It was like being in some sort of late-night-food-induced dream. You know, the kind where you're walking on the ceiling and people are climbing out of suitcases?
I was in the middle of a swirling world of fog and mist, the light lapping of waves the only major sound to be heard. Out of the steam, two women with their faces covered in white goo materialized, laughing as they glided past, their hair arranged in odd piles atop their heads. From the other direction, a teen boy floated by, munching on an ice cream bar.
And everywhere I looked, I saw milky blue.
But this wasn't some weird dream – it was the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Located between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport in the town of Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to either begin or end your trip to Iceland – in fact, you're even encouraged to do so by several of the companies that run bus services between the airport and Reykjavik.
It's long been considered a must-visit in the Land of Fire and Ice – and I myself have been to the Blue Lagoon on three separate trips to Iceland!
But with so many hot springs and thermal pools to choose from all around Iceland (including a few in the Reykjavik area), people are increasingly wondering whether the Blue Lagoon is truly worth the time and cost to visit… so let's talk about it!
Table of contents
Visiting the Blue Lagoon: Arrival
The Blue Lagoon is one of the top tourist attractions in Iceland, but that thankfully means that everything there runs pretty efficiently. There's luggage storage available (for a fee) in a building next to the parking lot, so you can easily visit on your way to/from the airport.
(The Flybus runs buses between the airport and Blue Lagoon to coincide with every arriving and departing flight, so it's very easy!)
Upon arrival to the Blue Lagoon, you walk along a lava path for a short while until you get to the spa building itself. If you want to take some photos of the unreal blue water, make a quick detour off to your left before going inside – this part of the Lagoon isn't used for swimming, so you can just marvel at the milky-blue water.
Yes, it's true that the Lagoon is not natural, but you'd be surprised at how unbothered by this you become when you actually see it up close.
After snapping some photos, head inside the building to check in. These days, booking your Blue Lagoon ticket in advance is mandatory; you cannot just walk up and expect to get in. If you arrive early, there's a cafe and shop on the main floor where you can go to kill some time.
When you check in, you'll be given your towel, robe, and flip flops (if you paid for them), along with a plastic bracelet that will serve as your locker key and bar/cafe tab all at once.
Then you head into the gender-specific changing rooms. Pick an empty locker (follow the directions posted on how to use your bracelet to claim a locker), and get changed.
For all my fellow Americans out there, be prepared that Iceland takes a very European approach to spas: everyone is expected to shower withOUT a swimsuit before entering the pool, so it's not unusual for naked people to be wandering around the locker rooms.
Next, it's finally time to head out to the Lagoon itself. You can either walk straight outside and enter the water that way, or you can ease into the water indoors and then make your way outside via a huge, heavy wooden door.
RELATED: 10 Essential Tips for Visiting Iceland Hot Springs and Thermal Baths
Visiting the Blue Lagoon: In the lagoon
The water at the Blue Lagoon is always between 37°C and 40°C (98-104°F), meaning it's perfect for soaking no matter what the outdoor temperature is.
Once outside, you might be struck by just how BIG the lagoon is – I know I was on my first trip! There are various little pools everywhere, a cave, multiple bridges, a waterfall, saunas, a water massage area, and even a swim-up bar. Yes, a floating bar.
Grab a drink and maybe even an ice cream bar, and get to floating. (Most Blue Lagoon tickets include one free drink.)
The Blue Lagoon is renowned not only for its odd color, but also because the water is rich in silica and sulphur – both said to be fantastic for the skin.
Swim up to the Silica Bar to get your free handful of silica goo to put on your face. (If you get one of the Lagoon's more expensive packages, a second face mask will also be included; I recommend the algae mask!)
How long to spend at the Blue Lagoon
I was a bit skeptical on my first visit, and could not fathom how I would enjoy spending 4 hours floating around in a pool of blue wastewater (because that's what the Lagoon really is – wastewater from a nearby power plant; but don't worry, it's not toxic).
