Table of Contents
All About the Blue lagoon
A Journey Through Time and Elements
Imagine arriving at a site where the waters radiate an almost surreal blue glow, surrounded by a moonscape of ancient lava fields. This isn’t a page from a fantasy novel; it's the Blue Lagoon in all its glory. Yet, the most fascinating tale is that this celestial lake is the gift of man and nature intertwined.
What stands today as an oasis of relaxation was originally the aftermath of a nearby power plant's workings. As fate would have it, instead of disappearing into the rocky embrace of the lava fields, the milky-blue waters decided to dance on the surface, giving birth to the Blue Lagoon in 1976.
By the 1980s, curious locals began to explore these waters, naturally warmed by the heartbeats of geothermal energy. To their amazement, the water’s rich silica content seemed to weave magic, healing numerous skin conditions. Let’s debunk a myth: the mesmerising milky hue isn’t the work of chemicals or radioactivity. It’s pure, natural silica – the very essence that distinguishes the Blue Lagoon from any other hot spring in Iceland.
From humble beginnings with no amenities to rudimentary changing rooms in the late 1980s, the Blue Lagoon has undergone a magnificent transformation. Following the power plant's relocation in 1999, the lagoon evolved alongside. Today, it stands as a sanctuary of luxury, complete with avant-garde facilities, a research centre, a lavish spa, and an opulent hotel.
Step into Iceland's Majestic Spa: Choose Your Blue Lagoon Experience
Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission: Luxe at its Basic
Don't let the term 'basic' fool you. The Blue Lagoon Comfort Admission is your passport to indulgence. With this package, you get:
- Full access to the mesmerising lagoon.
- Premium changing facilities.
- A revitalising silica mud mask from our exclusive in-water mud bar.
- A refreshing drink of your choice to elevate the relaxation.
- A plush towel because we believe in pampering you right down to the details.
Mulling over transportation? Combine your comfort admission with a Blue Lagoon transfer. Whether from Reykjavik's heartbeat or straight out of Keflavik Airport, it's likely the most hassle-free and wallet-friendly way to experience Iceland's pride and joy.
Blue Lagoon Premium Admission: Elevated Euphoria
For those with an appetite for a tad more opulence, the Blue Lagoon Premium admission beckons. This package promises:
- Everything the Comfort Admission offers (because luxury is our baseline).
- The choice of two additional skin-rejuvenating masks – because why stop at one?
- Your staple complimentary drink to sip and savor as you drift in the lagoon's embrace.
- Plus, a sparkling glass of bubbly on the house if you choose to dine amidst the sophisticated surroundings of the Lava restaurant.
If you wish to truly immerse in the depth of what the Blue Lagoon has to offer, the Premium package ensures that you soak in every bit of the magic, with no rush. Dive deep into Iceland's most prized spa treasure.
![Milky blue water winding through a moss-covered lava field.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/eb9c82e1948cc7f61aa94eecb5135885b2b697cb-2738x1825.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Step into a world where magic flows freely. As you embark on a curated Blue Lagoon tour, immerse yourself in its therapeutic, mineral-rich embrace. Whether you’re wondering which package will enrich your soul, how to journey to this ethereal spot or the ideal time to soak in its splendour.
Crafting a Perfect Day at the Blue Lagoon: A Guide
Dive Deeper than the Waters: Experiences to Cherish
The Blue Lagoon is more than just a dip in geothermal waters; it's a holistic journey for the soul. Apart from basking in its azure waters, consider these indulgent options:
- Embrace Tradition: Experience the ancient allure of a sauna or cleanse your senses in the steam room.
- Float & Meditate: Elevate relaxation with a float therapy session, guided meditation cradling you to alleviate stress and pain.
- In-Water Euphoria: Opt for a soothing in-water massage or get radiant with masks from the swim-up bar.
Feeling peckish after your soak? Dive into an array of culinary delights:
- Quick Indulgences: Satiate those mini-hunger pangs at the café with a snack or a warming coffee.
- In-Water Bar Bliss: Glide over to the in-water bar, where you can enjoy your drink without ever leaving the comforting embrace of the lagoon's warm waters.
- Fine Dining with a View: Lava Restaurant offers a tantalizing dance of gourmet Icelandic dishes, set against the mesmerizing lagoon and a wall of ancient lava.
- Art on a Plate: Elevate your palate at Moss, where each course is a Michelin-recommended symphony of taste and presentation.
Essentials: Blue Lagoon's Do's & Don'ts
- Hair Care: Post-soak, lavish your hair with a thorough wash. The mineral-rich waters might leave it feeling slightly stiff, though it’s all-natural. Luxuriate in complimentary showers, shampoo, and conditioner available for your convenience.
