Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in southwestern Iceland, known for its bright blue waters and unique setting in a lava field. The lagoon is filled with mineral-rich water that is heated by the earth’s natural geothermal activity and is known for its therapeutic properties.

Today, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland, attracting over a million visitors each year.

How to Visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland

Should you visit the Blue Lagoon when exploring Iceland? Is it truly worth it? In this section, we will address these queries and provide insights based on our personal experience at this renowned geothermal spa.

The Blue Lagoon Sells Out Fast!

Did you know that tickets for the Blue Lagoon often sell out weeks in advance? Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Where is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located between Reykjavik, the capital city, and the Iceland International Airport. It is situated within the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark, just 50 minutes from Reykjavík and merely 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport.

On our last day in Iceland, we visited the Blue Lagoon before our evening flight. It was a perfect way to unwind after days of adventure, rejuvenating tired muscles under the massaging waterfall, in the sauna, and steam room.

Having checked out of our hotel early, we headed to Iceland’s most famous attraction—the Blue Lagoon—for some hot thermal baths.

About the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is next to a geothermal power plant known as Svartsengi. Iceland is heavily reliant on geothermal energy, thanks to its volcanic activity. The Svartsengi power plant provides energy for around 21,000 households and supplies the Blue Lagoon.

Every two days, a fresh influx of superheated mineral-filled water flows into the lagoon from the power station, which does come with a noticeable sulfur scent.

Unlike other hot springs in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon does not get its hot water naturally but is entirely supplied by the power plant, making it a vast and wonderful setting to explore. The lagoon covers an immense area of 8700 square meters (93,646 square feet), featuring nooks, crannies, and shallow pools surrounded by a magical atmosphere of waterfalls and relaxation areas.

The Blue Lagoon boasts beautiful, milky blue water, a stunning sight that we hadn’t encountered anywhere else.

When Should You Visit The Blue Lagoon?

If you desire a vibrant atmosphere, the summer months of June, July, and August are ideal for visiting the Blue Lagoon, with long days and generally warm weather. However, this peak season also brings larger crowds and heightened prices.

For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons—spring or autumn. The weather remains pleasant while crowds diminish, making it an ideal time to enjoy the Blue Lagoon. Winter is another attractive season due to the warm waters amidst a snowy landscape, offering additional chances to view the Northern Lights.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon largely depends on personal preferences and budget considerations, with unpredictable weather in Iceland necessitating warm and waterproof clothing year-round.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

Accessing the Blue Lagoon is simple, especially from the airport; most visitors either drop by from Reykjavik or visit while en route to or from Keflavík International Airport. It’s quite common to meet fellow travelers at the pool who were on the same flight!

Can You Visit the Blue Lagoon at Night?

A nighttime visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is enchanting. As the sun sets, the shimmering waters glow, creating a surreal atmosphere complemented by rising steam and mist. At night, the ambiance is particularly serene, providing an intimate experience away from the daytime crowds.

How to Enjoy Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Most visitors opt to visit the beautiful thermal waters either upon arrival in Iceland or on their return journey to the airport. More recently, with the introduction of on-site hotels, guests have the option of staying overnight, creating an even more memorable experience.

Hotels at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon Retreat is a luxurious five-star hotel that opened in 2018, offering stunning views of the lagoon and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Guests enjoy access to the Blue Lagoon and the exclusive Private Retreat Lagoon along with daily yoga classes and group hikes in the lava fields.

Prices are steep at €1200 per night, but for an unforgettable experience in the geothermal spa’s tranquility, it’s worth considering. There are even exclusive cave experiences to enjoy.

Additionally, the Silica Hotel, located a mere ten-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, offers excellent accommodations in the lava fields, with prices starting at €500 per night.

What to Expect When you Arrive at the Blue Lagoon

Upon arrival at the Blue Lagoon, visitors should expect long lines, which are typical for a popular attraction. While some with coupons bypass the queue, it’s wise to pre-purchase tickets to enjoy quicker access.

What Does it Cost to Enter the Blue Lagoon?

As we waited, we faced the challenge of selecting the right package to enjoy the Blue Lagoon experience. The most affordable package cost €35, granting access but not much else.

