to get it if you’re willing to pay a bit more…continue reading to find out more about each package, or jump to it .

Plan the ultimate vacation

My  digital travel planner template  has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Booking Blue Lagoon Tickets

Blue Lagoon ticket prices vary based on the package you choose, the season, and even the time of day.

Typically the first and last time slots will be the cheapest .

What Package Should You Choose? (It Might Be Worth Upgrading)

The Blue Lagoon offers three packages and the one you choose can drastically affect your visit (but also your bank account!).

The three packages are Comfort, Premium, and Retreat .

Most people will book either the Comfort or the Premium package. We opted for the Comfort package (the base), but in retrospect I think I would have been happier with the Premium.

All Blue Lagoon tickets include the silica face mask, one drink at the bar, and a towel.

P.S. Don’t expect any exciting drink options. We were a bit disappointed that there weren’t any fun cocktails to order. Our choices were red or white wine, beer, or a cider.

The Base (Comfort) Package Vs. Premium Package

The Comfort Package only includes the silica face mask, one drink at the bar, and a towel.

On top of the base package, the Premium package also includes access to a private changing room, 2 extra masks of your choice, and a bathrobe . Plus, 1 glass of sparkling wine if you dine at the Lava restaurant.

In retrospect, the price difference isn’t that much for the added comfort you get (kind of ironic!). From what I could tell, the locker room is slightly larger and there’s a private changing room. But, the showers are the same for both the Comfort and Premium packages.

I didn’t think the bathrobe was necessary, but it would have been nice considering we only got a towel at the end of our time in the lagoon.

Plus, the extra masks are always fun! It gives you some more activities to do while in the lagoon!

Upgrade Your Package For A Spa Experience – The Retreat Spa

The Retreat Spa package is where it’s at! It’s in a league of its own but I think it’s totally worth it if you’re actually looking to relax and have, well, a spa retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Included in the Retreat Spa package (on top of the other amenities) you also get 5 hour access to the spa . The spa includes the lagoon ritual, subterranean spaces with a sauna and relaxation room.

The real bonus is that you have access not only to the Blue Lagoon, but also the Retreat Lagoon !

The Retreat Lagoon is connected to the Blue Lagoon but it’s in its own private section . The only way to access it is to either book a room at the Retreat Hotel, or get the Retreat Spa package.

And you know what that means… A LOT LESS PEOPLE!

Obviously, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the other packages, but I think this will actual give you a spa experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (and it’s still way cheaper than booking a room… more on that in a bit!).

Do You Have To Book Tickets In Advance?

From my research, the Blue Lagoon doesn’t ever seem to sell out of Comfort package tickets even for the same day. You will be locked out of most time slots however.

The time slots that were still available will be later in the day – which might work for you, but they also might not!

I did notice that the Retreat Spa was the first to sell out , several weeks in advance. That’s probably just because there are a lot less spots.

So, If you want a specific time or package, the earlier you book, the better.

What’s The Best Time To Book The Blue Lagoon?

You have unlimited time once you’re in the Blue Lagoon, so the best value will be the first time slot of the day .

Not only will you be able to stay for the ENTIRE day, but it’s also the cheapest time slot and there will be the least amount of people.

But even if you can’t book the first time slot, you can still enjoy the Lagoon. We booked at probably the worst time (from 1:00 to 2:00 PM), with the most people, and there is always space in the lagoon – it’s that big.

Many people also recommend booking the Blue Lagoon before you leave Iceland because it’s so close to the Keflavik Airport. I would argue that the better time to visit is actually after you land , read why in my blog post .

How Long Do You Need At The Blue Lagoon?

On their website, they say that most people spend about 2 hours in the water but 4 hours at the facility.

We spent two hours total with just over an hour in the lagoon. We also arrived after we ate lunch, and left before dinner, so we didn’t enjoy any of their on-site restaurants!

We wanted to walk around and enjoy the lagoon from outside the water, but it was way too cold to do in our bathings suits. So we changed back into our clothes without realizing we wouldn’t be allowed back in once we did.

This would be a good argument to get the Premium Package with the bathrobe, so you can actually enjoy the Lagoon space outside the water a bit.

Other Activities At The Blue Lagoon Iceland

You can easily spend an entire day at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland if you wanted to.

The Blue Lagoon offers other spa amenities you can sign up for as part of your day (even if you don’t pay for the Spa Retreat Package).

The most popular add-ons are the in-water massages, or float therapy.

They also have guided tours where they delve into the history of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (it’s not advertised, I found it by going through their FAQ page ). I wish I had known about this before my visit because you have to contact them in advance to book a tour ( [email protected] ).

• Don’t Book Blue Lagoon Tickets Before A Flight…Do This Instead

Restaurants At The Blue Lagoon

There are four restaurants at the Blue Lagoon Iceland so you don’t have to worry about food while you’re there.

The most reasonable for a quick bite and a coffee is the Blue Café. Honestly, I would come here just to enjoy the view a bit longer before heading out!

Then they have two formal sit down restaurants: the Lava Restaurant and the Moss Restaurant.

The Lava Restaurant is a unique dining experience where you feel engulfed by the lava rocks around you. But you can also enjoy a Michelin star meal at the Moss Restaurant.

And finally, if you’re in the Retreat Spa you have access to the Spa Restaurant.

Essentials You Need At The Blue Lagoon

I’m going to skim over the obvious of bringing a bathing suit… it is not a nude lagoon.

As I mentioned, the Blue Lagoon Iceland only gives you the towel at the end of your time in the Lagoon. So, if you’re booking the Comfort Package, I would bring my own towel to use . I recommend getting a quick dry towel, like this one on Amazon .

I would also recommend bringing flip flops or water shoes. These come in handy for walking around the locker rooms and even in the lagoon itself.

If you’re a woman with longer hair, they recommend keeping your hair out of the water as it can dry it out. So a hair elastic is a must! I would also bring your hair brush if you’re like me and need to detangle after it gets wet!

If you plan on taking pictures in the water, a waterproof case comes in handy! This way you won’t have to worry about getting your phone wet, you can get one on Amazon .

Hotels Near Iceland Blue Lagoon To Extend Your Stay

There are two hotels options at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, but it’ll cost you.

The benefit of staying at one of the hotels is that each one offers a private lagoon for hotel guests only . So if you’re worried about the crowds, this is one of the best ways to avoid them!

The Silica Hotel

The Silica Hotel is a 4 star hotel that’s actually a 10 minute walk from the Blue Lagoon .

There are a few room options at the Silica Hotel that range from 94 000 ISK to 108 000 ISK (2023 prices)… That’s about 940 CAD to 1,080 CAD PER NIGHT!

I would argue that the best room is the Silica Deluxe King, because you actually have a balcony looking out onto the lagoon, which let’s be real, its the whole reason you’re there! And the price difference between each room isn’t as a big as I would have thought.

The Retreat Hotel

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is a 5 star hotel that is not only twice the price of the Silica, but also requires a minimum two night stay .

So a room at the Retreat Hotel will cost you around 500 000 ISK (5,000 CAD – 2023 prices).

But you are right at the Blue Lagoon, instead of a 10 minute walk away.

Blue Lagoon Reykjavik Alternatives

There are a few other lagoons near Reykjavik if you’re interested in some other options.

Newly opened in 2021, the Sky Lagoon is much more of a spa lagoon experience. But there will still be a lot of people. I visited a few days after the Blue Lagoon, you can read my full comparison between both lagoons in Iceland .

For the most natural experience, head to Reykjadalur Valley for a natural river hot spring (but there is an hour-long hike to get there). You can read my guide to visiting .

Planning On Staying In Reykjavik?

We stayed in Reykjavik our whole time in Iceland at the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels . They offered free parking (upon availability), breakfast, and a modern room. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com .

If you’re interested in spa services at the tip of your fingers, ( I mean, you’re in Iceland after all!), stay at Midgardur by Center hotels . My parents stayed here and highly recommend it. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com .

If you’re staying in Reykjavik for one night before heading out to drive the Ring Road, my sister stayed at the Hotel Frón and would recommend it for a one night stay. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com .

Or, check out more hotel options on Booking.com in Reykjavik, Iceland

My Icelandic Spa Amazon Must Haves

Related Posts

• The Best One Day Iceland Golden Circle Route From Reykjavik
• Reykjadalur Hot Springs: How To Hike It & Is It Worth It?

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Wednesday 17th of April 2024

Wow that was a lot. Did you ever actually say if you thought it was worth it?

Monday 22nd of April 2024

Sorry about that :P I wanted to provide all the information so you can decide if it was worth it for you! Personally, I do think that the Blue Lagoon is worth it despite the faults just because it's such a unique thing to do that you not only won't find anywhere else in the world, but even in Iceland.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

The Complete Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland (Tips, FAQ, And More!)

July 7, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers

If you are researching a trip to Iceland , you are sure to come across the term “Blue Lagoon Iceland.” But what exactly is this and why is it so popular among tourists? Should you add it to your Iceland itinerary?

The Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world according to National Geographic . It is usually considered the number one tourist destination in Iceland and after reading this article, it will become clear why.

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

This in-depth article will walk you through everything you need to know about the world-renown Blue Lagoon so you can come prepared and have a great time! Take a break from your intense research and let us do the work for you! It is truly one of the Best Things To Do In Iceland!

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks.

What Is The Blue Lagoon And Why Is It Blue?

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a famous natural hot spring and spa that draws tourists from around the world. With unique milky-blue water, a dreamy atmosphere, and mineral-rich water, you will be dreaming of its beauty and relaxation long after your visit.

The lagoon was actually created by accident in 1972 by the Svartsengi Power Plant. Since then, the geothermic area has been a popular day trip for many visitors to Iceland.

The blue color is created from a mix of algae, silica, and minerals, along with the addition of the sun. These minerals also cause the water to become a great, natural skin treatment. So go ahead and soak it all in!

What Does The Blue Lagoon Cost To Visit?

While there are many free Hot Springs In Iceland , this is not one of them!

The cost of the Blue Lagoon depends on the package you book and the extras you want to enjoy. This gives you a chance to get a more affordable package to fit your budget or you can go all out in luxurious style! Keep in mind that the cost varies on time of year as well. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of each package.

Make sure to check on the cost of the Blue Lagoon for different days and times during your trip to find the price that works best for you!

