Antisocial Tourist

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in Iceland. It’s Iceland’s number one tourist destination, drawing millions of people from all across the globe each year. National Geographic even named it one of the 25 wonders of the world.

Tourism in Iceland has risen dramatically in the last decade, so what was once a hidden gem is now on everyone’s radar. In the early 2000s, the lagoon attracted less than 100,000 people a year. Now, it easily sees over a million visitors annually. With the Blue Lagoon’s increased crowds and social media popularity, it’s already beginning to feel a little less magical and a bit more like a tourist trap.

So as tourism continues to rise in Iceland, and influencers flock to this picturesque destination, we have to ask ourselves — is the Blue Lagoon still worth it? Let’s find out…

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What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a hot spring famous for its vast steamy pools, milky blue water, mineral-rich silica mud, and incredibly dreamy atmosphere. The geothermal water stays at a cozy 102 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, thanks to the volcanic magma that heats the water from underground. Both the water and silica mud in the lagoon are also known to have healing properties.

Iceland has more geothermal areas than any other country in the world. The use of these natural hot springs dates back to the Vikings, who used the mineral-rich water for bathing, washing, and healing. Still, today, saunas and steam baths are an important part of Icelandic culture.

The Blue Lagoon was formed in the late 1970s when a nearby power plant accidentally hit water when drilling for geothermal energy. This water then filled the surrounding land. At first, it was assumed that the water was contaminated, but soon enough someone decided to take a dip. Not long after that, locals began regularly soaking in the lagoon.

Today the lagoon is surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities. Visitors can purchase a day pass to get access to the lagoon or stay overnight at one of the on-site hotels. In addition to soaking in the mineral-rich water, guests can also relax at the lagoon’s subterranean spa or dine at one of the fine-dining restaurants while overlooking the lava fields.

Where is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is located in southwestern Iceland, in a town called Grindavik. It’s a 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) or a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Reykjavik. Until the recent addition of the Sky Lagoon in Reykavik, the Blue Lagoon was the most accessible lagoon to tourists in Iceland.

Although the Blue Lagoon is close to Iceland’s largest city, the area around it is quite remote. The milky blue pools of water are surrounded by endless moss-covered lava fields. There are only a handful of hotels nearby and even fewer eating establishments, but the rural area only adds to its charm.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

Fortunately, it’s really easy to get to the Blue Lagoon. It’s located just 20 minutes from the nearest airport. You can rent a car, catch a bus, hire private transportation, or join a group to get there.

Most tourists choose to visit the lagoon when they first arrive in Iceland, or the day before they leave, because of its proximity to the airport. We recommend doing this as well. We chose to visit the Blue Lagoon on our last day in Iceland, to be sure we wouldn’t miss our chance even if our arrival flight was delayed. It was the perfect way to end the adventurous week we had.

Unless you’re visiting during the winter months, driving in Iceland is easy and we strongly recommend getting your own car. Camper vans are also really popular here. There is so much to do and see outside of Reykavik and the Blue Lagoon, that a car is the only way to be sure you can see it all and at your own pace. If you’re visiting during the winter though, renting a car is a big risk. The weather is extremely unpredictable. Fortunately, you will find a nice selection of transportation options and tours to join even in the winter.

Best Tours that Include the Blue Lagoon

If you’re staying in Reykavik and you don’t want to rent a car, or you’re visiting during the winter, you can join a group tour to get to the Blue Lagoon. Many tours also include stops at some of the nearby attractions along the Golden Circle (a 190-mile scenic route that starts and ends in Reykavik). You can search for these tours on your own using Get Your Guide or check out the tours we recommend below.

If you do want to explore the Golden Circle on your way to the Blue Lagoon, you can book the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon tour, which includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater. The tour ends with Comfort (basic) admission to the Blue Lagoon and transportation back to Reykavik.

If you’re not interested in exploring the Golden Circle on the same day as your visit to the Blue Lagoon, you can book the Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers tour, which includes your choice of Comfort (basic) or Premium admission to the Blue Lagoon plus round-trip transportation from downtown Reykavik.

