Whenever you google ‘Things to do in Iceland’, Blue Lagoon always shows up as one of the top suggestions, and that’s with good reason.
The blue lagoon is one of Iceland’s most loved attractions, with its alluring, milky-blue geothermal seawater tempting you in for a misty dip. A serene pool to relax and soak away all your worries, enabling you to leave refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know before you go!
In this article...
What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
Although it may look 100% natural, Blue Lagoon is actually a man-made pool that’s heated by geothermal volcanic activity.
It’s charming waterscape is housed inside the natural lava rock formations. Creating a beautiful, and seamless blend between man-made and natural architecture.
Surprisingly, the Blue Lagoon was an unplanned wonder. One which first came about when the runoff water from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant began to form these alluring milky-blue pools.
Locals started bathing in the mineral rich pools, with some noticing how it helped heal their psoriasis. Over time, Blue lagoon’s popularity grew, and has now evolved to have its very own luxurious on site hotel too.
Is the water safe in the Blue Lagoon?
When we hear ‘runoff’ water, it doesn’t exactly paint the best picture in our minds, does it?
We automatically picture grim, dirty, and contaminated water. But that’s not the case at Blue Lagoon.
In fact its the opposite, as Blue Lagoon have been awarded with an admirable Blue Flag accreditation.
The geothermal seawater inside the lagoon is clean and enriched with skin loving minerals and silica. Not only that, it’s naturally renewed every 40 hours and samples are tested bi-weekly. Basically, Blue Lagoon has its very own self cleaning ecosystem, meaning Chlorine isn’t required to keep the water safe.
Where is Blue Lagoon?
Blue lagoon is on the south-west corner of Iceland, located near a small town named Grindavik. It’s roughly 20 minutes drive from Keflavik airport, or 50 minutes from Reykjavik.
Do you have to pay for parking at Blue Lagoon?
No, you don’t.
Parking at Blue Lagoon is free and plentiful. To reach reception you walk along a path that’s carved out between the lava rock.
How to reach Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a quick 15-20 minute drive from Keflavik Airport, or a 50 minute drive from Reykjavik. From either starting point you’ll get onto Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) then switch onto Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43) turning again onto 426, Bláa lónið . Then simply follow the Blue Lagoon signs to the carpark.
If you don’t have a car, you could take a ride on the ‘Destination Blue Lagoon’ bus, which is the official transport partner of the Blue Lagoon. A one way ticket costs 3.995 ISK (£22.84) or a return ticket to Reykjavik will cost you 7.990 ISK (£45.68) Transport tickets can be booked on this site.
Pre book your Blue Lagoon ticket
Due to its popularity, tickets for Blue Lagoon can sell out fast. To avoid the heartache and disappointment, I would advise you to prebook your tickets.
We booked our lagoon tickets online a few months ahead of our holiday as we planned to visit as soon as we landed in Iceland. You get a one hour window to enter the lagoon from your allocated booked entry time. That came in handy for us, as we had to guess how long it would take to collect baggage, get the hire car and drive there.
Is Blue Lagoon worth visiting?
100%. It may be a little touristy, but Blue Lagoon was a highlight for both of us on our 7 day ring road trip. We had an unreal time relaxing in the hot geothermal water together, and would visit again in a heartbeat.
How hot is the lagoon water?
Deep down in the earth, the water is a whopping 240°C (I was confused how water can get to 240°C, but it is a thing!) Thankfully, by the time it reaches the lagoon, its generally somewhere between 37°C and 40°C (98-104°F) and feels like a glorious hot bath. As you’re waking around the lagoon, you’ll pass spots which are warmer then others too.
Is Blue Lagoon busy?
This will vary a lot depending on what time of the year you visit. We went in May (shoulder season) between 11am-1:30pm and it didn’t feel busy at all. There was so much space to walk around and spread out that it never felt congested or crowded.
I’d imagine during peak travel season, between June-August that it would be much busier.
Best time to visit Blue Lagoon
If visiting during peak season, I’d suggest early morning would be the quietest time to visit. Next time, I’d like to visit the blue lagoon when its dark in the winter. Just to see what its like at night and experience a completely different vista.
What do you need to take to blue lagoon and what’s provided?
All you really need to take to the lagoon is a swimming costume or swimming trunks. Bring your own, or hire swimwear from reception if you didn’t pack any. If you have long hair, I recommend bringing some sort of hair-tie or clip to keep it up and out of the water.
A fluffy white towel will be provided with general ‘Comfort’ package admission, which is handed to you when you exit the lagoon. Or you’ll be upgraded to the use of a towel and robe with both ‘Premium’ and ‘Luxury’ packages.
In the changing rooms you’ll find plenty of complimentary shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Plus hairdryers to help yourself to.
Does the Blue Lagoon water damage your hair?
Before you enter the lagoon, it’s recommend you wash your hair and then completely smother it with conditioner. Fail to do so, and the silica in the water can leave your hair feeling dry and crispy for a couple weeks!
