Blue Lagoon

The basics

A soak in this famous lagoon is a must for visitors to Reykjavik. Booking Blue Lagoon tickets ahead is required, and there are several options and extras to choose from, including towels, bathrobes, spa treatments, and special face masks. On-site facilities include a hotel, restaurant, café, bar, and spa shop.

Tours are the easiest and most convenient way to experience the lagoon complex, as most include hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Reykjavik. Some even combine a Blue Lagoon visit with other activities such as city sightseeing tours, a Golden Circle tour, or a whale-watching cruise.

Things to know before you go

• The lagoon can get very busy, so be prepared to wait in line to get in; book an organized tour if you want to skip the line.

• Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops or rent them on arrival; lockers are provided to store your belongings.

• The water is fully wheelchair accessible, with shallow areas and steps available for entering the Blue Lagoon for children and non-swimmers.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the site.

How to get there

The Blue Lagoon is 29 miles (47 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik, along the Reykjanes Peninsula. It's about 50 minutes driving; the public bus takes a bit longer. Many visitors choose to visit en route to or from Keflavik Airport, 14 miles (23 kilometers) north of the Blue Lagoon (or a 20-minute drive).

When to get there

The lagoon is open year-round, and the busiest times are from May to September. To avoid the biggest crowds and highest prices, visit outside the peak months of July and August. If you do go in summer, arrive in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening for a somewhat quieter experience.

The healing powers of the Blue Lagoon

The geothermal waters of the lagoon are typically heated to between 98°F and 104°F (37°C and 40°C) and are famous for their high levels of silica, algae, and minerals, which explain the lagoon's cloudy blue appearance. The mineral-rich waters have long been reputed for their healing properties and are reported to help skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. If you'd like to do more than soak, there is also a sauna, steam room, silica mud masks, and in-water massages.

What month is best to go to the Blue Lagoon?

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland is in the evening. If you visit during the summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun while soaking—it stays open later in summer. Winter also offers the chance to see the northern lights while staying warm in the water.

How long should you spend at the Blue Lagoon?

A typical Blue Lagoon tour lasts from two to three hours. However, you can easily spend longer if you want to take full advantage of all the available facilities. There is no time limit—your admission ticket to the geothermal spa allows you to spend the whole day there—but you must leave the water 30 minutes before closing.

Can you go to the Blue Lagoon without booking?

Yes, you can go to the Blue Lagoon without booking, but it's highly risky. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most-visited attractions and is often fully booked throughout the year. It is a good idea to reserve your desired date and time as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Is the Blue Lagoon Worth it?

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is worth it. However, it is almost always crowded and expensive; some consider it a tourist trap. You shouldn't miss the Blue Lagoon, but you also shouldn't miss visiting some of Iceland's other quieter hot springs.

Is the Blue Lagoon open year round?

Yes, the pool was formed in 1976 by a geothermal power plant and the runoff feeds the Blue Lagoon all year round—and it is a great place to visit any time of year. Opening hours vary throughout the year, however. During summer, it stays open until the wee hours, so check the schedule on the Blue Lagoon's website when planning your visit.

Is the Blue Lagoon better at night or day?

Night offers a more peaceful atmosphere at the Blue Lagoon, and a nighttime visit is a great way to unwind after a day spent sightseeing around Iceland. However, some facilities and services may not be available after dark. As the Blue Lagoon is usually fully booked, there is no significant difference in crowd size from day to night.

Ways to explore

A soak in this famous lagoon is a must for visitors to Reykjavik. Booking Blue Lagoon tickets ahead is required, and there are several options and extras to choose from, including towels, bathrobes, spa treatments, and special face masks. On-site facilities include restaurants, cafés, bars, a spa shop, and two hotels.

Tours are the easiest and most convenient way to experience the lagoon complex, as most include hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Reykjavik. Some even combine a Blue Lagoon visit with other activities such as city sightseeing tours, Golden Circle tours, or whale-watching cruises.

Accessibility

The water is fully wheelchair accessible, with shallow areas and steps available for entering the Blue Lagoon for children and non-swimmers.

Age limits

Due to the high mineral content of the geothermal waters in the Blue Lagoon, the minimum age for admission is two years old.

What to pack

Bring a swimsuit and flip-flops. The basic admission package includes towel rental, while more expensive packages also include use of a bathrobe. If you forget your swimsuit, you can rent or purchase a suit at the lagoon.

What to wear

Comfortable clothes to wear before and after changing into your swimsuit

Not allowed

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption (guests are limited to three drinks), entering the water without showering first

Amenities

Showers, restrooms, lockers, food and drink options, full-service spa

Address

The Blue Lagoon is 29 miles (47 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik, along the Reykjanes Peninsula, and is easy to reach by car or bus. Many visitors choose to visit en route to or from Keflavik Airport or as part of a Blue Lagoon tour with round-trip transport from the capital city.

Driving

The Blue Lagoon is located about 20 minutes from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and 50 minutes from Reykjavik. From Reykjavik, take Route 41 south towards the airport, then follow signs to the Blue Lagoon on Route 43. The complex has a large on-site parking area that visitors can use free of charge.

Public transportation

To reach the Blue Lagoon by public transportation, take a bus from Reykjavik’s BSÍ Bus Terminal to the lagoon. Several services operate throughout the day, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.

Best times to visit

Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and take in the stunning sight of the steam rising from the water. Opt for an evening visit to soak after a day of hiking and marvel at the midnight sun in summer or northern lights in winter.

Best days to visit

Admission to the Blue Lagoon is timed, so the waters never get too packed. That said, weekends and holidays bring the highest numbers of visitors, so visit on a weekday morning or evening to enjoy a quieter soak.

Best months to visit

The Blue Lagoon is an open-air geothermal pool, so visit during the summer to enjoy clear skies and less wind. The warm waters are welcoming in winter, but the weather is unpredictable, and sudden rain or windstorms can interrupt your soak.