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The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the easiest geothermal spa stops to fit into your travel itinerary. This guide covers the practical details first-time visitors care about most—how to plan timing, which tickets to get, and when a guided tour makes the day smoother.
An easy add-on between KEF and Reykjavík—book ahead so your Blue Lagoon slot is locked in.
The Blue Lagoon is easy to plan around because it sits between Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík. Many travelers organize it as a first stop upon landing or a final stop before flying out. On the practical side, the biggest “make or break” detail is availability: tickets can sell out, so booking ahead is the safest move if you have fixed travel dates.
If you don’t want to drive, guided Blue Lagoon tours are the simplest way to handle logistics, especially if you’re combining the lagoon with other major sights or a multi-day route. These options are geared towards travelers who want a structured day and clear timing around their schedule.
This tour combines Iceland’s classic Golden Circle stops—Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall – with an end-of-day soak at the Blue Lagoon. It’s a strong pick for a classic sightseeing day with a spa stop without having to juggle driving, parking, and entry on your own.
This option focuses on the Reykjanes Peninsula—a volcanic, geothermal region close to the airport—and pairs it with the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing finish. It’s ideal for getting a sense of why this area looks and feels so geologically unique before you unwind.
The Blue Lagoon can also be included as part of a longer trip, with this 8-day itinerary weaving it into a full Ring Road route. It suits travelers who prefer the major stops and daily pacing handled end-to-end, with less planning required on the road.
Wide view of the Blue Lagoon with many bathers in blue geothermal water surrounded by dark lava rocks and steam.
The Blue Lagoon is on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, near the town of Grindavík. The area is known for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. Despite the dramatic setting, the lagoon sits conveniently between Iceland’s main international airport and the capital, making it easy to include in most itineraries.
The Blue Lagoon is located about 22 km (around 14 miles) from Keflavík International Airport. You can choose a rental car or a shuttle bus that stops at the Blue Lagoon on the way to the city center.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon is straightforward. Many guests arrive by car, shuttle bus, or guided tour. If you’re using shuttle buses, look at current timetables in advance, as frequency and routing can change by season. Usually they depart a few times per day.
If you’re arriving by car from Reykjavík, expect the drive to take about 1 hour. From Keflavík International Airport, it’s closer to 15 minutes. The spa is well signposted from main roads, and parking is available on site.
As of January 2026, the Blue Lagoon opening times are the following:
Hours may vary, so it’s best to check the official Blue Lagoon website before planning transport or buying a ticket.
Keep in mind that the Reykjanes Peninsula is an active volcanic region, so occasional disruptions are possible. If there’s an eruption nearby, follow official updates first and be ready to adjust your itinerary.
The admission ticket for a visit to the Blue Lagoon starts at 11 990 ISK* (around $95/€82) per adult. Once you enter, you are free to stay until closing. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, as popular times often sell out, especially in summer and around holidays.
The price for a standard Comfort ticket starts at 11 990 ISK* (around $95/€82) per adult but can change depending on time and season. Included in Comfort:
The next upgrade is to Premium, starting at 14 990 ISK* (around $119/€103). This includes:
Another choice is the Luxury Retreat Spa, with prices beginning at 89 000 ISK* (around $708/€609). This upgrade includes:
*Prices were checked in January 2026.
The Blue Lagoon sits somewhere between natural and man-made. The water, minerals, silica mud, algae, steam, and moss-covered lava fields are natural elements created by Iceland’s geothermal activity. These components give the lagoon its signature color, warmth, and skin-friendly properties.
However, the lagoon itself is engineered. The geothermal water is channeled into a man-made basin with controlled depth, temperature, and flow. The result is a controlled bathing environment that preserves natural geothermal elements while making the experience safe and accessible.
The Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Blue Lagoon is located, is one of Iceland’s most geothermally active regions, shaped by centuries of volcanic eruptions and lava flows. Part of this landscape is the Svartsengi area, where a geothermal power plant began operating in the mid-1970s. During drilling, mineral-rich geothermal seawater surfaced and was released onto the surrounding lava field.