I put conditioner in my hair, and tied it up in a bun to keep it out of the water. Thankfully that did the trick, and avoided any brittle post lagoon hair.
How much does Blue Lagoon cost?
The price varies, depending on which package you go for.
Their basic ‘comfort’ package starts at 8,990 ISK (£51.40), and their most expensive ‘Luxury’ package starts from 69,000 ISK (£394)
Is the water actually that blue?
Yes, and it’s beyond beautiful.
Baby blue and milky. Exactly like the photos. The lagoon turns this cloudy blue colour because of the way silica reflects the sunlight.
Places to eat at Blue Lagoon
There are three different restaurants at Blue Lagoon; Moss restaurant, Lava restaurant and Spa restaurant
All of which provide high quality food, and the Moss restaurant is recommended by the 2022 Michelin Guide. If you’re after more of a light snack, opt for their Blue Café.
Things to do at Blue Lagoon
The ultimate goal at Blue Lagoon is to relax, but if you’re not good at just sitting still in one spot – here’s some other things to do whilst at Blue Lagoon:
Walk around and explore all corners of the lagoon. Stroll under the bridges, go through the lava cavern, and stand under the powerful man-made waterfall.
Or why not take a seat inside the hot and steamy mist room. It looks like a little hobbit house form the outside and is dimly lit on the inside.
All that relaxing can make you thirsty, so grab a drink from the swim up lagoon bar. One free drink is included with the comfort package entry, and any extras can be charged by tapping your wrist band.
Finally, treat your skin to a silica mud facemask that’s included with the comfort package. If you’re on the other two packages you get 3 different masks to work your way through.
What are the changing rooms like?
Blue Lagoon have dedicated male and female changing rooms, which anyone over the age of 6 will have to use the gender appropriate room.
They majority of the changing facilities are open communal spaces with benches. If you would rather have some privacy, there are a couple of cubicles with frosted glass doors. Most people were content walking around in their birthday suits, so the cubicles were always empty whenever I was in the changing rooms.
Word of warning, the changing rooms are pretty chilly. Expect to be a little cold when you get out.
Where do I leave my clothes and belongings whilst in the lagoon?
Inside the changing rooms you’ll find rows of generously sized lockers. There is a sign on the wall explaining how they work, but you basically use your wrist band as a key.
Make sure its locked before you walk away as blue lagoon aren’t responsible for any lost items.
Do you need to be able to swim to go to Blue lagoon?
Good news! You don’t have to be a swimmer to use Blue Lagoon, non-swimmers are welcome too. The water in the lagoon remains shallow around the edges, causing no danger to non-swimmers. To be honest, people don’t really swim in the lagoon anyway, they just stroll about.
Adults can request floats from reception if they wish, and lifeguards are always on duty for visitors safety, and peace of mind.
Can you go to Blue Lagoon at night?
Yes you can. Opening times change month by month, and during the summer solstice it remains open until 1am (but remember it will still be bright daylight) During the winter, the lagoon is typically open until 9pm, although it will be dark from early afternoon.
It would be amazing to catch the northern lights whilst soaking in the lagoon.
Are children allowed to visit the Blue Lagoon
The minimum age limit for Blue Lagoon is two years old. There is also no admission charge for children between the ages of 2-13, although they must be in the lagoon with a paying parent/guardian.
Children aged 8 and younger are required to wear arm bands inside the lagoon. This is mandatory, regardless of whether or not your child can swim. You don’t need to buy them though, free of charge armbands or ‘floaties’ are available to hire from reception.
Can you wear contact lenses or glasses in the blue lagoon?
Blue Lagoon don’t recommend you wear contact lenses inside the lagoon, as the salt and minerals can irritate your eyes. Instead you should opt for glasses.
I wore my glasses just so I could find James inside the lagoon, but with all the steam, they quickly fogged up and I couldn’t see out of them anyway!
Does Blue Lagoon smell bad?
I noticed a sulphur smell when we pulled up in the carpark. However I didn’t notice any smell inside the blue lagoon? Perhaps my nose had just become accustomed to it!
Is the Blue Lagoon deep?
The Blue Lagoon doesn’t get particularly deep. I’m 5ft.7 and even in the deepest spots I could easily touch the bottom.
The deepest part of Blue Lagoon is 1.4m/4.7ft, and It’s shallowest areas are less than 0.8m/2.6ft.
What does it feel like under your feet?
The floor of the blue lagoon is manmade so its nice and smooth. You don’t need to worry about wearing water shoes, as there isn’t any sharp lava rock to walk over. However, I will warn you that sometimes you do walk over patches of silica mud that’ll squelch between your toes!
Is Photography allowed in the Blue Lagoon?
You’re allowed to take your phone into the lagoon and snap some holiday photos. Understandably, no photography is allowed in or around the changing rooms.
Hopefully this has helped you plan your amazing trip to the Blue Lagoon. Have the best time, and I recommend a crisp and refreshing Somersby cider from the lagoon bar.