KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The shimmering turquoise waters and picturesque volcanic landscape of The Blue Lagoon have captivated visitors for years. Over time, this luxurious attraction only grows in popularity, with tourists flocking to experience the rejuvenating effects of the geothermal pools, mud masks and spa retreats. Before you experience this iconic destination for yourself, here are a few good things to know.
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ABOUT THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon is located in the Reykjanes UNESCO Geopark in south-west Iceland.
This site was unintentionally formed in the lava fields beside the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. In the 1980s, locals began bathing in the heated water, and soon after, it was discovered that the brine contained healing properties, particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis. In 1992, the company Blue Lagoon Ltd was formed, tasked with researching and developing the healing properties of the water. A few years later, in 1995, the company released a skincare line, closely followed in 1999 by the opening of the public spa.
This luxurious site now houses the geothermal pool, the Silica Hotel, the Retreat Hotel, the Retreat Spa, restaurants, and a skincare shop.
All experience require pre-booking online. Prices vary depending on the time of year, the day of the week and the time of day. For a full list of inclusions and prices on each of these offerings, visit The Blue Lagoon website.
For a day visit to The Blue Lagoon, there are three packages to choose from.
The Comfort package is the base level. This includes entry to the lagoon, a towel, one mud mask and one drink of choice. This package starts at 8,990 ISK.
The Premium package includes all the above, plus two additional mud masks, a bathrobe, and a glass of sparkling wine if dining at the Lava Restaurant. This package starts at 11,490 ISK.
The Luxury package includes five hours in The Retreat Spa. This package starts at 69,000 ISK.
The Blue Lagoon is certainly not cheap. As travellers on a budget, we rarely consider experiences of this cost. However, occasionally, there are exceptions for bucket list items and places we may never have the chance to revisit. This was one of those exceptions, and we felt it was worth it.
THE EXPERIENCE
We purchased the Comfort package and visited at 6 pm on a Sunday in May. The pool was very busy at the start, but over time, it became quieter. When we left, it was much more peaceful than the start, so we would recommend going later in the day and hoping the crowds disperse.
Whether by bus or car, you will be greeted on arrival at The Blue Lagoon by a large car park and crowds of people. Follow the flow of traffic through the volcanic landscape to the entrance. You must arrive at the lagoon for the time slot you have booked. There is a one-hour window for flexibility, but entry cannot be guaranteed after that.
The staff at the reception will scan your ticket, provide you with a wristband and explain the details of your visit. You will then continue through to the changeroom.
Inside the changerooms, you will pick a locker to store your valuables and head to the showers. Guests must shower before entering the lagoon, and it is highly recommended that you coat your hair in conditioner and tie long hair up to avoid damage. After the showers, follow the signs for the lagoon.
You can access the changerooms at any time, so if you bring a phone or camera to the pool, we recommend taking your photos and then return everything to the locker so you can relax in the water.
When you’re ready to leave the Lagoon, grab a towel and head back to the changerooms, where you can shower using The Blue Lagoon products, get dressed, dry your hair and walk out to the front desk. Out the front, you can pay for any drinks you purchased at the pool bar before returning the wristband and ending your Blue Lagoon experience.
GETTING THERE
It takes around 50 minutes to reach The Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík and around 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport.
Reaching the lagoon by car is very easy, with plenty of signage and accurate Google Maps directions. Parking on-site is free, with ample space available.
If you don’t have a car, there is a bus service with Destination Blue Lagoon. This service transfers guests between The Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík or the airport.
Head to the Destination Blue Lagoon website to check prices and purchase tickets.
If you are visiting The Blue Lagoon straight from the airport or heading there afterwards, luggage storage is available in the car park for a charge. Guests also have access to lockers inside the changerooms, which can fit all other valuables and small backpacks.
WHAT TO BRING
When preparing to visit The Blue Lagoon, consider bringing anything you would normally take to a beach or pool day and the products you want after a shower.
WHAT THEY PROVIDE
A towel.
Body wash.
Shampoo and conditioner.
Hair dryers.
Plastic bags – if you forget a bag for your wet swimmers.
WHAT YOU SHOULD TAKE
Swimmers.
Warm clothes – while the pool is warm, the weather is usually not. Pack something warm to wear before and after.
A hair tie or clip – to avoid damage, particularly for longer hair.
Bag for wet swimmers.
Toiletries – anything you use after showering. For example, moisturiser, a hairbrush, and deodorant.
Thongs/flip flops – pack a pair if you don't want to walk barefoot in the changerooms. You can leave your shoes in the communal area outside the pool.
PLANNING A TRIP TO ICELAND?
Check out our 10-Day Iceland Itinerary to help get your planning started.
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