10 important tips for visiting The Blue Lagoon Iceland
On our final day in the Land of Fire and Ice, we headed to The Blue Lagoon Iceland to relax. The hot thermal baths of the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous attraction so we didn’t exactly have it to ourselves. But I didn’t mind. I’ve wanted to visit for ages and this winter I finally got the chance.
Before my trip to Iceland, I spent tons of time researching important tips, like: Can you bring your camera? How much does it cost? Is it safe if you’re pregnant? (yes, it is, btw). And how much time should we spend there?
So if you’re going to the Blue Lagoon, here’s the lowdown with the most important tips I picked up.
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Facts about the Blue Lagoon Iceland
Fun fact: Did you know that Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is manmade? I’ve always thought that it was natural, but it isn’t. The lava around it is natural, but the water is actually the result of runoff from the power plant next door.
Random fact: The Blue Lagoon Iceland got its name because the water looks blue when reflected in the sun. In reality though, the water is milky white.
Reason to visit: The water of the Blue Lagoon is full of minerals, algae and silica, and it’s really good for your skin. Especially if you have psoriasis or other skin conditions.
Best part: The temperatures of the milky water hover between 37 and 39°C all year round. It basically feels like you’re taking the bath of your life in a giant hot bathtub.
Downside: Thanks to the sulphur in the lagoon, it smells a little. But just a little. The good news is that after a while you won’t mind.
Join a day trip to the Blue Lagoon
When I travel, I’m all about seeing as much as possible. If you also want to get the most out of your time, you can join a day tour and fill two needs with one deed. With the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon: Full-Day Small-Group Trip, you’ll get a full day tour of sightseeing around the Golden Circle with relaxation at the Blue Lagoon at the end of the day.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can also pre-book transport to the lagoon from the airport or Reykjavik. After having enjoyed everything The Blue Lagoon has to offer, you can either return to Reykjavik or be dropped off at Reykjavík International Airport.
Book here: Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon: Full-Day Small-Group Trip
You may also like: From Reykjavik or Keflavik: Blue Lagoon Transport
1. Prices
Ok, so let’s begin with the unpleasantly high entrance fee you need to pay.
Prices at the Blue Lagoon Iceland are steep and they’re also dynamic, depending on: 1) the season and time of day you visit, and 2) how far in advance you book. You choose between three types of entrance tickets at The Blue Lagoon and you can rent towels, slippers, robes and swimsuits as add-ons. Here are your choices:
- The Comfort ticket ($70) I recommend this one
- The Premium ticket ($90)
- The Luxury ticket ($500) for 2 persons
Also, you need to pre-book your ticket to get in, which you can do on the Blue Lagoon’s website. And this is important: If you’re visiting in the high season (summer), be sure to pre-book months in advance. And yes, I mean months in plural.
2. How to save money
Like anything else in Iceland, a visit to the Blue Lagoon doesn’t come cheap. BUT, there are ways to save money. For instance:
The silica mud masks are free – You’ll see people putting white mud-stuff on their faces – that’s silica and it’s really good for your skin. The mud masks are supplied out of a swim-up bar and you just help yourself to as much as you like.
Bring your own towel and anti-slip water socks – that way you don’t need to rent a towel, bathrobe or slippers.
Drink from the tap – the tap water in Iceland is some of the cleanest in the world so there’s no reason to buy pricey bottled water at the lagoon.
Go for the Comfort entrance ticket – there’s really no reason to buy the Premium or Luxury ticket unless you want “the full spa experience”.
3. It’s not cold in the Blue Lagoon
Despite how snowy and cold it is, you won’t freeze your butt off at The Blue Lagoon. We went in January, which is one of the coldest months of the year, and the lagoon was the perfect place to warm up. Remember, the water is almost 40 degrees all year round, so while the air might be cold, the water is not.
Read next: How to visit the Golden Circle
4. How to protect your hair – guys, too
I’ve read several blogs about how the Blue Lagoon will damage and turn your hair into straw, but that wasn’t my experience, really.
How I treated my hair
Before going into the lagoon, I wet my hair and applied a lot of conditioner (they have free shampoo and conditioner in the showers). Afterwards I washed and blow-dried it. It felt a little brittle, but nothing too concerning, and it went back to normal after a day or so.