Buying Your Blue Lagoon Ticket Package

The cheapest tier is the Comfort Package, which starts at about $44 to $60+. This price includes entrance, a silica mud mask, a towel, and your first drink. We have used this package before and it is perfectly fine! You should not feel like you have to pay more if you don’t want to!

The next tier up is the Premium Package. At about $66 to $100+, this package includes the same as the Comfort Package plus an extra face mask, slippers and bathrobe, and a reservation at the Lava Restaurant with a glass of sparkling wine with your meal. The restaurant is a really nice touch to this package.

The last package choice is for anyone who really craves relaxation! The Luxury Package is $584 to $621. It gives you four lovely hours at the Retreat Spa and a private changing room, plus unlimited access to the Retreat Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.

Are Children Allowed at The Blue Lagoon?

If you are traveling as a family, you will be happy to know that children two through thirteen get in free! Anyone older than fourteen pays adult prices. Children younger than two are NOT allowed in because of the sensitivity of the water.

Children younger than eight must wear floaties, which are available for free. Parents are expected to supervise their children. The accepted ratio of children to adult is two to one.

We see lots of children at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. If you are worried, it doesn’t feel like you are at a playground or water park with lots of kids running around. Every time we have gone, the kids have been well behaved and mainly older in age.

You Must Have A Reservation To Visit

If you want to get into the Blue Lagoon, you have to plan ahead and make sure to make a reservation. Available time slots fill up fast, so as soon as you know which day you want to go, get on the Blue Lagoon’s official website , and book a reservation.

You are not going to want to show up at the Blue Lagoon without a reservation. Make sure to book in advance, one time we didn’t get in until late at night and we had a very early flight the next day! Don’t make our mistake and check the calendar in advance.

Best Tours That Include The Blue Lagoon

If you are looking for a good deal and a way to save you stress from having to plan your own trip, there are plenty of tours you can book that include entry to the Blue Lagoon. You can search for some on Get Your Guide , but we have found a couple good choices for you as well!

If you are staying in Reykjavik, you can book a tour out of the capital for easy access to some great sites. Book the Reykjavik: Golden Circle Tour with Blue Lagoon Visit & Entry to get a look at some of Iceland’s natural wonders followed by a relaxing dip at the Blue Lagoon.

If you come to Iceland in the winter and want to see the Northern Lights, think about booking The Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights Tour with Admission Ticket . This tour starts at the Blue Lagoon before a bus ride in search of the Northern Lights.

A tour that includes the Blue Lagoon is a great way to go because you can see other things in addition to your soak!

What Are The Electronic Bracelets?

When you check-in at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, you will receive an electronic bracelet that will come in handy for a couple of reasons. First, the bracelet acts as a key for your locker. Also, if you buy anything, such as drinks at the swim-up bar, you will use the bracelet to keep track of your purchases. You will then have to pay for your extras before checking out of the lagoon.

They are kind of bulky, so sometimes we put them on our ankles or tie them on our swimsuits so they do not have to be on our wrist!

How Deep Is The Blue Lagoon?

The maximum depth of the lagoon is about 1.4 meters or 4.7 feet. At the shallowest end it is under a meter at 2.8 feet. This is perfect for lounging and walking around in the water. While you enter the lagoon at your own risk, there are lifeguards on duty. The floor is uneven, so be careful.

We don’t really swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, but we do love walking around and strolling through the warm water! Of course, you can swim, but we just love walking.

What Is The Temperature Of The Blue Lagoon?

The water of the lagoon is naturally heated from underwater volcanic aquifers and remains at a nice temperature of about 102 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. This is not too hot and will feel like laying in a comfortable, warm bath.

Best Weather To Visit The Blue Lagoon In Iceland

The weather in Iceland is unreliable at best and can change at a moment’s notice. But, no matter the weather, a trip to the Blue Lagoon Iceland is worth it! Whether it is sunny and clear-skied or gloomy and rainy, the warm water will lull you into relaxation. Plus, bad weather can create a cool, foggy mood.

So, do not let poor weather turn you away or you will miss out on a great time! The weather at the Blue Lagoon does not change our experience at all! We have been in sun, rain, snow! To be completely honest, we liked it being sunny the least as relaxing in the snow and wind was quite the experience!

How Far From Reykjavik Is The Blue Lagoon Located?

The Blue Lagoon is about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. This close proximity makes the lagoon a perfect day trip from the city if that is where you are staying. If you are only in Iceland for a stop-over, the lagoon is only about 15 minutes from the Keflavik Airport.

If you are renting a car, it is an easy and fast drive. However, if you want to book transport, that is possible, too. Check out From Reykjavik or Keflavik: Blue Lagoon Transport to enjoy a scenic, round-trip bus ride to the lagoon for about $22.

It is very easy to drive from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon as you are mainly on one larger road the whole time. No matter how you choose to get there, the experience is fairly simple!

What Amenities Are At The Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a world-class hot spring and spa so there are plenty of amazing amenities to enjoy during your stay! Some of the relaxing and fun amenities include a mask bar, sauna, steam room, in-water bar, in-water massages, and a relaxation room. There is also a cafe, restaurant, two hotels, and a skincare shop.

Some of these amenities are included with your ticket and some must be paid for separately. Keep that in mind while budgeting for your trip to the lagoon. Though, it is possible you will want to splurge here.

Our favorite amenities are the sauna and steam room. The steam room is the best we have ever visited, and so hot you can barely stand it! We totally recommend a stop and it is included in your ticket price!

Showering Naked Before Entering

Yes, you have to shower naked before being allowed into the Blue Lagoon Iceland! While this might not sound idyllic to some, especially those not from Europe, there are some private showers available. And of course, the changing rooms are separated by gender.

This is meant to help keep the water clean and skin oils out of it. You must do this and there are people who check to ensure that you shower naked and without your swimsuit on! Again, there are private areas to do this!

Blue Lagoon Iceland Dress Code

Bathing suits are required at the Blue Lagoon, including in the sauna. It does not matter the type of suit you have as long as you have one! If you forgot to pack your own, the lagoon has suits you can rent. After your time in the lagoon, make sure to rinse the silica off before machine washing it to avoid damaging the material.

Burkinis are allowed as well as any other modest swimsuits you may want to wear, or you can choose a bikini. As long as your bits are covered, you can wear whatever swimsuit makes you feel comforable.

For the rest of the Blue Lagoon areas, such as the restaurants, a casual dress code is accepted. While the Lava Restaurant is fancy and is “relaxed fine dining” for dinner, you are allowed to dine in your robe during lunch until 4:00.

Avoid WETTING YOUR HAIR at all costs!

While the rest of your body will benefit from the amazing, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon, you will regret dipping your hair in the water. Because of the amount of silica in the lagoon, the water here is NOT good for your hair and can make it stiff and brittle if you do not take precautions.

If you have long hair, make sure to tie it up well to avoid it getting wet. Also, make sure to lather leave-in conditioner into your hair when you shower beforehand. There is a complimentary conditioner available in the showers. When you leave the lagoon, make sure to rinse your hair as well!

Please heed this warning! We had visited the Blue Lagoon multiple times before we got our hair wet, and it was a huge mistake! We did it for photos, and we will never do it again! It takes many washes for your hair to go back to feeling like normal after the silica gets a hold of it!

Drinking At The Blue Lagoon Iceland

There is a swim-up bar stationed in the lagoon where you can pick up the free drink included in your ticket or buy more drinks. Alcohol in Iceland can be expensive, so expect to pay $8 to $10 per drink. Keep in mind that there is a limit of three drinks per person while in the lagoon.

If you are not much of an alcohol person or don’t want to drink at the time you are at the lagoon, there are non-alcoholic drinks available, including health smoothies. No matter what you drink, make sure to supplement with water so you stay hydrated!

Blue Lagoon Face Masks

The Blue Lagoon also has a swim-up mask bar which you can’t miss out on. One silica face mask is included with both the Comfort and Premium tickets, plus you get an extra face mask of your choice with the Premium Package. Along with the silica mud mask, there is an algae mask.

Both masks are natural and great for your skin! They will leave your skin glowing, nourished, and moisturized. The algae mask especially is great for anti-aging. Leave the masks on for about five to ten minutes before rinsing them off.

We love getting the face masks that are included with our ticket! It makes your face feel great and makes for fun travel photos for your memories!

Staying At The Silica Hotel

If you would like to extend your relaxation and spa treatment, you can stay the night at one of two hotels by the Blue Lagoon Iceland. The first, and more affordable, choice is the Silica Hotel. The rooms here are in the $400 range.

This hotel is surrounded by an amazing landscape and offers a private lagoon only for hotel guests. The hotel is also adults-only so you will not have to deal with screaming kids as you chill.

This is the first resort on the Lagoon and is a total classic. You will not regret a night spent here.

Staying At The Retreat At The Blue Lagoon Iceland

The next hotel choice is the Retreat At The Blue Lagoon Iceland . With rooms starting at around $1300 a night, this modern, luxurious, and award-winning retreat might be out of some people’s price range. However, if you do stay here, you will not regret it because of the level of comfort.

Staying here gives you access to the incredible, world-class Retreat Spa and the Retreat Lagoon. There are daily, guided hikes and yoga sessions for guests, and you can enjoy an Icelandic coffee and snack in the lounge. Overall, you will feel as if you have died and gone to relaxation heaven! Check Rates At Booking.com

Eating At The Lava Restaurant

The upscale Lava Restaurant is the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. With gourmet food featuring Icelandic cuisine, your mouth will be watering just from reading the menu! There are to-die-for desserts as well, so make sure to arrive hungry!

While the meals are pricey, you will be dreaming of the food long after your stay at the lagoon. To save money, try going for lunch when the menu is cheaper. If you are vegan, don’t worry! There are options for you as well.

The restaurant not only has good looking food, but amazing architecture and views as well. It is built into the side of an 800-year-old lave cliff with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the steaming lagoon.

Our favorite part? You can lunch in your robe! After 4pm, there is a light dress code, but earlier than that, you can go in full relaxation mode!

How Much Time To Spend At The Blue Lagoon

How much time to schedule for your trip to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon depends on the package you buy, the amount of amenities you want to try out, and whether or not you eat there. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, you may need less time than if you are going in a large group.

Overall, about three to five hours should be a good amount of time to lounge in the water, get a massage, sit in the sauna, check out the Retreat Spa, or any of the other things you can enjoy at the lagoon. Visiting the Blue Lagoon should be a time to slow down and really relax, so you do not want to rush your time here. Instead, turn off your mind, erase any worry, and drift into ultimate relaxation mode.

