Experience the blissful scenes of Blue Lagoon in Iceland in our ultimate travel guide
Iceland, the land of ice & fire, is home to incredible landscape features & stunning backdrop scenes. It sits perfectly at the end of the world, isolated from the rest, offering unique opportunities for all tourists traveling.
Indulging in one of the many Icelandic experiences is a bucket list chart for most travelers. And, considering the number of places Iceland boasts – I am also pretty sure you might be wondering what places to visit.
Out of all the attractions you visit in the country, exploring the Blue Lagoon is a must. It’s one of my favorite places in Iceland, and it shall remain to be a beloved place for ages. And it just isn’t me who is in complete awe of the Blue Lagoon, but there are so many travelers totally enjoying their first-ever visit to the spa resort.
Iceland is indeed home to many geothermal spas spread across the country, but now people know of Blue Lagoon being the big cheese. But what makes this place so unique? Why do you need to visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland and what this place has to offer?
This ultimate guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland will answer all your questions right from its history, to experiences, ticket prices, activities, and nearby spots.
So, let’s get started!
WHY VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON IN ICELAND
Honestly, the Blue Lagoon Iceland photos are enough to make you spellbound. The steamy milky blue water & the contrast of the black lava fields make the lagoon, one of the fantastic places to visit. To have a look at the backdrop setting is so pleasant & eye-catching, that it will have you wanting to book your flight tickets to Iceland soon.
Not only it’s scenic but the relaxation at the pool attacks all your senses. It is sure to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Well, it’s always essential to calm down your body if you have had a long itinerary. So Blue Lagoon makes it a place to simply relax & rejuvenate.
WHAT IS THE BLUE LAGOON MADE OF
The important question that many visitors often have – is what is the Blue Lagoon made of? Why the waters are so blue? What makes it so special?
Well, it’s interesting to know a little bit of background of the place before you visit. To brief you shortly, the Blue Lagoon is not a natural spring. While the country is beaming with several natural hot springs, the Blue Lagoon is not one of them.
Right next to the land, is a setup of the geothermal power plant that sources the hot steamy water for the lagoon. Nothing is toxic or dangerous if that’s what you think. It’s just that the Blue Lagoon is not the natural phenomenon that many people believe it to be.
If you wonder why the water is so blue in the lagoon, then it’s because of the two natural elements mixing in – sulfur and silica. Due to the combination of these chemical components, the water shines under the sun giving an ethereal blue tint. The presence of these minerals makes Blue Lagoon much more therapeutic.
EXPERIENCING THE SPA RESORT
Your first-ever visit to the lagoon is going to be unimaginable & exciting. The moment you enter inside, you will be welcomed with a relaxing environment, ready & set to take a dip into the hot waters. The Blue Lagoon Iceland water temperature is quite comfortable, something around 37-39-degree C.
Aside from the fun & the relaxation part, the lagoon has excellent health treatment properties to treat a variety of conditions. Most commonly, tourists come here for psoriasis treatment. With enough UV light exposure, Blue Lagoon makes a safe place for all such health treatments.
The place also has a spa facility called the Lagoon Spa and a few restaurants – the Blue Café and LAVA Restaurant. It is a little on the expensive side, and I suggest you take packed food if you can. But the fun and the relaxation have no limits here. You’ve got everything you need right from cocktails to delicious meals and health treatments. And it is because of these reasons, tourists prefer traveling to the Blue Lagoon every time they visit Iceland.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon is open throughout the year for travelers. However, selecting the best time to visit can make a huge difference in the time you spend here. Moreover, you need to choose a perfect time wherein you can relax, and also avoid crowds as much as you can.
EARLY MORNING AND LATE EVENING
The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is early morning during the opening hours. The spa isn’t much crowded, considering most people like to spend their time here after a full day of tours. Having said that, many visitors like to unwind themselves early in the morning and then hang out the whole day relaxing inside the lagoon. Additionally, there is no such time limit to restrict your presence at Blue Lagoon.
You can even make a visit to the Blue Lagoon in the evening, a few hours before its closing time. Ideally, bathing in the lagoon at this point in time sounds more soothing, as you may have had your hectic share of Iceland’s amazing activities. It’s best to relax in the pool, and then head back to the hotel for a nice sleep.
CHOOSE YOUR SEASON
Different seasons of Iceland can also make a huge difference in how you experience the Blue Lagoon. Both – winter and summer – offer a unique perspective of enjoying your bathing in Blue Lagoon, But, I would highly recommend experiencing this attraction during the winter period.