Over time, the silica in the water sealed the porous lava, forming a warm, milky-blue lagoon. While the water was initially considered unsuitable for industrial use, its effects on the skin soon caught attention when a local psoriasis patient began bathing there. What started as an accidental byproduct of energy production gradually evolved into a managed bathing site. Over time, it became the geothermal spa known worldwide today.
The Blue Lagoon company was established in 1992 to meet the demand for safe bathing in the lagoon. As popularity increased, formal measures were introduced to regulate water temperature, depth, and access. This allowed to transform the site from an informal bathing area into a controlled geothermal spa.
Soon after, a clinic opened with a focus on psoriasis care, and bathing in the hot spring became part of some patients’ treatment plans. The company also operates research facilities that study the lagoon’s minerals and their potential for skincare applications.
The Blue Lagoon company started offering tours as a way to accommodate the growing demand for visitors to experience the thermal pools in a more structured and convenient way.
Tours to the Blue Lagoon were introduced to give travelers a smooth, all-inclusive experience, including transportation and entry, making the trip easier to plan. These tours evolved to include various packages, from simple entry and transport to exclusive spa experiences, ensuring that a wide range of guests could enjoy the geothermal waters at different levels of comfort and luxury.
Early and late slots often feel calmer at the Blue Lagoon, especially in winter.
The Blue Lagoon is a solid year-round destination, but the experience changes with the season. Summer brings longer daylight hours and higher demand, while shoulder seasons and winter often feel calmer and may be easier to book. Prices can also vary by date and time, with peak periods generally costing more than the quiet season.
Time of day matters just as much. Early mornings and later evenings tend to be more peaceful, while midday is often the busiest. Visiting right after landing or before flying home is often the simplest option.
Winter evenings at the Blue Lagoon feel calm and atmospheric, with steam drifting into the dark.
During the summer months, the Blue Lagoon stays open until 12 AM. In winter, nighttime arrives much earlier, creating a calm, atmospheric setting with steam rising into cool air and the surrounding lava fields fading into darkness.
The Northern Lights sightings at the Blue Lagoon are possible under the right conditions. Aurora activity requires dark skies and low light pollution, and while the spa itself is well lit, you might still spot the aurora in winter season. Treat it as a bonus, not a guarantee.
Entry to the Blue Lagoon allows guests to stay until closing time. Beyond soaking in the warm water, several other experiences are available:
In-water face masks are part of the Blue Lagoon ritual, with each option designed for a different skin need.
One of the signature elements of the Blue Lagoon experience is its selection of in-water face masks, made from natural ingredients found in or inspired by the lagoon’s geothermal environment. Each mask serves a purpose, from cleansing to nourishing the skin.
The most famous mask of the four is the Silica Mud Mask. Silica mud is natural and comes from geothermal water interacting with volcanic rock underground. Silica is the most influential factor in giving the water its color at the Blue Lagoon.
Silica is known for its cleansing and exfoliating properties, helping to remove excess oils and leave skin feeling refreshed. This is the main product of the Blue Lagoon skincare, distributed free to bathers at the in-water mud bar.
Made from actual lava grains, lava scrub masks are extraordinary exfoliators that leave skin feeling smooth and energized. The Scrub Mask is best suited for those looking for a deeper cleanse. If you have sensitive skin, it might be too harsh.
The Algae Mask nourishes and firms the skin and is mainly made from blue-green algae that grows in water and colors the lagoon in summer. The Algae Mask is especially useful for dry skin and as an anti-aging remedy. It’s not suitable for acne-prone or oily skin.
The Mineral Mask draws on a blend of minerals associated with the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal water. It’s designed to provide intense hydration, leaving the skin balanced without exfoliation.
Staying near the Blue Lagoon is a convenient option for travelers looking to unwind before or after a flight, or for those who’ve made the lagoon a key highlight of their trip. Most nearby accommodations are built around the lagoon experience, making it a strong fit if wellness, comfort, and easy spa access matter more than nightlife or city attractions.
Hotels in this area are limited compared with those in Reykjavík, so planning ahead is recommended—especially in summer or around holidays. Many travelers choose to stay one night near the lagoon, then continue toward the capital or the South Coast.
