Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland (in 2023)
Heading to Iceland and wish to check out the famous Blue Lagoon Spa? Or are you wondering if it is worth spending money there? In this detailed guide, we will share all the ins and outs of the spa, and all the important tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland so that you are well-prepared.
The Blue Lagoon is considered to be one of the 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic. It is a geothermal spa located in southwestern Iceland, close to the Keflavik International Airport.
We have been to the Blue Lagoon twice (together and solo), and you will find all the FAQ, photos, and planning tips below.
Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland
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What is Blue Lagoon?
Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa. The lagoon dates back to the year 1976 when it was accidentally discovered next to a geothermal power plant, called the Svartsengi power plant.
Bathing facilities at the Blue Lagoon opened in 1987 and by 1992 the company was established. The waters of the lagoon are said to have healing and medicinal properties (and studies in the 1990s are said to have proven that).
Due to the goodness of Icelandic geothermal waters, you can also opt for therapy and float sessions at the Blue Lagoon (apart from relaxing here).
Why is the Blue Lagoon blue?
The Blue Lagoon is stunning – the dreamy, silky, and milky hues of the waters are so enticing. Do you know why it is so dewy-bluey-pretty?
Well, the waters are filled with silica, and that reflects visible light at the lagoon. Hence the blue water.
There are healing properties in the waters (but at the same time it can ruin your hair…for a bit. More on that below).
Where is the Blue Lagoon located?
The Blue Lagoon is located near Grindavík on a lava field. It is placed near the geothermal power on Mount Þorbjörn on Reykjanes Peninsula.
When flying to and from Iceland, you will be only a 15-minute drive away from the Blue Lagoon.
The exact address is: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland
What are the costs to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
A visit to the Blue Lagoon is not free. You can enter the premises (parking lot, cafe, shop, etc.) for free, but to access the geothermal waters there is an entrance fee.
There are 3 levels of packages offered at the Blue Lagoon to suit your needs. These fees include different amenities at the lagoon.
Note that these tickets do not include transportation – it only includes access to the lagoon, and some extras (depending on the level of the package you choose).
The cost of the Blue Lagoon starts at 8490 ISK or $65 USD, which is the most affordable option (called the Comfort package).
These packages do vary depending on the time of day/year of your visit. The same goes for opening and closing hours.
We will go over the packages and all the extra options below, along with our recommendation. But for now, here are the three levels of admission at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland,
- Comfort Package (affordable)
- Premium (mid-range)
- Retreat Spa (luxury)
Tips for buying the Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Package
The table below compares the level of comfort, luxury, and amenities included in each Blue Lagoon admission level.
| Comfort Package Includes | Premium Package Includes | Retreat Spa Package Includes |
| Blue Lagoon Admission | Everything in the Comfort package plus | Everything in the Premium package plus |
| Silica mud mask | Two additional masks of your choice | Five luxurious hours at The Retreat Spa |
| Towel | Use of bathrobe | A private changing suite |
| 1st drink of choice from the lagoon bar | 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant | Unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon* and the Blue Lagoon |
So, the affordable option to get into the warm Blue Lagoon water, with the mud mask and a drink is the Comfort package, and it starts at 8490 ISK (or 65 USD+).
This is perfect: For most visitors to the Blue Lagoon. In this package, you can spend as much time as you like at the lagoon and enjoy its warm waters and views. You also get one drink, a silica mud mask, a towel, and public change facilities.
The next level is the Premium package, and this is one of the popular admission options as it includes more masks and drinks. At about 10,990 ISK or $84 USD, you have a bathrobe too.
This is perfect: For those who wish to try out more masks and drinks.
The Retreat Spa package is the ultimate luxe option with a private changing room, 5 hours at the retreat spa, and unlimited access to all the facilities on-site. It starts at 59,000 ISK or $449 USD.
The Retreat Lagoon is only offered to its Retreat guests. This is a private lagoon area, and in this, the Blue Lagoon Ritual is offered. Guests get silica, algae, and mineral masks in a spacious chamber to allow for complete serenity and rejuvenation.
This is perfect: For those who like to have a little privacy when they change or take showers, or wish to use the Retreat Spa facilities in addition to the warm waters of the lagoon.
Recommendation: We took the Comfort package, and honestly that’s all you need to get. Unless you wish to experience the Retreat Spa and its facilities.
With the Comfort package, we got access to the waters including the steam cave and waterfalls, a mask, a drink, a towel, and public changing facilities.
When you go to the next level, you do get extra masks, and drinks – but when you are booking if you are unsure, you can always pay for the extras there.