Your visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland becomes exponentially magical when you see the charm of the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. It gives you a great opportunity to witness the Northern Lights whilst soaking in the thermal pleasures of the Blue Lagoon.
Having said that, summer too is a great time to travel the Blue Lagoon Iceland. It’s best suited for seasonal travelers, who have planned a thorough Iceland itinerary for their journey. Moreover, traveling in summer gives you more daylight, eventually providing a brighter long day.
SPEND MORE TIME
No matter when you travel or which season you prefer, allow yourself an ample amount of time at the Blue Lagoon. It’s best recommended to spend no less than two hours, but rather a good four of time. You will spend a little bit of your time checking in, and completing the process of the Blue Lagoon’s hygienic standards – so eventually if you would want to consider that in your time frame.
The best part about bathing at this lagoon is the maximum capacity of people allowed. Although it gets busy during the day and is often booked solid throughout the year – you need not worry about the lagoon getting overcrowded with visitors. The spa facility has kept a limit on visitors allowed, thus ensuring it’s maintaining the overall contentment of travelers.
HOW TO REACH THE BLUE LAGOON IN ICELAND
Blue Lagoon is a 42-minute drive away from the main capital center of Reykjavik and is only a 19-minute drive from the international airport of Iceland. So if you’ve rented a car or booked a guided tour, then the place is quite accessible. Private charters and buses are also available.
You can also call the Blue Lagoon office for transportation. They have their official buses running between the facility and the airport.
You can hire a taxi in Iceland if you are not sure about other transport modes. But let me tell you, they are quite expensive (just like other things in Iceland). Avoid this option if you can, but if you still prefer then no hassle.
If you are a part of a guided tour, then traveling becomes convenient. Transportation here is guaranteed with pickup and drop. Remember to make your Blue Lagoon Iceland reservations well in advance.
THE BLUE LAGOON OPERATIONAL TIME
Operational hours of the Blue Lagoon change monthly or bimonthly. Be sure to check their official website for more details. If you’ve booked a guided tour, ensure you check your date & timings properly.
Generally, the hours are –
January (Daily) – 08:00 – 21:00
February (Daily) – 08:00 – 22:00
May (Thursdays & Fridays) – 15:00 – 20:00
May (Saturdays & Sundays) – 10:00 – 19:00
June (Daily) – 10:00 – 19:00
July to December (Daily) – 09:00 – 19:00
August & September (Daily) – 09:00 – 18:00
On important events & occasions, the Blue Lagoon closes early. These include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
The hotels and spa also have their operational timings. Do check their official website for more details on the same. Those tourists staying at the Blue Lagoon property will have to check their reservation timings for exact check-in and check-out.
TICKETS FOR THE BLUE LAGOON ICELAND
Blue Lagoon offers a variety of packages to travelers. You can compare & choose these packages based on amenities, luxury, and comfort. The most basic package includes your entry fee, one silica mud mask, one fresh towel, and a drink of your choice. If you upgrade the basic plan to more premium or luxury, then the choices are wide open with plenty of extra freebies.
Tickets for Blue Lagoon Iceland may differ and it’s advisable to check their official website for more information.
To brief you shortly, the basic package costs you US$64. Premium will cost you US$80 and the luxury one can go up to US$195. With the luxury one, you get a four-hour treatment package at the retreat spa from phenomenal spa specialists.
The age limit for entering the water is 2 years. This is due to young children being highly sensitive to the water’s elevated mineral content.
For more information on packages & deals, visit here.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE BLUE LAGOON IN ICELAND
Since the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s prime destinations, you’ll want to book your reservation at least a couple of weeks in advance. Tickets for the spa treatment often get sold out quickly, thus making it difficult to book.
It is worth mentioning that the Blue Lagoon is best enjoyed towards the end of a trip. Usually, the itineraries for Iceland are pretty loaded with activities, experiences, and unique excursions. By the end of your tour, your body will feel weary and exhausted. That’s when the pleasures of the Blue Lagoon come in.
I often recommend travelers to keep the Blue Lagoon at the end of their itineraries, to make the most of their trip.
Moreover, if you’re short on time, then try to keep the Blue Lagoon at the start of your tour.
Note: Ensure you have your tickets booked. On any given day, the Blue Lagoon Iceland reservation center is always crowded with long queues. To avoid them, place your booking well in advance. This will ensure a smooth process, right from checking-in to the facility, and then to the end of your lagoon experience.