The Blue Lagoon operates two on-site hotels that offer direct access to the spa and a more immersive experience. Both properties are designed around the surrounding lava landscape and geothermal environment with a focus on privacy, comfort, and wellness.
Staying at one of these hotels allows guests to visit the lagoon at quieter times and move easily between accommodation, dining, and spa facilities.
The Silica Hotel is a quieter, minimalist choice, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and a calm atmosphere close to the spa.
Visitors will find a tranquil private lagoon, reached directly from inside the hotel and paired with skincare amenities. Take the walking path from the Silica Hotel to the Blue Lagoon, where you have free admission throughout your stay.
The Retreat is the more premium on-site option, a designer hotel for travelers who want privacy, an elevated spa experience, and high-end dining in the same complex. Each room offers access to its own private lagoon or a balcony with expansive horizon views.
A stay at the Retreat Hotel includes à la carte breakfast and access to the Retreat Spa, Retreat Lagoon, Blue Lagoon skincare amenities, yoga sessions, Icelandic coffee time, and more!
Dining at the Blue Lagoon ranges from casual café options to fine dining. The on-site restaurants focus on Icelandic ingredients and seasonal menus, and reservations are recommended for full-service restaurants, especially in the evening.
Lava Restaurant overlooks the soft blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Large panoramic windows turn the restaurant into a spacious and bright hall. The restaurant is built into a lava cliff and features volcanic interior design.
Moss Restaurant is Blue Lagoon’s Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, known for its seasonal tasting menu that changes throughout the year. The experience follows a curated multi-course journey inspired by Iceland’s landscapes, using fresh ingredients and modern techniques.
Café Bryggjan is a charming fisherman’s café in Grindavik, known for its lobster soup and harbor views. It’s a practical option if you want something relaxed in town to pair with the Blue Lagoon experience.
Silica-rich water can dry out hair, so it helps to tie it up and use conditioner before getting in.
The Blue Lagoon’s water is rich in silica, and that’s what can make hair feel stiff or dry after a soak. It doesn’t ruin hair, but it can be frustrating if you fully submerge it—especially if your hair is color-treated, curly, or already dry. Applying conditioner before entering the lagoon, tying your hair up and rinsing thoroughly afterward can help reduce the unpleasant effect.
The Blue Lagoon has been used as a backdrop in films, TV, and music videos thanks to its extraordinary setting—milky-blue geothermal water surrounded by dark lava fields. It’s visually striking on camera, which is why it shows up so often in Iceland-focused media.
All professional filming or photography requires prior approval from the Blue Lagoon Company. Anyone planning a shoot must submit a filming application in advance to ensure filming does not interfere with guest experience or operations.
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is open throughout the year. Opening hours vary by season and date, so it’s best to check the official website before planning your visit.
The closest town is Grindavík, located just a few minutes away. Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, is about a 1-hour drive from Blue Lagoon.
Visitors wear standard swimwear in the lagoon. Flip-flops or sandals are useful for walking between changing areas and bathing zones.
Early mornings and later evenings are usually quieter. Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends, and shoulder seasons often offer a calmer experience than peak summer.
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, which is enough time to soak, try a mask, and use the facilities comfortably. However, your entry ticket is valid for the entire day, so feel free to stay longer and enjoy the lagoon at your own pace without pressure.
Yes, but there is an age limit. Children must be at least 2 years old, and those under 8 must wear arm floaties, which are provided on-site.
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended. Entry is timed, and popular times often sell out days or even weeks in advance.
For many travelers, yes—especially if it’s your first visit to Iceland. The water is rich in minerals and is believed to benefit your skin. Overall, it’s a unique and beautiful place, and if you like spas and soaking in hot pools, it’s worth a visit.
No, there is no formal dress code beyond wearing swimwear in the lagoon. Guests are expected to shower before entering the water, following Icelandic bathing customs.
Yes, a bathing suit is required. You can bring your own or rent one at the lagoon if needed.
No, towels are included with all standard tickets. Bathrobes are included with premium and retreat-level packages.
You can, but it’s not recommended. The silica-rich water can make hair feel stiff, so most visitors tie their hair up and use conditioner before and after bathing.