When To Visit The Blue Lagoon On Your Iceland Itinerary

Since the Blue Lagoon is so close to the airport and Reykjavik, most people will either start or end their trip in the calming waters. We suggest you visit at the end of your trip if possible.

This will give you a chance to completely wind down after an exciting vacation that will most likely involve a lot of sitting in vehicles and hiking long trails. Maybe get a massage to loosen up all your muscles before boarding your airplane. You will be able to fly home refreshed after a dip in the magical waters of the Blue Lagoon Iceland.

We visit the Blue Lagoon almost every trip and it still hasn’t gotten old. We love doing it at the end of the trip, the day before our flight leaves.

Can You See The Northern Lights From The Blue Lagoon?

Yes! If you are at the lagoon on a clear night during the winter, then there is a chance to see the Northern Lights, though it cannot be guaranteed. The Blue Lagoon Iceland is far enough away from Reykjavik that the light pollution of the city will not block the dazzling light show.

We have an entire post on Seeing The Northern Lights In Iceland and there is a whole section dedicated to the Blue Lagoon.

If you are visiting during the right time of year and visit later in the day, there is a chance you will see the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon.

If you happen to see this natural phenomenon while relaxing in the water, you should count yourself very lucky! It will be a moment you will remember for the rest of your life!

Taking Photos At The Blue Lagoon

Of course, you will want to take plenty of photos for memories and to show off to your friends what a great time you had! Cameras of any kind are allowed into the Blue Lagoon, including DSLRs. You will want to be careful to avoid water damage and do NOT leave expensive equipment lying around!

Instead, take your photos, then return the camera to your locker so you can relax and spend time in the water without worrying about it. If you bring your cell phone with you, we suggest you buy a waterproof case to protect it. This will be useful at the lagoon but also throughout Iceland, such as at the roaring waterfalls.

Taking photos here is one of our favorite things to do as the Blue Lagoon is just so photogenic and unique.

Now that you are informed about all things Blue Lagoon, you can make the decision whether or not to add it to your Iceland itinerary. Trust us, though, you will want to! You will not regret it! Just make sure to budget for it since it can add a reasonable amount to your Iceland bill depending on the package you buy and the number of people visiting.

The lagoon and all of its spa amenities is the perfect place to chill out and soak in all the good nutrients the water provides for your skin. By now, you must be dreaming of pure relaxation. Heavenly massages, unique face masks, steamy saunas, yummy drinks, and amazing food! What more could you ask for in a vacation hot spot?

Reader Interactions

July 10, 2023 at 8:20 pm

Great info! Thank you. My adult daughter and I are heading to Iceland in November and we can’t wait to see this beautiful island and enter the Blue Lagoon!!!

Travel in Iceland remains normal. See details on the latest eruption

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Iceland's Blue Lagoon Tours

Guided tours to iceland's blue lagoon geothermal spa.

Blue Lagoon Tours

BLUE LAGOON TOURS

Transfer to the blue lagoon.

• About Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The blue mineral-rich water leaves your skin soft and smooth after a relaxing visit.

Shortly after its formation, people began to bathe in the lagoon which proved to have a positive effect on psoriasis and other skin diseases. The Blue Lagoon has located only 20km from Keflavik International Airport, making it very convenient to visit on your way to or from the airport. Check out our Blue Lagoon Tours.

Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small group tour

Reykjanes Peninsula & Hot Springs

Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon Transfer

Airport To Blue Lagoon Transfer

General information about the wonderful blue lagoon, what is the blue lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon (or Bláa Lónið in Icelandic) is a spa formed in 1976 in the middle of a lava field. This spa is special thanks to its large lake filled with 39°C/102°F milky-blue opaque water. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in the country as about 700,000 people are visiting the spa each year. It is located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, in the Southwest of Iceland.

The seawater of the Blue Lagoon is said to be good for people who suffer from Psoriasis and other skin inflammations. The water of the huge lake renews itself completely every 48 hours.

Imagine relaxing in a blend of sea-water and geothermally heated water which is rich with silica, minerals, and algae, surrounded by a lunar lava landscape. This is really good for your skin and a real treat for the mind, body, and soul. The iconic   white silica mud face mask is free to all lagoon guests. The man-made waterfall is exhilarating and a fabulous way to ease sore muscles. There are comfort, premium and luxury packages available or extra items may be added to the comfort or standard packages. Exclusive Blue Lagoon products are available at the Skin Care Shop. The café and Lava Restaurant are popular.

For those who are short of time we recommend booking a combination tour which includes the Blue Lagoon, you choose whether you want a day tour or something longer, we organize everything – what could be easier or more relaxing?

A Brief History of the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon Resort Iceland has the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant to thank for its development! In 1976 one of their employees named Valur Margeirsson asked if he could swim into the pool created by Svartsengi´s operations. He suffered from psoriasis and did not want to swim in a public pool. Bathing in the soothing water healed his skin when other psoriasis sufferers tried it their psoriasis also improved greatly. The Blue Lagoon Clinic is now an   internationally recognized psoriasis treatment facility!

To know more, consult our blog about   Everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon !

Where is the Blue Lagoon Iceland located?

The Blue Lagoon is set in the heart of a lava landscape at Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Approximately 49 kilometers away from the capital Reykjavík and 21 kilometers away from Keflavík International Airport, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect first stop when coming to Iceland, or last stop before taking the plane back home.

The lava scenery around the lagoon will make certain those new arrivals truly appreciate they have arrived in Iceland!

The exact address of the Blue Lagoon Iceland is  Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavík  (see map).

GPS COORDINATES

Latitude: N +63.881363 (63°52’52.9068″N)

Longitude: W -22.453115 (-22°27’11.214″W)

What is the best way to get to the blue lagoon?

If you don’t have a rental car, the best way to go to the Blue Lagoon is by bus. Whether you are departing from Keflavík International Airport or from the Icelandic capital Reykjavík, we offer both transportation possibilities. Enjoy the trip from Reykjavík/Keflavik and vice versa in our new and comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi.

The transfer from Reykjavík   will take about 45-60 minutes.

The transfer from Keflavik  will only take 15-20 minutes.

The transfer does not include the entrance fee of the Blue Lagoon and it is highly recommended to book it in advance as it often sells out. The journey is free for children under 12 years old and people from 12 to 17 have a 50% discount, so don’t hesitate any more and let us drive you safely to this unforgettable experience. The transfer back from the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavík/Keflavík is also included in the ticket.

When is the best time to visit Iceland’s Blue Lagoon?

Any season really, the Blue Lagoon is always warm and welcoming. The only real difference apart from the weather can be the price as it’s depending on demand. The price is lower during the off-season, this means that   summertime is the priciest time to visit.

The best time during your stay would be when you are leaving for the airport or just arriving since Keflavík International Airport is located so close to the Blue Lagoon, it’s the perfect combo. Either you’ll feel completely relaxed on the plane and ready to go to sleep or you’ll shake that jet-lagged feeling right off and get your mind and body soaked into Icelandic waters before you ultimate Icelandic adventure!

The best moments to see the Blue Lagoon with fewer people are early in the morning and late in the evening. However, the lagoon implemented a limit of visitors so that the lake is not overcrowded. Most of the guests spend around 2-3 hours in the lagoon, so it is always better not to come one hour before the closure time to make the most out of it without stressing out about the time.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon at night   is a really good idea as there will be fewer people. From September to April, it is possible to see the magnificent Northern Lights with good luck and correct weather. The Blue lagoon is far away from the city lights of Reykjavík, and less light pollution means higher chances to see the   Northern lights. What a perfect scenery to observe those natural wonders! During the summertime, the lagoon stays open later during the day so that you can enjoy the midnight sun, which is not less beautiful. Seeing the sun at midnight is something unique one can experience only in a few places around the world.

Blue lagoon Opening Hours

Even if the Blue Lagoon is open when you planned to go, booking in advance   is a must and you should consider doing so some weeks or months in advance to be sure to be able to enter the wonderful lagoon. During the summertime, the lagoon is open later because there is constant daylight, while in winter, the days are shorter. The opening hours are different from a period to another and are divided into 5 time periods during the year.

• 1 Jan – 30 May      08:00 – 21:00
• 31 May – 27 Jun     07:00 – 23:00
• 28 Jun – 18 Aug     07:00 – 00:00
• 19 Aug – 31 Dec  08:00 – 21:00
• 24 Dec (Holiday)  08:00 – 15:00

Many people are planning to visit the Blue Lagoon for the Christmas period, which makes the perfect gift for the ones you love. The opening hours are not the same during those special days. On December 24, the lagoon will be open from   08:00 am – 15:00 pm .

Blue Lagoon Prices in 2019

The prices to enter the Blue Lagoon always vary depending on availability and if you are booking late or early. If you are booking last minute, the cost will be higher. Plus, there is always the risk that it will be full-booked. This system is the ideal solution to have fewer people in the lagoon at the same time. People are more eager to pay less to enjoy the spa at a different time when there are fewer people. Usually, the price is the lowest early or late in the day and during the off-season.

There are three different kinds of ticket options for the Blue Lagoon Iceland

The Comfort Ticket includes the entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon, a Silica mud mask at the mask bar, a towel and one free drink of your choice. This is the most booked ticket and it really needs former reservations. The Premium Ticket   adds to the comfort ticket services algae mask, slippers, a bathrobe and a table reservation at the Lava Restaurant with sparkling wine.

There is a special ticket for the Retreat Spa from 79 000 ISK for 4 hours into this wonderful VIP spa. It includes private changing rooms, access to the Blue Lagoon and skincare services such as The Blue Lagoon Ritual (a spacious sanctuary of three interconnected chambers where you can cover your body with the treasures of geothermal seawater). But the most amazing thing about this ticket is the Retreat Lagoon which is a private part of the lagoon.

What can you do at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is not just a pool, the Blue Lagoon is more like a spa. You can get an upgrade from the standard ticket and get a robe and slippers. The famous silica mud mask will make your skin feel amazing. You can order a massage, in the water, so it feels like you are floating in thin air and there is both a sauna and a steam bath. The Blue Lagoon is a wondrous place with an excellent award-winning restaurant called Lava and a great caféteria for those looking to save a buck!

There is an inbuilt water bar in the water so you won’t even have to get out to get a drink and it’s all just charged to the bracelet that you get upon entrance that is actually also your locker key, so convenient!

