02/20/2025 | 1:00 PM
Few places in Iceland capture the magic of the country’s geothermal bathing traditions quite like the Blue Lagoon. Set against a backdrop of black lava fields and rolling volcanic hills, the lagoon’s milky-blue waters are unlike anything else you’ll experience. It welcomes over one million visitors each year, and it’s easy to see why this is one of Iceland’s best-known and most iconic attractions.
The Blue Lagoon is more than just a stunning sight; its warm, mineral-rich waters are renowned for their therapeutic, skin-soothing properties that can help even the weariest of travelers unwind. The bathing experience also includes complimentary extras like a free drink and mud mask, and there’s also an established spa and other facilities like hotels and restaurants on-site. This, along with its convenient location near Keflavík airport (Iceland's major international airport), makes the Blue Lagoon the number-one wellness spot for visitors to Iceland.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Lagoon, from its fascinating history and location to what to expect on the day, plus top tips for making the most of your visit.
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal spas, found in the heart of the Reykjanes peninsula. Spanning an impressive area (some 8700 sq meters, or 94,000 sq ft), the lagoon provides plenty of space for visitors to take in the dramatic scenery as they soak in the mineral-rich, restorative water.
Just like the Sky Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon is manmade and the modern spa facilities opened to the public in 1999. The lagoon's origins go back to the 1970s when runoff from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant began to flood a nearby lava field, creating a warm, blue reservoir. The runoff created a mineral-rich pool and the high silica contents gave the lagoon its signature blue color and skin-healing properties.
In the 1980s locals began to bathe in the waters, revealing their geothermal benefits. As the lagoon grew in popularity, it was developed into the world-renowned wellness retreat we know today.
Today the Blue Lagoon is home to a spa, a research center, and a clinic hotel for psoriasis treatment, all thanks to the unique mineral contents of the signature milky-blue waters. It was even named one of 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012.
But the Blue Lagoon experience goes beyond just a soak. From enjoying a rejuvenating silica and algae face mask to unwinding in the sauna and steam cave, there are plenty of ways to enhance your experience. There’s also a swim-up bar serving drinks and an on-site restaurant, Lava, serving treats from light snacks to gourmet meals.
You can make your visit to the Blue Lagoon even more indulgent by experiencing the adjacent Retreat Spa, which offers a private lagoon, a lava rock steam cave, and premium treatments in a tranquil setting – perfect for a luxurious and truly relaxing day out.
The Blue Lagoon is located in southwest Iceland. It sits on the Reykjanes peninsula, a volcanic wonderland that's also home to Iceland's international airport at Keflavík.
The lagoon is about 31 miles (50km) from Reykjavík, or a 45-minute drive from the city center – perfect for those who've rented a car.
In 2024, the lagoon’s original parking lot was covered in lava during an eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula, but a new one has been opened on the north side of the site where visitors can park for free. We recommend visitors who are driving to the lagoon check the official website for up-to-date road information, as lava flows from recent eruptions can potentially impact road access.
Because it’s so close to the capital, many people choose to stay in Reykjavík if they’re visiting the Blue Lagoon – or they might stay close to the airport if they have an early-morning flight the next day. There are some hotels nearby, as well as on-site at the lagoon itself, which can be a good option if you’re planning to explore other sites on the Reykjanes peninsula or want a longer spa break. If it’s your first time in Iceland or you’re only visiting on a quick trip, we recommend staying in the capital since this is where most tours and transport links depart from.
Here’s where the Blue Lagoon is on a map of Iceland to help you plan your travel:
As well as driving from Reykjavík or Keflavík airport, you can also take a shuttle bus.
Two main companies operate bus transfers and you can opt to be picked up from the airport or your hotel. The drive from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon takes approximately 45 minutes.
You can use a bus transfer to travel from Keflavík airport to the Blue Lagoon, then when you're done, catch a bus from the lagoon to Reykjavík (or vice versa). This is easily arranged, and is a useful thing to do if you arrive on an early-morning flight into Keflavík and have time to spare before you can check in to your accommodation.
The main bus operators:
Many people also choose to visit the Blue Lagoon as part of a tour, with transport to and from the lagoon included in the package.
If you’re visiting from the US, UK, or other international destination, your flight to Iceland will land at Keflavík International Airport, which is just a 13-mile (22km) or 20-minute drive from the lagoon. What better way to get your vacation started than with a relaxing geothermal soak? There are buses from Keflavík so you’re covered if you haven't hired a car. Just bear in mind that if you’re visiting on your way to or from the airport, you’ll need to store your bags at the lagoon’s luggage center for a small fee.