- Silver Alert: Retire your silver jewellery to the locker. The mineral magic that makes the lagoon ethereal might temporarily darken your silver.
- Go for Gold: On the flip side, the lagoon loves gold. Adorn your gold pieces and watch them gleam even brighter post your soak.
- Swim with Grace: The Blue Lagoon is all about leisurely floating, not Olympic laps. With its depth at just 1.4 metres (4.7 feet), embrace slow, relaxed movements.
- Silica Soothe: Benefit from the freely available silica-rich mud buckets. An invigorating scrub, especially for your face, it’s nature’s spa gift. For more mask varieties, the swim-up mask bar awaits.
- Hydration is Key: Hot springs and hot tubs can be slyly dehydrating. Maintain your inner balance; sip water during your lagoon time and rehydrate generously afterwards.
Your day at the Blue Lagoon is a symphony of relaxation, culinary delight, and mindful moments. Dive in with this guide and float out, rejuvenated.
![The Blue Lagoon shuttle bus travels through the terrain, with the shimmering lagoon visible in the background.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/5cc3fa69bea1b1568d6b88a3aec9aec12d345941-2500x1669.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
Nestled in the arms of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon awaits a mere 50 kilometres (about 31 miles) from the bustling heart of Reykjavik. The scenic drive is a delightful prelude, taking just around forty-five minutes from the capital, winding through landscapes that prepare you for the enchanting Blue Lagoon experience.
No car? No worries! Convenient shuttle buses depart daily from the BSI bus terminal, ensuring you’re always a ride away from this heavenly retreat.
For a seamless adventure, consider booking a transfer right from Reykjavik with a welcoming bonus: included admission! Dive in, spend your day marinating in the warmth of the geothermally-heated waters, and let every worry melt away.
Flying in or out of Iceland? Here's a tip: The Blue Lagoon is strategically located just 25 kilometres (about 15 miles) from Keflavik Airport. Maximize your Icelandic journey by incorporating a rejuvenating stop at the lagoon either on your way in or as a perfect goodbye. It's the ideal way to bookend your Icelandic adventure with pure bliss!
All You Need to Know about the Blue Lagoon - Frequently Asked Questions
The Blue Lagoon is typically busiest during the day, roughly between 11am and 3pm. That’s why, at Icelandia, many of our combination tours visit the spa during the evening. This way, you’ll experience its magic with much fewer people.
The Blue Lagoon fully deserves its reputation as one of the most incredible experiences in Iceland. With its sumptuous, therapeutic waters set in the heart of a volcanic landscape, it’s a completely unique experience.
Relax, unwind, and take in the magic of Iceland’s spa traditions. After a busy break full of sightseeing—or straight off the plane from your day job—you’ll leave feeling like a different person.
It’s easy to reach the Blue Lagoon from downtown Reykjavik without a car. Buses for the Blue Lagoon leave seven times a day from the BSI bus station in Reykjavik. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi. But you’ll pay much more and the journey will take just as long.
It’s always recommended to book the Blue Lagoon in advance. It helps you plan your trip and ensures there’ll be enough space for you whenever you want to come. After all, it is one of the most popular sights in Iceland—and you don’t want to be disappointed.
Most visitors to the Blue Lagoon will spend about two hours in the waters of the Blue Lagoon. However, there’s no minimum or maximum stay—just whatever suits you.
With Icelandia, a transfer to Reykjavik runs every hour from the Blue Lagoon, so you can relax for as long as you want.
The Blue Lagoon offers three standard admission types:
Comfort Package: This package provides guests with admission to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel, and a drink.
Premium Package: In addition to the features of the Comfort package, the Premium admission offers two extra masks, a bathrobe, and a glass of sparkling wine when dining at the lagoon's restaurant.
Retreat Spa: This is the most luxurious package. With the Retreat Spa admission, guests not only get access to the Blue Lagoon but also to the Retreat Spa and Retreat Lagoon. They receive a private changing room, Ritual Skincare amenities, a drink of their choice, and access to the Spa Restaurant.
The exact cost of these packages fluctuates due to the Blue Lagoon's dynamic pricing model, which varies based on availability and time of day.
Typically, the basic Comfort Package tickets hover around 70-100 EUR, the Premium is between 80-120 EUR, and the Retreat Spa access is approximately 530-600 EUR.
Tours to the Blue Lagoon by Icelandia cover the entrance fee and transfer, with the possibility to incorporate additional activities and experiences.
With Blue Lagoon transfers from Keflavik, it’s easy to visit the geothermal pool directly from the airport. The journey takes only about 20 minutes.