If you’re visiting during the aurora season, you can also book a tour that combines the Northern Lights with the Blue Lagoon. This Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights with Admission Ticket tour is a good option, but it’s important to note that you’ll need to transfer back to Reykavik to catch your ride out of town to see the Northern Lights. So it’s really like taking two separate tours, but you will save a bit by booking them together.

Prices and Reservation Options for the Blue Lagoon

All visitors must have advanced reservations to visit the Blue Lagoon. If you’re joining a tour, admission is likely included. It’s important to book your visit several months in advance if you can. The lagoon does have a maximum capacity and often sells out.

There are three different single-day reservation options and two overnight options available. You can reserve your time at the Blue Lagoon by clicking here.

Day Visit Reservation Options

The Blue Lagoon Comfort Reservation: Blue Lagoon’s Comfort reservation is a standard spa reservation that includes entrance to the lagoon, a silica mud mask, the use of a towel, and a drink of choice. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 8 990 (around $63 USD) for adults (14+). Children ages 2 – 13 are free.
The Blue Lagoon Premium Reservation: Blue Lagoon’s Premium reservation includes everything that the Comfort reservation includes plus two additional face masks, use of a bathrobe and slippers, and a glass of sparkling wine if you dine at the onsite restaurant, Lava. Pricing varies based on reservation time but starts at ISK 11 490 (around $80 USD) for adults (13+). Children ages 2 – 13 are free.
The Spa Retreat Reservation: Blue Lagoon’s Spa Retreat reservation is the ultimate experience. It includes everything that the Premium reservation includes plus 5 hours of access to the Retreat spa, entrance to the more exclusive Retreat Lagoon, and a private changing room and shower. This experience is quite a splurge, starting at ISK 69 000 (around $480 USD).

You can also add on in-water massages starting at ISK 15 900 (around $110 USD ) and float therapy sessions starting at ISK 24 900 (around $175 USD).

Overnight Reservation Options

Silica Hotel: Blue Lagoon’s Silica Hotel includes Premium access to the lagoon plus access to the secluded Silica lagoon plus an overnight stay. Pricing varies based on the type of room selected but starts at ISK 89 000 (around $625 USD). This hotel is set off to the side of the property and does require a 10-minute walk to get to the Blue Lagoon entrance.
The Retreat Hotel: Blue Lagoon’s Retreat Hotel is the ultimate luxury experience. You’ll have unlimited access to the Retreat Spa and the private Retreat Lagoon, and an overnight stay. You’ll also get to enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast, the option to take a yoga class each morning, and the rights to any unused Blue Lagoon skincare and haircare products in your room. Pricing varies based on the type of room selected but starts at ISK 189 000 (around $1,330 USD). This hotel sits right against the lagoon and does not require an additional walk to get to the Blue Lagoon entrance.

What to Expect at the Blue Lagoon

If you’ve purchased the Comfort (basic) or Premium admission to the Blue Lagoon, here’s what you can expect.

What to Expect When you Arrive

When you check in at the Blue Lagoon, you’ll receive an electronic bracelet that will give you access to your locker and your room, if you’re staying overnight. You’ll also use your bracelet to track all of your purchases while at the lagoon, so the front desk knows what to charge you for when you check out. This comes in handy so you don’t have to worry about carrying your wallet or money on you while in the water.

You’ll review a map of the lagoon and the receptionist will show you where to find the different amenities on site. This is your chance to ask any questions you have and confirm your reservation times for any in-water massages or other add-ons that you’ve booked.

What to Expect in the Change Rooms

After you’ve checked in and gotten your wristband, you’ll be directed to the changing rooms, which are separated by gender. If you’ve purchased the Premium admission, you’ll be given a robe and slippers on your way to the changing room. If you’ve purchased the Comfort (basic) admission, you’ll simply skip the robe station. Towels can be found in the changing area and at the lagoon entrance.

