Planning to visit Blue Lagoon in Iceland but not sure what to expect? This ultimate Blue Lagoon guide will give you all the important info: what to expect, what your options are once you’re there, and whether it’s really worth it. With this guide, you can plan your Icelandic Blue Lagoon visit smarter and with more confidence.
Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic and visited geothermal spas in Iceland. Every single day, crowds of travelers arrive to experience its unusual mix of wellness, nature, and surreal atmosphere.
This unique spa offers warm, mineral-rich water with healing properties, local mud masks that are great for your skin, and an unforgettable view. The bright blue water is surrounded by black lava fields, which makes the whole experience feel truly unique in the world.
Because Blue Lagoon Iceland is located not far from the capital, Reykjavík, it is easy to visit during your Iceland trip. Whether you only have a few hours or want to spend a relaxing afternoon, this is the perfect place to enjoy Icelandic bathing culture in a beautiful setting.
Still, many travelers wonder: Is Blue Lagoon worth the hype? Is it too touristy? What should I know before going?
That’s exactly why I put together this guide. In this post, I’ll share everything I wish I knew before my visit, what I loved, what I’d do differently, and what you should definitely plan ahead. I’ll also answer the most common questions, ticket options, pros and cons and much more.
Ready for a trip to Iceland?
Here are some quick recommendations on what to book for your trip:
Best places to stay:
Tickets to the lagoon:
Let’s get into the details so you can decide if Blue Lagoon Iceland is right for you.
Is Blue Lagoon worth visiting?
Yes, I definitely think Blue Lagoon is worth visiting. It’s a peaceful and relaxing place where you can spend a few hours soaking in warm water, not far from the airport or Reykjavík. On top of that, its unique features, mineral-rich water, and stunning surroundings make it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Advantages of visiting Blue Lagoon
Why you should visit Blue Lagoon:
- A unique once-in-a-lifetime experience: a special environment with healing water in the middle of a lava field
- Lots of facilities: sauna, steam room, restaurants, hotels on site
- Suitable for families: children over 2 years old are allowed
- The basic ticket includes quite a lot: towel, free drink, mask, spa access
Disadvantages of visiting Blue Lagoon
Things to consider before visiting Blue Lagoon:
- Tickets are expensive
- Food and drinks on site are very pricey
- It can be too crowded during peak times
- It is more expensive and takes longer to get there compared to other spas like Sky Lagoon
Where is Blue Lagoon located in Iceland
Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to Road 43. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Keflavík Airport and around 50 minutes from the center of Reykjavík.
How to get to Blue Lagoon
You can get there in three main ways:
- By car: free parking is available
- With a private transfer: offered by the lagoon and other companies
- On a guided tour
It’s a great idea to visit the lagoon right after landing or just before flying out, since it’s so close to the airport.
The Blue Lagoon is located next to Road 43, where there have been several volcanic eruptions in recent years. If you’re planning to visit the volcano area, it’s a good idea to stop at the Blue Lagoon before or after your volcano trip.
Sometimes, the lagoon has to close because of nearby eruptions, so make sure to check the latest updates before your visit.
During some eruptions, lava has flowed across Road 43, which means detours may be needed. The good news is that you might get to see new lava fields up close from the road.
Where to stay near Blue Lagoon
I think it’s a great idea to stay in Reykjavík or nearby and visit Blue Lagoon from there. Reykjavík is a convenient base, and you’ll find plenty of good places to stay.
Here are a few I recommend:
- Alda Hotel Reykjavík: A modern, four-star hotel right in the downtown area. It’s in a great location and has a really nice restaurant
- Lundur Apartments: A comfortable apartment option in a central part of Reykjavík, though a bit farther from the main attractions. I recommend it especially if you want your own kitchen and washing machine during your stay.
- Hotel Kriunes: This one has a more traditional style and is located on the edge of the city, by a lake. It offers free parking and is a good value for the price
Best time to visit Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon contains hot spring water that stays around 37 to 40°C (98.6 to 104°F), so you can enjoy it any time of the year.
Still, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Tickets for early morning visits are usually a bit cheaper. Because of the lower price and smaller crowds, I highly recommend going right when it opens, at 7 or 8 AM. You’ll get more peace and better value for your money.
- About the weather, I would try to avoid rainy days. The lagoon is outdoors, and while the water stays warm, soaking in the rain is not very enjoyable in my opinion.
- You usually don’t need to book tickets far in advance. Most of the time, you can wait until a day or two before, after checking the forecast.
- Outside of summer, the hot water feels amazing, but it can be quite cold when you’re out of the pool, especially since you’ll be walking around in a swimsuit. That’s why I recommend picking a dry, not-too-cold day if you can.
So if you want the best experience at the Blue Lagoon, here’s my tip: go on a dry summer day, and try to book an early morning slot to enjoy it before it gets crowded.
Tickets and prices at Blue Lagoon
There are a few different ticket types to choose from:
- Comfort is the basic ticket. It includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel, and one drink. The price is usually between 85 and 130 euros per person.
