Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a massive tourist attraction. On average over 3,000 people visit the Blue Lagoon Iceland each day. And as such the price reflects that. But if you’re like me, you’ll still want to try it out anyway to see for yourself. I am sure you’ve seen Blue Lagoon Iceland Instagram pictures of those gorgeous turquoise waters. Enough to tempt pretty much anyone on a trip to Iceland!
But what else do you need to know before you visit Iceland? Should you book? What else is available in the Blue Lagoon Iceland? Which package should you choose for your visit?
Here I hope to answer all your questions, plus a few extra Blue Lagoon Iceland Tips to make sure you have a wonderful day out.
Iceland Blue Lagoon Tips for your Visit
Where is the Blue Lagoon Iceland?
What happens on arrival at the Blue Lagoon?
Don’t forget to naked shower before you enter
Can I take photos in the Blue Lagoon?
What else is at the Blue Lagoon?
What is the Blue Lagoon?
You might have heard of all the natural hot springs in Iceland. But this may come as a surprise, the Blue Lagoon isn’t one of them! The surrounding area around the pool is completely natural. However, the water is actually heated from the geothermal plant right next door. The plant was there first and the Blue Lagoon was created afterwards. It’s completely safe but not the natural phenomenon you might have thought.
Follow me on Instagram for tips on great hot springs I found whilst I was in Iceland. A real hot spring
Where is the Blue Lagoon Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon is only a 20-minute drive from the International airport at Keflavik. It opens between 7am-8am (depending on the time of year). So a great start way to start your trip. Or indeed it could be a perfect way to end it! Closing times vary between 8pm-midnight, again depending on the time of year.
Please note – if you are planning on visiting the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík, it is almost an hour’s drive away.
Read next: Free things to do in Reykjavik (and some that will cost you!)
Should you book your Blue Lagoon visit?
YES, YES, YES!!! Now at the point, I should mention, I hadn’t booked. I arrived at 7 am on the dot and paid for my ticket. I later found out this is NOT the best way to do things! Firstly, you pay more and Iceland is already expensive enough. And secondly, I was lucky to get in at 7 am it wasn’t that busy. But it does get busy so please don’t do what I did and book before you go! Whenever you decide the best time to visit Iceland is, the Blue Lagoon is always popular.
Did you know?
“The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater is born 2000 metres within the earth.
Where ocean water and freshwater converge in a volcanic frontier of searing heat and immense pressure.”
How much is the Blue Lagoon?
The cost depends on which Blue Lagoon package you choose! There’s not just one choice for visiting the Blue Lagoon. There are four! So which one do you select? Well, I picked the cheapest option, which suited me fine.
But check out the other options so you can pick the right one for you. These are the on the day prices. If you pre-book they are considerably cheaper!
*Please note costs correct at time of writing.
Blue Lagoon Tip – Book in advance to avoid the expensive prices!
Blue Lagoon Iceland Option 1 – Standard (8,000 ISK)
Entrance to Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Blue Lagoon Iceland Option 2 – Comfort (10,000 ISK)
Entrance to Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Use of towel
First drink of your choice
Algae mask
Blue Lagoon Iceland Option 3 – Premium (12,100 ISK)
Entrance to Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Use of towel
First drink of your choice
Algae mask
Use of bathrobe
Slippers
Sparkling wine at LAVA (if dining)
Blue Lagoon Iceland Option 4 – Luxury (26,500 ISK)*
Entrance to Blue Lagoon
Silica mud mask
Use of towel
First drink of your choice
Algae mask
Use of bathrobe
Slippers
Sparkling wine at LAVA (if dining)
Entrance to Exclusive Lounge
Spa Journey Product set
Coffee/tea and fresh fruit
*Option per person, minimum of 2 people.
Did you know?
“The beneficial powers of the Blue Lagoon Iceland were first discovered by a man seeking comfort from psoriasis.”
What happens on arrival at the Blue Lagoon?
