The Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Why is the Blue Lagoon so popular in Iceland? How to plan a visit and what can you do there? How much does the entry ticket cost? If you are planning to travel to Iceland by camper van soon, you will definitely want to experience the country's most famous lagoon and enjoy its benefits

Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest of the island, the site is just 15 minutes from Keflavik International Airport and 30 minutes by car from Reykjavik, the capital. The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities in Iceland to wrap up your trip beautifully, so here's how to do it!

Nestled in the heart of the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders! This geothermal spa is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary setting that combines wellness with a raw nature experience...

If you plan to travel to Iceland soon, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit! What makes it so unique is its milky blue waters rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. These elements naturally present in the water come from a nearby geothermal power plant, spewing forth at temperatures of about 98 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for treating skin conditions!

In addition to enjoying a healing soak, you will be amazed by the landscapes of black lava fields and breathtakingly colorful mountains! While the Blue Lagoon attracts thousands of visitors each year, it has managed to maintain a calm and serene atmosphere, allowing anyone to relax and take in the beautiful scenery... So yes, definitely visit this lagoon when you're in the area!

Are you about to go on a trip but don't know what to do in Iceland? Apart from visiting the Blue Lagoon, there are many wonders awaiting you there! Discovering the volcanoes of Iceland, hiking in nature, exploring ice caves, whale watching in Iceland... here's a glimpse of what awaits you Don't forget to book your activities in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises!

Due to its popularity, the entry price to the Blue Lagoon continues to rise each year! Be prepared to budget around $100 per adult, noting that entry is free for children aged 3 to 13. By booking through the official Blue Lagoon site, you will have the choice between several packages that include great extras:

At the time of booking, you will need to select the day and time of your visit. Recently, the Blue Lagoon has been regulating the influx of visitors, which continues to rise! I encourage you to book as soon as possible, especially if you are planning a trip to Iceland in summer. If you're unsure which package to choose for the Blue Lagoon, know that the first two options are the most popular, especially the Comfort option.

️ Important: you can stay as long as you want inside the site!

To book, you can do it directly from the official Blue Lagoon site! It is also possible to go through another provider that includes a round-trip transfer from Reykjavik and the entry ticket.

The Blue Lagoon is open year-round, but hours vary depending on the season:

The site also houses 3 restaurants and a café, here are their opening hours:

All hours and opening days are available on the official Blue Lagoon site

Once on site, staff will provide you with an electronic badge for accessing lockers and it also serves as a 'virtual basket' for your purchases in shops and various consumptions within the site. You'll settle all your purchases upon departure

The facilities are well maintained, clean, and modern: showers, changing rooms, lockers... Everything is set up to make your experience ideal! Furthermore, the site is perfectly suited for families with children. Before entering the pool, you will need to take a mandatory shower, and there are both communal showers and individual booths for those who are more modest.

Depending on where you are, the water will be warmer or cooler. The area is generally very large, including a water bar and a self-service counter for silica mud.

There are also 3 saunas and steam rooms for enthusiasts! A hot water fountain at 97 degrees Fahrenheit offers a superb shoulder massage. You can stroll around the lagoon on foot while remaining in the pool, but note that the lagoon does not exceed 4 feet deep

Ideally, I recommend spending at least half a day on site! The facility features several restaurants, including the must-visit Lava Restaurant located inside the complex. It is a high-end establishment that serves traditional Icelandic dishes while offering stunning views of the lagoon!

The Blue Lagoon Café, on the other hand, is located next to the pool. It's a really nice spot to grab a drink, a hot beverage, or snack on something like a sandwich! To learn more about all the dining options during your visit to the Blue Lagoon, click here!

The complex is very comprehensive as it is also possible to stay on-site! Even though most visitors choose to stay off-site, it is worth noting that the Blue Lagoon has two hotels: the Silica Hotel and the The Retreat Hotel. It goes without saying that you will need to budget significantly to stay there, as the price per night is not cheap. Nevertheless, the experience is worth having at least once!

Although the complex is very vast and can accommodate a large number of visitors, I recommend choosing a calm period for a better experience and to reduce wait times at the entrance. To help you make a decision, here are all my recommendations for visiting the Blue Lagoon:

As summer is the peak tourist season in Iceland, don't hesitate to travel between May and June or in September. The days are long enough to enjoy the overall setting and take plenty of photos! Conversely, book your entry tickets as early as possible and favor a morning or later evening time slot To learn more about the best season to visit Iceland, I invite you to check out my article on the subject

Getting to the Blue Lagoon is relatively simple, so I will share the main options:

If you haven't booked a rental car in Iceland, a taxi is an available option. However, you'll need to shell out between $50 and $60 for a one-way trip, and more from Reykjavik. At best, opt for a guided tour to the Blue Lagoon that includes the round-trip transfer from the capital and the entry ticket.

The history of the Blue Lagoon dates back to the 1970s when the Svartsengi power plant was built next to the site to use geothermal water for producing electricity and heating networks. After passing through the turbines, the water was released into nearby lava fields!

That's when the unexpected happened, as the water rich in silica, minerals, and algae began to accumulate in lava cavities, forming a natural pool. Although the initial plan was to let the water seep into the ground, the silica produced created an impermeable layer. This geological phenomenon led to the formation of a basin that would become the Blue Lagoon we know today

Initially, no one imagined these waters would add value to the surroundings until local residents began bathing in the lagoon starting in the 80s. This led to the discovery of the healing properties of the lagoon's waters, attracting more and more visitors...

In 1992, the lagoon's owners opened their doors to the public, and various facilities were developed to host visitors under better conditions while preserving the natural setting. Since then, the complex has become a premier wellness and tourist destination!

Ultimately, spending a few hours at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is an experience that truly should not be missed! Although it requires a significant budget, the value for money is outstanding. On-site, you will enjoy numerous services and amenities in addition to the breathtaking setting that is worth every penny!