I'm not a spa person or a beach person. Honestly, I'm not any kind of person that is required to wear a bathing suit.
I don't like massages or any other activities that require strangers to touch me repeatedly, either. And on my first trip I didn't even have a travel buddy to chat with to keep my mind off feeling uncomfortable in such an atmosphere.
But the 4 hours I had to spend at the Lagoon actually flew by. I floated around for a while, seeking out the extra-hot spots in the water and watching goo-faced people glide through the steam.
I took a break and sat in the “relaxation area” inside with my fluffy robe and my Kindle for a while, and also grabbed some lunch before going to soak some more.
On subsequent trips to Iceland with my husband and then my father, I still insisted on going to the Blue Lagoon.
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is touristy. And yes, it's expensive (just like everything else in Iceland).
But I love visiting the Blue Lagoon anyway. It's just so unique, and truly is relaxing no matter what time of year you visit.
Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon
Here are some practical tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon:
1. Book early
The Blue Lagoon has gotten popular enough that you MUST pre-book your ticket online in advance. And not just a day or so in advance; during high season you might actually need to book weeks in advance in order to get your desired day/time slot!
2. Leave the modesty behind
As mentioned above, forget about being self-conscious – no one else will be. And don't be surprised (or offended) when you meet stark-naked people in the changing rooms. (The changing rooms are gender-specific, though, and the women's does at least have a couple private changing rooms and shower stalls if you're feeling a bit nervous.)
3. Beware your hair
The silica and sulphur in the water of the Blue Lagoon may be good for your skin, but it's definitely NOT good for you hair. Especially if you have long hair, apply conditioner liberally before going into the Lagoon, and don't rinse it out until you're ready to leave. Otherwise you'll be dealing with dry, brittle hair for days.
4. Pay for the extras
No, you don't need a fluffy robe or extra towel or drink from the floating bar… but they sure are nice to have. Just be aware that they do cost extra!
5. Just relax!
After all, this is what the Blue Lagoon is all about! Allow yourself enough time at the Blue Lagoon to float slowly and fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Despite it being expensive and one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, I DO still believe that the Blue Lagoon is worth visiting! It's entirely unique, and the level of service, comfort, and cleanliness is high.
And, due to the Lagoon's sheer size, it's still enjoyable even when it's very busy.
Best Blue Lagoon Tours
You don't really need to book a “tour” to the Blue Lagoon; but combining a visit with other tours in Iceland is sometimes a great idea!
Interested in a Blue Lagoon tour? Check some of these out:
- Blue Lagoon Spa Including Admission and Roundtrip Transport from Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Combo: Blue Lagoon Round-Trip Transport plus Golden Circle Half Day Tour
- Viking Horse-Riding Tour and Blue Lagoon Including Admission Fee
Would you visit Iceland's Blue Lagoon?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for the tips about blue lagoon and enjoyed reading your article. We`re heading there at end of May for 4-nights stay.
Ramon Tan
Concierges/Front Office (retired)
Radissonblu Scandinavia hotel Oslo
Do you remember how much it was to get in?
It depends on which package you want. All the prices are listed on this page (in local currency): http://www.bluelagoon.com/blue-lagoon-spa/prices-and-packages/
Sweet thanks!
Thank you for your post. Your review was extremely helpful and your photos are wonderful. May I ask how early did you arrive to the Blue Lagoon? I’m wondering if an 8:00am arrival time will give me great photos like yours. Thanks in advance
Hi Annie. I’ve actually visited twice – once in the afternoon, and once in the morning. The Blue Lagoon used to not open until 9 or 9:30 a.m. in the winter, but they’ve recently expanded and now appear to be open at 8 a.m. every day. In the winter, it will still be dark at 8 a.m. and you may get to watch the sunrise. During the summer, it will already be full-light by that time.
Dear Amanda
Your 10 day itinerary for Iceland in winter is fantastic! Your photos are beautiful! I’m planning a 10 day trip to Iceland in May this year. Will you be able to help me with planning this trip? I would love to see the natural beauty of the country and also the culture there. Your help will be much appreciated. I would like suggestions on places to definitely see, how to get there, accommodation and time in each place. I will be travelling with my son who is an adult.