The best time to visit Iceland’s Blue Lagoon depends on what kind of experience you’d like to have. Traveling in the summer promises longer days and warmer weather, which is ideal for soaking up the sunshine. If you visit in June, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy the midnight sun, a phenomenon that brings almost 24 hours of daylight.
Going to the Blue Lagoon in winter does mean cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather, but some say this is the perfect time to get toasty in the warm waters – and if you’re lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon itself.
Whichever season you’re visiting in, you might be wondering whether the Blue Lagoon is better during the day or night. Again, both options offer a different experience, so it’s up to you which you’d prefer. The Blue Lagoon is open from 8am to 10pm every day (closing earlier on days like Christmas Day and New Year's Eve), with extended hours during the summer months.
Going early in the morning provides a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds, and since there’s no time limit on your entry ticket, an early start means you can spend as long as you like relaxing at the lagoon. On the other hand, visiting in the evening can be the perfect remedy after a day of tours and exploring, helping you truly unwind from the day and get a good night’s sleep.
Tip: Icelandair flights from the USA and Canada begin landing around 6am. Booked hotel rooms often aren't accessible until 2pm or later. What to do with that time? The best answer might be to head straight to a lagoon, to relax, freshen up, and tick off a bucket-list item within hours of arriving in Iceland.
Ready to plan your trip to the Blue Lagoon? Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for making the most of your visit – as well as a few fun facts about the Blue Lagoon itself.
You can buy your Blue Lagoon tickets either via the lagoon’s website or as part of a tour or vacation package from another company. The benefit of booking as part of a tour is that your transport to and from the lagoon is often included – but make sure to double-check the itinerary to see if you need to arrange your own transfer.
Because the Blue Lagoon is such a popular attraction, you’ll need to book in advance, whichever option you choose. This way you’ll have the most flexibility over when you visit and how much time you want to spend there.
There are three types of tickets available at the Blue Lagoon: Comfort, Premium and, Signature. All tickets include your entrance fee, a towel, a silica face mask at the Mask Bar, and one drink.
The Premium ticket also includes an additional drink, two additional face masks, and use of a bathrobe.
The Signature package takes things one step further with a set of Blue Lagoon skincare products to take home.
If you're feeling fancy, you can visit the Retreat Spa, which includes admission to a private lagoon, a private changing room, and five-hour access to the deluxe spa facilities.
If you’re wondering how much the Blue Lagoon costs to go to, you can check current prices on the Blue Lagoon’s website.
For your day at the lagoon, you’ll need to bring swimwear – and sunscreen if you’re visiting in the summer. All ticket types include the use of a towel, and the Premium and Signature tickets also include a bathrobe. If you’ve got a Comfort ticket, you can hire a bathrobe on the day for a small fee.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the staff, who'll give you instructions on what to do before you enter the lagoon, namely make sure you’ve taken off any jewelry, taken a shower before going into the water, and put your hair up.
It’s recommended to put your hair up because the mineral-rich waters can be very drying and leave your hair a little tangled. To protect your hair during your visit, you can also add a mask of conditioner before going in, and if you do get your hair wet in the lagoon, rinse it with fresh water afterwards and use conditioner to help restore it (you’ll find complimentary shampoo and conditioner in each shower cubicle in the lagoon's changing rooms).
You’ll be given a wristband, which acts as your locker key and also a way to purchase drinks at the swim-up bar in the lagoon.
You’ll need to take your shoes off before entering the changing facilities. After this, you enter the changing rooms where you can get ready and store your belongings in a locker.
All guests are required to shower before entering the water, without their bathing suit, as is the local etiquette for all pools and lagoons. You’ll find the shower area conveniently located en route to the lagoon entrance – no need for shyness, there are cubicles with doors.
Tip: Your ticket is associated with an arrival timeslot, and all tickets have a one-hour window of flexibility. That means if you book a ticket for 1pm, you can arrive anytime between 1pm and 2pm. You're welcome to stay at the complex as long as you wish.
Once you’ve showered, it’s time to enter the lagoon itself.
As you step into the water – naturally heated to a temperature of 98-104°F (37-40°C) – you’ll feel the warmth and begin to unwind as the minerals work their magic on your skin. Rich in silica, algae, and mineral salt, the milky-blue waters are thought to moisturize and restore your skin, boosting circulation and improving conditions like psoriasis. The heat will also help relax your body and mind, leaving you feeling renewed.
The lagoon is 4ft (1.2 meters) deep in most places, meaning you can walk along the bottom of the pool and find a nice spot to relax and take in the views as you soak.
