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
What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
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.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
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 m2 (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.
Tickets and prices for the Blue Lagoon Spa
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.
Blue Lagoon Geothermal SPA opening hours
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.
Best time to visit Blue Lagoon Iceland
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.
What are the Blue Lagoon facilities like?
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.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
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.
Where in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon? Is the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik?
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.
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.
Blue Lagoon Tours from Reykjavik
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.
Iceland Blue Lagoon Hotel and other places to stay nearby
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.