There is a relaxing area   for those who look to catch a break from the warmth, quite popular for those looking to fix a hangover or are feeling jet-lagged. They have an amazing shop with souvenir and all the Blue lagoon products along with Icelandic design clothing and jewelry. Really, you can spend all day at the Blue lagoon and not a moment will feel wasted.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Hotels

The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland has two hotels of its own: The Silica Hotel and the Retreat Hotel.

The Silica Hotel

Prices are from 70,400 ISK (565 USD) per night, is set in the heart of a lava field. In the middle of this volcanic landscape, the hotel is just ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. In addition to being comfortable and relaxing, the Silica hotel offers its own private bathing lagoon, available for hotel guests every day from 09:00 – 22:00. The hotel won various design awards as it is in perfect harmony with its environment. Silica Hotel has 35 spacious rooms with private facilities and a veranda with a view on the surrounding lava field.

The Retreat Hotel

Prices are from 162,000 ISK (1,300 USD) per night, is a brand new hotel which opened in April 2018. This is the best of luxury hotels, with amazing amenities and services such as a subterranean spa, a geothermal lagoon around the hotel, a restaurant, and 62 suites. Each guest has an individual host who will serve as a guide and attendant. The host can book tours, manage itineraries or also inform about the arrival of the northern lights. The guests can enjoy unlimited access to all the services of the Blue Lagoon, morning yoga, guided hikes, and a golf course. The suites have a minimalist design, there are moss, lava, and lagoon suites. The latter offers direct access to the lagoon. The most amazing thing about this hotel is that everyone has access to the Retreat Spa with a lot of relaxing services.

There are also some cheaper hotels near the Blue Lagoon, for example in the closest city of Grindavik. There, you will find a lot of accommodation opportunities such as hotels, guesthouses, cabins, Airbnb or cottages. There are also convenient inns right by the airport.

Good to know before you go

• Unlike many people think, the Blue Lagoon is not inside Reykjavík but in the middle of an 800-year old lava field called  Illahraun  (“Evil Lava”)
• Showering naked is mandatory before entering the lagoon, for cleanliness reasons.
• It is better to  condition your hair  beforehand as the minerals in the water will make your hair a bit weird and dry.
• The entrance is free of charge for children between 2 and 13 years old.
• You won’t need your wallet inside the lagoon. Each visitor is given a wristband   for the lockers and also to be able to pay for everything. You will have to pay the total bill only when you leave.
• The Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world.
• The smell of the geothermal lagoon is special. Just like in other geothermal areas, the sulfur scent will certainly surprise most of the guests. The smell can remind you of rotten eggs, but you get used to it quickly.
• Some shampoo, body gel and conditioner are available in the showers.
• It is not allowed to eat a packed lunch inside the lagoon.
• You can store your luggage by the parking lot for 550 ISK (5 USD) per bag.
• If you wear contact lenses, take it off before entering the lagoon. If the silica goes into your eyes it will be really painful for those wearing contact lenses.
• Don’t wear any jewelry because the minerals in the water can damage it.

What to bring to the Blue Lagoon?

• A swimsuit (you can rent one but it saves money bringing your own)
• A towel if you want your own
• Money, cash or card
• Sunscreen, any sunlight reflects very much from the lagoon making this place the ultimate for sunburning. Be on the lookout!
• Hair tie/band if you have long hair, you’ll thank us later!

Filming at the Blue lagoon Hollywood Films, Tv Shows and Music Videos

Hostel part II (2007) where the film shows the Blue Lagoon it is supposed to be in Italy at a spa chosen by the director Eli Roth.

The Fifth Estate (2013)  The Blue Lagoon is used as a backdrop.

The Simpsons (2013) at the end of the episode, the crew celebrates and relaxes in the soothing waters of Blue Lagoon.

Music Videos:

Melanie C – Never Be The Same Again  (2000) shot prior to the changes that were made facilities.

Zara Larsson, MNEK – Never Forget You (2015) shot in the Reykjanes lava field that the Blue lagoon sits in.

Interesting places near the Blue Lagoon

• Grindavík fishing village
• Gunnuhver geyser
• Seltún geothermal area
• The Viking World Museum
• The Museum of Rock and Roll
• Kleifarvatn lake

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Blue Lagoon Iceland: Discovering This One-of-a-Kind Wonder

Located in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and surrounded by moss-covered lava fields, the Blue Lagoon Iceland is a wonderland.

Named one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic in 2012, everywhere the eye looks brings forth a sense of wonder. Gleaming silica. Fragmented lava. Steaming water. Vibrant moss. Extinct volcanoes.

Once perceived as little more than an unusable byproduct of geothermal energy production, the Blue Lagoon’s serene water is now known for its healing, rejuvenating, and nourishing qualities. The sky above the Blue Lagoon Iceland is equally enchanting. The Northern Lights in the Arctic sky will draw your eyes to the heavens.

What Is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in Grindavík, southwestern Iceland. Located between Keflavik Airport and the capital of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect stop on the way in or out of Iceland.

Contrary to popular belief, the lagoon is man-made. It was formed when discharged water from Svartsengi geothermal power station failed to seep through the lava because of its high silica content. In fact, the lagoon is a milky blue shade because of the way silica reflects sunlight. Today, the Blue Lagoon is one of the major tourist attractions in Iceland.

What Makes the Blue Lagoon Iceland Special?

The answer lies in its unique geothermal seawater, which:

• Is naturally renewed every 40 hours
• Has temperatures averaging between 37°C and 40°C all year round
• Is a mixture of 30% fresh water and 70% seawater
• Is enriched with silicon, algae, and minerals, which are good for the skin

What’s more, research has shown that Blue Lagoon’s unique geothermal seawater is a natural remedy for the psoriasis skin condition.

Things to Do While at the Blue Lagoon

Whether you’re on a day visit or are staying for several days, there’s plenty to experience at the Blue Lagoon

Before you venture into the lagoon, note that:

• To maintain the waters’s cleanliness and purity, guests must shower naked before entering the lagoon
• Due to the high mineral content in the water, the minimum age allowed into the Blue Lagoon is 2 years
• Children aged 2—13 years enjoy free admission

While at the Blue Lagoon, there are many activities to keep you busy.

Visit Blue Lagoon Skin Treatment Clinic

The Blue Lagoon has a psoriasis treatment clinic with a dermatologist on site. The treatment is based on 3 elements:

• Bathing regularly in the Blue Lagoon
• Use of Blue Lagoon psoriasis skincare products
• UV light therapy

After the visit, you can maintain the benefits by using a prescribed home treatment.

Enjoy the Powers of Silica and Algae at the In-Water Mask Bar

The Blue Lagoons silica cleanses and strengthens your skin, giving you a fresh, pure, and radiant appearance.

Blue Lagoon algae is extraordinarily dynamic. It renews, nourishes, and moisturizes your skin. The uniquely potent array of minerals has energizing effects on your mind and body—exfoliating your skin and stimulating your circulation.

Quench Your Thirst Without Leaving the Water at the In-Water Bar

Choose from an enticing selection of smoothies, juices, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The first drink is included in the entrance fee.

Experience the Luxury of the Retreat Spa

The Retreat Spa has a lot to offer:

• A chance to experience the waters of the Blue Lagoon in the more secluded Retreat Lagoon.
• Private changing room.
• Access to chambers where you can cover your entire body with silica, algae and minerals.
• An elevated terrace to enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Get an In-Water Massage

Conducted with Blue Lagoon mineral massage oil, this massage takes place in a private area of the lagoon. Massage therapy while you float in the geothermal seawater is a truly unique and relaxing experience.

Dining at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Go on an Icelandic culinary journey at the Blue Lagoon. Whether you prefer fine dining or want to grab a quick snack, the lagoon has three restaurants and a cafe to satisfy you.

Lava Restaurant

Built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the banks of the Blue Lagoon, you’ll have an unforgettable dining experience. Their menu features Icelandic delicacies made from fresh local ingredients—promising to delight your taste buds.

Moss Restaurant

Its location at the highest point at Blue Lagoon Iceland will afford you stunning views of the volcanic horizon as you enjoy your dish. The menu changes with the seasons to guarantee the freshest ingredients. Moreover, this restaurant has a one-of-a-kind wine cellar in a volcanic chamber below the earth’s surface.

Spa Restaurant

Feast on the restaurant’s light delicacies before, during, or after your spa experience. No reservations are needed and you can either dine in your robe or fully clothed.

The spacious café combines a variety of snacks and refreshments with stunning views of the Blue Lagoon. You can grab a quick bite here before heading back into the lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Accommodation

Discover the wonder of the Blue Lagoon by staying at one of its hotels.

Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel

Silica Hotel combines comfort and hospitality. The rooms have incredible views of stunning mountains and lava flows, and the room fee includes complimentary breakfast. Additionally, it has its own private but smaller lagoon. So you need not compete for space in the larger public lagoon.

Retreat Hotel

Apart from being home to the Retreat Luxury Spa, it features modern, exclusive suites and an unforgettable cuisine. This 62-suite hotel provides each of its guests with personalized service, creating an environment of relaxation and rejuvenation.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

If you’re visiting Iceland, you can get to the Blue Lagoon by taxi, car , or bus.

Taxis and cars for hire are available from both Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik . Blue Lagoon is easily accessible from the main highway that connects Keflavík to Reykjavík.

The Blue Lagoon has partnered with a bus service company—known as Destination Blue Lagoon —for transfers to both Keflavík and Reykjavík. This service runs all year round, following the seasonal opening hours of the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon Opening Hours

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is open all year round. However, the opening hours vary by season. Currently, these are the 2021 opening hours listed on the official website .

How to Book Your Stay at the Blue Lagoon

If you’re planning a visit to the Blue Lagoon, pre-booking is a must through the Blue Lagoon website . You have the freedom to change or cancel your reservation.

You can select one of 3 packages:

You want to make the most of your trip to Iceland. Apart from the Blue Lagoon, there are other must-see attractions. Discover more wonders in Iceland today.

Featured Image from: Pixabay by cgcolman

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Iceland hot springs: steaming and serene stimulation for your senses, hot springs in iceland: names, facts, and features.

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Is the blue lagoon worth it an honest review (2024 update).

The outside temperature was 2 o  C but with the wind chill, it felt more like -6 o  c. Now and then, and without warning, Arctic wind gusts whipped hailstones like mini shards of glass across my exposed face.