You can also bring your bathrobe if you like, but you won’t be using it much. A towel is provided when you enter the lagoon area, which can be used to cover if you are cold in the winter months.
So I didn’t feel the need to opt for the next level.
At all levels, the Blue Lagoon offers the following
- Entry to the lagoon waters (and everything in it – like the steam cave, sauna, waterfalls, cool bridge-like spots for photos, etc.)
- Towel
- Mask
- Drink
- Change facilities
- Lockers to store your belongings safely
At all levels, the following are NOT included
- Round trip transportation
At all levels, you do need to take a shower before getting into the pool – and naked! After you shower, you can wear your swimwear and get to the water.
At the Comfort and Premium levels, you will be provided with public changing facilities. There will be attendees helping you out, and photography is not allowed.
To be honest, I was not super comfortable going nude, so I waited to get one of the shower stalls with frosted doors to be available.
And there are a few of them in each section, where you will also find lockers and washrooms.
So you can use either the public showers or frosted door shower stall, whichever works for you.
Just keep in mind the stalls could be crowded, but each time I visited it was not super busy (and I /we visited in the off-season).
Are children allowed at the Blue Lagoon?
Children under the age of 2 years are not permitted at the Blue Lagoon. The official website states that this is because children younger than two are highly sensitive to the water’s elevated mineral content.
Children aged 8 and younger must wear floaties provided by the facility. Children aged 13 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
In terms of changing room access, keep in mind that children up to the age of 6 years can accompany their father/mother into the men’s/women’s changing room.
But anyone above the age of 7 years, no mixing of changing room is allowed. Staff members can always escort and assist younger guests when needed!
Are reservations needed to visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland?
We highly recommend making a reservation for a visit to the Blue Lagoon. When we first visited in 2018, it was so hard to find a time slot that worked for our short trip of 3 days in Iceland.
So yes, reserve your slots as soon as you know when you want to go. You will also want to spend 2-4+ hours and so planning is important.
Book in advance so you won’t be disappointed when you arrive there.
All packages listed above will have an entry time, and it gives you one hour window to get into the facility and then leave when you like.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon? Transfers and tours that include Blue Lagoon entry
Because the Blue Lagoon is located near the Keflavik International Airport, we recommend planning a visit when you arrive or depart from Iceland.
If you are renting a car from the airport, you can surely drive and get to the Blue Lagoon. It will take you about 15 minutes (one way).
There are no parking fees, and the lot is spacious to hold a lot of vehicles.
You can also book a transfer from the airport or Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon. We have done both.
On our first visit, we booked a transfer to the Blue Lagoon from the airport, and then pick up & drop off at our Reykjavik hotel.
On the recent trip, I was traveling solo and booked the other way round (Reykjavik – Blue Lagoon – Airport). Booking a transfer takes away the stress of parking and finding your way.
- You will find a lot of departure options from the capital city to the Blue Lagoon and back
- Blue Lagoon to airport transfer pick-ups are limited, but you can always make it work. When I arrived at the lagoon with my luggage, I spoke to the bus operator and mentioned when I would like to leave. He said he will ensure I get a ride to the airport. And at the set time – a bus was waiting for me (I was the only one in the vehicle, so they will run regardless of the number of passengers)
So I booked this Blue Lagoon Comfort Package and added this Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon: Return Transfer (no entry tickets).
You can also combine a transfer and Comfort package entry tickets here
The link to book transfers (starting at the airport, Reykjavik, or vice versa) is the same. We double-checked it with the agent before we did our actual bookings!
Always inform the bus operator when you disembark, and confirm the departure time or pick up.
Now,
….if you are short on time, you can combine a tour of the famous Golden Circle route in Iceland, and also stop at the Blue Lagoon (….we did something like this on our very first trip with Secret Lagoon, and highly recommend it. You can cover a lot doing it this way)!
Here is a day tour to Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, and the Blue Lagoon
You might also like this Small-Group Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour here
Other than the Golden Circle route, you can also opt for a Northern Lights + Blue Lagoon tour like this one.
Another popular option is Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon tour from Reykjavik. We booked the northern lights and volcano hikes separately but it is worth booking it together with the Blue Lagoon if it works better for your Iceland itinerary.
The lagoon is big, so there are very less chances that it will be super crowded. You can always find spots that are not busy.
Places like the drinks bar and the musk bar may have a queue but not the whole lagoon area.
When you book a tour and also pay for the Blue Lagoon Comfort package, the tour agency will inform the lagoon desk of the arrival time, and you will be let in – usually it is around 3 or 4:00 pm (after the sightseeing is done).
If you enjoyed the lagoon and wish to stay back at the lagoon – just inform the tour guide – that won’t need a return trip.
