What Is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa — and one of the most photographed places on the planet. It sits in the middle of a pitch-black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the contrast between the bright milky-blue water and the dark volcanic rock around it is simply unlike anything else in the world.
The lagoon spans an enormous 8,700 square metres (about 94,000 square feet) and holds warm, mineral-rich water at a comfortable 37–40°C (98–104°F) all year round. The water gets its famous milky-blue color from a mix of silica, algae, and naturally occurring minerals — all drawn up from deep underground through a nearby geothermal power plant.
A Happy Accident: The Blue Lagoon was never planned. In 1976, geothermal water from the Svartsengi power plant began collecting in the cracks of the surrounding lava field. Locals started bathing in it during the 1980s and quickly discovered it helped with skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. The official spa opened to the public in 1987, and a modern facility was built in 1999.
Today, it draws over one million visitors every year and has been named one of National Geographic's 25 Wonders of the World. The water renews itself completely every 48 hours, with no added chemicals — it stays naturally clean through its mineral content and constant geothermal flow.
- Lagoon Size: 8,700 m²
- Water Temp: 37–40°C
- Water Renewal: Every 48 hrs
- Key Minerals: Silica, Algae (Known to help skin conditions)
Where Exactly Is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is located at Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland, on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. Its GPS coordinates are 63.880238°N, 22.450562°W. The location is ideal for travellers — it sits almost exactly halfway between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport, making it the perfect first or last stop on any trip to Iceland.
✈️ Keflavík Airport: ~20 km away · about 20–30 min drive
🏙 Reykjavík City: ~50 km away · about 45–50 min drive
🌋 Grindavík Town: ~5 km away · about 5–8 min drive
📍 Road Access: Road 43 or Road 44 (see note below)
Important: Road Changes Due to Volcanic Activity
Due to ongoing volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula through 2024 and 2025, the main road to the Blue Lagoon is subject to closures. Visitors are currently directed to take Road 44 (Hafnarvegur) to reach the site. Some GPS and map apps may show outdated routes. Always check the official Blue Lagoon website for the latest road information before you travel. A free shuttle runs between a designated Grindavík parking area and the Blue Lagoon entrance.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon
There are three main ways to reach the Blue Lagoon, and the right choice depends on your travel style and budget.
By Rental Car (Most Flexible)
Driving is the most convenient option. There is free parking available on-site. In summer, a standard 2WD car is fine. In winter, always hire a 4WD vehicle — Icelandic roads can become icy and unpredictable with little warning. Note that some map apps may still show old or closed routes; follow road signage and check the Blue Lagoon website before driving.
By Shuttle Bus (Most Popular)
Shuttle buses run frequently from both Reykjavík city and Keflavík International Airport. Companies like Reykjavík Excursions and Destination Blue Lagoon operate these services. The trip from the airport takes about 30 minutes and from Reykjavík about 50 minutes. You must pre-book your shuttle — ideally at the same time you buy your lagoon ticket.
Related Tour: Iceland Blue Lagoon & Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavik
By Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis and private transfers are available from both Reykjavík and the airport. This is more expensive but a good option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling as a group. Note that Uber and Lyft do not operate in Iceland.
💡 Pro Tip — Stop Here on Your Layover
If your flight lands at Keflavík Airport and you have a layover of five hours or more, the Blue Lagoon makes an ideal layover stop. Just book a Comfort ticket, take the 20-minute shuttle from the airport, relax in the warm water, then catch your connection. There is luggage storage available on-site so you don't have to drag your bags through the spa.
Ticket Packages: What's Included & How Much It Costs
The Blue Lagoon uses dynamic pricing, which means the cost changes depending on the day of the week, time of day, and how far in advance you book. Booking early in the morning or late in the evening, and on weekdays (especially Tuesday to Thursday), typically gives you the cheapest prices. Below are the four main packages available as of early 2026.
Booking Rules You Need to Know
Pre-booking is required — you cannot simply walk in. The Blue Lagoon sells out weeks in advance during peak summer months. Each ticket is for a specific entry time slot, but there is no fixed exit time once you're inside. Re-entry is not allowed, so plan to spend at least two to three hours on one visit. Children aged 2–13 enter free with a paying adult.