And here I was, basking in an outdoor pool with the water at a balmy 37 – 39 o  C. Welcome to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland.

An outdoor pool is to Icelanders what a pub is to the British and a café is to the French. It is a place to meet, chat and pass the time of day.

To those outside Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is the most well-known of these outdoor pools. However, this is not a cheap day out and my honest view is that the Blue Lagoon is a bit of a tourist trap.

To help you make your mind up if it is worth it for you, dive into my Blue Lagoon review. This includes a review of my experience, what to expect and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

What is the Blue Lagoon?

First and foremost, the Blue Lagoon is not a natural phenomenon. It is a  man-made  lava rock pool, fed by water from the adjacent geothermal power plant (Svartsengi).

The water owes its distinctive milky blue colour to its high silica content, which forms soft white mud on the bottom of the pool.

It is also rich in other minerals and algae which are reported to have therapeutic properties. The Blue Lagoon’s water completely renews itself every 40 hours.  

My Experience of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

My visit to the Blue Lagoon was very slick. I felt like I was being processed.

Entering the Blue Lagoon

On entry, I was given an electronic wristband . This served as an electronic key to my changing room locker and as a payment chip for additional purchases.

The unisex changing rooms and showers were clean and well-maintained, albeit very busy and cramped. Shampoo, conditioner, powerful hairdryers and vanity kits were available. Additional towels were also available if required.

Like most spas, you are required to shower first. Then it was time to brave the outside temperature and enter the Blue Lagoon.

I chose the gentle introduction, entering through the indoor pool. Alternatively, you can brave the Arctic air and enter the pool directly from the outdoor area.

Taking the waters

I slowly acclimatised, letting the balmy water cover me like a warm blanket. Gusts of wind whipped the steam from the water into clouds.

I waded over to the mask bar and slathered a spoonful of the complimentary face mask over my face. After ten minutes, I washed it off in the Blue Lagoon’s water.

Looking ten years younger already.

Then it was beer o’clock. At the swim-up bar, I ordered my complimentary drink (in my case, an Icelandic draft beer). Wine and fruit smoothies were also available.

Note that the Blue Lagoon imposes a maximum of three drinks per person. No drunken frivolity here.

For an instant massage, I stood beneath the powerful outdoor waterfall shower before checking out the sauna and steam room.

When it’s time to go

My skin felt a little prune-like after soaking in the Blue Lagoon, like after a long bath at home. I was liberal with the complimentary body lotion.

Plastic bags to carry wet swimwear were available in the changing room. Depositing my towel in a bin, I made my way to the spa’s entrance.

As you scan your wristband on the reader, it will alert you if you need to pay for additional purchases. Otherwise, just drop your wristband in the pop-out drawer and you are good to go.

Is the Blue Lagoon Worth It?

In my view, the Blue Lagoon is a complete tourist trap. Even in a country as expensive as Iceland, it is scandalously pricey. Contrary to commonly held perceptions, it is not a natural phenomenon, owing its existence to a geothermal power station. With this same power station looming large next to the Blue Lagoon, some of the views from it are not exactly picture-postcard perfect. This is a far cry from its marketing material. But, conversely, the Blue Lagoon is a one-of-a-kind experience and has an almost otherworldly feel. The sight of those milky blue waters in a lagoon hewn out of black lava rock, steam rising from the surface, is unforgettable.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon sits within a moss-topped black lava field on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is around a 35-minute drive from central Reykjavik and 15 minutes from Keflavik airport.

Its address is Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík.

Most visitors visit the Blue Lagoon as a day trip from Reykjavik . If you want to maximise your time in Iceland, visiting the Blue Lagoon en route to/from Keflavik Airport is another good option. Luggage storage facilities are available. If you are not hiring a car, you will need to book a transfer . Alternatively, you can choose a transfer when booking your Blue Lagoon entrance ticket online.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon on a guided tour

If you are only in Iceland for a few days, you can see more and save time – and perhaps money – by combining a visit to the Blue Lagoon with other attractions, including the Golden Circle.

Here are a few highly-rated day tours that would work well:

• Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik | BOOK HERE
• Golden Circle, Kerid Crater and Blue Lagoon tour from Reykjavik | BOOK HERE

Tickets and Prices

Three packages are available: Comfort , Premium and Retreat Spa . Prices as of December 2023 are as follows:

• Comfort: From ISK 8,990
• Premium: From ISK 11,490
• Retreat Spa: From ISK 79,000

Prebooking a ticket for the Blue Lagoon is essential.

The price of the Comfort and Premium packages vary according to the time of day (the cheaper prices are available in the evening). All packages include entry to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, the use of a towel and a drink of your choice.

The Premium package also buys you the use of a bathrobe and slippers, two additional masks of your choice and a glass of sparkling wine if you dine at the Lava restaurant.

Top of the tree, the Retreat Spa is your ticket to the Blue Lagoon’s spa facilities and a more private bathing area.

As I said, the Blue Lagoon is not a cheap day out.

Should you buy the Comfort or Premium package at the Blue Lagoon?

I recommend saving money and skipping the Blue Lagoon’s Premium package. The main advantage of this over the Comfort package is the use of a towelling bathrobe . Looking at the sea of identical bathrobes hanging together at the pool’s entrance, good luck identifying your robe when you step out of the pool. If you need a bathrobe, you can hire this separately.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is open  year-round . Whilst there is no good or bad month to visit, bathing under the midnight sun or whilst gazing at the Northern lights could be something quite special.

I visited in challenging March weather but felt it was all part of an authentic Icelandic experience.

Other online reviews suggest that The Blue Lagoon can suffer from  overcrowding.  However, this did not reflect my experience and my entry time was 2 pm. If you are concerned about overcrowding, time your visit for early in the day or near closing time.

You can visit the Blue Lagoon at night. Opening hours vary based on the season but during the summer months, the Blue Lagoon is open until 10 pm or midnight.

Blue Lagoon FAQs

How long should you spend at the blue lagoon.

Most people spend around two hours in the waters of the Blue Lagoon. This reflects my experience.

What should you bring with you?

Swimwear is essential in all areas of the Blue Lagoon, including the sauna. If you forget to pack swimwear, you can rent this from reception. I also recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops for walking around the locker room and to and from the pool. Although the bottom of the pool is uneven, it is smooth because of silica deposits. Therefore, you will not need water shoes. If you visit the Blue Lagoon on a sunny day, bring a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen.

What are the health benefits of the Blue Lagoon?

The water of the Blue Lagoon, a mixture of fresh and seawater infused with algae and a high concentration of silica, is said to have beneficial effects on the skin. There are claims that the anti-bacterial effects of silica improve psoriasis and eczema and that the mineral water prevents premature ageing.

How old do you have to be to visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland?

The minimum age for using the Blue Lagoon is two years old. This is because children younger than two are highly sensitive to the water’s elevated mineral content. Children aged 13 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Should pregnant women visit the Blue Lagoon?

There are no hard and fast rules and each pregnant woman should evaluate her own physical condition before entering the water. It is important to stay hydrated during the Blue Lagoon experience.

Are you able to see the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon?

Don’t bet your house on it. Those amazing images of the Northern Lights that grace many coffee table books have been captured in places with little to no light pollution. The Blue Lagoon does not tick that box. If it’s your ambition to see the Northern Lights, take a dedicated tour.

Do you need to know how to swim?

This is not a place to do vigorous laps. The Blue Lagoon is all about relaxed bathing and you do not need to know how to swim to visit. The depth of the water varies from three to five feet. If you are a non-swimmer, just be aware that there are deeper spots. Lifeguards are also on duty.

Will the Blue Lagoon destroy your hair?

Although the silica in the Blue Lagoon will not damage your hair, it can make it super crunchy. Therefore, if you intend to get your hair wet, apply conditioner liberally before entering the pool. When it is time to leave the Blue Lagoon, make sure that you thoroughly wash and condition your hair. I found that my hair was drier than usual for a few days after my visit but, with proper conditioning, it soon recovered.

Eating Options

The Blue Lagoon is home to a handful of restaurants.

Spa Restaurant

For light, healthy dishes in a relaxed environment with a view, grab a table at The Spa Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon . You can dine in your robe or fully clothed and no reservations are needed.

Lava Restaurant

A few notches up from the Spa Restaurant, dine at the Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant Built into an 800-year-old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon, its menu showcases the best of Icelandic cuisine.

Moss Restaurant

If it’s something special that you are seeking, Moss Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon ticks all the boxes. Recommended by the 2019 Michelin Guide, it offers high-end, set menus with views over the volcanic horizon.  

If you are short on time, the Blue Lagoon also has a café.

Where to Stay

Most people who visit the Blue Lagoon stay in Reykjavik.

If you want to be in the thick of things, then the downtown area of Reykjavik, close to the Laugavegur shopping street, is your best bet. Here you will find most of the museums, restaurants and bars.

However, if you are a light sleeper be aware that there is a high concentration of a few bars that stay open until late in the weekend. But if you are also out burning the midnight oil, this won’t make any difference!

Mid-range Hotel Frön – I stayed at this 3-star hotel on Laugavegur. A big bonus was the free breakfast.

Splurge Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Center – In an unbeatable location,  a 2-minute walk from Laugavegur Shopping Street and 500 meters from Harpa Concert & Conference Center, this stylish 4-star hotel features a fitness centre and a bar.

Budget Freyja Guesthouse and Suites – This property, a 3-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja Church, has excellent online reviews and is a bargain by Icelandic standards.

Visiting Iceland as a Solo Traveller

Not only is Iceland one of the best European destinations for solo travellers , but it is also one of the best places to travel alone in the world .

Safety is important to all travellers , especially for solo female travellers. The crime rate in Iceland approaches zero and there is little chance you will be robbed, attacked or harassed.

It is a staggeringly beautiful country and small enough to be manageable. For example; if you base yourself in Reykjavik, a fabulous destination in its own right, you can take a tour of the Golden Circle.

Meeting other travellers is easy. There’s a vibrant hostel and bar scene and plenty of organised outdoor activities to meet like-minded people.

Iceland’s  public transportation system  is limited and many visitors hire a car. But if you don’t fancy driving,  excursions  are plentiful and easy to book. These are also good opportunities to meet other travellers.

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

Thank you for reading my review of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Given the choice again, I would opt for a more authentic Icelandic bathing experience.

If you like spas and soaking in warm water, Iceland is not short of natural hot springs, perhaps the Secret Lagoon in Fludir, a small village in the Golden Circle area. Reykjavik tour operators offer this bundle with a Golden Circle tour (check here ).

