Is Going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know
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!
[…] Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Stunningly beautiful these photos do an amazing job of selling me on a trip to Iceland. This blue […]
That looks so nice! I actually didn’t know that the Blue Lagoon wasn’t natural. I still want to visit it though!
Natural or not, it’s still definitely worth visiting!
With your modesty safely left in Iceland, your next stop can be the Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden!
I’m a guy with short hair, and it still took days for me to get the Blue Lagoon silica out of my hair. If I’m every there again, I’ll remember your conditioner trick.
The conditioner is key! I actually think they had a sign suggesting it in the women’s showers, but I could be making that up…
I really enjoyed reading your article. It made me chuckle and smile. I’ve been to the Blue Lagoon and know exactly what you are talking about. You describe it very well and the pics are great! Even though I am not into massages I had one, outside in the spa and it was fantastic!! When you get a massage you get a gift pack of products to take home, and a bathrobe and towel to use, which I would recommend leaving both in your locker while in the pool. Also, the waterfall is another great massage. There is also a viewing roof for photo taking. Great article, thank you 🙂
Glad to hear you enjoyed both my post and the Blue Lagoon itself! I don’t know of anyone who’s been and didn’t enjoy it.
I’ve been to the Blue Lagoon several times now and I LOVE it! Whenever I fly to Europe, I try to book on Icelandair or Iceland Express and schedule a long layover on the way back. Well worth the effort! Grindavik (where the Blue Lagoon is) is pretty close to the airport. You can use the Flybus or hire a taxi driver, I’ve done both and had no issues.
IcelandAir is VERY smart for allowing free stopovers in Reykjavik between North America and Europe. It’s such a great idea on their part!
The color of the water is so…. unreal. I would love to relax here for a day… and then come back again the next day.
It’s definitely a place I would go back to!
Never heard about this lake but it looks amazing! Did you get a massage? The pics are awesome!
No, I did not get a massage, but a lot of people do!
Your pictures and post capture the atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon nicely. It’s great to read about someone else’s experience of it. Funny how we notice different things – we didn’t even notice the nudity (surprising perhaps being Brits), nor the effect on your hair (being a man), but we did enjoy the Krap, the Icelandic slush served from the bar (being with kids). The other worldliness is very striking though, especially if you visit as soon as you have arrived in Iceland. And isn’t it cool that you can do it as an excursions on the way to/from airport.
Thanks, Stuart! It is definitely funny how different people notice different things. Glad to hear you guys enjoyed the Lagoon, too!
And I think Reykjavik Excursions is genius for building in the Blue Lagoon into your Flybus ticket. Such a great way to get people to visit the Lagoon!
I’ve seen a number of photos of the blue lagoon but love your details about how it works and getting the most out of your experience.
As an American, I am long past the nudity issue we have here in the US. It’s definitely different for us but I’ve been on nude beaches, nude baths, and experienced it all. This shouldn’t hold anyone back from experiencing this at all. Definitely something I would love to do in Iceland.
Thanks, Jeremy! I’m glad you liked the post. I’ve seen lots of photos of the Lagoon, too, but not so many posts with tips and descriptions about visiting. So hopefully this post helps fill that void!
And I agree — no one should let the nudity issue keep them from the Blue Lagoon!
I’ve been wanting to go to Iceland for ages. This definitely will make my list. Thanks for posting!
Iceland seems to be on a lot of people’s lists these days… and for good reason! I’m already dreaming about a return trip.
Oooh, so pretty! It looks fake! Iceland is really high on my bucket list, and going to the Blue Lagoon will be one of the first things I do.
I hope you make it there soon, Emily! So much of Iceland looks fake – and it’s awesome.
Your photos on Instagram were enough to convince me to go but this post has just made it a priority for 2012! It has to happen, it’s so (relatively) close to where I am living in Sweden. Wonder if it is cool to go year round or if there are some months I should try to avoid. Hmm….
You are so close in Sweden, Larissa! I’ll bet you could find a good deal on IcelandAir, especially if you go during the off-season.
The summer months are the most popular to visit Iceland in, but you can go year-round! It does get colder in the winter, but I’m sure no worse that what you’re used to in Sweden!
True, true. Setting a fare alert NOW 🙂
Awesome! I don’t think you’ll regret it! 🙂
Wow, I had no idea it wasn’t natural. I’ve always wanted to go there though, and I’m still determined to go even if it’s man-made 🙂
Well, for what it’s worth, it wasn’t man-made on purpose — it was actually a complete accident! But leave it to Icelanders to turn an accident into the most popular tourist attraction in the country!
Just surreal!! The fog, mist coupled with the blue water look just heavenly.
When I went to the Himalayas, there was this natural hot water spring which had green water! Reminded me of that.
Hope you are having a great week Amanda:)
Ooo, a green hot spring? That also sounds quite cool! But yes, the color of the Blue Lagoon definitely adds to the experience!
Such awesome pics! I had the best time there. You don’t like massages? Ahhhh I think they’re the best!!!
Nope, not really a big fan of massages… but I know that plenty of people love them!