The Blue Lagoon may be the most iconic place you can go in Iceland, and is deservedly a must see! It was our last stop on our way back to the airport, and it was the perfect cap to our entire Icelandic vacation.
What is the Blue Lagoon?
Basically, the Blue Lagoon is a humongous hot tub located in the middle of field of lava rock. The spa is heated by lava pushing up from the center of the earth. The milky blue water is not a photographic trick, but is what actually happens when geothermal energy helps heat and enrich the water.
The water is enriched with silica, blue green algae, and mineral salts. These ingredients help clean, exfoliate, nourish, and soften the skin (all while you are relaxing in the heavenly warm water). While soaking, many visitors make silica mud masks to give themselves facials.
We soaked for hours, but unfortunately had to head back to the airport. It was the perfect way to relax after days of trekking around the island, and before a long flight home.
Buy your tickets in advance
Blue Lagoon is now so popular that getting in is probably going to require a reservation (even when at capacity it’s big enough for all to still enjoy). Its popularity is now reflected in its increasing prices; it was about $40 per person when we went, but now is closer to $70. You should consider stopping in even if you are passing through Iceland on a layover (the spa is only 20 minutes from the airport).
I recommend you purchase your tickets here in advance and then if you need to cancel or re-book on a different day you can still do that up until 24 hours before for a full refund.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
I recommend renting a car in Iceland and then driving to the Blue Lagoon. However, if you are not comfortable driving in a foreign country then there are some great tours you can choose from that will allow you to see all the top spots, including the Blue Lagoon.
The best tour of Blue Lagoon in our opinion is this one. It will allow you to see The Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, and Blue Lagoon.
What to Pack? Before traveling to Iceland, make sure to read my Iceland Packing List guide so you so that you are prepared for the unique elements this nation has to offer.
Where to Stay in Iceland (Reykjavik)
We stayed 4 nights in Reykjavik and it was the perfect location for us. We ended up staying at the Reykjavik Lights Hotel all 4 nights and it ended up being the perfect location. We stayed there all 4 mights. We loved it.
The hotel we rented was located in the Reykjavik city center. One of the top things we were looking for – location is everything in Iceland.
The prices weren’t bad but we were there in December, maybe the prices go up in the summer? It was about $100 a night. They offer an amazing and completely free buffet breakfast and wifi (Free wifi is a must!). The breakfast was REALLY good! Book or check current prices for the hotel here.
Thank you so much for reading! Any questions you have about blue lagoon you can ask below!
What to Pack for Iceland
- Warm Fleece Jacket (without hood)
- Fleece Hoodie This will be great for adding extra layers when needed.
- Warm Winter Hat – Shop my favorite winter hats from Nordstrom. I also really like this one here, it comes in a ton of different color options.
- Thermals for layering – These come in a ton of different colors!
- Fleece lined leggings – These fleece lined leggings were AMAZING to have on this trip. Not just warm, but so comfy and affordable! (You will thank me for these ;)
- Warm scarf – I always like to bring a couple scarves for photos.
- Touch screen gloves – There is nothing more annoying than having to continually take off your gloves so that you can use your phone to take pictures or videos, especially in the freezing cold. It’s because of that that these touch screen gloves are my favorite. These are also an awesome choice. They will work with the iPhones, Android phones and iPad and are wind proof.
- Warm socks – I have been loving these Heat Holder socks.
If you are planning a trip to Iceland and are not sure what to pack no worries, we got you covered! ? Read our Iceland Packing Guide and avoid the mistakes that we made when planning and packing for Iceland.
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We are planning a 3 day trip to Reykavik next month and definitely want to make the blue lagoon one of our stops. What would you recommend as the best mode of transportation to get there from downtown Reykavik? Do you think its necessary to buy tickets in advance?
Hey Jennifer, even though there are buses that go back and forth, we were really glad that we had a rental car. We stopped at various places en route to take pictures, that the buses don’t stop. Also, some of the tours may stay too long or too short. We didn’t buy tickets in advance, and doubt this would be necessary because the lines were short and went incredibly quick, and the Blue Lagoon is huge, so I can’t imagine them ever being at capacity (even in the summer).
This makes me even more excited about my upcoming visit to Iceland!!! I had this post pinned on my Pinterest travel board for awhile now and I seriously can not wait.Thank you for all the info :)
Thank you so much Ana! You will love it! Me and my husband went in the winter and it was amazing, no crowds. (I heard Blue Lagoon can get crowded in the summer)
Hi Claire! If you had to guess, how crowded do you think it would be in late September? I’m planning a trip for then but I’m trying to avoid the crowds as much as possible. Thank you for all the information!
Hey Jess, I would think that a lot of the summer crowd would have died down by then but I can’t be sure. I think that you will get the cheaper pricing by that time so that is a good sign. Good luck on your trip! You will fall in love with Iceland.
Iceland is beautiful. I wish that i can go there again after reading your post.
Iceland is amazing! I hope you get the chance to go, I think you would love it!
I’m going there next month. I’m so excited! Thanks for sharing :D
Awesome! I hope you have a great trip!
Wow! How do I get one of these in my backyard? Spectacular!
Haha! If you figure it out let me know because I want one too!
Hi thanks for your expirience, my husband, my daughter of 2 and me we will go in August and I am a bit worry about the expirience with my daughter because I dont see any child in your pics, what do you advice. Thank you!
Wow, Can you imagine better place than that? I like travelling across the world. Unfortunately didn’t get a chance to go outside Asia. But now will fancy my chances to visit Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Can’t get better than that. Thanks for sharing the blog!