Either jump aboard a bus from Keflavik or book a complete transfer package with Icelandia. This way, you get a transfer to Reykjavik downtown, to make your onward journey even more convenient.
The prices for these packages can vary because of the Blue Lagoon's flexible pricing system, which adjusts based on demand and the time of day.
Generally, the Comfort Package tends to range from 70-100 EUR, the Premium falls between 80-120 EUR, and the Retreat Spa access lies somewhere between 530-600 EUR.
Icelandia Blue Lagoon tours include the cost of entry plus transfer, and there’s an option to add other activities and experiences as well.
The Blue Lagoon is an incredible experience throughout the year. During the summer, you can enjoy the waters of the Blue Lagoon beneath the light of the midnight sun. Meanwhile, in winter, you can even see the northern lights from the site.
The spa is open all year round. And, as the waters are heated, it’s a pleasure no matter how cold it is outside.
The Blue Lagoon makes for a magical experience at any time of day.
However, it tends to be busier during the day. And there’s something particularly special about experiencing the Blue Lagoon during the evening, when it’s possible to see the northern lights or enjoy the midnight sun.
A free drink is included in all Comfort admissions to the Blue Lagoon. And, if you book a Premium experience, you’ll get a glass of sparkling wine in the restaurant too.
There’s no maximum time you can spend at the Blue Lagoon within a day. Relax and enjoy the waters to your heart’s content. Then, if you would like, head to the restaurant or get a drink from the bar.
Just be aware that if you’ve booked a Blue Lagoon tour, you may have other things to see and do!
When visitors come to the Blue Lagoon, it’s very common for them to wet their hair in its waters. You are bathing in a pool after all!
That said, it’s generally recommended to apply conditioner before you get your hair wet. As the waters are rich in silica, it can make your hair quite dry and difficult to manage. Alternatively, tie your hair up in a bun to avoid it getting wet.
You do have to rinse off in the showers (without your bathing suit) before getting in the Blue Lagoon, but fully washing your hair beforehand is not a specific rule. However, washing your hair beforehand and leaving conditioner on it while soaking in the lagoon (but avoiding submerging it in the water while bathing) can help stop the silica from drying out your hair.
Since locals began bathing here nearly 50 years ago, they noticed the mineral-rich water left their skin feeling soft and rejuvenated and even helped ease skin conditions like psoriasis. The silica content of the water not only acts as a natural beauty treatment, but it’s also what creates the milky-blue colour of the water that makes the Blue Lagoon so distinctive.
The deepest point is 1.4 metres (4.7 feet), swimming in the Blue Lagoon is possible. You can take a few leisurely breaststrokes in the middle of the lagoon, but as the water is so warm and the depth of a hot tub in most places, the idea is to sit back and soak rather than swim simply.
Even the most basic entrance package includes a free drink at the Blue Lagoon. Alongside entrance, use of a towel and a silica mud mask, the comfort package includes a free fruit smoothie, beer, wine, cider or glass of sparkling wine to enjoy as you soak.
Three hours is ideal at the Blue Lagoon. This gives you time to change, shower, enjoy a drink from the swim-up bar and sample a silica mask before showering and changing again.
You might even have time for a quick meal in the casual café. If you want a more indulgent lunch at Lava or Moss restaurants, you must allow another hour or so.
There are plenty of dining options at the Blue Lagoon and a swim-up bar for drinks in the lagoon. For food, you can choose between the casual café for a quick bite or the more formal Lava and Moss restaurants, the latter being recommended in the Michelin guide.
The Blue Lagoon complex has been designed with disabled users in mind. There is disabled parking in the car park, a five-minute walk from the entrance.
Wheelchairs are available at reception, and the building is equipped with electronic door openers and lifts throughout. The lagoon itself can be directly accessed by special wheelchairs, and there are larger changing rooms available for those who require an assistant (assistants will not need to pay the entrance fee).
People like to take pictures of the ethereal blue water of the Blue Lagoon, so you’ll see lots of people with their phones by the lagoon’s side. There are lockers in the changing rooms to store your belongings, and you can always snap a few photos and return your phone to your locker if you’re worried about dropping it in the water.
Some people even bring waterproof bags or cases to take photos while immersed in the milky-blue water. However, phones are not permitted at the Retreat Spa to ensure you’re fully immersed in the experience, away from the nag of the modern world.
Booking in advance at the Blue Lagoon is not essential – you can buy entry tickets on arrival. However, this is Iceland’s number one attraction, so making a Blue Lagoon booking online in advance is advised to avoid disappointment as entry tickets can sell out, especially in peak season.
