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The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, approximately 39 kilometers from Reykjavík. The lagoon was formed in 1976 during operations at the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station, when superheated water venting from the plant created a pool in the surrounding lava formations. What began as an accidental byproduct has become Iceland's most visited attraction, drawing over 1.3 million visitors annually.
The lagoon's milky blue water maintains a constant temperature between 37-39°C (98-102°F) year-round and contains a unique combination of silica, algae, and minerals drawn from 2,000 meters beneath the earth's surface. The high silica content gives the water its distinctive opaque blue color and has recognized therapeutic properties, particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis. Research conducted at the site led to the development of the Blue Lagoon skincare line, now sold internationally.
You can swim and relax in the expansive lagoon, which covers 8,700 square meters. The facility provides complimentary silica mud masks that you apply directly in the water, along with access to a sauna, steam rooms, and a waterfall feature.
Premium packages include access to the Retreat Spa, private changing facilities, and the Retreat Lagoon, a more exclusive section. In-water bars serve drinks that you can enjoy while bathing. The standard Comfort package starts at approximately €60-90 depending on season and booking time, with advance reservations required as same-day tickets are rarely available.
You can reach the Blue Lagoon by rental car via Route 43 and Route 425, with the drive from Reykjavík taking 45-50 minutes. The Flybus operates direct transfers from Keflavík International Airport (23 kilometers away) and Reykjavík, with tickets around €25-30. Many visitors schedule stops between the airport and the capital, as the lagoon sits directly along this route. Free parking is available on-site.
Standard admission includes towel rental, though you must shower without swimwear before entering, following Icelandic public bathing regulations. The facility includes restaurants, with the Lava Restaurant requiring separate reservations. Opening hours are typically 8:00-22:00 in summer and 9:00-21:00 in winter, though you should verify current schedules online. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance is recommended for peak summer months and holidays.
8 AM–10 PM
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, approximately 39 kilometers from Reykjavík. The lagoon was formed in 1976 during operations at the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station, when superheated water venting from the plant created a pool in the surrounding lava formations. What began as an accidental byproduct has become Iceland's most visited attraction, drawing over 1.3 million visitors annually.
The lagoon's milky blue water maintains a constant temperature between 37-39°C (98-102°F) year-round and contains a unique combination of silica, algae, and minerals drawn from 2,000 meters beneath the earth's surface. The high silica content gives the water its distinctive opaque blue color and has recognized therapeutic properties, particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis. Research conducted at the site led to the development of the Blue Lagoon skincare line, now sold internationally.
You can swim and relax in the expansive lagoon, which covers 8,700 square meters. The facility provides complimentary silica mud masks that you apply directly in the water, along with access to a sauna, steam rooms, and a waterfall feature.
Premium packages include access to the Retreat Spa, private changing facilities, and the Retreat Lagoon, a more exclusive section. In-water bars serve drinks that you can enjoy while bathing. The standard Comfort package starts at approximately €60-90 depending on season and booking time, with advance reservations required as same-day tickets are rarely available.
You can reach the Blue Lagoon by rental car via Route 43 and Route 425, with the drive from Reykjavík taking 45-50 minutes. The Flybus operates direct transfers from Keflavík International Airport (23 kilometers away) and Reykjavík, with tickets around €25-30. Many visitors schedule stops between the airport and the capital, as the lagoon sits directly along this route. Free parking is available on-site.
Standard admission includes towel rental, though you must shower without swimwear before entering, following Icelandic public bathing regulations. The facility includes restaurants, with the Lava Restaurant requiring separate reservations. Opening hours are typically 8:00-22:00 in summer and 9:00-21:00 in winter, though you should verify current schedules online. Booking 4-6 weeks in advance is recommended for peak summer months and holidays.
You need to bring a swimsuit, though towels are included with all admission packages. If you have long hair, bring a hair tie as you must tie it up before entering the water due to the high silica content, which can make hair stiff and difficult to manage.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at the facility, which provides sufficient time to enjoy the lagoon, apply silica masks, use the sauna and steam rooms, and have a drink. Your admission ticket is valid for a specific time slot, and you should arrive within 30 minutes of your booked time.
No, advance booking is mandatory. The Blue Lagoon operates on a timed entry system to manage capacity and does not sell walk-up tickets. You must book online through the official website and select a specific date and time slot.
The high silica and mineral content can leave your hair feeling dry, stiff, and tangled, particularly if you have color-treated, bleached, or chemically processed hair. You must apply the conditioner provided in the showers before entering and keep your hair tied up or wet it with fresh water rather than lagoon water.
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