Is the Famous Blue Lagoon Worth the Visit?
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in the world. The milky blue water of the lagoon is easily one of the most photographed things in Iceland. The stunning, milky, turquoise water stands out in a stark contrast to the black basaltic moonscape. But…is a trip to the Blue Lagoon worth the visit?
Our visit to the geothermal spa is one of our favorite memories from our trip to Iceland. In fact, it was our first stop since it is so close to the airport. We purchased the Premium Package which included 3 facial masks, a beverage and the use of a bathrobe and towel. As soon as we showered off, we headed to the lagoon for a soak and a bit of pampering.
The water wasn’t nearly as warm as I thought it was going to be. I imagined it would be like a hot tub, but the water wasn’t quite that warm. It was a very serene experience.
Relaxing in the warm waters was an excellent way to kick off our trip. If your return flight leaves a little later in the day, you could easily visit Blue Lagoon on on your last day in the land of Fire and Ice.
Pro-Tip: Book your visit well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the summer. This is one of the most popular sites on the island.
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About the Blue Lagoon
The man-made Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field near the town of Grindavik, close to the Keflavik International Airport. This area is known for being haven for geothermal activity.
The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal water is comprised of 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater. Some of the water is supplied from the Svartsengi geothermal power station. The water is enriched with silica, algae, and revitalizing minerals. This delightful combination helps to relax, heal, nourish, and rejuvenate the body.
The lagoon is fed by seawater 6,500 feet below the surface. It captures silica and other minerals on its way to the surface. When the water emerges from the ground, it is a comfortable 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38 degrees Celsius).
Blue Lagoon Packages
Comfort: Blue Lagoon
From USD 67
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Use of towel
1st drink of your choice
Premium: Blue Lagoon
From USD 86
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Use of towel
1st drink of your choice
Two additional masks of your choice
Use of bathrobe
1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant
Luxury: Retreat Spa
From USD 589
Five luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa. Includes a private changing suite and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.
During our visit, we booked the Premium Package simply because it included the use of a bathrobe. Since we booked so far in advance, we weren’t sure what the weather would be and we wanted to ensure we would be warm in the event it was cool outside. In retrospect, we would have been fine with the comfort package.
When you check in at the Blue Lagoon, the staff will give you a wrist band which identifies what level of package you have purchased. This allows the various stations to know what to give you for example: a robe or a towel, or the 2 additional facial masks. Everyone gets unlimited silica masks, so really the additional masks aren’t necessary- although I’ll never turn down an anti-aging mask!
Where is the Blue Lagoon Located?
The Blue Lagoon is located not too far from Reykjavik and the Keflavik International Airport near the town of Grindavik.
Address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland
Important Visiting Information
1. Age Requirements
- Visitors must be 2 or older to visit the Blue Lagoon.
- Visitors 8 and under are required to wear swim floaties. These floaties are available at the entrance and are free of charge.
- Visitors 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Showering Requirements
- All visitors are required to shower, naked, prior to entering the lagoon.
- The dressing rooms are separated by gender.
- There are individual shower stalls that are equipped with shampoo/body wash, and conditioner.
- There are limited dressing rooms available.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to lather your hair with conditioner prior to entering the lagoon. Otherwise, the lagoon will leave your hair feeling extremely dry and straw-like.
You’ll also want to check out our article, Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies, before your visit to learn all about etiquette and what to expect.
3. How to Pay for Purchases
When you enter the facility you’ll be given a bracelet to wear for the duration of your stay. The bracelets are color coded to indicate which package you purchased. The bracelets are linked with your debit or credit card.
When you wish to purchase something, simply tap your bracelet on the card reader and your account will be charged.
Before you are able to exit the facility, you will have to settle your bill. Once you have paid your tab, you will scan your bracelet to exit the building and discard the bracelet in a super cool machine.
Our Visit to the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon was our very first stop as soon as we got off the plane in Keflavik. The Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from the airport and about 50 minutes from Reykjavik.
Our reserved time started at 8:00 AM. The great thing about the Blue Lagoon is that once you’re in, you can stay all day! Due to some delays in our flight, we were a little late arriving at the lagoon, but we didn’t have any problems getting in.
We checked in with the front desk, learned the process with the wrist bands and headed upstairs to the shower. The showers were all individual, which granted some privacy for those apprehensive about showering in front of others. I was told that it is Icelandic law that you HAVE to shower naked before getting in a pool or lagoon in Iceland. There was staff in the shower area making sure everyone showered off.
Despite having several private showers, there was only a couple of private dressing rooms. If you have qualms about showing your bits off to the world, you can wait for access to one of these.
The wrist bands act as a way to open/close a locker for you to store your belongings. It was nice to not have to worry about our stuff while we were relaxing.
The water was wonderful, not too hot, and very relaxing. We enjoyed our 3 face masks, and a beer (at 9:30 am lol) from the bar. In total, we spent probably an hour and a half or two hours at the Blue Lagoon. At that point, we hadn’t slept in over 24 hours, so we were ready to head into town to explore the sites, and maybe take a nap.
All in all, it was a great experience. We both enjoyed our time at the Blue Lagoon. It was a great way to start off our trip. I kind of wish our return flight was a little later in the day so that we could squeeze in a second visit. Although the Blue Lagoon is definitely commercialized, it was a wonderful experience that we would both recommend!
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You’ll also want to check out our article, Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies, before your visit to learn all about etiquette and what to expect. While we were in the area, we also visited Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!
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