First, you’re given wristband, this acts as both an electronic locker key and a cash card. You’re able to buy drinks outside with just a flash of your wrist (unless it’s included in your package).
The changing areas are luxurious, big lockers and a separate area with hair dryers. If you’ve been camping this is a big bonus! At 7 am the locker area wasn’t too busy but by the time I left at 10 am it was much busier.
What to pack for your Iceland trip? Check out my Ultimate Packing Guide here.
How to use the lockers?
On reflection, these are relatively straightforward to use. However, when all you have is a plastic wristband and one electronic control panel it can seem a bit complicated. I had a puzzled look on my face for a few seconds before I figured out what to do!
Blue Lagoon Locker Tips!
Step 1 – Find an empty locker.
Step 2 – Put your belongings in.
Step 3 – Close door.
Step 4 – Scan your wristband – your locker number should flash up.
Step 5 – Check it’s locked.
Step 6 – Go and enjoy the Blue Lagoon!
And to open your locker you simply scan and it will unlock.
There are lovely attendants on standby to help you out. They even have a system which detects if a locker has belongings in and has been left open and will lock it on your behalf and leave a little note.
Please note if there are several people opening and closing lockers at the same time you’ll just need to wait your turn.
Did you know?
“The vast lava plain surrounding the Blue Lagoon dates from the year 1226.”
Don’t forget to naked shower before you enter
Yes, that’s right a naked shower. Everyone is required to shower naked before entering. There are signs there to remind you too. Surprisingly, the one thing that the Blue Lagoon is lacking is the number of showers. To be fair I hardly waited any time and an attendant was there to help keep things running smoothly.
Complimentary shower gel and conditioner is available. Make sure you use plenty of the hair conditioner as the Blue Lagoon is not your hair’s friend!
Should you wear makeup in the Blue Lagoon? If you’re planning on having one of the mud masks then I would recommend removing your makeup before entering the pool.
Also, although I don’t wear contact lenses the recommendation is to take that out as the silica can make it painful.
Top tip
- Sunglasses are a must on a sunny day, as the sun reflects off the water.
Can you take photos in the Blue Lagoon?
Well as you can see, I took my camera in with me! A lot of people also had their phones with them. Just check out ‘Blue Lagoon’ on Instagram and you’ll see. But it’s entirely up to you whether you want to risk your testing how waterproof they are!
How deep is the Blue Lagoon? The photo above gives a rough idea of the depth of the Blue Lagoon (I’m 5″7)
My tip would be to take a few photos of your Blue Lagoon experience then return your camera/phone back to your locker. Then you can relax and put your mud mask on without worrying about dropping your camera in the water.
*Book your Iceland flights now: Skyscanner
What else is at the Blue Lagoon?
There are various different pools, all interconnecting, but you can explore and find a quieter spot.
At one end there’s the bar where you can buy drinks or claim your one included in packages 2-4.
There’s a range of options alcoholic and non-alcoholic smoothies and juices. I tried the orange, carrot, apple and ginger. It was amazing. Well, it should have been at 950 ISK!
Over to the left, you’ll find the mud mask station. It’s recommended you leave it on for 5-10 minutes. After this time you’ll want to wash it off. Beyond this area, you’ll find the steam room, sauna and mini waterfall.
Top Blue Lagoon Tip
Be sure to check out the little wooden door nearby for a unique sauna experience.
Where to stay in Iceland? Check out Hotel Ranga – luxury hotel
Is visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland too touristy or not?
After spending a relaxing 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon. I can say the Blue Lagoon is very touristy. But hey if you like seeing other people happy and enjoying themselves what’s wrong with that. It’s a wonderful way to start or end your trip. And on average people spend 3 hours there so it must be good to spend that long there!
When to go to the Blue Lagoon?
