When you visit Reykjavik, there is one place pretty much every tourist goes to, and that’s the world-famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Yes, it’s massively busy. Yes, there are just as many great – if not better – geothermal pools and hot pots to swim in at much more reasonable prices. But it’s a rite of passage if you’re travelling to Iceland. A tick off the Iceland hotspot list and, all that aside, it’s a fantastic experience.
So what essential information do you need to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland? Read on for essential Blue Lagoon Iceland tips…
Blue Lagoon quick facts
- Location: 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport
- Price: From ISK 11,990 (approx £77)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Booking: Essential – pre-book weeks in advance
- Children: Free ages 2-13
Why we loved the Blue Lagoon
Perhaps it’s the surreal swirling mists as you swim in the open Icelandic countryside, or being able to relax with a glass of wine as you bathe in milky water. Maybe it’s the hilarity of shivering in sub-zero temperatures before submerging yourself into the hot pool or the fact that your skin feels as smooth as a baby’s bottom when you’re done.
There’s a certain atmosphere surrounding the Blue Lagoon which is quite hard to explain in words – but it’s well worth it. As a family, we had a lot of fun. When we went, the weather was appalling, there were squally winds and sleet, and it was extremely cold.
So whatever the weather, you can still visit the Blue Lagoon in the rain, sleet and snow. But that was all part of this unique experience. In some parts of the Lagoon, we were the only people splashing around for a time – it really is much bigger than you first imagine.
Our top Blue Lagoon Iceland tips
Here are some helpful Blue Lagoon tips if you ever plan to visit Iceland’s most popular attraction – everything you need to know before going to the Blue Lagoon – from things to do at the Blue Lagoon and tips on visiting the Blue Lagoon with kids.
Interesting facts about the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is close to Keflavik Airport
The Blue Lagoon isn’t in ReykjavÃk – it’s very close to Keflavik Airport, just 20 minutes away by car. So, the best way to maximise your time is to plan your visit as you’re travelling to or from the airport. There is plenty of safe luggage storage costing around €4-5 per bag at their dedicated luggage facility.
The Blue Lagoon isn’t really blue…
The water is actually a cloudy, milky colour made up of three active ingredients – silica, algae and minerals. The blue colour comes from the silica and the way it reflects in the sunlight. It’s one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, and when you see those ethereal mists rising from the mineral-rich waters, you’ll understand why.
The Blue Lagoon is man-made
The most popular destination in Iceland isn’t a natural phenomenon. The land is natural, as is the lava that shapes the pool, but the water is actually the result of overspill from the geothermal plant next door. As horrid as that sounds, it really is amazing – and the water is self-cleaning, renewing itself every 40 hours with fresh geothermal seawater.
Blue Lagoon with kids: Everything parents need to know
Free admission for kids
Here’s brilliant news for families: Children from ages 2-13 enjoy the Blue Lagoon completely free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. However, the minimum age is strictly enforced at 2 years old due to babies being highly sensitive to the elevated mineral content in the water.
Safety requirements for kids
All children aged 8 and under must wear complimentary armbands (water-wings) at all times in the lagoon. These are provided free and available in large bins near the entrance. Don’t worry if your confident swimmer protests – it’s a rule that must be followed for visibility in the milky waters where it’s impossible to see beneath the surface.
The lagoon reaches depths of 1.4 metres (4.7 feet), making adult supervision essential. One adult can supervise a maximum of two children, so plan accordingly if you’re travelling with several kids.
Family-friendly features
We found the Blue Lagoon to be really family-friendly. The bottom is smooth underfoot (not rocky as some expect), with wooden walkways around the edges. There’s a helpful depth map at the entrance showing you where the shallow areas are perfect for little ones.
Watch out for the geothermal water outlets – these areas are significantly warmer and should be avoided with children. Stick to the main bathing areas where temperatures hover comfortably between 37-40°C (98-104°F).
Plus, you can swim up to the Water Bar and order an assortment of slushies for your little ones. This was a real treat for our son.
Essential Blue Lagoon tips
You must have a naked shower
Not unlike all the other spas and pools in Iceland, they do ask if you can have a shower sans costume before you enter the lagoon. Why? For cleanliness reasons, of course, and there are complimentary toiletries to use in the Blue Lagoon showers. I was astonished by how many people flouted this rule…
You need to condition your hair
For Blue Lagoon hair advice, read on. The silica in the water plays havoc with hair – making it stiff and difficult to manage. The best way to combat this is by whacking tons of complimentary conditioner on your hair before you go swimming. If that doesn’t appeal, you can also wear a cap. I personally didn’t have any problems after tying my hair up and washing it thoroughly afterwards with the Blue Lagoon hair gel and shampoo.
