The Blue Lagoon at Night: Your Trick to Avoid the Crowds
The Blue Lagoon is, without a doubt, the most famous spot in Iceland. It welcomes over 700,000 visitors every year.
A trip to the Land of Fire and Ice should be all about unique experiences, but you might wonder: How can my visit to the Blue Lagoon be special when it’s so crowded?
Well, we have the answer for you: Experience the Blue Lagoon at night!
Visiting the Blue Lagoon after dark provides an entirely different experience from daytime. Here’s what sets it apart and everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
How’s the Blue Lagoon at Night?
Visiting the Blue Lagoon at night is a completely different experience compared to the daytime. After 8:00 PM, it gets quieter because most people are gone. You can relax in the warm water with steam rising and soft lights creating a cozy atmosphere. Your experience can be very different depending on the time of year you visit, too, so here’s what you can expect.
In winter, from October to March, it’s cold outside—sometimes below freezing—but the water remains warm at 37-40°C (98-104°F). If the sky is clear, you might see the Northern Lights, especially from November to February when the nights are longest. For me this is the main bonus, but it’s not 100% certain. It depends on the weather and what’s happening in the sky. Check the Icelandic Met Office’s aurora forecast (en.vedur.is) a few days before to see if you have a chance. Wear warm clothes for the walk there and back—the air can get pretty chilly!
During the summer, from June to August, the Midnight Sun provides nearly 24 hours of light. The lagoon remains open until midnight, so you can soak while the sky has a soft, glowing hue. There’s no absolute darkness; only an extended dusk. It’s a unique way to experience Iceland’s long days, although you won’t see any stars. Either way, nighttime means fewer people, so you’ll have more space to float and relax—perfect for relaxing after a full day.
Price
The price for the Blue Lagoon at night is identical to the daytime price.
- Starting at $77 (71€) for the Comfort package
- Starting at $100 (92€) for the Premium package
- $127 (117€) for the Signature package
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Experience
Visiting the Lagoon at night is a unique experience, but visiting during the day is also nice. Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Quiet Atmosphere: After 8:00 PM, the lagoon has fewer people.
- Unique Views: Winter may bring Northern Lights; summer offers nearly 24 hours of daylight.
- Hotel Experience: If you stay overnight, you get to experience luxury and treats that are very hard to beat.
- Enjoy your time: The spa has no time limit, so if you arrive early, you can spend hours relaxing there.
Cons
- Quiet Atmosphere: Yes, fewer people can also be a “con.” A cool thing about the Blue Lagoo is its lively atmosphere, which you won’t see at night.
- Cost: Hotel rates are $500 to $800 per night, plus extras like massages or drinks.
- Weather: Winter is cold outside the water; summer skies stay bright late.
- Crowds: July and December can still be busy, even at night.
- Accessibility: The lava terrain is uneven, though facilities meet ADA standards.
Is It Worth It?
If you want a calm, immersive trip and can pay the price, it’s a good choice. For a smaller budget, a day visit works, but staying overnight adds ease and comfort.
Practical Considerations
You should consider some things before your visit.
Reservation
You need a reservation. Nighttime slots are usually 5:00 PM to midnight (summer) or 10:00 PM (winter). Arriving after 8:00 PM means fewer people, but then it leaves you little time to enjoy the bath, so try to find a good balance.
Photography
Low light and steam can make photos tricky:
- Winter: Steam may fog your lens—bring a cloth to wipe it. Use a waterproof phone case.
- Summer: The bright sky can overexpose shots; adjust your angle to capture the water against the lava.
- Rules: Photography is allowed in the lagoon but not in locker rooms. Drones need special permission.
Spending the Night at the Blue Lagoon
Staying there isn't required, but it’s an option. It’s quite an upscale experience, so it has a high price tag. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Silica Hotel
If you’re planning to visit Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and want a great place to stay, the Silica Hotel is an excellent choice. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, nestled among lava fields in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark—only 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 40 minutes from Reykjavík. The hotel has a modern design with large windows and simple wooden interiors, harnessing geothermal power from water sourced 2,000 meters underground.
Rooms start at around $650 per night for a 25-30 sqm space with a big bed or two twin beds, a private balcony facing the lava fields, a nice shower, free Wi-Fi, and a premium Blue Lagoon ticket; bigger, fancier rooms begin at $800 with extra stuff. Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM and includes items like skyr yogurt, smoked salmon, and rye bread, along with a lounge with snacks and drinks.
You also get to use a private lagoon just for guests, open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM; it’s smaller and quieter than the main one, fitting about 20-30 people, and it’s nicest early in the morning or late at night for a peaceful experience.
