The Truth About Visiting The Blue Lagoon & Everything You Need To Know

There’s always a lot of talk about visiting the Blue Lagoon when you travel to Iceland. Is it too touristy? Is it worth the money? Are there better options elsewhere on the island? Should you even go? The truth is, it’s awesome, and you should definitely go! Having said that, though, those questions I mentioned are all valid. And maybe visiting the Blue Lagoon isn’t for everyone. I’ve been twice, though, and loved it both times. Let me break down why I think this highlight of Iceland is absolutely worth visiting. Here is everything you need to know, including cost, best time to visit, and my most helpful tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon.

What Exactly Is This Place?

One of the biggest shocks to people is learning that the Blue Lagoon is not a naturally occurring hot spring. The lagoon actually formed as a byproduct of the adjacent geothermal resource park. Back in the early 1980’s local Icelanders began to take advantage of the warm blue waters that filled a neighboring, naturally occurring, lava field. So, even though Iceland has plenty of naturally occurring hot springs, this isn’t one of them. However, the water in the lagoon is still extremely clean, safe, and completely natural.

From thousands of feet underground, the warm waters of the lagoon are enriched with algae, silica, and minerals. These natural elements possess rejuvenating properties that heal and revitalize both skin and soul.

The first iteration of the modern spa opened back in 1999. Just three years later, National Geographic named the Blue Lagoon one of 25 wonders of the world. Then, the popularity of the lagoon exploded.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon shot up to the top of everyone’s travel list. So much so that the company had no choice but to expand the site quickly. In 2018 the Blue Lagoon grew to feature a full spa, luxury hotel, and two restaurants to complement the, now famous, therapeutic waters. The site is so remarkable that Time Magazine listed it as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places!

That is a pretty impressive resume in such a short period of time. Are you even still reading this, or are you booking your trip already?! I wouldn’t blame you if you were. If you’re still with me, let’s get into some more of the details and tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon.

The Healing Waters

6,500 feet below the Earth’s surface, ocean water converges with fresh water in a world of intense heat and pressure. The water is naturally enriched with salt, algae, silica, and various other minerals before being pumped up to the surface. This combination creates rejuvenating and healing properties within the water that leave you feeling fresh and recharged whenever you finally decide to exit the lagoon.

The water temperature typically stays between 98º-104ºF, keeping the lagoon warm and pleasant throughout the year. This warm, mineral-rich, environment is naturally resistant to foreign bacteria. Add that to the fact that the nearly 2.4 million gallons of water the lagoon holds are completely renewed every 48 hours, and you have an ecosystem that keeps itself clean and inviting without the use of harsh chemicals like chlorine.

Before Getting In

When you first arrive and check-in, you are issued a wristband that is used for any charges you make on the property and to access your locker. If you opt for the Premium Package (more on this later), you will also receive your robe and sandals.

Use of the men’s or women’s locker room is included in your visit. Before entering the lagoon, you must shower in the locker room. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and towels are provided. Also, signage in the locker rooms requests that you shower naked, not in a bathing suit. If you are a little apprehensive about being naked in front of strangers, don’t stress. They have added doors to some of the shower stalls for privacy.

The Water Will Destroy Your Hair!

Keep your hair out of the water! The geothermal seawater in the lagoon contains high levels of silica. This doesn’t actually damage your hair, but it will make it feel dry, stiff, and extremely unruly. I heard one girl say it felt like she had a haystack on her head for a week after soaking in the lagoon! RELAX. this is totally preventable!

*Pro Tip for visiting the Blue Lagoon Before visiting the Blue Lagoon, commit this pro tip to memory! When you shower before entering the water, apply the provided conditioner generously to your hair and LEAVE IT IN. Do not rinse it! Your hair will stay protected from the silica in the water and will be absolutely fine when you leave. Ladies, consider tying your hair up in a ponytail or bun to keep it further protected.

After your shower, as you walk outside to the lagoon, racks with numbered hooks are available to hang your towel and/or robe.

The Lagoon Experience

The deepest part of the lagoon is only 4.7 feet, making it possible to walk around with ease. Explore the lagoon to find your perfect spot to kick back and unwind, or get social at one of the bars!

There are two bars inside the lagoon, on opposite sides. One is a drink bar, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Most admission packages include one drink of your choice. After that, you simply use your provided wristband to make any more purchases and settle up your tab before you leave for the day.

The other bar is the mask bar. Depending on your package, one or multiple masks are included in your visit. If your package only includes one mask, others are available for purchase using your wristband.

Different types of masks available include a lava scrub, a silica mask, and algae mask. The different substances serve different functions, such as exfoliating and hydrating your skin. When you finish with one mask, simply rinse your face at a nearby fountain, or by using the lagoon water.

*Pro Tip for visiting the Blue Lagoon – Do not leave your mask on for too long. Leaving your mask on for too long can cause irritations to your skin. Keep within the recommended time limit of 5-10 minutes, then rinse your mask thoroughly.

Good To Know

• This place is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, so it should come as no surprise that it books up well in advance. Head online to book your reservation as far in advance as possible. You don’t want to travel all the way to Iceland and not be able to visit the Blue Lagoon because it’s sold out!

• You can stay at the Blue Lagoon from the time of your reservation until close. If you want to stretch your dollar, get an early reservation and stay all day!

• Phones and cameras are allowed in the lagoon. However, there are no designated places to set them and keep them safe when not in use. You can place your phone or camera on an exposed rock or deck but do so at your own risk. I recommend getting your pictures out of the way early on during your visit, then stashing them safely away in your locker. Head back out to the lagoon and be fully present in the experience.