Best Time to Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is beautiful every single season, but each time of year offers a very different atmosphere. Here is what to expect:
- Winter (Nov – Feb): The most magical time to visit. Thick steam rises off the water while snowflakes fall around you. Northern lights can sometimes be seen overhead. It's quiet, moody, and unforgettable — the closest thing to a real spa fantasy.
- Spring (Mar – May): Fewer crowds and lower prices than summer. Days get longer quickly. The surrounding lava fields start to show green moss. A great balance between good weather and manageable visitor numbers.
- Summer (Jun – Aug): The busiest and most expensive season. Very long days — Iceland's midnight sun means daylight almost around the clock. Book tickets weeks in advance. Great for families and first-time visitors to Iceland.
- Autumn (Sep – Oct): One of the best times to visit. Prices drop, crowds thin out, and the days are still bright enough for photography. The chance of seeing the northern lights begins to rise from late September onward.
💡 Best Booking Strategy to Save Money
Book a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday slot at 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM. These time slots consistently show the lowest dynamic prices. Visiting in May or September (shoulder season) will also save you money compared to peak summer while still offering solid weather and decent daylight hours.
What to Expect When You Get There
From the moment you arrive, the experience is well-organised and easy to navigate. When you check in, you receive an electronic wristband. This wristband locks your locker and also acts as your payment method inside — just tap it at the in-water bar or any food station. No wallet needed in the water.
Facilities Available to All Guests
Every visitor gets access to the main lagoon, the sauna, the steam room and steam cave, the changing rooms with private shower stalls, the mask bar (where you pick up your silica mud mask), and a massage waterfall. There is also an in-water bar where you can order drinks without leaving the lagoon.
Food and Drinks
The Lava Restaurant sits on the edge of the lagoon and serves Icelandic cuisine using fresh local ingredients, from light meals to full gourmet dining. There is also the Blue Café for snacks and lighter refreshments before or after your soak. Both options are charged to your wristband.
The Silica Mud Mask Experience
This is one of the highlights of every visit. You can pick up white silica mud from dispensers in the lagoon, apply it to your face, let it set for about 10 minutes, then rinse off in the warm water. It leaves your skin incredibly soft. Every ticket includes at least one mask, and you can usually apply it more than once.
Photography Tip: An on-site photographer will offer to take your photo — and the photos are sent to you by email for free. This is a great option since taking your phone into the lagoon risks dropping it in the milky water (where you will never find it). If you want to bring your own phone, buy a waterproof pouch before you go.
10 Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Children aged 2–8 must wear inflatable armbands in the water. These are provided free of charge at the entrance. The lagoon floor is uneven and the water can be deeper in certain areas, so this rule exists for safety.
- Use the large luggage storage area if travelling from the airport. There is a dedicated luggage storage room separate from the main changing rooms — useful if you're arriving or departing on the same day. Ask at the reception desk.
- Apply conditioner to your hair before entering. The silica in the water can dry out and tangle hair, especially if it's long. The changing rooms provide free conditioner — apply it generously before you go in and work it through from root to tip.
- Plan to stay at least 2–3 hours. Your entry ticket has a set start time but no exit time. Two hours is the minimum to enjoy the lagoon, use the sauna, try the mask bar, and have a drink. Three hours is comfortable.
- Drink water regularly. Soaking in hot water is dehydrating, and the dry Icelandic air makes it worse. Your free drink with entry is a nice touch, but make sure water is part of what you consume during your visit.
- Check the official website for road updates before driving. Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula has disrupted road access in recent years. The official Blue Lagoon website is updated in real time with any route changes or closures.
- You can view the lagoon for free from outside. If budget is a real concern, there is a public walking path around the perimeter and a free viewing platform near the entrance. You can see the iconic blue water without going in — though once you see it, you'll want to jump in.
- Remove all jewellery before entering the water. The sulfur and silica will damage and tarnish silver, gold, and even some stones. Leave everything locked away. If you drop jewellery into the lagoon, it is impossible to recover.
- You must shower naked before entering. This is Icelandic law for all public pools, not just the Blue Lagoon. The changing rooms have private shower stalls with frosted glass doors. It's not as intimidating as it sounds — just follow the signs and it's over in two minutes.
- Book your shuttle at the same time as your ticket. Shuttle buses between Keflavík Airport, Reykjavík, and the Blue Lagoon sell out just like the tickets themselves. Bundle them together when you book.