THINGS TO DO NEAR THE BLUE LAGOON
Iceland’s southern region offers timeless beauty in action. Its beauty and serenity are unmatched, unspoiled, and uniquely special in every way. Thanks to the Blue Lagoon’s location, you’ll have easy access to witness some of Iceland’s southernmost gems, natural hot springs, waterfalls, and other popular geothermal features.
If you want to plan something beyond the Blue Lagoon’s spa experience, do consider checking out the below places –
- Gunnuhver
- Hopsnes Lighthouses
- Selatangar
- Reykjanes peninsula
- Lake Kleifarvatn
Not only these places will offer natural phenomena to witness, but also provide abundant activities to explore. Outdoor opportunities like horseback riding, hiking, picnicking are just a handful of experiences Iceland boasts. Combining the Blue Lagoon with these adventurous outings can enhance your overall southern Iceland experience.
Recommended: Want to add the Blue Lagoon to your Iceland itinerary? Read check out our most detailed guide on Iceland’s amazing attractions packed with several adventures – ‘5 Epic Iceland Road Trip Ideas (+ Ring Road Itineraries)‘
WHERE TO STAY WHILE VISITING THE BLUE LAGOON
When planning a trip to the Blue Lagoon, accommodation becomes a crucial stage. Luckily, staying in and near the Blue Lagoon is never a problem. The closer proximity of Reykjavik makes the capital city one of the preferred locations for visitors to book their stays.
On the other hand, few travelers also choose GrindavÃk as their location.
Both these towns provide great options in terms of accommodation including guest houses, rental rooms, shared apartments, and fancy hotels. Since the type and style of hotels will differ for every tourist, you can explore this page to find more details on city stays.
ACCOMMODATION INSIDE THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon features grand charismatic hotels for tourists to stay, without having to travel further away from the resort. Their two prime hotels – Retreat Hotel and Silica Hotel – boasts exemplary class and luxury amenities. It certainly isn’t cheap to stay in these hotels, with starting price hovering around $600-$650 per night.
Even if you want to plan your stay inside Blue Lagoon’s resort, you’ll need to make prior arrangements.
ACCOMMODATION OUTSIDE THE BLUE LAGOON
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, then there are plenty of options to stay nearby the Blue Lagoon. Many of the hotels outside the spa resort are pocket-friendly, thus making it easier for backpackers to book their stay.
Moreover, you can also consider these options if you want to book affordable hotels near the Blue Lagoon –
Airbnb – Iceland’s AirBNB is super helpful when it comes to booking budgeted stays. The hosts often put up high-rated properties on their website’s listing, making it a deal-breaker snatch for budget travelers. Usually, the starting price is around $70 per night.
Tripadvisor – Try checking out Tripadvisor’s categorical list of the hotels nearby to the Blue Lagoon. Filter down your selection by price & proximity, and compare rates offered by different tour operators. You’ll then find the hotel’s listing offering the cheapest price for the same property.
Hostels – Hostels are a life savior for backpackers touring Iceland. The country is home to decent hostels offering cheap and affordable rates for youth, bachelors, and adventurers.
CAFES & RESTAURANTS NEAR THE BLUE LAGOON
And how can I forget about food? Any vacation or trip is incomplete without trying the wonderful means or experiencing fine cuisine.
If you’re at the Blue Lagoon, do checkout in-house restaurants – Moss Restaurant, LAVA Restaurant, and Spa Restaurant. They serve some fresh and seasonal cuisine, with an amazing selection of food and wine.
For places nearby Blue Lagoon, you can find a spot at Papa’s Pizza, for some unique pizza flavors ranging from Margherita to volcanic-styled flavors. To try out Icelandic dishes, do check out Max’s Restaurant located at the Northern Lights Inn. They’ve got a great variety of menus and you won’t be disappointed for sure. Some of my recommendations – Oriental, Issi Fish, and Chips, Langbest, Biting, and Kökulist bakery
OTHER EUROPEAN GUIDES
Discover Iceland – Read this guide, to explore Iceland’s unique attractions and destinations.
Iceland in October – Read this guide to find out best experiences of Iceland in October.
Best Iceland Itineraries – Planning a trip to Iceland? Check a wide range of uniquely-designed itineraries.
Experiential Paris – Discover the best things to do in Paris at Christmas.
Slovenia’s Experiences & Activities – Check this one, for a detailed guide on Lake Bled in Slovenia.
