We wanted to spend our last day in Iceland in full, relaxation mode. After getting our COVID test, we spent the rest of the day decompressing at the Blue Lagoon. We flew back to the U.S. on our 11th day.
What is the Blue Lagoon?
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is a manmade, geothermal spa located outside of Grindavík and just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport. The water that feeds into the lagoon was found by accident when the nearby Svartsengi power plant unearthed steam and hot water while searching for geothermal energy. These waters are rich in silica, which is what gives the water its signature milky blue hue. The combination of silica, algae, and other minerals makes the hot spring a perfect place for skin care treatments, while also being one of the most scenic places to bathe.
Blue Lagoon Day Trip
Visiting the Blue Lagoon requires you to pre-book a spa package for a specific time and date. The lagoon is open 365 days a year but hours may vary depending on the season. Also, the prices listed on the website are subject to change depending on seasonality, time of entry, and availability. If you know your dates and are able to book in advance, you’ll generally be able to get a better price unless you’re traveling during peak season.
Blue Lagoon Packages
You’ll be able to enter the Blue Lagoon by choosing either the Comfort or Premium package.
- A basic package is all you need if you want to enter the lagoon and try the silica mud mask.
- If you want to use a bathrobe, a glass of wine on site, and two additional masks, you may enjoy the Premium package.
- If you want to experience the Retreat Spa, you’ll need the luxury package which includes access to both the Blue Lagoon and the otherwise exclusive Retreat Lagoon.
We chose the Premium package to use the bathrobe, which was perfect since we ended up eating inside the restaurant.
Booking your Reservation
Once you identify your preferred package, you can book your reservation. You’ll have to select the date and time of entry (note: there is no time limit on how long you can spend at the lagoon). When selecting a time, keep in mind that check-in must happen within a one-hour window of your booking.
Opening Hours
- January-May, from 09:00-21:00
- June, from 08:00-22:00
- July-August, from 08:00-23:00
- September-October, from 08:00-21:00
- November-December, from 08:00-20:00
Closing Hours
The lagoon closes at different times depending on the season. Regardless, guests are required to exit the water 30 minutes prior to closing.
In the booking window, you’ll be able to add on other treatments and make a reservation for the restaurant. A restaurant reservation is recommended but not required. If you’re flexible or unsure, you can always check in with the host on the day of to see if they have openings. We didn’t have a reservation but we were able to secure one on the same day. (Tip: most of the patrons at the restaurant were wearing their bathrobes over their swimsuits. I’d highly recommend getting the Premium package for the bathrobe if you think you want to eat at the restaurant).
Blue Lagoon Tips
- When is the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon? I’d recommend going first thing in the morning or an evening slot in order to truly experience the serenity of the lagoon. Because we needed to take our COVID test, the earliest time slot we could book was 11:00 AM. While it wasn’t so packed that it was unenjoyable, it definitely was crowded – which only got worse as the day went on. I’ve read that closing can be just as peaceful and even more majestic if you’re able to catch the sunset or Northern Lights. If you go in the evening, just make sure you give yourself enough time before closing.
- How long do you need at the Blue Lagoon? I’d plan to spend about 2-4 hours at the Lagoon. We spent 4 hours total in the lagoon, 3 of which were in the lagoon and 1 was spent eating at the restaurant. If you don’t plan on eating at the restaurant, 2 hours should be enough time to get your mask and wade around to the different sections of the lagoon.
- What should you bring to the Blue Lagoon? In the locker room, you’ll have access to day lockers, showers with the essentials, towels, and blow dryers. Besides the essentials like a change of clothes, bathing suit, and flip flops, I’d also recommend bringing:
- Sunglasses
- Hair tie or clip
- Waterproof phone case
- Small bag to hold your jewelry
- Water bottle
- While not an item to bring, I would also recommend eating beforehand. You’re not allowed to bring your own food and the food onsite is quite pricey.
- Can I put my hair in the water? I would strongly advise not putting your hair into the water. While it won’t damage your hair, the mineral build-up feels heavy and leaves your hair feeling dry and brittle. I personally found that it took several days of shampooing and conditioning for my hair to feel back to normal – would not recommend it.
Is the Blue Lagoon Worth It?
I would 100% recommend a visit to the Blue Lagoon. It’s conveniently located, super relaxing, and absolutely beautiful. While there are other hot springs to visit, I really loved the milky blue waters that are only found here.
I would do things differently for my next visit like booking an early timeslot, not putting my hair in the water, and eating a meal ahead of time. We didn’t personally find Lava Restaurant to be worth it because there weren’t that many appetizing items on the menu (for our taste) and it’s quite pricey. The menu does change so I’d only go if there was something that sounded especially appetizing.
I was honestly skeptical after reading numerous reviews saying it was overrated but I’m so glad I went. We felt so relaxed during our visit and felt it was the perfect way to end our long, Ring Road self-driving trip.
I’ve been dreaming of visiting the Blue Lagoon, and want to go even more now!! Thanks so much for those great tips! I definitely won’t let me hair go in the water!!