Complete guide to the Blue Lagoon Iceland (+ top tips for visiting!)

Pinterest image of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland with the text: "Complete guide to the Blue Lagoon Iceland - everything you need to know before you go!"

Complete guide to the Blue Lagoon Iceland (+ top tips for visiting!)

The Blue Lagoon is one of the world’s most remarkable wonders and is a must-see when visiting Iceland! But what’s it like inside? Is the water cold? Can you take a camera? Does it really wreck your hair?! Well friends, in this post you’ll find answers to all these questions and more. Here’s your complete guide to the Blue Lagoon Iceland!

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What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in Grindavík, Iceland.

It was formed as a result of excess water from the nearby geothermal power plant. It eventually opened up for visitors to use after healing minerals such silica and sulphur were found in the water.

It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and is known for its stunning blue waters and unique natural surroundings.

People swimming in the Blue Lagoon with mountain peaks in the background and white smoke rising off the water

What is so special about the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

The Blue Lagoon’s combination of geothermal activity, mineral-rich waters and stunning surroundings make it a truly special place!

It’s a natural geothermal spa, meaning that its warm waters are heated by the Earth’s geothermal energy.

The water comes from a nearby geothermal power plant, which pumps hot water from underground lava fields.

This creates a unique bathing experience where visitors can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by Iceland’s stunning natural landscape.

The water in the Blue Lagoon is rich in minerals like silica, sulfur and other trace elements. These minerals are believed to have therapeutic properties for the skin and help with skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

You can enjoy the skin benefits of these minerals and the silica mud found in the lagoon by using them as a natural skin mask too.

The Blue Lagoon is also surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscapes, including rugged lava fields and distant mountains!

This creates a surreal and captivating setting for you to enjoy while you relax in the warm waters of the lagoon.

The bright blue water of the Blue Lagoon with jagged rocks on the edge of the pool

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

There are three types of tickets available: the comfort, the premium and the luxury package.

  • The comfort package – includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, towel and a drink of your choice.
  • Premium package – includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, towel, a drink of your choice, two additional masks, use of a bathrobe and a glass of sparkling wine if you’re dining at the Lava Restaurant.
  • Luxury spa package – includes five luxurious hours with access to a private changing suite, Blue Lagoon skin care amenities, access to the spa restaurant and unlimited access to the Retreat Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.

Ticket prices vary depending on the package and time of year you go. But if you’re not looking for all the trimmings, the basic comfort package is your best option which is £85.

If you’re not renting a car whilst you’re visiting Iceland I would recommend booking a ticket with a transfer included which will be WAY cheaper than getting a taxi.

You can also book a trip to the Blue Lagoon as part of a tour which will work out more cost-effective.

Here are a few options:

People swimming in the Blue Lagoon with white smoke coming off the water

Should I book the Blue Lagoon in advance?

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland so always book your tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment.

They only let a certain number of people in at a time to avoid overcrowding so you’re not always guaranteed entry if you arrive without a ticket.

So book, book, book people!

Mel smiling in front of a rainbow in the water at the Blue Lagoon

What is the best month to visit Iceland for the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon can be visited all-year round, so it doesn’t matter what time of year you go.

The best month to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland depends on your preferences and what kind of experience you’re looking for.

I travelled to Iceland during winter to give myself a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Whilst I was there I visited the Blue Lagoon and found that the warm waters provided a unique contrast to the chilly winter weather!

But you may prefer to visit Iceland when the temperatures are a bit milder.

Either way, you’ll LOVE experiencing the Blue Lagoon!

People swimming in the Blue Lagoon complex covered in white smoke coming from the water

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

The Blue Lagoon is really popular so I would recommend getting there as early as possible.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in the morning can offer a quieter and more serene experience.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed atmosphere, arriving early when the lagoon opens can be a good choice.

Additionally, the morning light can create a beautiful ambiance for your visit.

View of the Blue Lagoon from the entry steps with lots of mist in the background and people in the swimming in the background

How do you get to the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is located about 20 minutes’ drive from Keflavik International Airport and around 40 minutes from Reykjavik.

If you’re hiring a car for your trip to Iceland, all you need to do is take Highway 41 to Highway 43 and follow the signs to the Blue Lagoon. Parking is free.

Alternatively, I would recommend booking the experience as part of a tour so that you have your transfers covered. I recommend a few options in the next section.

I don’t recommend getting a taxi though. Depending on where you’re staying in Reykjavik, a taxi to the Blue Lagoon will cost you around £100 one way!

Aerial view of the large Blue Lagoon complex at sunset with mountain peaks in the background

How long does it take to do the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

The amount of time it takes to enjoy the Blue Lagoon can vary depending on a few different factors. These include what activities you plan to do and the overall experience you’re looking for.

The main activity at the Blue Lagoon is bathing in the geothermal waters. Most visitors spend around two to three hours in the lagoon itself, soaking in the mineral-rich waters and enjoying its scenic surroundings.

However, you might choose to stay longer. Especially if you plan to enjoy some spa treatments or take a break to have something to eat at the on-site restaurant.

Given these factors, a reasonable estimate for a visit to the Blue Lagoon would be around four hours, including bathing, potential spa treatments and some time to grab something to eat.

However, you may choose to stay longer to fully relax and enjoy all that the Blue Lagoon has to offer.

Mel smiling by some jagged rocks swimming in the Blue Lagoon

What should I wear to the Blue Lagoon?

I would recommend dressing for Iceland in the same way you would dress for hiking in winter in the UK. It’s all about the layers:

For inside the Blue Lagoon you’ll only need your swimming costume.

Mel stood next to the Blue Lagoon sign outside with her hands in her pockets wearing a turquoise coat, jeans and converse

Is the Blue Lagoon water hot or cold?