My recommendation would be to go early. And actually book…. have I already mentioned that! I believe your experience visiting the Blue Lagoon will vary by what time of day you choose to visit. Although I don’t have knowledge of any other time, at 10 am the queues of people entering was enough to tell me that 7 am was a great time to visit.
Further reading
- Best place to see puffins in Iceland
- Visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland with kids
- Hiking a Glacier in Iceland
Becky’s Blue Lagoon Iceland Tips
- Book in the Blue Lagoon in advance – don’t just turn up like me!
- Take your own towel – saves paying for one.
- Go early if you want to avoid the crowds.
- Before entering the Blue Lagoon put in plenty of the complimentary conditioner and tie your hair up.
- Drink plenty of water – one lifeguard told me how he’s had to rescue people who fainted due to heat. Don’t let that be you!!!
- Capture the moment, but have some technology-free time too.
- Try out the waterfall for an amazing massage – at the risk of drying your hair out!
- Check out the secret sauna – see above.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Although the Blue Lagoon was costly I did still enjoy my visit. Like any new experience, I feel like it’s one to try out for yourself.
Lots of people will say the Blue Lagoon isn’t worth the cost. But if you make the most of your time at the Blue Lagoon then you’ll have a great time.
Top Blue Lagoon Tip – Be sure to factor enough time if you want to stay longer in the Blue Lagoon
Are you visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland? What else would you like to know before visiting? Please ask me any Blue Lagoon tips or Iceland questions in the comments below:
Further reading for your Iceland trip
- Free things to do in Reykjavik
- Packing tips for your Iceland trip
- Planning your Iceland trip – All you need to know
Save me to your Iceland Pinterest boards
*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here.
This is some interesting information indeed (pinning it). Blue Lagoon is in my list of things to do for my upcoming Iceland ringroad road trip (oct ’17). Did you enjoy the restaurant at the Blue Lagoon?
Thanks Aarti, I’m glad you found it useful. I didn’t actually eat in the restaurant, as I was travelling in a campervan I had already bought food. I hope you have a fantastic time in October. Please feel free to look out for my other Iceland posts which I will be writing over the next couple of weeks. And of course if you have any other questions then let me know. 🙂
OMG I’ll never forget when we went to Iceland and showed up to the Blue Lagoon and got turned away hahaha…we had to go out of our way to make it back before we left but we did and it was great! So yes, BOOK AHEAD!!! And holy shit, DONT FORGET TO PUT THE CONDITIONER IN YOUR HAIR….I had hermione granger/broomstick hair for weeks after that water got to it…
Ah that makes me feel slightly better Andrea, not just me that turned up without booking. I think I was just very lucky as not too busy at 7am. It would have been a real pain to try and fit into the trip at the end so I can imagine how it was annoying for you too. I think my hair must be super strong because I seemed ok…. although I didn’t wash it for a few days so I think the grease helped ha ha!!!
Interesting post with good tips.
Thanks Sapna, glad you found it useful. I hope you enjoy your visit to the Blue Lagoon 🙂
I cannot wait to go here someday! I’m not sure I would care about the hair what did it do to your hair exactly? Great tips! I really hope to get to Iceland soon!
It’s beautiful, Harmony I hope you get to go soon. I put loads of conditioner in mine beforehand so I think that really helped. But it basically dries it out so it depends how brittle your hair is before you go in. If you’re worried I would say just don’t get it wet, which is pretty easy unless you go under the waterfall like me!!
I love your style of writing – very informative. I keep seeing so many stunning photos of Iceland, it’s really inspiring me to go next year <3
Thanks Sandy, I appreciate the comment. Yes you definitely need to get a flight booked, Iceland is just stunning and it’s getting more and more popular so now’s time to visit :). I actually took over 3000 photos in 12 days so that’s reflective on how good it was!
Ha ha yes Jill, those lockers definitely confused a few people, I loved how the technology worked it’s so clever! I think if you go knowing that it’s very popular/touristy then you won’t be disappointed. 🙂