Although it will be pricey to get back to Reykjavik by cab; if it’s a big group you can split the costs. We have seen people doing that for Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon (but keep in mind, it is a 45+ minute ride to get back to Reykjavik and it will be expensive).
Blue Lagoon also runs its own transportation services, it is called the Destination Blue Lagoon. They are big buses, and you can check the schedule and prices on their website.
The transfers we used and listed above were from Reykjavik Sightseeing/Fly Bus, we also used them for direct transfers from the airport to the capital city and back.
What do you need to bring to visit the Blue Lagoon?
Bring your swimsuit, that’s number one.
Here are some additional items,
- Waterproof cell phone like this one
- A mini tripod like this one (I used this to take my own photos/videos)
- Or GoPro
- Flipflops (although not required, you will be in the pool at times)
- Drybag (Blue Lagoon offers eco-friendly plastic bags, available in the changing rooms)
What is there to do at the Blue Lagoon? Amenities and more
The Blue Lagoon is not only a place to unwind and relax, but it has many therapeutic benefits, and extras that you can opt for.
With the Comfort Package, you can still enjoy the geothermal waters that are rich in healing properties.
When in there, you do get modern amenities including electronic bracelets to access your lockers, extra drinks, and more. All ticket holders can
- Access the Sauna areas, waterfalls, and Steam Cave to soak in the goodness of the geothermal waters
- Swim Bar: There is a drink bar at the pool, and everyone gets a drink to enjoy
- Mask Bar: All ticket holders get a silica mask from the Mask Bar at the pool. Premium packages include 2 extra masks
Masks at the Blue Lagoon
A little bit about the masks.
Everyone gets a silica mud mask, and if you want extra you can pay for it (or opt for the Premium and Retreat Spa packages)
- Silica: Silica or the white mud mask of the Blue Lagoon is made of silicon and oxygen, and it helps to deep-cleanses and strengthens skin.
- Algae: This boosts natural skin glow and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Mineral Salt: This helps to restore the skin’s moisture level and revitalizes the complexion.
Masks are to be applied for 5- 20 minutes, and there is an area where you can use the mirror or get some cold water to apply it to your face.
Therapies and more extras
Blue Lagoon also offers many extras like float therapy and massages (30-60 minutes). These sessions have to be booked in advance on the website.
Lava Restaurant
The Lava Restaurant is amazing, with stunning views of the lagoon. You can opt for traditional Icelandic cuisine that is made out of the, freshest local ingredients.
We visited the restaurant during the first visit. On my recent trip, I had a flight to catch, so didn’t stop at the Lava. You can always reserve a table when you visit the Blue Lagoon.
There is also a Cafe (with snacks and drinks with views), Moss Restaurant (premium menu + gorgeous views), and the Spa Restaurant (here you can dine in your robe or be fully clothed. No reservations are needed).
Blue Lagoon Store
When you enter and exit the Blue Lagoon complex, you will find a shop where you can buy skincare goodies from Blue Lagoon (their masks are amazing).
I had purchased their mineral masks and they are SOOO good. You can also buy travel-size packages to bring them back in your carry-on.
Blue Lagoon Accommodation
There are two accommodation options for Blue Lagoon – if you wish to stay overnight at the lagoon that is.
Silica Hotel is designed for wellness and you can choose from 3 types of rooms for an amazing experience. They also offer a 2 person package with Retreat, tours, and dining options.
Retreat Hotel is luxury, curated only for you.
All suites at the Retreat Hotel offer breakfast and are exclusive rooms with warm, minimalist spaces. You can choose from a Moss Suite (with a green view) or the Lagoon Suite (access to a private mini Blue Lagoon right outside the doorstep – only for you!)
Outside Blue Lagoon and nearby
Other than enjoying the geothermal waters, you can also soak in views of the entire place from their second-level observation deck (great for photos too!)
Now outside the Blue Lagoon entrance doors, you will find walking and hiking trails. You don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy them.
Right outside the complex, is a huge parking area for cars and buses. Nearby you will also find a Luggage Storage facility, along with washrooms.
To store your bags (of any size), it is 800 ISK per piece, and you have to pay for it when you drop off your luggage.
Blue Lagoon Visit: What to expect on your visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon parking lot, you can make your way to the entrance – front door to get to the reception area.
If you have luggage to drop off, you will enter the office on your left, drop it off first and then walk to the main door.
A representative greets you at the door and asks if you understand the rules/guidelines, etc (this includes details about the water, mask, locker, and use of jewelry).
From here, you will be guided to one of the 3 queues. And based on your ticket level you can choose the right one that applies to you.