• If you are visiting on your way to or from the airport, and have your luggage with you, don’t worry. There is a small fee, but you can store your luggage in the luggage house near the parking lot.

• A normal daypack should fit easily in your provided locker at no extra charge. I brought my backpack-style camera bag and fit it in my locker without issue.

Dining

As I mentioned earlier, regardless of what time of day you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon, once you’re in, you’re in. So why not take advantage and spend the day enjoying this incredible place for as long as you can? Having said that, if you stay long enough, you’ll probably get hungry. This place has you covered with two choices for dining.

The cafe and indoor dining area is the place to find a variety of tasty snacks and beverages and is open during all hours of your visit.

The Lava Restaurant requires a reservation in advance, but the views and food are worth it. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views. The best part, though, is the fact that you can leave the waters of Blue Lagoon and head straight to the Lava Restaurant in your robe! I’m a real big robe guy when I’m at a hotel, but this perk really took things to the next level! If you do want to dine in your robe, you’ll need to do it for lunch, though. Robe dining ends at 4 pm.

Can You Sleep There?

Wondering where to stay when you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon? Well, now you can stay overnight! The company expansion means that you are now given two options for overnight accommodation at the resort.

The Silica Hotel comes with its very own private lagoon, as well included access to visit the Blue Lagoon throughout your stay.

The Retreat Hotel is purposefully designed to maximize comfort and healing in a luxurious fashion. The hotel is actually built into a centuries-old lava flow! Guests have access to an underground spa and the Retreat Lagoon, as well as to the Blue Lagoon.

Best Time To Visit The Blue Lagoon?

Honestly, anytime is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon. The water stays nice and warm all year long, making it possible to enjoy this spectacular place 365 days a year. Here are some tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon during different times of the day and year.

When is the best time to visit to the Blue Lagoon? Well, that is going to depend on what it is that you’re looking for. If you want to have the place to yourself, then I recommend booking the earliest reservation time offered. Arrive early, shower and change as quickly as you can, and sprint for the lagoon. It won’t last long, but you’ll have the lagoon to yourself long enough to snap some incredible pics without anyone in the background!

Can you visit the Blue Lagoon at night?  Yes! The hours of operation will vary throughout the year, though. Also, keep in mind that during the summer, Iceland experiences the midnight sun. So, even if you are there are 10 pm, the sky will look like it’s mid-afternoon. Children are allowed in the lagoon, but you usually won’t see many there late in the evening.

Can you see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon? It’s possible, but not likely. The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon and see the northern lights is during the frigid winter months. It is dark all day during peak winter, making conditions ideal for seeing the lights. However, you would need to get lucky with a really powerful display of the aurora borealis while you were in the lagoon. The lighting around the resort makes it more difficult to see the northern lights in the sky. The best way to see the northern lights is to go someplace with little to no light pollution. But who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky!

Visiting The Blue Lagoon In Winter vs. Summer?

Winter is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon for dark, moody photos that you just can’t get in the summertime. And, if you’ve spent any time at all outdoors during winter in Iceland, dipping into the balmy lagoon waters will feel like absolute heaven. You’ll just want to get from the building to the lagoon as quickly as you can! This time of year will make your visit less crowded and less expensive than during peak summer months.

The summer months are the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon for bright blue skies and less wind. The weather in Iceland can turn in an instant. I’ve been to the Blue Lagoon twice now, once in early September and once in June, and been lucky enough to have perfect summer weather both times.

Is Visiting The Blue Lagoon Expensive?

The prices, like the opening hours, vary throughout the year. Prices will typically spike during the busy summer months and dip during the winter.

The Premium package will run you $68 and includes everything from the comfort package, plus the use of a robe, a pair of flip flops to keep, a second mask, a reservation at the Lava restaurant, and one glass of sparkling wine with your meal if you dine at Lava.

Finally, the Luxury package comes with a steep increase in price. At $372, this package includes an all-day visit to the blue lagoon and retreat lagoon, 5 hours in the spa, and access to a private changing suite.

How Do You Get There?

CAR

Driving through Iceland is one of the best ways to see this unbelievable country. If you’ve rented a car, then visiting the Blue Lagoon on your own is simple. The drive from Reykjavik is around 45 minutes on the highway. Keflavik Airport is even closer, about 20 minutes away. A popular choice is to visit the Blue Lagoon just prior to your departure from Iceland. What better way to relax before a long flight?!

Bus
If you don’t have your own car, a regular bus service will make things easy for you. You can take the bus to and from Reykjavik or Keflavik airport. For info and bookings, visit Destination Blue Lagoon.

Taxi
Uber is not available in Iceland. Taxis, though, are available from Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport. This won’t be your cheapest option but offers more privacy than the bus service.

Visiting The Blue Lagoon Is Worth it!

No matter how you get there, you are all but guaranteed to have a good time. Hopefully, some of these tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon will help ensure your trip is as exciting and enjoyable as it is relaxing. You can tailor the experience to be whatever you’d like it to be. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to Iceland after you first arrive. Or, you can do like I did after a week of hard-charging through the land of fire & ice, and cap of your journey with a long relaxing day in the soothing waters of the lagoon before setting off for home.

Yes, the spa and resort have grown substantially in recent years. And yes, the lagoon draws hoards of tourists annually. None of that makes this place any less special or enjoyable, though. The combination of such a unique place in an otherworldly setting makes visiting the Blue Lagoon an absolute must when traveling to Iceland! Enjoy!