The Blue Lagoon, or Bláa lónið as they call it in Icelandic, is a geothermal spa famous worldwide. Its milky blue waters, full of silica and sulfur, make it a must-visit spot if you’re exploring this island of ice and fire. With lava all around and water sitting at 37 to 39 degrees, it’s something you’ve got to try.
This guide has everything you need to plan your trip without any hassle.
History and Origin
The Blue Lagoon wasn’t always a place for tourists. It started back in the 1970s when the Svartsengi power plant, which makes electricity, let extra hot water spill into a lake between the lava. It wasn’t planned that way. In 1976, a young guy from Iceland named Valur Margeirsson got in to see if it would help his psoriasis, and it did—his skin got better. That’s when people started paying attention. By 1987, they opened it up to everyone with some basic setups like showers and a small beach area next to the power plant. It was the beginning of what it is now.
Things kept moving after that. In 1992, they started a company called Blue Lagoon Limited to run the place and figure out why the water was good for the skin. They found it had elements like silica and algae that helped. In 1994, they built a clinic for people with psoriasis to get treatments, and in 1995, they started selling skin care products made from the water. By 1999, they had a bigger, newer spa with things like saunas and steam rooms, making it a better spot for visitors.
In 2005, they added a hotel for people coming to treat their skin, mixing medical stuff with the spa feel. Then, in 2018, they opened The Retreat—a fancy hotel with its own spa and restaurant. Lately, there’s been some trouble with volcanoes and earthquakes, like in 2023 and 2024, when it had to close for a bit. Lava even got to the car park in November 2024. But it’s still going strong, and as of March 2025, it’s open again, bringing in over a million people a year. It’s easy to see why going is a must-do activity here in Iceland.
Back in 2012, National Geographic said it was one of the 25 Wonders of the World, which put it on the map even more.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re up for going, summer, from June to August, gives you long hours, from 7 in the morning to midnight, and the days stretch forever, so you can fit in more stuff. Winter, from December to February, has fewer people, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the northern lights from the water, though it’s pretty cold outside.
Location & How to Get There
The Blue Lagoon is on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, 49 kilometers from Reykjavik and 23 from Keflavik Airport.
To get there, your best bet is renting a camper (or a car). That way, you won’t have to follow any tour or bus schedules, plus you’ll be able to explore the rest of the Reykjanes Peninsula with total freedom.
From the city, take Route 41 heading southwest. It’s a two-lane road that’s paved and in good shape, passing through some pretty cool lava fields. After about 30 minutes, you’ll switch to Route 43, which takes you right to the Blue Lagoon. There’s a big free parking lot when you get there, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot.
If driving’s not your thing, there are buses from Reykjavik for 3,900 ISK round trip, about 29 dollars, or from Keflavik.
Rent a camper in Iceland
Visit the Blue Lagoon and every natural wonder in the country at your own pace
Since it’s so popular—up to 2,000 visitors a day when it’s busy—you have to book your entry and your stay (if you’re staying) weeks or months in advance at bluelagoon.is.
Blue Lagoon Prices
When you’re planning a trip to the Blue Lagoon, you’ve got a few options for entry, and the price depends on what you want included. They’ve got three main packages—Comfort, Premium, and Signature—and each one gives you a little more. As we said, you’ll need to book ahead online at bluelagoon.is since they don’t sell tickets at the door, and prices can change depending on the time of day or season.
Comfort Package
The basic one is called Comfort, and it starts at 69 euros, or about 74 dollars, at the exchange rate in March 2025. That gets you into the lagoon, a silica mud mask from the mask bar in the water, a towel, and one drink of your choice—a juice, beer, or smoothie. It’s a nice deal if you just want the main experience without extras.
Premium Package
If you want a bit more, there’s the Premium package, starting at 89 euros, around 95 dollars. You get the same from Comfort, but it bumps you up to two drinks instead of one. Plus, you get two extra masks at the mask bar—like algae or lava ones—on top of the silica one, and they throw in a bathrobe to use while you’re there. It’s a step up if you would like to have a few extra.
Signature Package
Then there’s the Signature package, which starts at 114 euros, about 122 dollars. It’s got everything from Premium—entry, the silica mud mask, a towel, two drinks, two extra masks, and a bathrobe—but adds a little bonus. You take home some skin care products: a 30 ml silica mud mask and a 30 ml mineral mask, worth about 11,000 ISK, or 81 dollars. It’s the full deal if you want something to keep after you leave.
When you get to the Blue Lagoon, there’s usually a lot of people waiting, so you’ll likely have to stand in line for a bit. Once it’s your turn, they hand you a wristband you use to pay for drinks or anything else inside; you just scan it and settle up when you leave. They also give you a towel for later. Then you head to the changing rooms, which aren’t anything fancy compared to the rest of the place, but they do the job. You change, stash your stuff in a locker that locks with the wristband, and before you hit the water, you’ve got to shower without clothes—it’s a rule they have. If you’re shy about showering with others, there are private showers with doors you can use.