- Premium includes everything in the Comfort ticket, plus an extra mask, a drink at the restaurant, and use of a bathrobe and slippers. This option costs around 120 to 150 euros per person.
- Retreat Spa is a luxury experience. It gives you access to private areas, special pools, spa treatments, and the Retreat Lagoon. Prices start at 650 euros, so it is a very expensive option.
Sometimes there are extra seasonal offers too.
Prices are usually lower early in the morning, around 7 or 8 AM, or in the last hours before closing. I recommend booking your visit for early in the morning. This is when the price is better and there are fewer people.
During the day, tickets cost more, and the lagoon gets more crowded.
Also, it is a good idea to book your ticket online one or two days before you go.
Is the more expensive ticket worth it?
Even though the more expensive tickets might look like a better option, I don’t think they give you enough extra value at the Blue Lagoon.
If you still want something extra, like another drink or a face mask, you can use the wristband you get at the entrance and pay for it when you leave.
The Premium package might be something to consider, but in my opinion, it’s also not really worth the higher price.
Experience at Blue Lagoon
Bathing and enjoying the spa at Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a special and one-of-a-kind experience.
In this section, I’ll show you what to expect when you visit.
Parking
The Blue Lagoon has several parking areas, but only one is for spa visitors. The others are for the nearby restaurants and hotels. Signs on the main road clearly show which one to use, so it’s easy to find.
When we last visited in 2025, the parking lot was under construction. We don’t know when it will be finished.
Parking is free.
From the parking area, there’s a short, paved path that takes you to the entrance of the Blue Lagoon.
Entrance
At the entrance, you need to know which ticket you bought, because there are different lines for each ticket type.
You’ll get a wristband when you enter. This wristband lets you go in and out, and you can use it to pay if you want to buy any extra services while you’re inside.
Changing rooms
After the entrance, you’ll find the changing rooms. The staff will help you and show you where to go based on your ticket.
I had the basic ticket, but I was still happy with the women’s changing area at the Blue Lagoon. If you arrive early in the day, the changing room is usually quiet. Later, it can get a bit crowded, so I recommend going as early as possible.
There are lockers that you can open and close with your wristband, and there are also some private changing cabins.
There are plenty of showers, where shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Just a note: my husband wasn’t as happy with the men’s changing room. According to him, it wasn’t as well-equipped.
Before you enter the spa area, you are asked to take a shower.
After that, you’ll walk straight into the main spa area, and the beautiful Blue Lagoon pool is right in front of you.
Pool
Once you’re showered and ready, you step into the milky-blue water of the Blue Lagoon. The color is just as stunning in real life as it is in photos!
The water depth changes a lot throughout the lagoon. In most places, it’s between 1.2 and 1.6 meters (around 4 to 5.2 feet) deep. I’m about 170 cm (5’7″), and in some parts, the water reached my neck, while in other shallow spots, I could lie back easily.
The water temperature is usually between 37°C and 40°C (around 98.6°F to 104°F), but it also varies depending on where you are in the pool. In some areas, I found it a bit too hot for comfort, but overall, it felt amazing.
The water is about 70% seawater and 30% freshwater, and the soft blue color comes from the high silica content. I’ll share more about that below, but in short, it’s supposed to be really good for your skin, especially for people with skin problems.
One thing to mention about the water: you might feel some strange textures on the bottom of the lagoon. There are soft, muddy or slippery patches, which are likely caused by the special water. So don’t worry if you step on something that feels a bit like seaweed, it’s normal!
Also, because of the water’s unique composition, it can be a bit harsh on your hair, especially in the short term. For women (and anyone with long hair), I definitely recommend tying your hair up before going in.
The Blue Lagoon also provides conditioner in the showers, and they recommend using it before and after your visit. But to be honest, I didn’t want to take the risk, so I just tried to keep my hair dry the whole time.
The lagoon is large, and if you swim or walk toward the back, you’ll find some quieter, more hidden corners.
On the right side of the lagoon (near the restaurants), there’s a swim-up bar where you can get drinks, including the local favorite: a bright blue slush ice.
On the left side, you’ll find the mud mask station, which is included in your ticket. There’s a mirror and a few taps there where you can wash off the mask after leaving it on for the recommended 10–15 minutes.
Personally, I’m not sure if it was the mud mask or just the clean Icelandic air and water, but my skin felt so much better for days afterward. So don’t skip it!
Also on the left side of the pool, there’s a sauna with a beautiful view over the lagoon. If you want to try a steam room, you’ll find one nearby as well.
From my experience, I’d say 1.5 to 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to spend in the water. After that, the heat can start to feel a bit overwhelming, but that’s just my personal opinion.
When you’re done, you can grab a towel and either head back to the changing rooms or stop for a bite to eat. Both are just steps away from the pool.