Once in, the representative at the help desk will give you an electronic band. You will use this band to lock the lockers and pay for extras later. Then s/he shows the way to the changing rooms.
Keep in mind, that you must wear the electronic band at all times – as this has your card information, and access to your locker.
If the band is loose, pay close attention so that it doesn’t fall off your wrist.
Once at the changing room area, take a seat and take your swimsuit and other essentials. Use your electronic band to lock their stuff, and go for a naked shower.
If you need any assistance you will find attendants to help you out in the locker room.
The locking mechanism is a little tricky, so if you need a hand, just ask one of the staff members around and check to ensure the door is actually locked before you leave the room.
You can take a shower in an open area or wait to enter a stall with frosted doors. It is available for all ticket holders.
There are washrooms located in the changing rooms, along with sinks and hair dryers for use after time at the lagoon!
You will be given a towel just before you enter the lagoon pool.
There are 2 ways to get in there – the main door (that has a rack to store your robe or towel and sit) and another one is close to the cave area (it is on your left when you exit the changing rooms).
You are welcome to choose which door you want.
Plan to spend 1-2+ hours at the pool, enjoying mud masks, drink/s, and other amenities like the steam and sauna areas.
Once you are done with the process, go back to your locker room, change, and head to the cafe to enjoy a meal – lunch, or a drink.
By the cafe, you will find seating areas, more washrooms, and a store where you can buy Blue Lagoon skin care products.
When you wish to exit, just scan your band, pay for any outstanding items, and leave (the exit area is separate).
Our honest review: Visiting Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon was definitely a highlight of our Iceland trip and something we were looking forward to. The complex and the experience at the water were amazing.
Because we loved it the first time around, when I was traveling solo in Iceland I just had to drop by, and experience it one more time.
Being a popular spot in Iceland, I tried to book a time slot as soon as possible. In 2022, it was not that crazy busy and I was able to buy tickets at the last minute (which was surprising).
I paid for the Comfort Package, and return transfer separately.
I booked for a spot in the morning, arrived 15 minutes prior, and was let in. The representative at the reception gave me an electronic wristband and was shown the way to the changing room.
Their lock is a little tricky, and so I had to get some help from the attendees to operate it.
As I mentioned, you have to shower naked before getting into the lagoon pool – I used the shower stall with the door and got ready.
During my visit to the Blue Lagoon recently, I was traveling solo, and I used my mini tripod for photos and then entered the pool area.
The Swim Bar and the Mask Bar were a little crowded, but I could easily find a lot of empty areas to chill out. I stayed at the waters for a little over an hour and a half.
From travel time to time at the lagoon was roughly 3 hours. Also, I didn’t experience any wait times anywhere during check-in or shower.
After my time at the waters, I showered and changed back into my clothes. I then checked out by scanning my electronic band and dropped it off.
When you exist, you will have to scan and deposit the electronic band and pay whatever you owe (drinks, food at the cafe, etc.)
I picked up my luggage and had my transfer ride ready for airport drop-off!
All in all, it was an organized experience at the lagoon and the transport option.
After visiting it twice, I can safely say that our Blue Lagoon experience was amazing, and its waters are definitely lovely and rejuvenating.
Photography Tips for the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon allows you to use cell phones and cameras to capture your special moments at the pool, hotel, and cafe! Photography in the changing rooms is not allowed for privacy reasons.
You can take your DSLR cameras to the pool entrance area. There are wooden platforms, bridges, etc where you can walk and take photos without entering the pool.
We recommend using your DSLR before getting wet – so take photos, and then leave your expensive camera inside the locker.
For photography inside the pool, carrying a cellphone is the most feasible idea (especially when traveling solo). If you have a companion, you can surely be in the water and s/he take the photo from outside the pool.
Due to the nature of the pool and the water contents we won’t recommend carrying a heavy DSLR camera – and we didn’t. A cell phone or a smaller camera would be way easier and more manageable in the waters.
So you can use your DSLR,
- At the entrance of the Blue Lagoon, and where you can find wooden spaces to keep your camera without getting it wet
- Cafe, and nearby areas at the reception
- Hotel
- Parking and hiking areas
With your phone, we recommend getting the following,
- Transparent pouch to store your phone when not in use
- A mini tripod, this looks like a GoPro stand, and I found it so useful
I used the mini tripod to take photos with a self-timer, and videos. The tripod holds the camera tightly and you can leave it on the wooden areas, or at the mask bar window when needed.
This tripod kept my phone completely dry, and I was able to go hands-free as I enjoyed my drink or applied my mask.