In terms of temperature, you may think that it would be cold in the Blue Lagoon but it’s actually nice and toasty!

The only element of cold in the equation is going from the door where you come out of the changing rooms and the five feet you walk (or dash!) to get into the pool – that’s it!

The water in the lagoon is heated by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which pumps hot water from underground lava fields.

Due to fluctuations in weather conditions, the exact temperature may change month to month, however you can expect pleasantly warm waters year-round.

The sensation is similar to stepping into a hot bath at around 37-40°C.

Bridge going over black mounds of rocky ground at the back of the Blue Lagoon

What does the Blue Lagoon do for your skin?

The geothermal silica mud is the Blue Lagoon’s primary element and deep cleanses the skin to give it a glow whilst the algae mask nourishes and moisturises the skin.

Apparently it catalyses collagen production and diminishes collagen degradation, making it anti-aging too!

There are literally buckets of mud at the side of the pool so you can put on as much as you like.

Prices in the gift shop are off the charts so make the most of the buckets whilst you’re in there!

Mel sticking her tongue out wearing a white face mask at the Blue Lagoon

What does the Blue Lagoon do to your hair?

Before I visited the Blue Lagoon, I heard horror stories of people getting their hair wet and being unable to brush it for days! This is due to the minerals in the water that can leave your hair dry and in some cases damage it.

However, if you tie your hair up, leave conditioner in it whilst you’re bathing and make sure to give your hair a thorough wash afterwards, it’ll be fine!

Blonde-haired woman with her back to the camera alone in the Blue Lagoon

Is it safe to swim in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes! The Blue Lagoon is a self-cleaning ecosystem due to the minerals in the water, therefore, disinfectants such as chlorine are not needed.

Woman with long dark hair floating on her back relaxing in the bright blue waters of the Blue Lagoon wearing a black swimming costume

Can you bring your phone in the Blue Lagoon?

You can bring phones into the Blue Lagoon but you’ll need a waterproof bag to store it in. Amazon do cheap ones for around a fiver.

You can also bring cameras inside as long as they’re in a waterproof case such as a GoPro.

Black rocks up close with white mineral residue at the bottom of them from the Blue Lagoon

Do you get given a towel at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, towels are provided to guests at the Blue Lagoon as part of your admission package.

When you arrive, you also get a wristband that acts as your key to the lockers. You can put money on the wristbands if you’d like to buy a drink at the lagoon bar whilst you’re in the pool.

The Blue Lagoon complex with the walk way on the right before opening

Do you wear shoes in the Blue Lagoon?

You’re not allowed to wear shoes in the Blue Lagoon for hygiene reasons.

However, you can wear a pair of flip flops to walk from the lockers and leave them at the side of the pool for when you get out.

Two sets of flip flops next to the Blue Lagoon

Is it ok to wear jewellery in the Blue Lagoon?

I wouldn’t recommend wearing jewellery in the Blue Lagoon. Some metals can tarnish or react with the minerals in the water, potentially causing damage to the jewellery or altering its appearance.

But more than anything, I’d be concerned about wearing jewellery in the lagoon just in case it slipped off and you lost it!

Bridge going over the pool in the Blue Lagoon with mountains in the background

Do you have to shower after the Blue Lagoon?

It’s a requirement to shower before entering the Blue Lagoon. This is a standard practice in Icelandic geothermal spas to ensure hygiene and water quality.

You’ll also need to shower thoroughly after bathing in the Blue Lagoon to ensure you rinse off the mineral-rich water from your skin and hair.

Woman up close floating on her back in the Blue Lagoon wearing a black bikini top and a white face mask

Can you eat at the Blue Lagoon?

You’re not allowed to take food into the Blue Lagoon but there are a couple of restaurants onsite you can eat at whilst you’re there.

The Lava Restaurant offers a fine dining experience featuring modern Icelandic cuisine with a focus on fresh and local ingredients. The restaurant’s design is inspired by the natural surroundings and provides both lunch and dinner options.

The more affordable option is the Blue Cafe which is a more casual dining option. It offers a variety of light meals, snacks and refreshments.

I’d recommend making a reservation in advance because the Blue Lagoon can get very busy!

Inside a restaurant in the Blue Lagoon with people at several tables eating with a view of the Blue Lagoon through the tall, bright windows

Can you see northern lights in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland – but under the right conditions!

To increase your chances of seeing them, consider visiting the Blue Lagoon during the darker months of the year, particularly from September to April, when nights are longer in Iceland.

But if seeing the Northern Lights is a primary goal for your trip though, I would recommend just booking a guided Northern Lights Tour.

Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed, even in optimal conditions. They are a natural phenomenon and can be very unpredictable!

If you book a tour, experts will take you to the best viewing spots and provide more information about the phenomenon.

Plus, if you don’t see the Northern Lights on the night of your tour, most companies will let you rebook free of charge to try again another night.

Dark haired woman watching the Northern Lights dancing above the Blue Lagoon at night

Is the Blue Lagoon Iceland worth visiting?

A resounding YES! What’s not to love about a natural geothermal spa with outstanding scenic landscape views of Iceland?

There’s a reason why National Geographic named the Blue Lagoon one of the 25 Wonders of the World as well as Time Magazine naming it one of the world’s greatest places!

To this day, the Blue Lagoon is still one of my most treasured travel experiences.

Wide view of the Blue Lagoon complex with people swimming and white smoke in the background coming from the power plant

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If you have anymore questions about visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland, please let me know in the comments below!

For more on the Blue Lagoon Iceland you can check out my daily vlog from my Iceland Vlog Series. 😄

Quick FYI guys – this ‘Complete Guide to the Blue Lagoon Iceland’ post contains affiliate links to products and tours. I will receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for your support!

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