02 Nov The Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything to Know

The Blue Lagoon is arguably the most popular and well-known attraction in Iceland. Known throughout the world as a geothermal pool with striking blue waters, it offers all of its visitors the chance for relaxation and rejuvenation. Oh, and did I mention everyone gets one free drink and one free face mask? The lagoon is open every single day of the year, and there are a variety of ticket options offered. Check out the info below to start planning (or daydreaming about) your trip to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! 

Also, if you want my opinion on whether or not the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is worth a visit – yes, it is. If you need any further proof that it is worth a visit, it is also included in this list of the 40 best vacation destinations for nature lovers. 

Contents:

1) Location of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

2) Opening Hours

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Background

6) Ticket Options: Premium, Comfort, Retreat Spa

7) Requirements Before Entering the Lagoon

8) Additional Amenities

9) Tips and Tricks 

10) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

• Region: Western Iceland
• Location: Blue Lagoon
• Parking: Blue Lagoon Car Park

The Blue Lagoon is located approximately one hour southwest of Reykjavík on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland. It is also in close proximity to the Golden Circle, which holds a variety of attractions such as Thingvellir National Park and Kerid Crater. 

Parking

There is a parking lot located right beside the main building for the Blue Lagoon. There are plenty of spots available, so you should not have to worry about that. 

Lodging

For nearby lodging, we stayed at Guesthouse Pavi in the city of Reykjavík. If you want to turn your time in Iceland into a romantic getaway, then I recommend you look at the most romantic hotels in Iceland. Hint – the Blue Lagoon is included on the list!

Accessibility

The Lagoon is also wheelchair accessible. There are a few accessible parking spots in the main lot, and those needing to borrow a wheelchair can do so from reception. The main building is wheelchair accessible with automatic doors and elevators, and there is a changing room on the ground floor. Guests can request a shower chair for the required shower before entering the lagoon. For those needing someone to assist them, email contact@bluelagoon.com to request complimentary admission for an assistant. The Blue Lagoon also has certain wheelchairs that can enter the water – use the contact email provided previously for this request. 

Letting the Blue Lagoon rejuvenate my body

2) Opening Hours for the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

• 9am to 9pm daily 
• Limited hours on holidays 

The Blue Lagoon is generally open from 9:00am to 9:00pm daily, though double check the hours on their site. They have limited hours during the winter holidays, for instance Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Consider also visiting the most popular geothermal spa in northern Iceland: Myvatn Nature Baths. Not sure if you should visit the Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths? No worries, I have listed out all of the pros and cons of each here: Blue Lagoon vs. Myvatn Nature Baths: Which Should I Choose?

Enjoying some peace and quiet at the Blue Lagoon before the crowds arrive

3) The Best Time to Visit 

• Time of day: right after opening or before closing
• Season: any!
• Estimated visit time: 2 hours +

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is when it opens in the morning or before it closes in the evening. You are likely to avoid the majority of crowds if you visit at those times, for the afternoon will generally be the most crowded. For example, we booked tickets for 9:00am right when it opened, and I was the first one to enter the lagoon that day. I was actually pretty shocked when I walked out and no one was in sight. 

Estimated Visit Time – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

I would recommend planning for at least a two hour visit. You need enough time to get changed, shower, grab your free drink and face mask, and also to just enjoy being in the wonderfully warm waters of the lagoon. Oh, and we cannot forget about taking a few minutes to snap some photographs. However, you could easily spend a half day or a whole day here if you want to eat at the restaurant or get an in-water massage. 

Iceland is full of geothermal pools, so be sure to check out some others, such as Seljavallalaug Pool and the nearby hidden hot springs.

Soaking up the benefits of geothermal water

4) Quick Facts

1. The Blue Lagoon is in a convenient location, just one hour south of the city of Reykjavík in Iceland.

2. Opening hours for the lagoon are generally from 9:00am to 9:00pm every day. 

3. There are a variety of ticket options, ranging from around $50 to $600. 

4. All tickets (including the cheapest one) includes one free face mask as well as one free drink. 

5. They ask everyone to shower without a swimsuit on before entering the lagoon. 

Panoramic view of the Blue Lagoon

5) Background – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

• Lagoon first formed in the early 1980s
• The Blue Lagoon was established in 1999
• Temperature: 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (~37 to 40 Celsius)

The story of the Blue Lagoon goes all the way back in the 1980s. The turquoise blue water rose to the surface in a lava field due to the nearby geothermal power plant. People expected the water to sink back into the rocks of the earth, but it remained above ground due to the large amounts of silica present in the water. As it remained, more and more people came to visit and enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating properties of the geothermal water. 

Blue Lagoon Limited, a company devoted to studying the water and its present minerals of silica, algae, and minerals, formed in 1992. They first opened a skin care line in the mid 1990s before opening the Blue Lagoon in 1999. Since then, multiple renovations and upgrades have been made to the lagoon, turning it into the fabulous retreat and spa you can visit today. 