If you want to take pictures of the lava landscapes, you’re welcome to bring your phone into the lagoon, but you’ll need a waterproof phone case as there aren’t many places to put your phone down.
The site itself is huge, so there's enough room for everyone. There's a quiet zone, too, if the crowds feel a bit much – this area is a phone-free zone.
To the left as you enter the lagoon from the changing area are the sauna and steam rooms. The Mask Bar is in this area too, where a staff member distributes a dollop of silica-enriched facial mask. To the right you'll find a crowd lingering by the in-water bar! The buildings to the right house the casual cafe and Lava Restaurant (pictured; a restaurant booking is recommended). Until 4pm, you can dine in your bathrobe!
Tickets to the Blue Lagoon don’t come with a time limit, so how much time you spend here is really up to you. If you’re visiting with a tour, some packages might have a time limit on your visit but most will have some flexibility built in on when you can leave.
On average, people spend around two to four hours at the lagoon. This gives you enough time to soak in the geothermal waters and enjoy the facilities, including your free drink at the in-water bar. You can also choose to make a day of things, booking an in-water massage and treating yourself to a meal at one of the lagoon’s restaurants.
If you want to enjoy the Blue Lagoon without the admin, why not let us handle the planning? With Icelandair, you can book a vacation package combining the Blue Lagoon with highlights like the Golden Circle or a northern lights excursion. You can also build your own package for maximum flexibility with your itinerary. These packages include flights and accommodation, taking all the hassle out of planning your trip.
We also offer Blue Lagoon day tours which include your entrance fee to the lagoon as well as transfers to and from Reykjavík. You can add your tour when booking your flights, or purchase later.
For more information about our tours and packages, please check the details on the individual package pages or browse our vacations FAQs.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you may be wondering if it’s worth visiting the Sky Lagoon over the Blue Lagoon, or vice versa. There are some similarities between each location, but ultimately they provide different, equally visit-worthy geothermal bathing experiences in their own unique settings.
The Blue Lagoon’s milky-blue waters are a unique sight and experience, enriched with minerals to soothe and nourish the skin. A selection of mud masks and a complimentary drink are included with a standard admission ticket, which many visitors appreciate. There's also the option to book luxury add-ons such as an in-water massage or float therapy. This location has a wider range of on-site restaurants and hotels, and this spa is more family-friendly since it’s suitable for toddlers and young children – in fact, children aged 13 and under enjoy free admission.
Sky Lagoon is closer to Reykjavík and offers a slightly more luxe experience for the standard ticket, which is reflected in the higher price of the experience. The lagoon’s recently expanded Skjól Ritual is a treat for visitors, creating an immersive, structured wellness experience – but note that admission only grants you one journey through the Ritual. Since there’s an age restriction of 12+, the Sky Lagoon is better for people traveling with older children.
Here’s a general comparison of the Blue Lagoon versus the Sky Lagoon:
*Prices and other information indicated in the table are reflective of the facility websites in January 2025.
| Blue Lagoon | Sky Lagoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Grindavík, Reykjanes peninsula (closer to Keflavík airport) | Kársnes harbor, Kópavogar (closer to Reykjavík) |
| Water type | Geothermal seawater and freshwater | Geothermal groundwater |
| Average water temp | 98° to 102°F (37° to 39°C) | 100° to 104°F (38° to 40°C) |
| Average water depth | 3'11" (1.2 meters) | 3'11" (1.2 meters) |
| Minimum age | 2+ years (free for kids aged 2-13) | 12+ years |
| Spa facilities | Lagoon, sauna, steam room, in-water massage and float therapy available | Lagoon, plunge pool, sauna, cool mist, steam room |
| In-water bar | Yes | Yes |
| Onsite dining | Cafe and restaurant | Cafe and bar |
| Onsite accommodations | Yes | No |
| Standard admission includes | - Entrance - Silica mud mask from in-water Mud Bar - 1 drink of your choice - Use of towel - Public changing facilities | - Entrance - 1 journey through 7-step Skjól Ritual - Use of towel - Public changing facilities |
| Starting price excl booking fee (standard admission)* | 9,990 ISK (~ USD $72) | 12,990 ISK (~ USD $93) |
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic attractions in Iceland, giving visitors the chance to experience Iceland’s traditional bathing culture, take in stunning volcanic scenery, and enjoy the many health benefits of the mineral-rich waters.
We hope our guide to the Blue Lagoon has inspired you to plan your visit and book a trip to Iceland to experience this wonderful location.
Discover all our vacation packages for more inspiration, or browse flights to Reykjavík to start planning your adventure.