When scrolling on Instagram, you are bound to see your feed plastered with photos from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Quickly creeping its way up to the top of bucketlists, the Blue Lagoon is currently one of the top tourist destinations in all of Iceland. The bright milky blue water against the backdrop of volcanic rock truly make for a magical photo-op. But as we all know, there’s usually more behind that perfect photograph. I was actually surprised to learn the things no one tells you about visiting here! Here are the most important things to know before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
Being such a popular attraction, you can find tons of guides and how-to’s online, but there’s also a lot of fun facts you should know before visiting the Blue Lagoon.
I spent an afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, and to say my body felt relaxed afterward wound be an understatement. After stepping out of the blue waters, I felt all tension in my body melt away. Floating around, Prosecco in hand, enjoying a face mask- you can truly feel pampered and live your best life at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
Here are the important things to know before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
Table of Contents
1. THE BLUE LAGOON IS NOT NATURAL
Many people think the Blue Lagoon is a natural hot spring. Although Iceland is filled with many, this is not one of them. In 1976, it was originally built as a run off for the power plant next door. In fact, the power plant is what gives the lagoon its milky appearance and geothermic properties.
Five years after it was built, someone swam for the first time in the “blue mud waters,” which quickly changed everyone’s perspective. People with skin conditions such as psoriasis found the waters rich with silica extremely soothing. Others started thinking of the lagoon as having miraculous properties. The news spread quickly, and by 1987 the first swimming facility opened to the public.
2. THE BLUE LAGOON IS NOT IN REYKJAVIK
A lot of people assume the Blue Lagoon is near Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, but it’s actually 45 minutes outside the city. The closest town is Grindavik. The lagoon is actually located in the middle of an enormous lava field.
The Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes away from Iceland’s major airport- Keflavik Airport. For this reason, many people add it to the beginning or end of their trip to make the most of their time in Iceland. There are options available for storing your luggage if you are one of these people.
Check out my recommendations on what to do in Reykjavik, Iceland here.
3. THE BLUE LAGOON ISN’T THAT DEEP
The Blue Lagoon is a maximum of 4.7 feet (1.7 meters) deep. Although some areas are more shallow than others, you can typically walk with the water hitting your chest area at most points. Know before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, that because of the water depth, children must have a guardian with them at all times.
Before going, I wondered if the bottom of the lagoon felt sandy like a beach. The answer is no. It actually feels like the bottom of a pool. It’s hard, and feels like you are walking on concrete.
4. THE BLUE COLOR COMES FROM SILICA
As you can see in these photos, the Blue Lagoon is a beautiful bright blue color. (This is real, not edited!) The blue color comes from the most abundant mineral in the lagoon- silica. When suspended in water, the silica reflects visible light, making it this gorgeous blue! The reflections from the bright sky make it even bluer depending on the weather outside.
Read more about the science behind why the Blue Lagoon gets its color here.
5. THE BLUE LAGOON RANGES IN TEMPERATURE
The Lagoon ranges from temperatures of 98-104 degrees Fahrenheit (37 to 40 Celsius). Similar to a pool, you will often feel pockets of cooler or warmer air randomly throughout. Overall, it is pretty hot. You will see steam coming off of it at all times.
Because of the high temperatures of the lagoon, it can make you dehydrated. So be sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water during your visit! This is especially important for those with diabetes or high blood pressure.
6. YOU MUST PRE-BOOK TICKETS TO VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON
Click here to get the best package deals for The Blue Lagoon.
This is extremely important to think about before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. There are a limited number of tickets allowed each day, which means you MUST have a reservation before going. They recommend booking at least 2 weeks to a month in advance.
If you know the dates you will be in Iceland, I recommend booking as soon as you know. Tickets can sell out quickly!
7. VISITING THE BLUE LAGOON IS NOT CHEAP
Get Your Guide will often bundle other tours and get you a cheaper price than directly on the Blue Lagoon website. They have options to add a Golden Circle tour, Northern Lights excursion, or even just book your transfer bus from Reykjavik.