If you don’t want to take any chances, you can always just avoid getting your hair wet or wear it in a bun. Or you can bring along a small bottle of clarifying shampoo. It strips the minerals out of your hair, and you can use it at home afterwards.
5. Visit before or after your flight
The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field in Grindavík about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and 20 minutes away from the airport. We went there just before our flight back and it couldn’t have been better planned. I felt so relaxed afterwards, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way. If time doesn’t allow it, you could also visit the lagoon right after your flight lands in Iceland.
If you don’t have a car, you can travel with ease with a Blue Lagoon transport. The bus picks you up/drops you off at the airport or your hotel in Reykjavik.
6. Go early to avoid the crowds
Our flight was at 2pm so we went to the lagoon at 8am. In the winter, the sun doesn’t rise until 11am so it was still dark when we got in – which was actually kind of nice.
The best thing about visiting early though is that you avoid the queues and the hordes of tourists. I hear that noon till afternoon is the worst time to visit.
Read next: The must-see sights in South Iceland
7. Give yourself enough time
We spent around 4 hours at the lagoon and it was perfect. If you’re going for a massage or having a bite at the restaurant you might spend more time. Plus, depending on what time you visit and in which season, there might be queues. Long queues. You’ll want to take that into consideration, especially if you have a flight to catch.
8. Your don’t need your wallet inside
When you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, you get a digital rubber wristband. Do not lose this wristband! It will open and close your locker and you can buy stuff from the bar, the reception, wellness and restaurant. When you leave the lagoon, you settle the bill.
Read next: How to plan the best road trip in Iceland
9. More tips for visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
You can bring your luggage – If you’re on your way to or from the airport, you can store your luggage in the Service Center building next to the parking area for ISK 550 (US $5,2) You can fit your hand luggage, clothes, camera, etc. in private electronic lockers in the changing rooms.
Bring a waterproof sleeve for your phone – Don’t bring your phone into the lagoon unless you have a waterproof case. I bought this one for $7.99 on Amazon and it was brilliant – not just in the lagoon, but also when we visited waterfalls or when it rained! Also, I wouldn’t bring my DSLR into the lagoon – you really don’t want to accidentally drop it (oh, horror!).
Don’t wear contact lenses – The Blue Lagoon Iceland strongly recommends against wearing contact lenses in the water. The reason is that the silica can get into your eyes and make it super painful if you’re wearing contact lenses.
Also, don’t wear any jewellery – Not only to prevent loosing it, but the silica, algae, minerals can damage the jewellery.
10. Packing list – what to bring
You can get my complete guide on what to wear in Iceland here.
- Swimwear – You’ll need a swimsuit or swim trunks to enter the pool and saunas. I brought this blue swimsuit.
- Sunglasses – Expect any kind of weather in Iceland, including sharp sunlight. Add to the fact that the lagoon reflects the rays – so, it’s a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses. I went for the blue aviator style.
- Camera or a phone with camera
- A waterproof case for your phone. This is a MUST if you plan on bringing your phone into the lagoon. It’s humid in there. So even if it doesn’t get wet, it might get damaged from damp. Find something that will make your phone waterproof, but still useable. You could invest in a Lifeproof case to keep it safe, or get something simple like a dry sleeve (what I did).
- Hair elastics
- Deodorant
- Hair brush
- A bottle of water (Optional to save money)
- Your own towel (Optional to save money)
- Slippers – if you visit in the winter, the floor is ice-cold. You can bring a pair of slippers or anti-slip water socks, which are super effective in the cold.
As mentioned earlier, the Blue Lagoon Iceland provides free shampoo and conditioner. They also have blow driers.
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Gestinn Guesthouse – Lovely guesthouse, located just by the bus stop 8. It’s close to everything and there’s an extremely helpful staff. Click here to see the latest prices.
Heida’s home – it’s as welcoming as it sounds. Comfy bed and helpful staff that goes out of their way to help. There’s free parking nearby and it’s close to a supermarket and tourist sights. Click here to see the latest prices.
Would you visit The Blue Lagoon Iceland?