Thank you in advance
Hi Farida! I’m afraid that trip planning is not a service I offer. I also have not visited Iceland outside of winter, so I don’t have any first-hand tips for road tripping or staying outside of Reykjavik. However you could certainly use my 10-day itinerary for inspiration! I also have written a lot of other things about Iceland, all of which are linked here: https://www.dangerous-business.com/destinations/iceland/
Just stumbled into this site as I was checking out blue lagoon. Can’t believe the amount of blogs you have received. Also it is much cleaner and hygienic than the natural places to swim in, it seems. So what’s the thing about the smell as I know swimming pool smell of chlorine and damage yr hair and eyes and whatever else if swallowed by accident.
There’s no chlorine at the Blue Lagoon, but you might notice a sulphur smell that’s just natural in many parts of Iceland. The minerals in the water here can still damage your hair, though – that’s why you should definitely put lots of conditioner in!
This was a great story, until of course the obligatory attack on Americans. Its an attitude that turns many off to world travel. Never ceases to amaze me how some feel the need to scold Americans for some basic modesty.
There is no attack on Americans – I AM an American, and it’s a fact that we’re a fair bit more modest when it comes to things like this than most Europeans.
Having been to a bunch of hot springs, I was hoping that the Blue Lagoon would feel a bit more authentic and less man made. I would think that Iceland’s geothermal energy would produce some natural hot springs that feel a bit more authentic. I still had fun though
Well, the Blue Lagoon IS man-made! So that’s probably why it felt that way. 🙂 There are tons of natural hot springs all around the country, but you often have to have the insider knowledge about where they are to find them.
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You made me laugh! It sounds that seeing saggy boobs is the only unpleasant thing at the Blue Lagoon. I’d love to visit that amazing place!
Haha! I’ll be going back later this year, so it must not have been all that bad. 😉
Hoping to visit the Blue Lagoon one day! Just came across this post of yours, and I’m going to start reading all your Iceland posts, since it’s the next destination I’m hoping to visit 🙂
Awesome! I’m hoping to go back later this year!
So, super offensive to anyone without a perfect body, which frankly even girls with perfect bodies think theirs is something to be ashamed of because hyper critical body image issues run rampant. Just saying I was enjoying your post until I ran up against your disgust of people that don’t look like what you think is acceptable. I know you probably meant it to be funny, but commenting harshly on women’s bodies is basically girl on girl crime.
How is it offensive? I think it’s great that people in Europe are more confident about their bodies than I am. My audience is mostly North American – we’re not used to to this, and I’m just being honest about what you’ll see. Where did you read the disgust?
One might read it here: “If you are a women, be prepared to see lots of saggy old lady boobs. Perhaps some perky young ones, too, but definitely lots of saggy ones. […] If you aren’t too traumatized after changing, …” Happy aging (with more respectful wisdom) to you, too 😉
Hey, I’ll have saggy boobs one day, too. That’s just reality! Nothing wrong with that, though. Aging is aging. It’s just not something most Americans are used to seeing in a (relatively) public place.
Wow this looks amazing! I am in the early stages of planning my first overseas solo trip and the Iceland stopover looks more appealing by the day!
Oh you should definitely do it! Iceland is great, and is very solo-travel-friendly!
Thank you so much for posting this – very helpful. I’ll be in Iceland later this year and the lagoon is scheduled on my last day there. I’m traveling solo, so was a bit worried about looking like a dimsum on my own there. Good to know about the tips. Will save this. 🙂
I was worried about the same thing, but I didn’t end of feeling weird there on my own at all! It was very relaxing.
I’m disappointed to learn that its not clothing optional. I’d be more interested if I didn’t have to wear a bathing suit.
Well unfortunately you have to keep you clothes on! Most European baths that I’ve been to require at least a bathing suit.