And let’s face it. If you want to view the Blue Lagoon, you can visit it without dipping so much as a toe into its balmy waters. Just buy a return transfer and take in the views from the spa’s café.

Finally, do you need some help with planning your Iceland vacation? If so, take a look at my guide to Reykjavik , discover how to tour the Golden Circle and essential tips for solo travel in Iceland .

Iceland Volcano Erupts Causing Emergency Evacuation Of The Blue Lagoon Leading To Panicked Tourist Videos

A volcano in Iceland began erupting on the the Reykjanes Peninsula on Thursday spewing lava from a fissure in the Sundhnúkur crater, not far from the Blue Lagoon global tourist attraction which blasted volcano alarms for tourists to evacuate which led to a deluge of panicked tourist videos across social media.

This is the 6th time since December that a volcano in this region of the Land of Fire and Ice has erupted but after the initial lava began to flow officials were able to determine that the nearby down of Grindavík where the Blue Lagoon is located was not in danger of being consumed by lava. That, however, was not immediately clear so when the volcano eruption began the alarms quickly cut through the serene spa as tourists clambered for the safety of their vehicles.

Volcano Alarms Sound At The Blue Lagoon In Iceland

Several videos like these two went viral on TikTok overnight:

Shout out to this guy wearing a Buc-ee’s shirt to the Blue Lagoon. They ask you to dress for comfort, as it is a world class spa surrounding a hot springs, and it’s hard to imagine something more comfortable than a Buc-ee’s shirt:

Icelandic videographer/photographer Hörður Kristleifsson who shares stunning footage of volcanoes on Instagram captured the magnificent lava flow at the nearby eruption:

Despite the volancoes, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland IS worth the hype

For anyone out there who has never been to the Blue Lagoon and might be on the fence about going… DO IT. I’d say that 90% of all the famous tourist spots I’ve visited in the world have failed to live up to the hype but the Blue Lagoon absolutely delivers. It is first and foremost a hot springs spa.

The place is absolutely stunning and the entrance feels like you are walking into a James Bond villain lair. They give you a bracelet that you can scan to purchase drinks and food. The restaurants there are top notch. You can reserve private spa treatments but everyone is welcome to unlimited masks in the hot springs that are fed from natural volcanic waters.

My experience was crushing drinks in 35 degree weather sitting inside a natural jacuzzi surrounded by lava rock and snow. It was surreal and I cannot recommend it enough. Just make sure you don’t show up when there’s a nearby erupting volcano because this seemed like a scary moment for tourists in Iceland.

The post Iceland Volcano Erupts Causing Emergency Evacuation Of The Blue Lagoon Leading To Panicked Tourist Videos appeared first on BroBible .

Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Visit?

The Blue Lagoon: Where It All Began

The sky lagoon: comfort in the capital, hvammsvik hot springs: a new contender, the location of the lagoons, location of the blue lagoon, location of the sky lagoon, location of the hvammsvik hot springs, price range, experiences, and spa rituals, entry to the blue lagoon.

• Entry to the Sky Lagoon
• Entry to the Hvammsvik Hot Springs
• Opening Times and When to Visit

When to Visit the Blue Lagoon

When to visit the sky lagoon, when to visit the hvammsvik hot springs.

• Food and Drink Options

Food at the Blue Lagoon

Food at the sky lagoon, food at the hvammsvik hot springs, accommodation near the lagoons, age limit and water depth at the lagoons, wheelchair accessibility.

• What To Know About Icelandic Bathing Culture

Cleanliness

Lagoons, pools, and hot springs around the country, geothermal power.

• FAQ's about Visiting Geothermal Lagoons in Iceland

So Which Spa Is The Winner?

Iceland features an array of natural wonders and unique experiences. Thanks to the country's raw geothermal power, it also boasts a lot of naturally heated pools, lagoons, and hot springs. No matter where you choose to stay, you're sure to find a relaxing bathing experience close to your accommodation in Iceland . If you're planning on soaking in warm geothermal waters, check out our wide selection of hot springs tours in Iceland . They're generally reachable by bus, transfer, or taxi, or you can enjoy the benefits of having a rental car during your trip.

Among the geothermal spas in Iceland, two stand out as the most well-known: the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon . The Blue Lagoon, famed for its milky-blue waters, combines wellness and luxury in a picturesque setting. Similarly, the Sky Lagoon, with its dramatic 70-meter infinity edge, offers relaxation with an immersive view of the ocean and coastline.

There are, however, many more lagoons and spa experiences popping up over Iceland, and a notable one near Reykjavik is the Hvammsvik Hot Springs . It definitely deserves a place in the discussion of which lagoon is best to visit.

All locations promise rejuvenation set in Icelandic tranquility, but each one has its own unique characteristics. So which experience is the best? Read on to learn everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon, and the Hvammsvik Hot Springs on your trip to Iceland. Let the battle of the spas begin!

Top Hot Spring Tours in Iceland

Amazing 11-hour landmannalaugar super jeep tour with transfer from reykjavik, small-group 6-day adventure exploration tour around iceland's ring road from reykjavik, 4-day reykjavik city break with optional activities.

The milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon contrast starkly with the surrounding black lava rocks. The lagoon's striking color is due to its high silica content, which reflects sunlight and gives the water its unique hue. The temperature of the water averages around 98-102°F (37-39°C), and it's rich in silica and minerals that are said to have healing properties. It's also said to be particularly beneficial for people with skin conditions like psoriasis.

The unique mineral content of the water does mean that you will have to take special care of your hair when going to the Blue Lagoon. If it gets wet, you may find that your hair will have a straw-like texture afterward that will go away after a few days. The minerals don't actually damage your hair long-term but can be a bit bothersome before your hair texture gets back to normal.

To prevent this, make sure to use a lot of the lagoon's complementary conditioner and keep it in your hair while you're in the water to protect your hair. You can also simply keep your hair out of the water, but of course, that is easier said than done.

The Blue Lagoon is designed to blend with the volcanic rock of the surrounding area, featuring modern buildings with a futuristic appearance inspired by nature. The lagoon itself is man-made but appears entirely natural, adding to the harmony between architecture and the environment. You'll find many crevices and caves in the water, which offer more privacy, with walking paths and bridges on the edges of the water. If you want to stay close to the iconic spa, make sure to book a hotel near the Blue Lagoon ahead of time.

• See more: Iceland's Blue Lagoon - The Ultimate Travel Guide
• See more:  My Experience at the Blue Lagoon

Top Blue Lagoon Tours

10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes, incredible 1-week summer self-drive tour of the ring road of iceland & golden circle, scenic 4-day northern lights tour of vatnajokull ice cave, jokulsarlon & the south coast.

Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean within the capital region , the Sky Lagoon offers an unparalleled geothermal spa experience that fuses natural beauty, Icelandic tradition, and modern luxury. Opened in 2021, it quickly became one of Iceland's must-visit destinations, bringing a unique twist to the country's famous geothermal bathing culture.

The geothermal waters in the Sky Lagoon are warm and comforting, typically maintained at a temperature of around 100-104°F (38-40°C). Coupled with breathtaking views of the mountains, ocean, and skies, it offers an immersive experience that seems to blur the boundaries between the man-made lagoon and the natural world.

The Sky Lagoon's most distinctive feature is its impressive 70-meter infinity-edge pool. The pool's edge appears to merge with the vast Atlantic Ocean, creating an illusion of endless water that seamlessly blends with the surrounding sea. The architecture is distinctly modern yet pays homage to traditional Icelandic design principles, utilizing clean lines, minimalistic aesthetics, and natural materials.

The entrance of the Sky Lagoon is lined with a turf wall, built with the same technique used in historical Icelandic turf houses. There are very few people left in the world that know how to build from turf in this traditional way, making the outside design of the Sky Lagoon quite an accomplishment.

Even with all the aforementioned features that make Sky Lagoon a great place to visit, at the top of the list is probably its destination. It is only a 10-15 minute drive away from Reykjavik's city center, located in the suburban town of Kopavogur . This makes it highly convenient to visit if you're staying in a hotel in Reykjavik , as you won't have to leave the capital region to get there.

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Water levels and temperature of some of the pools fluctuate as the tides of the Atlantic Ocean rise and fall, providing an experience in harmony with nature. The temperature of the hot springs mostly ranges from 99-104°F (37-40°C), so you're sure to have a relaxing experience with the best possible nature view. There's also a lounge pool up against the building, making accessing the bar easy, and sunny days also provide the perfect opportunity to take a dip in the ocean.

The establishment has a very interesting past. It was built on the foundation of barracks used by the Allies in World War II. The architecture draws inspiration from this history but with the comforts of modern decor. The hot spring pools themselves are made to look as natural as possible and were formed with rocks from the surrounding area. The scenery changes dramatically depending on whether it's high or low tide, creating a unique experience for every visit.

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Transfer from keflavik airport to reykjavik city with a stop at the blue lagoon, the golden circle & blue lagoon tour with transfer from reykjavik, serene geothermal bathing at the myvatn nature baths.

There are also many Blue Lagoon tours  available if you prefer not to drive or plan to take advantage of their in-water bar. You can choose the quick Blue Lagoon shuttle bus from Reykjavik or transportation to the Blue Lagoon from Keflavik Airport  for the start of your visit. Then you can take advantage of the return transfer to Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport , which even includes the comfort admission ticket in the pricing!

We also recommend pairing your Blue Lagoon trip with another experience. Take the time to explore the surrounding natural wonders with a self-drive tour, or choose from the many  guided Reykjanes tours  available. There are even multiple tours from Reykjavik that offer the Blue Lagoon as part of the journey, like this highly-rated Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour , which we recommend checking out.

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The in-city location doesn't affect the relaxation, however. Because of the lagoon's positioning in Skerjafjordur bay, you'll feel separated from the noise of the bustling capital during your visit and be able to unwind in peace.

Nestled along rocks on the shore and surrounded by dramatic mountains, the Hvammsvik Hot Springs is truly a special location. You'll find it in the fjord of  Hvalfjordur , only around an hour's drive from central Reykjavik. The journey is easy, and you just need a small rental car , but if you don't have one or simply don't want to drive, you can take advantage of their shuttle service to and from Reykjavik. Make sure to book ahead of time so your visit is as stress-free as possible.

If you're traveling during the darker months, keep in mind that the fjord is also a very popular destination for northern lights hunting from Reykjavik , which can make a great addition to your itinerary.

