The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is renowned as a global wonder, frequently listed among the 25 Wonders of the World. Famous for its restorative and milky-blue geothermal waters, this top Icelandic attraction provides an unforgettable and relaxing spa experience. But before you pack your bags, you might be wondering, Where Is The Blue Lagoon exactly?
Nestled on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, in the southwestern region, the Blue Lagoon is perfectly positioned amidst a stunning volcanic landscape. This unique location offers visitors breathtaking views while they unwind in the soothing waters. The geothermal spa maintains a comfortable temperature between 98-104°F (37-40°C) throughout the year, making it an ideal destination in any season.
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon isn’t just about a soak; it’s an immersive experience. Visitors can enjoy complimentary silica mud masks, celebrated for their skin-enhancing properties, and a unique in-water bar serving refreshing drinks. Steam rooms and saunas further enhance the spa experience. For those seeking a gourmet experience, the Lava Restaurant offers exquisite Icelandic cuisine with spectacular lagoon views.
Access to this sought-after destination is exclusively through ticket bookings, and due to its popularity and limited daily capacity, securing your Blue Lagoon tickets and tours well in advance is highly recommended.
To tailor your visit, consider the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package, which includes entry, a silica mud mask, towel, and a drink. For an upgraded experience, the Blue Lagoon Premium Ticket provides added luxuries such as a bathrobe, slippers, an additional mask, and two complimentary beverages.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon is remarkably easy. It’s conveniently located a mere fifteen-minute drive from Keflavík International Airport and approximately thirty minutes from Reykjavík. This accessibility makes it a perfect first or last stop for travelers who rent a car in Iceland.
For those preferring not to drive, a convenient shuttle service from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon is readily available. If you wish to stay close to this iconic geothermal spa, remember to book your hotel near the Blue Lagoon in advance.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about planning your visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Tickets: Choosing Your Ideal Experience
The Blue Lagoon offers a variety of ticket options, each designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. From simple entry passes to comprehensive tour packages including transportation, there’s a way for every traveler to enjoy this exceptional geothermal spa.
Blue Lagoon Comfort Ticket: Affordable Relaxation
Blue Lagoon Comfort package ticket in Iceland
Experience Iceland’s premier geothermal waters with the Blue Lagoon Comfort ticket. Perfect for travelers mindful of their budget, this ticket includes entry to the lagoon, a silica mud mask, a towel, and your choice of drink.
The Comfort package is the most economical way to access the Blue Lagoon, ideal for visitors seeking a refreshing and relaxing experience without extensive add-ons. Secure your affordable entry now for an unforgettable Icelandic spa day!
Blue Lagoon Premium Ticket: Enhanced Luxury
Blue Lagoon Premium ticket benefits in Iceland
Beyond the Comfort ticket, the Blue Lagoon Premium ticket offers a mid-tier experience with added luxuries. It includes everything in the Comfort package—entrance, silica mud mask, towel, and a drink—plus extra perks to elevate your visit.
Premium ticket holders also receive a bathrobe, slippers, a second mask, and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when dining at the Lava Restaurant. It’s the perfect option for those desiring a touch more indulgence during their Blue Lagoon visit.
Blue Lagoon Tours and Convenient Transfers
For a comprehensive Icelandic adventure, consider combining your Blue Lagoon visit with sightseeing. Book a Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik which includes transportation and admission to Iceland’s top natural attractions. Alternatively, for a straightforward and relaxing experience, opt for Comfort admission to the Blue Lagoon with round-trip transfer from Reykjavik.
Arriving at Keflavik Airport? A direct transfer to the Blue Lagoon with drop-off in Reykjavik is an excellent choice. This service is especially convenient for travelers without rental cars.
The Fascinating History of the Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a must-see destination when visiting Iceland
The Blue Lagoon’s origins are quite unique. It began as runoff wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant in 1976. Valur Margeirsson took the first plunge in 1981, initially facing skepticism as people considered bathing in a “blue mud pool” unconventional. However, Valur and others soon discovered the remarkable healing properties of the distinctive azure waters.
People with skin conditions like psoriasis found immediate relief in the mineral-rich waters. Word spread quickly, and by 1987, the first official swimming facilities were established.
Since its humble beginnings, the Blue Lagoon has transformed from a simple open pool into a world-class luxurious spa, complete with a research center and two upscale hotels.
World-Class Facilities at the Blue Lagoon
Panoramic view of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is celebrated for its regenerative properties, largely due to the high concentrations of silica and sulfur in its waters. An on-site research and development facility focuses on treatments for skin ailments, and guests can freely access silica mud for face masks from dispensers around the lagoon.
The bathing and swimming area maintains a comfortable temperature of 98–102°F (37–39°C). The Blue Lagoon also features the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café, and the Lagoon Spa, offering cocktails, wellness products, gourmet dining, and spa treatments like massages without needing to leave the premises. Saunas, steam rooms, and a gentle waterfall are also available for guests to enjoy.