We had a quick snack at the nearby bar. They had some really tasty sandwiches and even diet-friendly options like gluten-free and vegan items. But be prepared: everything is expensive, so budget for that.
What makes the Blue Lagoon’s water so special, and how is it created?
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a man-made geothermal spa, filled with warm water from the nearby Svartsengi Power Plant. This power plant uses geothermal energy to produce electricity and hot water for local towns.
After the water has passed through the turbines and provided heating, it is released into a lava field, where it collects naturally and forms the Blue Lagoon.
The water is rich in silica, salts, and algae. These natural minerals come from deep underground, as the hot water travels through layers of volcanic rock. The silica gives the lagoon its famous milky-blue color and forms the soft white mud on the bottom.
The warm, mineral-rich water is not only relaxing, but many visitors also say it helps with skin conditions, especially psoriasis.
This unique mix of geothermal energy, natural minerals, and Iceland’s volcanic landscape is what makes the Blue Lagoon so special.
Food, drinks, and shopping
If you just want to grab a drink while you’re in the water, there’s a swim-up bar right in the lagoon. It’s super easy to order, you just use your wristband.
As I mentioned earlier, there’s also a snack bar near the pool, perfect if you want to take a short break and have a quick bite without changing out of your swimsuit.
If you’re looking for more options, there’s another larger café a bit further away, offering a beautiful view of the lagoon, and for a more upscale experience, there’s the Lava Restaurant, which is the Blue Lagoon’s fine dining option.
We tried almost everything during our visit, just to see what the full experience was like. But honestly, if I ever go back, I’d probably stick with the simple snack bar – that’s just my personal preference.
Before you leave, there’s also a shop near the exit, where you can buy the Blue Lagoon’s own skincare products, along with a wide range of souvenirs. Just keep in mind, like most things in Iceland, prices are pretty high here too.
Overall spa experience
Overall, the spa experience at the Blue Lagoon is excellent. It’s a well-organized and well-equipped lagoon that really meets most needs. Whether you’re looking at the changing rooms, the restaurants, or the spa features, everything feels thoughtfully designed.
The water feels amazing, the drinks are tasty, the views are beautiful, and the mud mask is a nice extra that adds real value to the visit.
Of course, there are a couple of downsides. The crowds can be a bit much during the day, and the food and drinks are very expensive. But honestly, Iceland is a pricey destination in general, so it’s something you should expect and plan for.
How much time to spend at Blue Lagoon
You can stay at Blue Lagoon Iceland as long as you want. There is no time limit once you are inside.
Still, I recommend planning about 3 to 5 hours for your visit. That should give you enough time to enjoy the water, try the masks, have a drink, and relax without rushing.
If you want to eat during your visit, you might need a bit more time. The café is quick if you just want a snack. The restaurant takes longer, but it is a nice experience if you have the time.
What to bring with you to Blue Lagoon
Here are the things I recommend bringing to make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible:
- A small bag or backpack
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops or shower shoes
- Hair tie: If you have long hair
- Cosmetics and personal care items: The spa provides basic shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner, but nothing else.
- Waterproof phone case: If you want to take photos in the lagoon without risking your phone.
- Towel (optional): A towel is included with all ticket types, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
Other places to visit nearby
There are many interesting places to see in the area. From the Reykjanes Peninsula, you can easily reach several great spots.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Thingvellir National Park: This national park is where two tectonic plates meet, the North American and Eurasian plates. It’s also home to Öxarárfoss, a small but beautiful waterfall. The park is full of exciting natural beauty.
- Brúarárfoss: A beautiful blue-colored waterfall not far from Road 37. It’s easy to reach and is one of the lesser-known gems in the area.
- Geysers: The most famous one is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes and shoots water high into the air. It’s a must-see if you are in Iceland.
- Gullfoss: A powerful and huge waterfall located near the geysers, just off Road 35. It’s one of the most popular sights in Iceland and very impressive to see up close.
- Kerið Crater: A colorful volcanic crater lake that you can easily stop by when driving on Road 35. You can walk around the top and enjoy the view.
- Seljalandsfoss: Another large and famous waterfall, and one of the few you can actually walk behind. It’s probably Iceland’s most photographed waterfall.
- Skógafoss: A huge waterfall located right next to Road 1. You can climb the stairs to the top for a great view. It’s one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country.
You can reach all of these places within 1–3 hours from the lagoon. They are great to visit on a day trip from Reykjavík, or as stops along a longer Iceland Ring Road journey.
So, these were the main things I think you should know before visiting Blue Lagoon in Iceland. I hope this complete guide helped you prepare for your visit and answered your most important questions.
I tried to cover as many details as possible to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Hopefully, this post gave you some helpful information and maybe even a bit of inspiration. I truly hope you get the chance to visit Iceland soon, and maybe enjoy a relaxing time at Blue Lagoon as part of your trip.
If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and book your flight, your rental car, your hotel, and start planning your Iceland adventure. Blue Lagoon is waiting!