Ultimately, we opted for the mid-range comfort package priced at €72, which included lagoon access, a robe, towel, face mask, and a complimentary drink. However, the slippers were not included!

Packages at the Blue Lagoon

• Comfort Package: 8,490 ISK (€56) – Entrance includes Silica mud mask, towel use, and one drink.
• Premium Package: 10,990 ISK (€72) – Entrance, Silica mud mask, two additional masks, towel use, one drink, one glass of sparkling wine, and bathrobe.
• Luxury Retreat Spa: 59,000 ISK (€390) – Access to the Blue Lagoon, Retreat Lounge, private changing room, skincare amenities, one drink, and access to five subterranean spaces.

The Blue Lagoon Experience

After finally entering the spa, we split up to change into our swimsuits and secure our belongings in provided lockers. It’s crucial for hygiene to shower before accessing the lagoon, and applying conditioner is advised to protect hair from minerals.

Inside the Hot Pool

Once inside, visitors wear electronic bracelets linked to their packages, allowing for easy access to drinks and other services.

This convenience led us to the bar right away to make the most of our included drink and silica mud mask. After applying our masks, we wandered around the lagoon and reveled in the varying temperatures throughout the pool.

Healing Muds of the Blue Lagoon

While exploring, we discovered areas to scoop out white minerals to apply to our faces, realizing we could have skipped the extra-cost masks entirely, as the lagoon offered free mud experiences!

Amenities at the Blue Lagoon

Steam Room

After our explorations, we decided to try the steam room, but the intense sulfur smell was overwhelming. Consequently, we only stayed a few minutes before leaving for a more pleasant experience.

Sauna

The sauna was quite compact, accommodating a limited number of guests at a time, thus becoming crowded quickly. Consequently, we decided to exit for a more spacious environment.

Hot Waterfall

Excited to try the hot waterfall for a relaxing massage, we faced a long line. Unfortunately, by the time we reached it, our interest had faded.

After a short visit, we experienced the cold mist shower for fun before concluding our time at the lagoon. Initially disappointed about our short stay, we eventually felt satisfied with our experience.

Restaurants

There are three dining options: The Spa Restaurant at the Retreat Spa, The Lava Restaurant featuring traditional Icelandic cuisine, and the Michelin-recommended Moss Restaurant, which overlooks the lagoon from its highest point.

Blue Lagoon Retreat Spa

The Blue Lagoon spa features exclusive areas with premium experiences. The Retreat Spa provides a quieter, more serene environment, vital for a complete relaxation experience.

At this spa, you can immerse yourself in luxurious body scrubs with Silica, Algae, and mineral formulations designed to rejuvenate your skin. The five subterranean spaces of the spa offer peaceful relaxation zones.

Treatments

Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to schedule treatments at the Blue Lagoon in advance. A variety of options are available, from floating therapy in the mineral-rich waters to diverse massage and beauty treatments, all arranged at The Blue Lagoon Spa.

Leaving the Blue Lagoon

Departing the Blue Lagoon can be a lengthy process. We initially felt confident about reaching the airport efficiently, yet we encountered a queue upon exiting! If we had stopped at The Lava Restaurant, we surely would have faced even more delays.

Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

• Go Early and Consider Pre-Booking: Avoid visiting in the afternoons when crowds peak and tour buses arrive.
• Evaluate Package Necessity: Paying for the robe/face mask/drink package may not be worth it, as a towel is easily brought from home.
• BYO Towel: Save on towel charges by bringing your own; we recommend bringing two.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring a bottle of water, as free water fountains are lacking.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Quick Tips

How much does it cost to go to the Blue Lagoon?

Entrance packages start at ISK 8490 (€56). We chose the premium package for ISK 10990 (€72), while the most luxurious option at ISK 59,000 offers access to both the lagoon and Retreat Spa.

Is the water in the Blue Lagoon Hot?

The water temperature can vary as you explore the lagoon, but it typically ranges from 37-39C (99-102F).

Are there hotels at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, two hotels are available: the Retreat Hotel and the Silica Hotel.

Would we revisit the Blue Lagoon? While we might not return, we are certainly glad we experienced it. It’s a must-see, much like visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You have to go at least once.

Though our experience felt rushed, it remains an unforgettable memory of Iceland.

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