Applying a silica mud mask at the Blue Lagoon spa in Iceland
All these elements combine to make the Blue Lagoon one of Iceland’s most enjoyable and romantic destinations. Framed by dramatic volcanic landscapes and filled with opaque, vividly blue water, the rising steam adds to the spa’s enchanting ambiance.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon: Transportation Options
Driving directions to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon’s convenient location, just 30 minutes from Reykjavik and 15 minutes from Keflavík International Airport, makes it easily accessible. Visitors have several transportation options:
Car Rentals in Iceland: Renting a car provides the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace, with easy driving to the Blue Lagoon.
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik with a Blue Lagoon Stop: Perfect for arriving travelers who wish to visit the Blue Lagoon directly from the airport before heading to Reykjavik.
Quick Blue Lagoon Shuttle Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: A reliable and convenient shuttle service for those staying in Reykjavik.
Private charters, taxis, and public buses also offer routes to the Blue Lagoon, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
Essential Things to Know Before Visiting the Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon in winter with the Northern Lights in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon Spa is open year-round and remains popular in every season. To ensure guest comfort and manage capacity, booking your visit several months in advance is crucial, as walk-in entries are rarely available.
Guests should be aware that showering naked in a communal shower area before entering the lagoon is mandatory for hygiene purposes. While this may be unusual for some, nudity is culturally accepted in Iceland, and it’s a standard practice at all public pools.
Budget-conscious travelers should note that the Blue Lagoon is considered a premium experience with corresponding prices. More affordable alternatives include smaller spas and pools like Fontana Spa, Secret Lagoon, Mývatn Nature Baths, and Krauma Spa. For a truly budget-friendly option, Iceland also offers numerous natural hot springs that are free to access.
For further reading, explore articles on the best swimming pools in Iceland and Iceland’s best natural hot springs.
Where to Stay Near the Blue Lagoon: Accommodation Options
The Northern Light Inn hotel closest to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
For accommodations near the Blue Lagoon, several excellent choices cater to various budgets and preferences. The Blue Lagoon operates its own luxurious Retreat Hotel, known as one of Iceland’s most exclusive hotels.
Alternatively, consider staying in accommodation in Keflavik, a charming town near the lagoon. The 4-star Hotel Berg is a highly recommended option in this area. For a cozier stay, Raven’s Bed and Breakfast](https://guidetoiceland.is/accommodation/hotels/ravens-bnb) offers a delightful experience.
Reykjavik, the capital region, is also just a 40-minute drive away, providing easy access to the Blue Lagoon. You can book accommodation in Reykjavik and plan a day trip to the spa by tour or rental car.
FAQs About the Blue Lagoon
What exactly is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa situated in southwestern Iceland, close to Grindavik. It’s a globally recognized tourist destination, famed for its mineral-rich, milky-blue waters believed to have therapeutic qualities.
How did the Blue Lagoon come to be?
The Blue Lagoon’s formation began in 1976 with runoff water from the adjacent geothermal power plant collecting in the landscape. Over time, this pool evolved into the renowned bathing destination it is today.
Is the Blue Lagoon a natural or man-made creation?
While the Blue Lagoon is technically man-made because it originated from geothermal plant runoff, the water itself is entirely natural. It comes from deep within the earth, heated by geothermal energy.
What is the water temperature at the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon’s water is naturally heated by geothermal activity, maintaining a consistent temperature of approximately 98-102°F (37-39°C).
Is the Blue Lagoon water genuinely blue?
Yes, the distinctive milky-blue color of the Blue Lagoon is due to its high concentration of silica and other minerals.
Can you swim in the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to swim and bathe in the Blue Lagoon. It features a large outdoor pool along with several smaller and private areas. Guests are asked to adhere to the facility’s guidelines for safe and respectful use.
Do I need to bring my own towel and swimsuit?
While towels and swimsuits are available for rent at the Blue Lagoon, you are also welcome to bring your own.
What other facilities are available at the Blue Lagoon?
Beyond the geothermal pools, the Blue Lagoon complex includes a spa offering various treatments, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Spa services range from massages to facials, utilizing the lagoon’s mineral-rich waters and local Icelandic products.
Is advance booking required for the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (June-August), to guarantee entry.
Can I visit the Blue Lagoon independently or must I join a tour?
You can visit the Blue Lagoon on your own or as part of a guided tour. However, advance booking is essential due to the lagoon’s popularity, particularly during peak travel times.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is open year-round, with the best time to visit depending on your preferences. Summer (June-August) offers milder weather and extended daylight, while winter (December-February) provides the chance to experience the Northern Lights while bathing in the warm waters.
Is the Blue Lagoon accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, featuring ramps, lifts, and accessible changing rooms. A wheelchair-accessible bus service is also available from the parking area.
How much time should I allocate for a visit to the Blue Lagoon?
A visit of 2-3 hours is typically recommended to fully enjoy the Blue Lagoon experience, though you can stay longer if you wish. Arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time is advised for check-in and changing.
How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik?
The Blue Lagoon is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, about a 45-minute drive. Bus services and guided tours are also available for transportation from Reykjavik.
Are children allowed at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, children are welcome at the Blue Lagoon. However, children under 8 years old are required to wear floaties or life jackets. The lagoon is family-friendly, offering a shallow wading area and a separate children’s pool.