There are different package options to choose from, but it’s good to know ahead of time that even the basic package isn’t exactly “cheap” compared to other lagoons in Iceland. You cannot have a Blue Lagoon experience for under 53 USD. The Secret Lagoon (an hour and a half drive away) is about half the cost. Prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, day, and time you visit.
BOOK YOUR BLUE LAGOON PACKAGE HERE & SAVE MONEY!
PACKAGES:
Comfort- Starts at 53 USD
- Entry
- Silica Face Mask
- Towel
- One free beverage
Premium- Starts at 68 USD
- Everything from the comfort package
- Second Face Mask
- Slippers
- Bathrobe
- Reservation to the Lava Restaurant with one free glass of sparkling wine
Luxury- Starts at 372 USD
- Includes everything from the Premium package
- Private changing suite
- Unlimited access to the Retreat Lagoon AND Blue Lagoon
- Four hours at the Retreat Spa
8. IT CAN BE CROWDED
The Blue Lagoon sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, so it can get crowded depending on the time slot booked and the time of year. Because they only sell a certain number of tickets each day though, even at peak times you will still be able to move around within distance of others. The Blue Lagoon is fairly large, so you can often find a nook or small pool where it won’t be as crowded.
For the least number of crowds, book first thing in the morning and on a week day.
9. YOU MUST SHOWER NAKED BEFORE GETTING IN THE BLUE LAGOON
In order to keep the lagoon as clean and pure as possible, you must shower before entering the lagoon naked. Yes, naked. For many this isn’t an issue. You will see lots of people in their birthday suits walking around like it’s no big deal. And honestly, it shouldn’t be. If you are more of a prude like me, you can find showers with curtains or doors- you may just have to wait in line to use them.
All makeup must be removed as well before going into the lagoon. Imagine if everyone’s makeup was wiped into the lagoon every day.. that bright blue water could get pretty disgusting. However, the lagoon does renew itself every 48 hours, which is pretty incredible!
10. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES A WRISTBAND & LOCKER
When you get into the Blue Lagoon, you will be given a waterproof bracelet. This wrist band has the technology to act as the key to your locker and to charge stuff to your name within the Blue Lagoon system. If you buy extra face masks, or beverages, they’ll just scan your wrist and your tab will be started!
Tip: The locking system can be a little confusing, so you’ll probably see a couple people helping each other, or you can always grab one of the attendants who work there to show you how to work the locks.
I thought I had figured it out, but came back to a sign on my locker saying it was unlocked and the workers locked it for me. Which meant I had to find someone who worked there and get them to unlock for me.
11. THERE ARE TWO SWIM UP BARS IN THE BLUE LAGOON
Within the lagoon there is a swim up bar where you can get water, beer, wine or smoothies. Most packages come with a free option of your choice (Prosecco for me!) but if you want more than one, you can charge to your wrist band and pay on the way out!
The other swim up bar isn’t for beverages though, it’s for face masks! The Blue Lagoon has a whole skincare line that is made with the same minerals within the Blue Lagoon. One face mask is included in your basic package. Take advantage of it because this stuff is expensive! If you want to buy more of their products, they offer them in the gift shop or online. They even have a store within Keflavik Airport if you want to stock up on your way home!
The Blue Lagoon Face Mask options:
- Silica Mask– The white mineral within the lagoon is a deep cleanser that strengthens complexion and highlights the skin.
- Algae Mask– Boosts the glow of your skin and reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Lava Mask– Exfoliates and renews skin
Unfortunately our GoPro was faulty and had water damage in the lagoon, so we lost our pictures and videos with the face masks and Prosecco!
12. THE BLUE LAGOON WILL DESTROY YOUR HAIR & JEWELRY
Out of all of the important things to know before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, this may be the most dire! Due to the silica and other minerals within the lagoon, it is known to really damage hair and jewelry. If you don’t put your hair up, it will dry it out like crazy. The ends of my hair got a little wet, and it was pretty dry and damaged for a couple weeks afterward. I highly suggest putting lots of the supplied conditioner in your hair and not rinsing it out completely prior to entering the lagoon.
Also, keep ALL jewelry in your locker. The silica is known to tarnish and damage jewelry.