Once in the locker area, you can use any locker that is open. You’ll use your wristband to lock and unlock it. You’ll place your belongings in your locker, strip down, and take a shower before changing into your bathing suit. There are many open showers for those who are comfortable showering naked in front of others. If this is out of your comfort zone, there are a handful of enclosed showers as well.

The showers and changing rooms can be really chaotic during certain times of the day. While the lagoon is large enough to get away from the crowds, the changing areas are not. If you’ve splurged for the Retreat Spa, you won’t need to worry about this. The Retreat Spa reservation includes a spacious private shower and changing room.

What to Expect After the Changing Rooms

After you’ve showered and changed, you can make your way to the lagoon entrance. You’ll enter a large room where you’ll find a snack bar, stacks of towels, and rows of hooks to hang your robe on. This is where you’ll meet back up with your friends or family if you were split up in the changing area.

You can walk into the water right from this room if you prefer to avoid the cold air. If you choose to go this way, you’ll take a ramp into the water and follow it along until you’re outside with everyone else. This is an especially great route to take when exiting the water on a cold day. If you’d prefer to enter the water from the outside, just walk out the doors where you’ll find some more robe hooks and a series of ramps leading into the water.

What to Expect in the Water

Once you’re in the lagoon, any stress or tension you’re experiencing will instantly melt away. Even if you’re visiting on a particularly chaotic day, the moment the warm water hits your skin, you’ll feel relaxed.

On one side you’ll see a small waterfall, two steam rooms, a sauna, and an outdoor shower. On the other side, you’ll find the swim-up bar, which serves both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Towards the center, you’ll see the mask station where you can get your free mud mask and purchase additional masks using your wristband. Towards the back of the lagoon is a roped-off area for those who purchased the in-water massages or float therapy.

You can grab a drink, get your mud mask, and wander through the warm water until you find the perfect spot to relax. The Blue Lagoon is massive, so even at its busiest times, it’s easy to find a secluded spot.

What to Expect When You’re Done

Most people spend 1 – 3 hours soaking in the lagoon. When you’ve had your fill, you can make your way out of the water and collect your robe and slippers. Then you’ll head back to the changing area to shower and change back into your clothes.

Showering before you leave is not mandatory but highly recommended. The minerals in the water do leave a film on your skin that will feel chalky if you don’t rinse off. You’ll definitely want to wash and condition your hair if it touched the lagoon water, too. The minerals leave hair feeling stiff and brittle.

After you’ve changed, you can grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants or pick up some skincare products before you depart.

Is the Blue Lagoon Worth It?

So the big question is, is the Blue Lagoon worth it? We say, YES! Sure, it attracts thousands of visitors a day and millions a year, but isn’t there a reason for that? If you avoid peak times and go in with the right mindset, the Blue Lagoon will live up to all of your expectations.

Iceland offers a lot of other great hot springs as well, and if you can, you should visit more than one. But to travel all the way to Iceland and skip the world-famous Blue Lagoon is unthinkable. If you can only visit one hot spring on your trip, this should be it.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue Lagoon

Why is the Blue Lagoon blue?

The Blue Lagoon is known for its unique milky blue color. This blue color is created mostly from the silica in the lagoon and the way it reflects visible light when suspended in water. A mix of algae and minerals also contributes to the unique color.

Can you swim in the Blue Lagoon?

The minerals in the water make it difficult to float, so swimming is not an easy task at the Blue Lagoon. While it is possible, you’ll find that most visitors prefer to lounge or walk around in the water instead.

How hot is the Blue Lagoon?

The water of the Blue Lagoon is naturally heated by underwater volcanic aquifers. The temperature stays at a comfortable 102 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

How deep is the Blue Lagoon?

The deepest part of the Blue Lagoon is about 4.7 feet. It’s the perfect depth for walking around and lounging in the warm water with a drink in hand. Each entrance to the lagoon is a gradual slope to the center, so it’s easy to find a shallow area to relax in as well.