The water’s always between 37 and 39 degrees, and in spots near where the heat comes up, it can get to 41. It’s a mix of seawater, two-thirds, and freshwater; the rest is heated deep underground before it rises. It’s got a lot of silica, which turns white when it dries, and sulfur, which gives it that awesome blue color. That’s why it’s good for your skin, especially if you’ve got psoriasis. They say in Iceland that soaking here regularly helps your skin feel better, and plenty of people notice it’s smoother after some time in the water.
What It’s Like Being There
From the changing rooms, you walk a minute inside and another minute outside to reach the lagoon. That little stretch outdoors can feel chilly, so make sure you remember where you leave your towel, since you can’t take it into the water with you. The lagoon is between 0.8 and 1.4 meters deep, so you can walk or float easily. It covers about 8,700 square meters, meaning there’s plenty of room even when it’s full. If you head to the edges or near the rocks, you’ll find quieter spots. Steam rises from the hot water and mixes with the cool air, sometimes 5 degrees in winter or 15 in summer. It’s a weird, cool feeling, with your body warm inside and your face fresh outside.
The bottom of the lagoon is soft from the silica, but the rocks outside are rough, so watch your step. It smells a bit like sulfur at first, but you get used to it quickly.
Things You Can Do
While you’re in there, there’s a mask bar in the water where they give you a free silica mask with the basic entry. You put it on your face, wait 10 minutes, and rinse it off; your skin immediately feels smoother.
If you’ve got a Premium or Retreat package, they also offer algae masks that moisturize or lava ones that clean deeper, costing 2,000 to 3,000 ISK (about 15-22 dollars) if they’re not included.
There’s an artificial waterfall that crashes hard; stand under it, and it’ll feel like a shoulder massage that loosens you up. You’ve also got a sauna and steam room free with the entry, at 40 to 50 degrees with a lot of moisture, leaving your skin super clean.
Grabbing a Drink in the Water
You don’t need to get out to grab something to drink. At the bar in the lagoon, they give you one drink with your entry: a Skyr smoothie, which is like an Icelandic yogurt and tastes great, a local beer, a bit of sparkling wine, or juice. You scan your wristband to order; if you want more, an extra beer’s 1,500 ISK (about 11 dollars) or a cocktail’s 2,200 (about 16). There’s a limit of 3 alcoholic beverages per adult. You pay when you leave if you go over what’s included.
How Long and When to Go
People usually stay 2 or 3 hours, but with your entry, you can hang out all day if you feel like it. If you go between 8 and 10 in the morning, it’s less crowded. It’s a good idea since summer can see up to 2,000 people a day. Going for sunset is nice, too—many people have left, and the light on the water looks amazing. If you’ve got the Retreat Spa, you’ll need at least 4 hours to enjoy it all.
The Blue Lagoon at Night
You can visit the Blue Lagoon at night for a completely different experience. It’s much more peaceful and quiet since most people have left. Plus, if you go during the Aurora season, you’ll likely be able to see the Northern Lights from the water, which is a unique sensation. And if you go in the summer, you can experience the Midnight Sun, where the sunlight never entirely fades, and there’s an everlasting twilight even after midnight. It’s a pretty cool activity.
Staying at Hotel Retreat and Hotel Silica
Staying overnight near the Blue Lagoon adds something extra to the trip. There are two hotels tied to the Lagoon, both on the Reykjanes Peninsula, surrounded by lava with moss on top that looks out of this world.
Hotel Silica: Simple and Cozy
Hotel Silica has 35 rooms and opened in 2005, though did renovations in 2016. It’s straightforward, with white walls, light wood, and big windows facing the lava. Each room’s about 25 square meters, with a big bed (or two twin beds), your own terrace, and a bathroom with a rain-like shower. The best part is its private lagoon, 200 square meters, and 37 to 39 degrees, open from 9 in the morning to 10 at night just for guests. It’s a 10-minute walk to the main lagoon, or they’ll drive you free if you don’t feel like walking. It’s 96,000 ISK a night (about 711 dollars) for two, and you get breakfast with fresh bread, Skyr, and smoked salmon, a Premium entry to the Blue Lagoon with a towel, robe, drink, and mask, plus all the time you want in the private lagoon.
It’s a good place for families since they allow kids from 2 years old, and extra beds are available for 10,000 ISK (about 74 dollars). This is good if you want something nice without spending too much. Check-in is at 3 p.m., but if you’re early, you can use the private lagoon from the morning. They have free Wi-Fi, parking, and a spot for bags.