• See more: Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
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Your second option is to book a Blue Lagoon Premium ticket which costs around 125 USD. It's a great way to maximize your experience. It includes the same benefits as the Comfort entry, but you will also get a cozy bathrobe during your stay and two additional mud masks of your choice. If you're planning on dining at the Blue Lagoon Lava restaurant, then you will also get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine with this access!

Entry to the Sky Lagoon

If you want the full spa experience, which we recommend, then book the Sky Lagoon full-access ticket . It's called the Pure Pass, and it gives access to their seven-step spa ritual that's intended to rejuvenate and relax you. The first step is enjoying the main geothermal pool of the Sky Lagoon. You then take a dip in cold water which is intended to stimulate your immune system and reduce inflammation while giving you an endorphin rush.

If you want more privacy during your visit, you can book a Sky Lagoon premium ticket . This entry, called the Sky Pass, gives you access to all the aforementioned activities with the benefit of a private changing room.

Entry to the Hvammsvik Hot Springs

During your stay, you'll have access to all their hot springs and pools, a steam bath, outdoor and indoor changing facilities, and outdoor showers. You can also enjoy their free paddle board sessions when available.

Depending on the weather and time of year, we also recommend taking a dip in the ocean and then going back to the warmer hot springs for optimal relaxation. You can even try a free guided beginner's introduction to ocean swimming!

  Opening Times and When to Visit

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The Blue Lagoon's opening hours vary depending on the time of year and as the tourist numbers in Iceland fluctuate. From August to the start of January, they're open from 8 AM to 10 PM, and from January to May, opening times are from 8 AM to 9 PM. This period is the low season in Iceland, so you'll likely have more privacy.

During peak travel season, from June to August, they're open from 7 AM to 12 AM. This means you can take advantage of the midnight sun and enjoy the Blue Lagoon as a treat after a long day of exploring. It can also serve as a relaxing start to your day if you go at opening time.

There's no limit to how long you can stay in the water, but people generally spend up to three or four hours relaxing at the Blue Lagoon. This will depend on which entry pass you booked and whether you choose to eat at their restaurants.

If you want to visit but prefer to avoid crowds, we recommend going in the late afternoon or early evening as it's likely to be less crowded. The area is also very large and has many nooks and crannies, so even if the lagoon is fully booked, you can find more privacy if you move away from the main entry area.

It's also much better to go during the low season, as there are fewer people, and you can enjoy the twilight and the starry night sky. If you're lucky, you may even be able to spot the northern lights in the winter darkness!

During winter, from October to mid-May, they're open on Mondays from 11 AM to 10 PM, on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 12 PM to 10 PM, and on Friday to Sunday from 10 AM to 10 AM. Their summer hours, from mid-May to mid-August, are from 10 AM to 11 PM every day.

If you tend to start your day early, we recommend enjoying a lovely breakfast or brunch in Reykjavik or the nearby capital area before going to unwind in the relaxing water at opening time. However, like the Blue Lagoon, it will be less crowded in the evening, which is the best time to go.

One of the magical city experiences of the darker months in Iceland is visiting the Sky Lagoon in the early evening and staying until closing. Because of the stunning ocean views, you can experience the beautiful sunset reflecting on the water as the sky transitions into darkness. If you're visiting during the darkest months, you may also be able to spot the northern lights or at least enjoy the starry sky on a clear night.

The Sky Lagoon is very popular, but it likely won't be as crowded as the Blue Lagoon. You can still expect a lot of people, especially if going during the high season. The area is also smaller than the Blue Lagoon, and the most crowded area is along the glass infinity edge, but you can find more privacy along the cliffs and at the bar area. You also have to book a certain time for entry so the changing rooms should not be too crowded when entering.

There's no limit to how long you can stay during opening time. It's common to spend between three and four hours, but this depends on whether you choose to include the spa access into your trip and if you plan to grab a bite to eat afterward.

The Hvammsvik Hot Springs themselves are relatively small though there are a few to choose from. This does mean that it can get quite crowded during peak visiting hours, but if you go early or late, it can offer a more calm and intimate experience. Like the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, you'll have to book your arrival time, meaning the changing room should not be too crowded.

For optimal relaxation, you can enjoy their guided meditation experience with breathwork and restorative yoga. Make sure to check out what activities are available during your visit. You may also want to experience the location at high and low tide, which would mean spending most of the day at the spa. If you have to choose, we recommend going during high tide, as the ocean will be up against the hot springs, creating great photo opportunities.

If visiting in winter, keep in mind that the Hvalfjordur fjord is a popular location for northern lights hunting. This can make going during the evening of the darkest months a wonderful experience, as you may be able to enjoy the aurora dancing in the sky as you soak in the warm water.

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For a more formal experience, there are several restaurant options to choose from. Their most popular one is the Lava Restaurant, which offers a beautiful view of the blue water. They offer a fine dining experience that focuses on Icelandic cuisine. If you choose the Premium Pass to the Blue Lagoon, you will get a complimentary glass of sparkling wine for your meal!

If you choose the Retreat Spa access to the Blue Lagoon, you will get access to their third dining option, the Spa Restaurant. You don't need to book a table, and you can even relax in your comfy spa robe while savoring their delicious menu.

While they offer great drinks along with their food options, you simply must take advantage of their in-water bar while you relax in the lagoon. There's a three-drink limit per person, and they have many options with or without alcohol.

Their drinks menu is also extensive, with sodas, sparkling tea, Icelandic beers, cocktails, and a varied wine list. You can even bring your drink with you in the water to relax and enjoy.

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The Sky Lagoon is located within the capital area, so it's likely no surprise that it doesn't offer its own accommodation options. You can, however, find  accommodation in Kopavogur for optimal convenience. No matter where you stay in the capital area, you'll have an easy time getting to the Sky Lagoon with either a rental car, taxi, or city bus.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs also offer their own accommodation options, as you can rent one of the four beautiful houses on the property. Each one offers a homey and stylish environment with stunning views over the Hvalfjordur fjord. One offers access to a private hot tub, and another has its own private hot spring! This option is perfect if you're traveling in a group and want to make the most of your vacation.

Another hotel close to the Blue Lagoon is the Northern Light Inn . The 3-star hotel is just a 3-minute drive and an 18-minute walk from the lagoon. It's a popular choice and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 700 guests!

You can also stay in the nearby towns of the Reykjanes peninsula if you have a rental car. You can book different types of accommodation in Grindavik or choose from hotels in Keflavik , the two closest towns to the Blue Lagoon. If you're planning a Blue Lagoon visit for your first or last day in Iceland, you may rather want to stay in accommodation near Keflavik Airport .

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If you're traveling with children, be aware that the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Hvammsvik Hot Springs all have some form of age limitation for entry. This varies by location, but it's something to account for in your travel plans.

For the most family-friendly location, the age limit to the Blue Lagoon is 2 years old. Children between the ages of 2 and 13 get free entry, though they have to share a locker with a parent or guardian. For both the Sky Lagoon and the Hvammsvik Hot Springs, the age limit is 12 years old, and an adult guardian must accompany any children under 18.

In the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, the water is rather shallow, so you don't have to worry about the depth. It's around the hip level of the average adult, and you also don't have to know how to swim to enter. The same does apply to the Hvammsvik Hot Springs, as long as you stay in the hot springs themselves. If you're not confident in your swimming abilities, you would simply skip going into the ocean during your visit.

Both places deliver impressive accessible amenities, although the Blue Lagoon’s in-water wheelchair may be a unique advantage for some visitors. Consequently, their commitment to inclusivity makes them welcoming destinations for all visitors.

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What To Know About Icelandic Bathing Culture

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This is done to maintain the water's purity and out of respect for your fellow visitors. It's also recommended to shower well afterward. You'll find free soap at any public swimming location in Iceland.

Many locations that are popular among travelers, like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Hvammsvik Hot Springs, offer closed shower stalls so those not accustomed to public showers can enjoy some privacy. The Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon also offer private changing rooms for an additional price.

Public pools, in particular, provide an authentic glimpse into Icelandic daily life. They're communal gathering spots where locals unwind, exercise, and socialize. Most locations have a pool intended for swimming, though kids often play there as well, and you will almost always find at least one hot tub. Most places have two or more hot tubs with different temperatures to choose from.

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Photo from  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Hansueli Krapf . No edits made.

Geothermally heated water is one of Iceland's most valuable natural resources, providing the country with a sustainable source of heat and electricity. The island is situated on a hot spot in the Earth's crust called the Mid-Atlantic Ridge , with abundant volcanic activity that heats underground reservoirs of water. This geothermally heated water can emerge naturally as hot springs, or it can be harnessed through boreholes to supply the country with hot water.

All outdoor and indoor swimming pools in Iceland are heated, so you don't have to worry about missing out when visiting during the colder months. In fact, many Icelanders will tell you that the best time for swimming is when it's cold outside, especially if it's raining or snowing! The refreshing cold makes relaxing in the hot water even more enjoyable.

FAQ's about Visiting Geothermal Lagoons in Iceland

• Is it safe to swim in the Blue Lagoon? Yes, it's completely safe to swim in the geothermal lagoons in Iceland. The water is regularly tested to ensure its safety and cleanliness. The lagoon is naturally self-cleansing, renewing itself every 40 hours.
• Can you wear jewelry at the Blue Lagoon? It's recommended not to wear jewelry in the Blue Lagoon. The mineral-rich waters, while beneficial for the skin, can cause discoloration and build-up of dirt in jewelry. It's also generally a good idea to remove jewelry before entering any geothermal lagoon, pool, or hot spring, including the Sky Lagoon and Hvammsvik Hot Springs.
• Does the Blue Lagoon smell? There can be a slight sulfur smell due to the geothermal nature of the waters, but it's very mild, entirely natural, and harmless. Most visitors don't notice it after the first few minutes.
• Do I need flip-flops at the Sky Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, or Hvammsvik Hot Springs? Flip-flops are not necessary but can be useful. The floor tends to be uneven and rough in places, though most visitors go barefooted.
• Can the Blue Lagoon damage your bathing suit? The mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon won't ruin your bathing suit, but it can leave a residue. It's suggested to rinse your suit thoroughly in fresh water after use. Some visitors choose to wear an older suit or simply rent one during their visit.

The Blue Lagoon, with its milky-blue therapeutic geothermal waters, has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for global travelers. The silica-rich mud and soothing temperatures provide a luxurious spa experience, truly making it a destination worth visiting.