More stuff you’ll love
- What to wear in Iceland (packing list for all seasons)
- Iceland Waterfalls: 10 Best Waterfalls in Iceland
- 6 magical Iceland adventure tours you must try
- Jökulsárlón: Cross icebergs and diamond beach off your bucket list in Iceland
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a must-see in Iceland
- 2 days in South Iceland: Road trip itinerary with the best sights
- How to drive The Golden Circle in Iceland
- How to plan an Iceland road trip in winter
- Feeling at home at Puffin Hotel Vik, Iceland
- What to wear in Iceland (packing list for all seasons)
Great tips! I’m dying to visit Iceland – and to experience the Blue Lagoon!
The Blue Lagoon is definitely a must-visit. And do go to Iceland, it’s so mindblowingly beautiful!
Hi Rachel what are the anti slip socks you can wear in the blue lagoon, do you mean sliders/flip flops ??
Great post, your travel was very interesting, your photos are beautiful
Thank you so much!
Those are great tips. Looks like great experience! I’m adding The Blue Lagoon on my list.
Great idea! It’s a must in Iceland.
The photos of the blue lagoon are stunning, blue and true to its name. I would love to go for a visit to experience 40-degree water in cold conditions, what a contrast.
If you’re ever in Iceland, do it – it’s super fun 🙂
Thank you for sharing the complete packing list. I was reading your article regarding travel guide Dubai which was really useful and then suddenly I found this destination and trust me I was not aware of this place. I am adding it to my traveling goals after reading your article which such an attractive pictures
So glad to hear that! Thanks for reading 🙂
Great tips, Miriam I glad to read your post and photographs are really stunning. The Iceland would be a great place to visit. Thanks for sharing useful tips.
It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, so yes definitely – Iceland is a great place to visit 🙂
This was very helpful, thank you.
Glad you found it helpful, Nick!
Thank you for the tips. Almost everything that I need to know is already here. How about the prices of food at the Blue Cafe? Is it also steep? or is it better to eat at the airport? Thank you!!
Hi Peach 🙂 Just think ‘expensive’ and you’ll have it. If I were you, I’d just bring a sandwich or buy something in Reykjavik, Grindavik or the airport (depending on where you’re coming from and headed).
I have a question if that’s ok, when you book the blue lagoon, do you book a time slot? We were thinking of going straight from the airport, but supposing you’re flight gets delayed, and you totally missed your time slot? Or do they accommodate for that? Loved all your tips, they are very helpful.
Hi,
Yes, you book a time slot, for instance 08-09 am, 09-10 am or 10-11 am, which means that you have to be there within that hour. You can stay the whole day after you have arrived. I found this link for you where it’s explained what to do if you miss your time slot: https://www.bluelagoon.com/support/frequently-asked-questions/1/before-you-visit/what-happens-if-dont-arrive-at-arrival-time-i%C2%B4ve-booked/171/
Hope this helps!
Hi there, thanks for this… All really useful 🙂 just wanted to ask if the blue lagoon mind you taking your own food and drink? Thanks xx
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 Unfortunately they don’t allow you to bring your own food. But you can bring water. If you want to avoid the steep prices at the restaurant, you can just bring a sandwich or something and eat it outside the lagoon.
Hi Miriam,
When you say eat it outside the lagoon do you mean before entering? If I bring along a sandwich which I plan to eat after a couple of hours, would that be possible?
Also, can I carry my travel backpack and store it in a locker or will I have to check it in?
Thanks!
Hm, good question. I THINK you need to eat it outside the lagoon, but I’m not sure.
If you’re bringing your big luggage, you can store it in a locker outside the lagoon (this might cost a fee). You can bring your small backpack and store it in the locker inside (free).
blue lagoon photos are amazing, thanks for all tips. I’m Excited to visit there…
You’re much welcome, Lain! Have a great trip to the lagoon.
Thanks for tips . As a wear glasses will I be ok to keep them on . Thanks
Yes, glasses are okay to wear at the lagoon. Have an amazing trip!
just curious whether i would have enough time to enjoy myself if i have a flight at noon and i booked the earliest slot at 8am?
It’s cutting it close. But if it was me, I’d still go. You won’t be able to chill for hours, obviously, but you will have enough time to swim, enjoy the place and relax a bit. Be sure to be there well in advance to avoid queues.
Thanks a lot 🙂
Will visit Iceland in two weeks time.
If I look at the prices on the Blue Lagoon website I only see Comfort/Premium and Luxury packages.
Did they skip the “Standard” entrance ticket?