Hotel Retreat: More Luxury and Quiet
Hotel Retreat is a 5-star spot, opened in 2018 with 60 suites starting at 40 square meters. It’s built to match the lava outside, with black stone, dark wood, and big windows. It has a spa retreat underground with saunas, pools, and in-water massages from 15,000 ISK (about 111 dollars), and a retreat lagoon that is 300 square meters and open day and night for guests only.
There’s also the Moss Restaurant, with a MICHELIN star, and since it’s right in the Blue Lagoon area, you walk straight over. It’s 220,000 ISK a night (about 1,630 dollars) for two, with breakfast of fresh eggs and local pastries, unlimited Spa and Retreat Lagoon access, a Retreat-level entry to the main lagoon, afternoon coffee with a treat, and group yoga. You get a minibar with local stuff for free and Blue Lagoon bath products. It’s for adults or couples since they only take kids 12 and up, and they have a service that helps with trips or bookings.
Which one’s best?
The Silica is more laid-back and more suitable if you have kids or don’t want to spend a fortune but still get a top-notch experience. The Retreat is for someone who wants something fancy and doesn’t mind paying more and wants everything open at all times. If you’re going in summer, June to August, book 2 or 3 months ahead at bluelagoon.com/accommodation since it fills up fast.
Food at the Blue Lagoon
At the Blue Lagoon, you can eat anything from a quick bite to something fancier, with local stuff like fresh fish and herbs that grow there adding a nice touch.
Easy Eats at Lava Restaurant
Lava Restaurant’s a simple spot with windows looking out at the lagoon. It’s open from 11:30 in the morning to 9 at night, though times can shift depending on the month. You can get creative starters like langoustine soup or Baked Golden and Ruby Beets for prices that range from $24 to $28. The main dishes are even more elaborate. You can order grilled Cauliflower Tomatoes, grapes, and quinoa for $43 or try a tasty local cod with apples, mashed potatoes, shellfish sauce, and fennel for $48. Desserts don’t fall behind, with things like Crème Brûlée, vegan lemon mousse, or Skyr Ganache. It’s perfect for a bite after soaking, and if you snag a window table, the view’s pretty incredible.
Fancy Dining at Moss Restaurant
Moss Restaurant is more upscale, with a MICHELIN star. It’s open from 6 to 9:30 at night for dinner. They do a 7-course menu for ISK 34,900 (about 260 dollars), with stuff like scallops, slow-cooked lamb, and desserts with edible moss. There’s a veggie option that’s just as good, and wine starts at 12,000 ISK (89 dollars) a bottle, paired nicely with the food. Book a month ahead and dress up a bit—no flip-flops or swim gear.
Practical Tips
Knowing a couple of things before you go to the Blue Lagoon makes it all smoother, from what to bring to dealing with the cold or the rules.
What to Bring and Getting There
Bring a dark swimsuit (if possible) since silica might stain light ones, and flip-flops that grip for walking outside, where the ground is hard and wet. A waterproof bag is handy for your phone or camera since there’s steam and splashes everywhere. Don’t bring silver or gold jewelry—the sulfur messes it up; stick to plastic if you want something on.
Get there 15 or 30 minutes before your time to check in and shower without rushing.
What to Do Before Going In
You’ve got to shower without clothes before getting in—it’s an Icelandic hygiene thing. There are closed stalls if you don’t want people to see, and they give you free soap and conditioner. Put conditioner on before and after so your hair doesn’t get stiff from the silica; if it’s long, tie it up high. Drink water before and after since the heat dries you out; they sell bottles for 500 ISK (about 4 dollars), but you can bring your own.
What the Weather’s Like Outside
Outside the water, it’s about 5 degrees in winter, sometimes dropping to -5 with wind, and around 15 in summer. Bring a jacket and something for your head for the 20-meter walk from the changing room to the lagoon. If you don’t have a robe, which comes with Premium or Retreat, they rent them for 1,900 ISK (14 dollars). Use contacts instead of glasses—the steam fogs them up.
Where to Keep Your Stuff
If you’ve got suitcases, there are lockers in the parking lot for big ones; you need to pay 800 ISK per suitcase (about 6 dollars). Inside, in the changing rooms, you get a locker with your wristband for smaller things.
If You’ve Got Kids or Are Pregnant
If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor if you’ll be in more than an hour, mostly because of the heat. For kids 2 and up, they give free life vests at the entrance but keep an eye on them. With this sorted, you’re good to go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit spot in Iceland that started as leftover water from a power plant and turned into the most popular spa (and spot altogether) in Iceland. You just need to plan a bit, like booking early and picking the right time to go. Right now, it’s open, even with all the volcano stuff that’s been happening nearby. It’s a simple, nice place to visit on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