Blue Lagoon hours vary by season. Summer sees the longest opening hours, between 08.00 and 23.00 in July and August and between 08.00 and 22.00 in June. January to May sees the shortest opening hours, between 09.00 and 21.00 and with the lagoon open between 08.00 and 21.00 from October to December, you’ve got a chance of spotting the Northern Light before closing.
There is something dramatic about slipping into the constantly warm water of the Blue Lagoon as snow falls around you. Those that wish to see the landscape around the lagoon blanketed in white or perhaps catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead should visit in winter.
Alternatively, the heart of summer sees the best weather in Iceland, paired with almost 24 hours of sunlight, so the Blue Lagoon stays open longer in the summer months.
The short answer is, yes, you must wear a bathing suit in the Blue Lagoon. If you forget to pack one, there are bathing suits for sale at the Blue Lagoon’s shop.
With a full spa, a Michelin-recommended restaurant with a full-tasting menu and shops to stock up on silica-enriched products, you can quite easily spend all day at the Blue Lagoon. If you only want to experience the lagoon's warm water, then a few hours is plenty of time.
You are required to shower before and after using the Blue Lagoon and there are plenty of private, lockable showers and public showers in the changing rooms for this purpose. There are also complementary shampoos and soaps available.
The effects of the Blue Lagoon’s silica on hair are not permanent – you may leave with slightly dry, stiff hair after a soak, but this can usually be fixed with a thorough shampoo and condition in the showers after.
If you want to avoid this from happening entirely, it is recommended that you use a leave-in conditioner while bathing in the lagoon, use a swim cap or tie your hair up.
Recommended tours
![Two women relaxing in the silica water at Blue Lagoon, Iceland.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/2fc2f86f57c42bb8e450c640eb642dca734bcbd6-2500x1667.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon round-trip transfer
Are you planning to visit the Blue Lagoon but aren’t booking a rental car? Enjoy your experience of the dreamlike Blue Lagoon to the fullest and book your comfortable return coach transfer with Reykjavik Excursions. Relax and enjoy free Wi-Fi to and from the Blue Lagoon.
![Blue Lagoon in Iceland seen from Above during sunset.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/aac2ebfdd8cbabdb799ddc9e9648066cf5284e37-2500x1665.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Blue Lagoon transfer from Keflavík Airport
Are you planning to visit the Blue Lagoon but aren’t booking a rental car? Enjoy your experience of the dreamlike Blue Lagoon to the fullest and book your comfortable transfer from Keflavik International Airport with Reykjavik Excursions. Relax and enjoy free Wi-Fi to and from the Blue Lagoon.
![Man and woman in the Blue Lagoon](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/6f4c99d0f8f174bd13afd346e201f0fd2fddfae6-2500x1667.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon Premium including admission
Want a premium package to Blue Lagoon and aren’t booking a rental car? Enjoy the dreamlike Blue Lagoon to the fullest with included masks and other perks with comfortable coach transfer. Relax, enjoy free Wi-Fi to and from the Blue Lagoon and leave the driving to us!
![Woman in sauna at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/8e9f714ce4b74f259e6591eb7793eac1c245b949-800x534.png?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Reykjavík - Blue Lagoon Comfort including admission
Looking for a Comfort Admission package to Blue Lagoon and aren’t booking a rental car? Enjoy the dreamlike Blue Lagoon to the fullest with an included silica mud mask, the use of a towel and one drink of your choice at the in-water bar. Relax, enjoy free Wi-Fi to and from the Blue Lagoon and leave the driving to us!
![Woman bathing in the silica water at Blue Lagoon, Iceland.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/2e821f5588052a3adfc707d65a7d73cc2776315a-2500x1667.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Keflavík Airport - Blue Lagoon, Premium Admission & Transfer
Want a premium package to Blue Lagoon and aren’t booking a rental car? Enjoy the dreamlike Blue Lagoon to the fullest with included masks and other perks with comfortable coach transfer. Relax, enjoy free Wi-Fi to and from the Blue Lagoon and leave the driving to us!
![Woman bathing in the rejuvenating waters of Blue Lagoon in Iceland.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lf2d8f6r/production/dda98d3d58d63423804a7d1a1291fbed8f032d68-2500x1618.jpg?w=3840&q=75&fit=clip&auto=format)
Keflavík Airport - Blue Lagoon, Comfort Admission & Transfer
Looking for a Comfort Admission package to Blue Lagoon and aren’t booking a rental car? Enjoy the dreamlike Blue Lagoon to the fullest with an included silica mud mask, the use of a towel and one drink of your choice at the in-water bar. Relax, enjoy free Wi-Fi to and from the Blue Lagoon and leave the driving to us!