I just checked and yes, it seems they have skipped the Standard ticket – what a shame 🙁 It’s still worth going, though.
Exotic pictures Miriam. Seems you must be fond of travelling..
Indeed I am 😉
They still offer the standard price it is just hard to find it on their website. Try searching standard entry fee to blue lagoon Iceland .
Oh, thank you for the update! 🙂
Thank you so much for your wonderful tips and info. Helps so much as we plan for our trip to Iceland!
I’m so glad to hear that, Kimberly! Have an amazing trip to Iceland 🙂
VERY nicely done, and with beautiful pictures…if only i could have read this post before going there myself! :)~
Aaw, well there’s your reason for going back some day 😉
Great tips…we will be visiting soon! Can you give a brief overview of the shower situation…are there private showers?
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, there are private shower cubicles. The cubicles have a door, but no lock. Just bring your towel, then grab your clothes at the private locker after the shower and change in the changing room or bathroom if you need privacy.
Have a great trip.
I don’t swim, so how can I take advantage of the blue lagoon?
Hi Radha, it’s a bit difficult to enjoy the blue lagoon if you’re not in the water. However, there’s a wellness center inside the lagoon and you can walk around the lagoon and just watch it without getting in. If you’re up for it, you can dip a toe – just to feel how warm it is.
I really like your blog…It is so beautiful and informative. I really wanna go to Iceland soon.
Aw, thank you, Jill! Iceland is amazing so you should go for sure!
Thankyou for sharing! I’m going to go there in the near future! I’m really excited! Your information is so appreciated!!! ❤
So glad to hear that, Melissa! Have an amazing trip 🙂
Hello! Thank you for sharing! This is really helpful. Your pictures were stunning? What did you use to take pictures? I really want to take pictures for my instagram, but I have a DSLR (but I’m so scared of getting it wet) and my phone camera quality isn’t the best — so I’ve been debating on what to do.
Hi Alexa, I only used my iPhone camera. I bought a waterproof casing online (really cheap – like, $5) so I could bring my phone to the lagoon. It was also super practical when I visited waterfalls around Iceland (and when it rained).
Hi Miriam, thanks for your sharing it’s really helpful. Iam going to go there at September
I’m so glad to hear that, Mety! Have a wonderful trip to the lagoon 🙂
I am planning to go to Iceland in this upcoming winters thanks for this informative post. It will really help me in this trip.
I’m really glad you found it helpful, Isaac! Have an amazing trip to Iceland!
Great tips! I’m dying to visit Iceland – and to experience the Blue Lagoon! Thanks for sharing this blog.
You’re welcome, Melanie! I hope you get to visit soon 🙂
Going to Iceland in August of 2019 and came across your blog. Super helpful! Planning my whole trip based on yours. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Shannon! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Hi Miriam! Thank you for sharing with us your experience with the Blue Lagoon. I and my friends will be visiting this November and we are really excited to try this famous attraction. I just have one question, correct me if I’m wrong, is it true that we required to take shower completely naked before entering the Blue Lagoon? :D:D I just can’t get it off my mind. Thanks!
By the way, thanks for the useful and informative tips. I will surely take that and share it with my friends. 🙂 Have a nice day ahead!
Hi Mikha, I totally get where you’re coming from! And yes, you do need to shower before entering the lagoon. However there are private showers so you won’t have to shower in front of others. You can just use one of the bathrooms to undress and get dressed. I hope this helps 🙂
Have a great trip!
Hi,
Can you stay all day when you arrive at the blue lagoon? Just checking you’re not allocated so many hours. I’m thinking of going for 8-9am, how long would you recommend to stay for? Just with booking the transport it’s asking me to put a return time in
Thanks 🙂
Hi Nicky, as long as you arrive at the time you have booked for, you can stay for as long as you like. I’d say 4-5 hours is enough.
Have a great trip 🙂
Hi!
quick question, what kind of waterproof case did u use for your phone?
I just bought a cheap one online ($10) – don’t remember the name. I’d say any waterproof case would do.
Can you take and wear mesh shoes instead of slippers?
Hi Steve, you can’t wear mesh sneakers if that’s what you mean. But you can wear anti slip water socks.
That looks absolutely amazing! I’ve only ever been in one hot spring back in Canada which this kind of reminds me of. But this looks way more epic!
Thanks, Nathan. It’s an incredible place!