Note that the place will be very steamy and some areas are slippery, so be very careful when you are carrying or using your cell phones.
Do get this pouch to store your phone when not in use.
This mini tripod is super useful in and outside the pool. I use it at home when I do FaceTime and of course when traveling solo. It can fit an iPhone and smaller cameras like point and shoot or Sony A5000.
Pro Tip: You can also ask one of the staff members (aka guards by the pool) to take photos of you or your group. They can also take a photo from their company cell phone, and send it to you via WeTransfer.
This photo by taken by a staff member when I was alone in the pool and didn’t have my phone (I am so thankful for this). Image files were sent via email/WeTransfer and they get deleted in 7 days, which is good!
Most of your photos will be in the waters, so you can surely use this service for FREE!
I only wanted 1-2 shots in the water, and he happily took a few. So this is a good option if you don’t have your phone or camera on you. You will have to share your email address to get the files (for file transfer purposes only).
Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland
We will round up some of the travel tips for Blue Lagoon below
Book Blue Lagoon tickets prior to your visit
Although it was not crowded on my recent trip to Iceland, we do recommend making reservations for your visit to the Blue Lagoon, especially if you have a tight itinerary.
Also, remember that certain hours of the day or times of the year might be more popular than others.
Recommendation: There are 3 levels of packages to enter the Blue Lagoon. Our recommendation is to opt for the Comfort Package if you just wish to enjoy the geothermal pool (+ one mask + drink).
Book your transfers at the same time
When you book your packages, it only includes access to the pool, and related amenities inside the Blue Lagoon, and no transportation is included.
You will have to book a transfer or rent a car to drive there yourselves. A cab ride back to Reykjavik will be very expensive.
So, book one of the following options to save money, and the hassle of getting there,
- Transfer only: Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon: Return Transfer (no entry tickets)
- Comfort Package with transfer: From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers (Comfort Package)
- Blue Lagoon + Northern Lights: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour
- Blue Lagoon + Volcano Hike: Reykjavík: Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike and Blue Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon + Golden Circle + Kerid Crater: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater and Blue Lagoon Tour
- Blue Lagoon + Golden Circle: Golden Circle Tour with Blue Lagoon entry (Small-Group)
Visit when you fly in or leave Iceland
Because the Blue Lagoon is located near the Keflavik Airport, plan to visit the spot when you enter the country or leave. This will allow you to maximize your sightseeing time in Iceland.
At the Blue Lagoon pool
Remember,
- It is important to shower before and after getting into the Blue Lagoon. You can choose from common shower areas or frosted door stalls for your wash
- Bring a swimsuit (towels, and eco-friendly plastic bags, are provided. Swimsuits can be also rented)
- Take off your jewelry before getting into the pool
- For taking photos, bring a waterproof pouch for your phone or a mini tripod
- Remember to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and juice.
More Blue Lagoon FAQ
You won’t need to know to swim to enjoy the Blue Lagoon. The deepest area in the Blue Lagoon is 4.7 feet and the shallowest area is less than 2.6 feet. There are areas for support at the pool, but it is unlikely one will ever be drowned.
You can also request floaties if the water level concerns you. Children aged 2-8 years old are required to wear floaties.
There are lifeguards on duty at all times as well.
The recommended time is 1.50 to 2 hours, but with travel, check-in, and changing we would say that allot for at least 3 to 4 hours. When traveling in a group, more time is better.
Typically, it is less crowded in the early opening hours or late into the evening (a few hours before closing).
Offseason is best to experience places like Blue Lagoon, as there will be fewer crowds. In the fall and winter months, you can also sight the northern lights at the Blue Lagoon.
When visiting in the summer or busy months, we recommend that you plan to arrive in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Yes, photography is allowed everywhere except for the changing rooms.
Yes, there is a luggage area at the entrance of the Blue Lagoon (near the parking lot). Storage fees are 800 ISK per piece.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it? An honest review
Yes, visiting the Blue Lagoon is worth it. Many travelers have raved about its therapeutic benefits, and it being ‘25 Wonders of the World’, we say – check it off your Iceland bucket list, once.
When we visited the Lagoon for the first time in 2018, it was absolutely breathtaking and enjoyable. There are newer lagoons that have opened up in Iceland, but this one still remains a crowd favorite.
Heading to Iceland? Read our guides
- Sky Lagoon: Guide to visiting Sky Lagoon in Iceland
- Iceland tours: Iceland guided tours
- Iceland in winter: Iceland winter tours
- Reykjavik: One day in Reykjavik | Waterfalls near Reykjavik
- Iceland in October: What to wear in Iceland in October
Pin: Iceland Blue Lagoon Guide