The Retreat Hotel: A Fancy Stay by the Blue Lagoon
If you want a fancier place to stay, the Retreat Hotel is right inside the Blue Lagoon area. It offers access to two exclusive spots: the Retreat Lagoon and the Retreat Spa. It’s a top pick if you want something nice and close.
The Retreat Lagoon is a private pool just for hotel guests. It’s quieter than the main Blue Lagoon, but it offers the same warm, mineral-rich water for soaking. The Retreat Spa is built into the lava rock, offering steam rooms, saunas, and treatments using the area’s natural heat. You can use both whenever you want, as they are included with your stay.
The hotel’s rooms are modern, with big windows with views of the lava fields or the lagoon. Some have private balconies or terraces. Prices start around $1,500 a night, and you get a big bed, free Wi-Fi, and Blue Lagoon skincare products in the bathroom. Breakfast is included from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, with Icelandic treats like yogurt and smoked salmon. There’s a restaurant with local food, and you can order to your room too.
You also get a fitness center, daily yoga, and a helper to organize activities like guided hikes.
Planning Your Trip: Logistics and Preparation
Good planning makes your visit smoother. Here’s how to book, travel, and prepare.
Booking Information
- When to Book: Summer (June-August) and winter holidays (December-February) are busy. For peace of mind, book 3-6 months ahead on bluelagoon.com. Last-minute tickets are not easy to find.
- Packages: The Silical Hotel rate includes a premium Blue Lagoon entry pass, which costs around $96, a complimentary breakfast, and full access to the Silica Lagoon. The Retreat Hotel includes unlimited use of the Retreat Lagoon and Retreat Spa. Icelandair offers deals with flights and lodging.
- Cancellation Policy: The hotel allows free cancellation up to 10 days before arrival. Blue Lagoon tickets can be canceled 48 hours in advance. Make sure you have the correct information before booking though.
Transportation
- From Keflavík Airport: 20 km (12 miles), a 20-minute drive. Taxis cost 7,000-9,000 ISK ($50-65 USD). There are also buses that run every hour. Camper rentals start at $80 per day, and car rentals start at $40.
- From Reykjavík: 50 km (31 miles), 40 minutes by car or camper. Buses run from Reykjavik too, but driving lets you visit nearby sites like Gunnuhver hot springs.
- Parking: Free at the hotel and Blue Lagoon, though spaces can fill up during peak times.
Check-In and On-Site Details
- Hotel Check-In: 3:00 PM, check-out at 11:00 AM. If you arrive early, yoy can store luggage and use the private lagoon while waiting.
- Blue Lagoon Entry: You get a wristband at check-in to unlock your locker and track purchases (paid when leaving). Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Locker Rooms: These are modern, with private showers, hairdryers, and free Blue Lagoon skincare products. If you’re picky, you can just bring your own shampoo, but let me tell you: the products there are top-notch.
What to Pack for the Blue Lagoon (at Night)
Depending on the package you bought, the Blue Lagoon will provide you with some essentials, such as towels (or robes in some cases), but you must bring some things yourself.
Essentials:
- Swimsuit (one-piece or trunks work well).
- Flip-flops (floors get wet and slippery).
- Reusable water bottle (hydration stations are available).
- Leave-in conditioner or hair mask (silica can dry hair).
Optional:
- Robe (rentals are 1,500 ISK/$11 USD) and towel (included with premium entry).
- Waterproof phone case for photos.
Items to Leave Behind:
- Jewelry (minerals can damage silver and gold).
- Contact lenses (water may irritate; wear glasses instead).
Insider Tips for a Better Visit
These tips are based on our experiences and what our customers have told us:
- Hair Care: Apply conditioner to your hair before entering, tie it up (or wear a swim cap), and rinse well afterward.
- Skin Care: The water is fine for most, but moisturize afterward if your skin is dry. Limit time to 2 hours if sensitive.
- Cultural Note: Shower without a swimsuit before entering (private stalls are provided). This is normal in Iceland. If you are uncomfortable, you can shower with your swimsuit on, but the showers are private.
- Locker Tip: Note your locker number; wristbands don’t show it. Bring a small bag for essentials.
Conclusion: Why Visiting the Blue Lagoon at Night?
Visiting the Blue Lagoon at night offers a fantastic opportunity to appreciate Iceland’s natural beauty and relax in warm water after dark. It’s more peaceful, with fewer visitors, and you might see the Northern Lights in winter or the glow of the Midnight Sun in summer. Plus, you can even spend the night in two of the country’s most unique hotels.
Book ahead, pack a swimsuit, and enjoy a night that’s hard to beat.