Iceland looks like such an amazing place. I’ve met many people who have nothing but great things to say about it, well maybe the cost….
Haha, yeah prices are steep. But on the flip side, all the natural sights (except the Blue Lagoon) are free 🙂
Thank you for all the helpful information. We plan on visiting the Lagoon after I flight lands. I don’t want to miss our time slot so how much time should we allow to get there from the airport if our flight lands at 7:00 a.m.? I was thinking the 9 -10 a.m. slot.
You’re very welcome!
I think 9-10 am would be a fine time to visit. Not later though, because the airport in Reykjavik is small so you’ll be out of there fairly quick. Do you plan on renting a car or taking the bus to the lagoon? Because you’d then have to factor that in as well.
Do you recommend kids 6-12 years of age go with their parents? Would they find it fun?
Yes, absolutely! Definitely bring your kids.
I love this place very quiet…
I don’t know about quiet, but it’s definitely lovely 🙂
What would you say is a good budget to have to allow for the cost of food? I heard it’s kind of expensive there to eat out.
Do you mean Iceland overall or just the Blue Lagoon? I wouldn’t recommend eating at the BL because of the prices (you’re better off buying something in Reykjavik).
Hi Miriam, thank you you much for these tips – much appreciated! But I have a quick question – if I take some of the substance in the blue lagoon and put it in a bag, or I just buy a face mask, will I be able to put it in the hand luggage on the way back to where I’m Going? Thanks again!
Hi Angel, you can carry 100ml bottles in your hand luggage. So, if you bring a 100ml container with you and fill it up at the lagoon, you’ll be okay. I’m not sure if you can take some of it home (without buying), though. Better check with the Blue Lagoon first.
Hi Miriam, is it very deep. I can’t swim but could I still go into the lagoon.
Hi Olivia,
Yes, you can!
Some areas are deep. But in most places, the water is waist to chest depth, depending on how high you are of course. It definitely shouldn’t keep you from visiting! If you’re concerned, you can just stay near the stairs. It’s not as deep there.
All the best from Denmark
Hello Miriam,
Great tips!! I would love to visit Blue Lagoon one day:)
I have this on my list for one of my vacation spots to visit.
I am looking forward to visiting soon. Hope in 2021 for my
birthday in Oct.
Thank you again for the awesome tips.
Most definitely will be planning this trip in advance!!
I wish I could travel to Iceland one day, What a place <3
It’s a unique place. I hope you will experience it one day.
Thank you for such an amazing tips and it’s definitely lovely, I love this place.
You’re welcome!
you have shared amazing tips for visiting The Blue Lagoon Iceland. Thank you very much
My pleasure!
Thank you for sharing with us your experience with the Blue Lagoon and for the tips. Almost everything that I need to know is already here.
I’m happy to hear that!
Amazing Content but I want to add one thing that Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can also pre-book transport to the lagoon from the airport and after enjoying blue lagoon they will drop you at airport.
Great Content!
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing, this is exactly what I’m looking for.
Hi Thanks for sharing the information about the blue lagoon iceland
Hi Miriam,
Thanks for Sharing such a nice Info with us.
If we have a 20 month old, will they let us bring her into the park if she doesn’t go into the water?
Yes, you can visit without going in the water.
Hello Miriam,
Thanks for the great tips!
My vacation destination list includes this as one of the locations I would like to visit.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to visit soon. Thanks again for the great tips.
This trip will most definitely be planned in advance!
So glad to hear that! I hope you will visit soon, too.
Your advice was wonderful and it’s definitely a beautiful place. This trip will definitely be planned in advance!
Great to hear that!
I appreciate your advice and it’s definitely a beautiful place. We’ll definitely plan ahead for this trip!
Great idea. Have a wonderful trip.
I hope to be able to visit soon. Thanks again for the great suggestions.
There will most definitely be advanced planning for this trip!
Absolutely. You’re welcome.
Quality articles is the crucial to be a focus for the viewers to pay a visit the site, that’s what this site is providing.
Thank you for sharing,
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading.
I want to travel there.
I highly recommend it.
Joss. i want to go here.
You should. It’s magnificent.
awesome place. Really I want to travel here. It’s a great place to enjoy nature.
Yes, it absolutely is.
Thank you for sharing, I hope to be able to visit soon