The Sky Lagoon, situated along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, features a beautiful 70-meter infinity edge pool and offers a beautiful and calming experience in Reykjavik. It's well worth experiencing the seven-step ritual of warmth, coolness, and relaxation that makes for a unique wellness journey.

The Hvammsvik Hot Springs is great for those that want to harmonize with nature and get away from the stress of day-to-day life. With unique bathing experiences, stunning surroundings, and fun activities, this location is not to be missed during your visit to Iceland.

Each one is worth a visit, so you'll have to look into which one best suits your needs during your visit. No matter which one you choose, you're sure to have a fantastic and rejuvenating time. If you can, we recommend experiencing more than one location during your time in Iceland.

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Best time to visit Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland is between September and March to see the northern lights, or between June and August for summer activities. While travel to Iceland may depend on your desired itinerary, generally, the best time to visit is during the summer. During this time, you’ll experience warmer temperatures and long days of sunlight, known as the spectacular midnight sun. While the summer boasts green countryside and animal spotting, the winter is the best time for the Northern lights and the country’s famous geothermal spas when they may not be as busy!

However, if you’re planning a trip to see something specific, such as the puffin or whale migrations, you’ll need to visit during a specific time of year. We've broken down some main factors to consider before choosing when to travel to Iceland.

The phenomenal cosmic light show, known as the aurora borealis or the Northern Lights, is a natural event that occurs from late September to late March. The long and dark winter nights make it an ideal time to visit, however, because it is a sporadic event, a definite sighting can't always be guaranteed. You may be more likely to see the lights during the equinoxes that occur around the 21st/22nd of March and September.

Learn more about the Northern Lights

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is a year-round natural geothermal pool that is said to have healing properties and is situated among a scenic Icelandic landscape. This mineral-rich seawater contains a mix of silica, algae and other bioactive elements that can be particularly beneficial for certain skin conditions.

While the lagoon is open all year, if you’re hoping to visit with slightly warmer weather, you may want to visit in the summer months (May to August). That said, many travelers love to visit the springs in the winter months to be surrounded by the beautiful snowy hills of the region while they relax in the outdoor lagoon.

The Icelandic coastline is famous for its whale activity due to the cold waters and favored feeding grounds of the local marine life. Between April to September is the best time to visit Iceland for whale watching as this is when the whales migrate north for the summer months. Keep a look out for humpback, minke, fin, sperm or even blue whales! You might even see other marine species such as orcas, dolphins, seals or harbor porpoises.

Best for: Þorrablót Mid-winter Festival and ice caves

While mid-winter weather and short days may deter some travelers, the colder months are also perfect for ice cave exploration and catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. However, if you’d like to stay out of the weather, why not partake in the honoring of the Icelandic ancestors during the Thorrablot festival? While visiting in January, join locals on a historical Icelandic food tour that includes foods such as hangikjot (flavored smoked lamb) or brennivin (a local distilled beverage).

Best for: Winter Lights Festival and Northern Lights

February is one of the best times to visit Iceland for some exciting food and cultural events. The two festivals, Winter Lights and Food & Fun are hosted annually by the capital Reykjavik and can add spark some joy in the coldest and wettest months of the year! But keep a watchful eye out for the Northern Lights.

Best for: Northern Lights, winter sports, Iceland Winter Games and the Annual Beer Festival

The longer and brighter winter days of March make it an advantageous time for winter sports. If you’re looking to downhill or cross-country ski, snowboard, snowshoe or hike the terrain, the nearest mountain is only a 20-minute drive away from Reykjavik.

Best for: puffins and golden plover migration, The Golden Circle and smaller crowds

April marks the start of the spring season in Iceland and the breathtaking return of several local bird species, including the world-renowned puffins and golden plovers. While the locals celebrate the first day of summer shortly after April 18th, this month is a perfect time to visit for lower off-season prices and fewer tourists. Remember that there may still be an assortment of rain, snow, hail or shine, so pack accordingly.

Best for: whale watching, nature adventures and long days

May in Iceland sees the end of the cold winter months, however, temperatures still sit between 32-50,°F although there is less chance of snow. Towards the end of May, there can be up to 20 daylight hours which makes it a great time to do some fun outdoor adventures. Why not take a tour through the lava caves, hike your way across a glacier, snorkel or scuba dive in Icelan's pristine waters or even horseback ride along the countryside?

Best for: midnight sun, Hafnarfjörður Viking Festival, National Holiday of Iceland, Fisherman’s Day and the opening of some highland roads

Summer has arrived! With summer comes longer days and the peak travel season so prices are higher and attractions are busier. June is one of the best times to explore the natural wonders of the Icelandic countryside. However, with a great array of cultural, music and environmental festivals, there’s something for every interest. The end of May to the start of June is also the best time to see the famed midnight sun phenomenon in Iceland so make sure you bring a good sleeping mask!

Best for:   Braðslan, nature photography and long days

July is the busiest tourist month of the year for Iceland. With sunshine, greenery and longer days, it’s a perfect time to engage in the bustling city life or explore the vibrant natural scenery. If you’re looking for a slightly less crowded time, try to book in for the start of the month before the local schools are on break.

Best for: Reykjavik Pride, Reykjavik Culture Night, National Festival, Verslunarmannahelgi, Þjóðhátíð and wilderness exploration

Visiting Iceland in August usually ensures full access to the country’s wilderness as inaccessible areas in winter are now fully open. As one of the hottest months, the weather in August - while still unpredictable at times – is best for exploring the rugged and idyllic terrain of the glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls of the Icelandic wild. If nature isn’t your thing, the local scene has plenty of events and attractions to fill your itinerary.

Best for: fewer crowds and mild weather

September marks the end of the busy summer months but temperatures can still fall between 40-50°F. With the bulk of tourists on their way home, you’ll find lower prices and smaller lines for attractions. This is a great time to go if you’re looking to surround yourself with great music or film. Note that some highland roads will be closed by the end of the month for winter.

Best for: Northern Lights and berry picking

See the vibrant autumnal colors that blanket Iceland during October as the temperatures lower and leaves drop. As the colder months set in, plan for the Northern Lights as they can easily be seen at this time of year, especially when away from city areas without cloud cover.

Best for: hot springs, ice caves and Northern Lights

November brings winter into full steam with a drop in temperatures and daylight hours. Winter is often the most scenic time to visit one of Iceland’s many hot springs and relax in the white-blanketed scenery. With the drop in temperatures comes the reformation of the ice caves making November a perfect time to transverse the chilly blue caves and stunning glaciers.

Best for: New Year’s Eve, frozen waterfalls, glacier exploration, Christmas villages and festive lights

Looking to party into the new year? Iceland’s eclectic music scene and picture-perfect Christmas villages can provide you with day-to-night entertainment. While December is known as one of the coldest and windiest months, the Northern Lights are often viewable during this time. Just note that some hotels, services and attractions are closed during the winter.

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Chill out: Beat the summer heat with these cool escapes

Ice cave collapse in Iceland kills tourist; search for missing called off after whole group is accounted for

Icelandic police on Monday called off the search for anyone trapped in the previous day’s collapse of an ice cave that killed one person and injured another, saying that all members of the tourist expedition had been accounted for.

Authorities had initially mounted a large-scale rescue operation, with as many as 200 rescuers sifting through the icy rubble by hand to find two people believed to have been missing.

But police eventually determined that no one was unaccounted for after examining the tour operator’s records and finding that only 23 people were on the ice cave tour, not 25 as was first believed. Even so, rescuers continued the search until all of the collapsed ice had been moved to be sure that no one had been left behind.

“The police field manager located at the scene announced that all the ice that was thought to have fallen on the people had been moved,” police said. “It has come to light that no one (was) hidden under the ice.’’

The rescue operation began around 3 p.m. local time on Sunday when authorities received reports that an ice cave had collapsed at the Breidamerkurjokull glacier in southeastern Iceland. One man died at the scene and a woman was transported to a hospital in Reykjavik, the capital, by helicopter. Both victims are American citizens, police said.

The search, which was suspended overnight when conditions made it too dangerous, had resumed at about 7 a.m., Icelandic broadcaster RUV reported. Video showed rescuers working inside two large craters surrounded by the sand-blackened ice of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier.

But by the end of the day, they were satisfied that no one else was missing. Police said there had been “misleading information” about the number of people on the trip.

The Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides called for a full investigation and tighter regulations on ice cave tours. Glacier trips during the warmer summer months can be very dangerous, the association said.

The tourism agency is working on a report for the government to discuss regulations regarding trips on the glaciers and especially ice caves tours. The Minister of Tourism Lilja Alfredsdóttir said that the matter will be discussed in parliament.

Ice caves are a popular destination for visitors to Iceland, with tour operators offering customers the chance to “explore the insides of glaciers” and see the blue color and “stunning patterns” in the ice.

Glaciers cover about 11% of Iceland, an island nation in the north Atlantic that sits on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle. The largest is Vatnajokull, which covers 3,050 square miles. Breidamerkurjokull is a tongue of Vatnajokull that ends at the Jokulsarlon Lagoon, where icebergs constantly break off from the glacier.

Moving rescue equipment and personnel up to the glacier was difficult due to the rugged terrain, and rescuers had to cut through the ice using chainsaws.

The glacier is about 185 miles from a  volcano that erupted Friday  on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland.

Blue Lagoon set to reopen today after latest Icelandic eruption

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Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is expected to reopen today (Tuesday) after a nearby volcanic eruption forced a temporary closure.

The geothermal spa was evacuated after a volcanic eruption that commenced in Sundhnúksgígar on August 22.

The resort in southern Iceland has had to close on multiple occasions this year due to nearby volcanic activity.  

More:  Off-the-beaten-track adventures in Iceland

Play boss urges Icelandic tourism push to dispel volcanic safety misconceptions

In an update to customers on Monday, a statement said: “Due to an unfavourable air quality forecast, all our facilities are closed until 2pm tomorrow, August 27.  

“Since we are located in a seismically active area, changes in activity are to be expected.  

“We always prioritise your safety and have detailed measures in place, if the need arises.”

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View comments, updated: blue lagoon shuts again after volcanic eruption, data shows rise in travel vacancies, candidates and placements in july, ncl details port-intensive 2026 european sailings, tui care foundation targets sustainability support in mozambique, jacobs media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 queen's award for enterprise..

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more .