How big is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is massive — nearly 94,000 square feet or over 2 acres. You will have no problem finding an uncrowded place to lounge, even during its peak season. Most visitors tend to hover around the main entrance into the water and where the bar is located. It can be shoulder-to-shoulder here at times. But if you venture out of that area and away from the crowd, you’ll quickly see just how big the lagoon is.

Do you have to shower naked before getting in the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you do have to shower naked before you’ll be allowed into the lagoon. This is taken very seriously to ensure that the highest standards of hygiene are being met. You will be asked to remove your bathing suit if you’re seen showering with it on. Changing areas and showers are separated by gender.

They do have some showers with stalls, but you’ll need some luck to get one. You could wait your turn to use a private stall too, but expect some judgmental eyes if you do. Nudity is not taboo in Icelandic culture, so being shy about it will make you stand out even more. It’s best to embrace the culture.

If you just can’t do it, and you don’t want to risk not getting a private stall, you can upgrade your reservation to the Retreat Spa, which includes a private shower and changing room, or you can stay at the Retreat Hotel or the Silica Hotel and shower in your room. These options are pricey but amazing.

Do you have to wear clothes at the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you do have to wear clothes at the Blue Lagoon. Bathing suits are required. It doesn’t matter what type of suit you wear, as long as you have one. The lagoon can even rent a suit to you if you forgot to pack one. The restaurants at the lagoon have a casual dress code. The fine dining areas even allow you to dine in your robe until 4:00 pm.

Why can’t you get your hair wet in the Blue Lagoon?

You may have heard that you shouldn’t get your hair wet in the Blue Lagoon. This is not necessarily true and will depend on your hair type. The high levels of silica in the water can cause hair to become stiff, brittle, and difficult to manage. Despite this, silica is not technically harmful to hair.

Healthy hair bounces back after a few washes with a really good conditioner. The showers at the Blue Lagoon even supply you with their own brand of conditioner that we guarantee will make your locks silky smooth. We both got our hair wet and didn’t have any issues. But if you have really sensitive hair or if your hair is already weak or damaged, you may regret getting it wet.

The water is also known to destroy cell phones! The mist and steam allow the water to sneak into every crack and crevice imaginable. It’s highly recommended to use a waterproof phone case in the lagoon.

Where to Stay Near the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is located in a vast lava field, so you won’t find many hotel options nearby. There are two on-site hotels, the Retreat Hotel and the Silica Hotel. These options are expensive but offer an absolutely luxurious experience. If they are simply outside of your budget though, you can find some affordable options nearby.

📍 Retreat Hotel
Luxury Option
The Retreat Hotel is as luxurious as it gets. Set right along the Blue Lagoon, you’ll be a short stroll from the steamy blue water. You’ll also have access to the Retreat Spa and Retreat Lagoon for even more privacy. A 5-hour day pass to the Retreat Spa is nearly $500 USD, but guests who are staying at the Retreat Hotel will have unlimited access to this spa. If you plan on taking advantage of everything the spa has to offer, and you have your heart set on staying on the property, this is a splurge you won’t regret.

📍 Silica Hotel
Secluded Option
The Silica Hotel is set off to the side of Blue Lagoon and it has its own secluded lagoon called Silica Lagoon. Only guests staying at the Silica Hotel will have access to the Silica Lagoon, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and really have a private experience, this is the way to go. Guests staying at the Silica Hotel will also have access to the Blue Lagoon. This is a great alternative to the Retreat Hotel if you want to stay on the property at a more affordable rate.

📍 Northern Light Inn
Closest Alternative Option (Plus Budget Friendly)
The Northern Light Inn is just a short 2-minute drive from the Blue Lagoon, making it the closest off-site accommodation. The inn is a family-run hotel with a wellness spa and restaurant. Its rural setting allows the Northern Lights to appear frequently. The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern. This is a great place to stay as close to the Blue Lagoon as possible but at a fraction of the cost.

▶︎ Want to see more Iceland hotels? Head here to Booking.com

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!