The Blue Lagoon was one of my favorite activities in Iceland. Curious about my other favorites? Check out my Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland. 

Temperature of the Lagoon

The temperature of the water ranges from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (~37 to 40 degrees Celsius). However, the temperature does depend somewhat on external factors and can extend beyond that range at times. For example, temperatures will tend to be slightly warmer in summer and slightly cooler in winter. 

Iceland also has a lot of places with colder water; it is full of glaciers, after all. For example, we went for a (very chilly) swim in the river at Stuðlagil Canyon. Moreover, we snorkeled in between tectonic plates at the Silfra fissure.

Size of the Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is 93,650 square feet (~8,700 square meters) large. In terms of depth, the lagoon reaches approximately 5.6 feet (~1.7 meters) at its deepest. 

Hanging out in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon

6) Ticket Options: Premium, Comfort, Retreat Spa

• Blue Lagoon comfort: $53 to $76
• Blue Lagoon premium: $68 to $95 for additional drinks and face masks
• Retreat Spa: $448 to $600 for access to a variety of amenities

Tickets are available for the Blue Lagoon or the Retreat Spa. I recommend purchasing them in advance if possible. It is common for tickets to sell out, especially during the prime afternoon hours as well as the peak summer and winter seasons. Additionally, it is essential to arrive within an hour of the entrance time listed on the ticket. For example, you must arrive between 2:00pm and 3:00pm if your ticket states entry for 2:00pm. Though feel free to stay as long as you like after you enter.

There are two options for the Blue Lagoon tickets: (1) Comfort (2) Premium. Additionally, you can book the Retreat Spa.  

We splurged on a few other attractions / excursions in addition to the Blue Lagoon during our time in Iceland. For example, we booked a kayaking tour on the Glacier Lagoon. It was an amazing experience that I would definitely recommend to others.

Comfort – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

First, the comfort package costs anywhere from $53 to $76 depending on the time of year and the entrance time. It includes entrance to the Lagoon, a towel rental, one free drink, and one free silica mud mask. 

Premium – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Second, the premium package costs anywhere from $68 to $95 depending on the time of year and the entrance time. It includes entrance to the Lagoon, a towel rental, slipper rentals, a bathrobe rental, one free drink, one free silica mud mask, two additional free masks, and one free glass of sparkling wine. *Note: the free wine only applies if dining at the Lava Restaurant. 

Making sure my partner receives all the benefits of the geothermal water

Retreat Spa – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Another option is to book the Retreat Spa. Ticket prices begin at $448 and can be as expensive as $600. As indicative of the price, this package includes A LOT more than the comfort or premium packages. 

First, it covers the entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon. Second, you can experience the three chambers of the Blue Lagoon ritual. Each chamber includes the very things that make the Blue Lagoon so enticing – silica, algae, and minerals. The three items exfoliate and moisturize skin as well as promote circulation. Third, enjoy a private changing room. It includes a rain shower and Blue Lagoon skin care products. Fourth, sip on one free drink of choice.

Fifth, the Retreat Lagoon offers the same benefits of the Blue Lagoon with even more privacy.  Sixth, you have the option to dine at the Spa Restaurant. Seventh, you can enjoy the eight subterranean spaces. Sit back and relax by the fireplace or the lava spring. There are saunas on the edge of the Lagoon as well as nest chairs in rooms with floor to ceiling windows. The outside space includes an elevated terrace, steam cave, and cold well.

Eighth, you can enter the Lava Cove. It is a private suite with a private lagoon, fireplace, kitchen, and yoga classes. Lastly, but definitely not least, you can book a massage in the lagoon at an extra cost.

Children’s Tickets – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Children aged two to 13 can enter the Blue Lagoon for free. The child pass includes entrance to the lagoon, a towel rental, and one free silica mud mask. It does not include an individual locker, and thus the child must share with a parent or guardian. The pass also does not include one free drink. 

Enjoying our time in Iceland at the Blue Lagoon

7) Requirements Before Entering the Lagoon

• Check in and receive wristband
• Obtain a locker in the changing room
• Shower without a swimsuit

Check in at the front desk upon arrival, and they will then provide you with an electronic wristband. The wristband allows access to a locker as well as the ability to pick up the one free drink and free face mask. It can also be used to purchase additional items. Payment for all charges occurs when returning the wristband upon departure of the lagoon. 

Changing Rooms and Lockers

After checking in, head to the changing rooms. They have separate changing rooms, but you can ask for their private facilities if you feel uncomfortable for any reason. The changing rooms have a lot of lockers. The electronic wristband acts as the key to the locker. Simply choose a locker, store stuff inside, and follow the directions there to lock it. 

