Blue Lagoon, Iceland

While there are many Blue Lagoons dotted across the globe, there is no other as wondrous as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. As you may already know, the Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 Wonders of the World and is most definitely worth a visit!

What exactly is it?

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in southwestern Iceland. The lagoon itself is man-made but the lava and volcanic formation around it is all natural. The water derives from a neighbouring geothermal plant with 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater. It possesses several skin benefits with rejuvenation properties, nourishment features, and powers to heal skin conditions such as psoriasis!

The water consists of:

  • Rich minerals
  • Algae
  • Silica (FREE silica mud masks are available inside the lagoon itself!)

Our Experience

The land area surrounding the Blue Lagoon was stunning – it’s in the middle of a volcanic landscape and there were black lava fields everywhere. Be sure to take a wander and snap some pictures!

There are various day packages available but we opted for the basic one: “Comfort: Blue Lagoon”. The price begins from ISK 6 990 (the time of day affects the ticket price) and it includes entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, towel hire and one drink of your choice (they have a bar inside the lagoon)!

We went in November and the outside temperature ranged between -5c to -9c. The temperature of the water inside the lagoon was 40.C (remember to stay hydrated)! It happened to snowed and this just enhanced the whole experience.

There is a on-site store with a line of products created from the natural wonders of the Blue Lagoon – they have a range of unique skincare products. You can also order online but if you have time, pop in to sample some items.

Did you know..?

The airline Icelandair offers stopovers on transatlantic flights (at no additional cost), so it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon without seeing the rest of Iceland, or you can use this opportunity to explore some of Iceland itself – whatever you decide!

However, there is a slight catch; the airline charges for checked luggage per leg. So if you’re taking a one-way flight with a layover and you need to check a bag, you’ll have to pay twice (or four times if it’s a roundtrip flight on the same airline!)

Things To Note

  • Pre-booking to the Blue Lagoon is required.
  • The silica mud masks are FREE! You can find it at the swim-up bar once you’re inside the water and you can use it as much as you like! It is a strong carrier of oxygen and is known to reduce the appearance of pores, blemishes and wrinkles.
  • The water can be damaging to your hair, so it is advised to tie it up.
  • Upon entry, you will receive a wristband which can be used for your lockers and to purchase food/drink, so don’t worry about carrying cash or credit cards into the lagoon. You’ll pay the wristband balance before leaving.  
  • Early mornings are quiet and peaceful, but it’s much more beautiful at sunset. It starts getting busy from midday-ish but there is no time limit after you’ve entered the lagoon – you can stay as long as you like! (until closing).
  • Don’t wear make-up (or carry make-up remover), otherwise your skin won’t be able to enjoy the benefits. Plus, you’ll need to wash it off anyway as everybody is required to shower before entering the water.
  • Shower gel and hair products are provided FREE of charge.
  • Drink the tap water – the tap water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world, so there’s no reason to buy pricey bottled water at the lagoon.
  • FREE luggage storage. Many people visit the Blue Lagoon during a flight layover or they opt-in to stop on their way to/from the airport, and fortunately there is a free storage facility for all visitors.
  • Remember to take swimwear, slippers, or non-slip socks (and a waterproof phone pouch if you don’t want to leave your phone in your robe or locker).
  • Changing rooms and lockers are available. It will be below zero outside during winter so you can wear your robe outside until you enter the lagoon (they have hooks outside!).
  • There is an on-site store, incase you want to purchase swimsuits, towels, souvenirs, etc.  

How To Get There

It depends on where you’re coming from – the Blue Lagoon is not centrally located and can be difficult to get to if you’re not driving. We took a shuttle from our hostel in Reykjavik and this was a 45min drive.

There are also transfers available to and from the airport, in case you have a long layover and want to take a day/half day trip! This is a 20min drive. More info can be found here. You can book transfer tickets alone or tickets including entry to the lagoon. If you want longer than a day for a full experience, there are two hotels available.

Further Information

  • Address: Blue Lagoon, Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
  • The temperate of the water is between 37c and 40c
  • Contact number: +354 420 8800
  • 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 139,95 ISK / 1 GBP is equivalent to approx. 172,29 ISK – you can change the currency on their website to EUR, GBP or USD
  • Facilities: Mask Bar, Sauna, Steam Room, In-Water Massage, Retreat Spa, Restaurants, Café, Skincare store  
  • Skin treatments are available

Refer to their official website for their opening times and more information!