13. THERE ARE THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU DURING YOUR VISIT TO THE BLUE LAGOON
BLUE LAGOON PACKING LIST
- Flip flops
- Extra clothes
- Extra towel
- Hair brush
- Hair tie
- Make up wipes
- Garbage bag for wet bathing suit
- Waterproof phone case
- Reusable water bottle- keep hydrated!
If you forget to bring a bathing suit, there are options to rent one during your visit. There is also lots of supplied soap and conditioner in the showers, and hair dryers.
14. THE BLUE LAGOON HAS A WHOLE FACILITY INCLUDING SPAS, HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
The Blue Lagoon has expanded into a facility that includes multiple hotels, restaurants and spas. Because of its popularity over the last couple of years, they are continually expanding.
The four restaurants on site include:
- The Cafe for beverages and snacks.
- The Spa Restaurant for delicacies at the spa.
- The Moss Restaurant for a high end Michelin star recommendation.
- The Lava Restaurant for culinary classics with incredible lava field views.
Note: It is encouraged to make dining reservations for the Moss Restaurant and the Lava Restaurant well in advance.
15. THERE ARE LOTS OF OPTIONS TO STAY AT OR NEAR THE BLUE LAGOON
BEST PLACES TO STAY NEAR THE BLUE LAGOON
–BUDGET- VRBO.com– Starting at $60 USD/ night
The best budget friendly accommodations near The Blue Lagoon are on VRBO.com. They have a variety of guest houses you can book on their website starting at $60 USD and up. VRBO also has higher end options if you want to rent your own place instead of staying at a hotel.
–MID-RANGE– NORTHERN LIGHT INN:
The Northern Light Inn in Grindavik is about a four minute bus ride away from the lagoon. With a free breakfast, the modern style inn also offers free shuttles to and from The Blue Lagoon and spa treatment options. It is also located in a prime setting for viewing the northern lights.
-MID-RANGE- HARBOUR VIEW COTTAGES AT GRINDAVIK:
The HARBOUR VIEW COTTAGES AT GRINDAVIK are very similar accommodation styles to an Airbnb. With your own little cottage, you will have a kitchen, bathroom and patio with sea views ideal for watching the northern lights. The Blue Lagoon is only a 5 minute drive away, and the airport 23 minutes.
–LUXURY– THE RETREAT:
If you want to stay RIGHT at the Blue Lagoon, you should stay at the The Retreat Hotel. It is a true luxury experience with views of the Blue Lagoon from bed and other high end amenities. You will have access to your own private changing suite, the retreat spa, and even a hidden exclusive spa. It comes with a hefty price tag, but may be worth the splurge for this once in a lifetime experience!
The Retreat at The Blue Lagoon is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the world.
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It’s safe to say The Blue Lagoon is a popular spot. It is beautiful, extremely soothing, and 100% worth checking out. Now that you’ve read the important things to know before visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, your experience is bound to be ten times better!
Have you been to the Blue Lagoon before? What were your thoughts?
BEST ICELAND TRAVEL RESOURCES
1. DO NOT FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE ON YOUR TRIP TO ICELAND!
I use World Nomads. Their website is super easy to navigate and claims are simple to submit. This coverage will keep you protected from anything from “oh no” moments, flight cancellations, and even lost luggage! Honestly- worth every penny!
2. BOOK FLIGHTS WITH SKYSCANNER
3. BOOK ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING.COM or HOTELS.COM
4. BOOK ACTIVITIES AND TOURS WITH GET YOUR GUIDE
Need help planning your trip to ICELAND? Go to my travel resources page for my favorite travel companies to save you money, time, and headaches!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend companies and products I use, and the income is used to keep the site up and running.
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This is gold mine Michaela! I’m definitely definitely using this when in Iceland ♥️
Thank you so much Neha! I am so glad you found it useful. I hope you make it to Iceland soon, it’s such an unreal country!
I can confirm the part about the hair. I was let my hair slip into that water a bit and really regretted it. Thanks for these tips!
Oh my gosh, ME TOO! The ends of my hair were so dry for months. Glad you found the tips helpful!