Showering – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

They do ask everyone to shower without a swimsuit before entering the Blue Lagoon. There are a couple of shower options. First, there are multiple public showers. Second, there are a few private showers, though they might have a line if all are occupied. Access to a shower should not be an issue if arriving first thing in the morning. I was one of the first people in the shower area, for my ticket time was 9:00am. However, the showers will likely be busy in the late morning and afternoon. All showers, both public and private, are equipped with shampoo and conditioner. 

Enjoying the view (of no people) at the Blue Lagoon

8) Additional Amenities at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

• Bar for food and face masks
• Café and restaurants
• Silica and Retreat hotels 
• Sauna, steam rooms, and massages

The amenities offered by the Blue Lagoon in Iceland are plentiful and of great quality.

Food and Face Masks

As I mentioned before, the lagoon has a bar for drinks as well as face masks. While the ticket includes one free drink and one free face mask, you can purchase more. There are a couple of options for face masks: lava scrub, silica mud mask, and algae mask. The silica mud mask is the free mask included with the ticket. The drink bar has alcoholic drinks, smoothies, pop (aka soda or soft drinks), and juices. While I cannot remember the name of our favorite smoothie, I do remember that it was green. Go for the green smoothie!

For food, there is a café in the main building. If dining at a restaurant, there are three options. First, the Moss Restaurant has five-course and seven-course meals. Second, the Lava Restaurant offers a four-course option as well as dishes such as salt baked celeriac and Skyr and blueberries for dessert. Third, the Spa Restaurant hosts dishes such as smoked salmon and Sunday roast in addition to a variety of wines. 

Need some help budgeting for your trip to Iceland, specifically concerning food costs? Then check out my article on How to Budget for Food in Iceland.

Hotel Options

The Blue Lagoon has two associated hotels. First, the Silica Hotel has three room options: (1) Lava Deluxe (2) Mountain Deluxe (3) Silica Deluxe. All of the rooms include entrance to the lagoon, and prices start around $600. Second, the Retreat Hotel also has three room options: (1) Lagoon Suite (2) Moss Suite (3) Lava Junior Suite. All of the rooms include entrance to the lagoon, and prices start around $1,350. 

Steam Rooms and Massages

For even more relaxation, check out the sauna and steam rooms or treat yourself to an in-water massage. A 30-minute massage costs $121, and a 60-minute massage costs $189. The signature massage, which lasts for a whole two hours and takes place in a private section of the lagoon, costs $379. 

Representing the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

9) Tips and Tricks 

• Book a ticket for the earliest entrance time possible
• Take photographs upon arrival
• Remove any silver jewelry
• Do not submerge colored hair and wash hair with conditioner

To make your visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland the absolute best it can be, I recommend following the below tips and tricks. 

Book an Early Ticket – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The first and most important tip: book a ticket for 9:00am. Why? The Blue Lagoon is way less crowded when it first opens. Don’t believe me? Well, I was the first one to enter the lagoon the day we visited. I walked out of the changing room, saw absolutely NO ONE around, and walked right into the water. About an hour later there were people everywhere I looked – it was hard to find a corner with some privacy.

Nothing but smiles at the Blue Lagoon

Take Photographs First

My second tip is to take pictures first. If arriving early in the morning, jump on the opportunity to take pictures while there are less people in the lagoon. Also, consider a waterproof phone case to reduce the chance of disastrously dropping your phone in the water. After taking pictures, you can return to the changing room, store your phone / camera in the locker, and then fully relax. Grab a drink, put on a face mask, and let the geothermal waters rejuvenate your skin and mind. 

Remove Silver Jewelry – Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The third tip is to take off any silver jewelry. The minerals within the Blue Lagoon can ruin silver, turning it black. While you can try to avoid putting jewelry in the water, it is always better to be safe than sorry and remove it. 

Protect Your Hair

Last but not least, protect your hair! If there is any sort of coloring in your hair, it is recommended to not submerge it in the water. The minerals in the water are harsh on all hair, but especially colored hair. The best method of protection is to wash your hair with conditioner before and after visiting the Blue Lagoon.

Swimming around in the Blue Lagoon

10) Recommended Items to Bring

Looking for a packing list for Iceland? Then check out my Iceland summer road trip packing list and international travel essentials.

1. Waterproof phone case: An absolute disaster would be if you accidentally drop your phone in the water while you are walking around the Blue Lagoon. A waterproof phone case will help to avoid that disaster. 

2. Flip flops: Pack a pair of flip flops if you would like to wear shoes from the changing rooms to the lagoon. You can then leave your shoes by a chair outside. 

3. Swimsuit: This might just be the most important thing to bring to the Blue Lagoon. Additionally, Iceland has a few other hot springs and geothermal pools within its borders, so you will need a swimsuit for those as well.

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Start planning your itinerary today: 9 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland.

For a quick dip in Iceland: Best Places to Swim in Iceland.