You don’t need your wallet at the Blue Lagoon
As soon as you enter the Blue Lagoon complex, each individual is given a security wristband which not only locks the electronic lockers in the changing rooms but also allows you to pay for food and drink just like a credit card. You pay for the balance when you leave. Be warned, there is a fee if you lose this band.
There is a spa and restaurant
If you really want to make a day of it, you can book in-water massages as well as use the steam and sauna rooms. In fact, there are many Blue Lagoon packages to consider, such as the Luxury Retreat Spa, which gives you five hours of pampering. Meanwhile, there is food and drink available at the swim-up water bar and the cafe, which has sandwiches, sushi and salads on offer. But for more fine dining, go to the Lava restaurant, which overlooks the Lagoon. It serves up posh nosh for lunch and dinner – with a price tag to match.
The clay masks are included in all packages
No Blue Lagoon trip is complete without a face mask. If you swim up the mask bar, there’s a lovely attendant with big pots of clay masks. Put the white silica one on first, remove it, then add the cleansing green algae mask if you fancy. It’s pretty strange seeing all these people swimming around you with ghost-like complexions! My face did feel very smooth afterwards.
Towels are included in all packages
Towels are included in all packages, so there is no need to bring them with you. Bathrobes are included with Premium and Signature admissions.Â
Book well in advance
There is no two ways about it. Don’t even consider rocking up without having pre-booked. The Blue Lagoon is seriously popular and sells out regularly. Entry prices now start from around €70-80 (£60-68) for the comfort package, rising to over €110 (£94) for premium packages with robes and additional drinks included.
Consider going outside normal hours – early morning (8am opening) or late evening can be relatively quieter. Opening hours are:
- Summer (June 1-August 20): 7:00am-midnight
- Winter (August 21-January 31): 8:00am-10:00pm
- Spring (February 1-May 31): 8:00am-8:00pm
There’s no time limit on how long you stay once you’re in. But you can expect to spend around two hours there if you want to enjoy the soothing waters and feel the benefits.
Go, whatever the weather
Come rain, snow or shine, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is always open for business. We went to the Blue Lagoon in winter and it was fine. We were initially concerned the weather would affect our enjoyment but there was no need to worry. Once you’re in the water, which is kept at 37-40°C all year round, you don’t feel the cold.Â
Weather closures are extremely rare – the lagoon remains open in almost all conditions.
What if you miss your time slot?
The Blue Lagoon allow an hour of flexibility for arrival times on Comfort, Premium and Signature bookings, although your ticket will still be valid later in the day. However, they cannot guarantee immediate entry upon arrival for guests who arrive at a different time than their pre-booked time.
Blue Lagoon admission and packages
Current pricing (2026)
The Blue Lagoon now uses dynamic pricing, meaning costs vary by time and season:
Comfort Package: ISK 11,990-14,990 (£77-96)
- Entrance to Blue Lagoon
- Silica mud mask
- One drink
- Towel use
Premium Package: ISK 14,990-17,990 (£96-115)
- Everything in Comfort
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Two additional masks of your choice
- Second drink
Signature Package: ISK 17,990-21,990 (£115-141)
- Everything in Premium
- Blue Lagoon skincare products to take home
- Reserved seating at Lava Restaurant (optional)
Remember: Children 2-13 enter free with paying adults, but you’ll need to rent towels for them separately.
Booking strategy
Pre-booking is mandatory and should be done as far in advance as possible. The most popular time slots sell out weeks ahead. For better value, consider booking through platforms like GetYourGuide, which often offer fixed pricing without the dynamic pricing surges and more flexible cancellation policies.
Getting there
From Keflavik Airport: 20-minute drive From Reykjavik: 45-50 minute drive (47km)
If you don’t have a car, book a Blue Lagoon package with transfers included – these typically include door-to-door pickup from your hotel or the airport.
Making the most of your Blue Lagoon experience
The Blue Lagoon covers an impressive 8,700 square metres of mineral-rich geothermal seawater. Take time to explore different areas – some sections have massage waterfalls, others are quieter relaxation zones. The water completely refreshes every 40 hours, keeping it pristine without chemicals.
For families, the experience genuinely lives up to the hype. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it’s touristy, but there’s something magical about soaking in those milky waters surrounded by volcanic landscapes that makes it worth doing at least once.
Top tip: Bring a waterproof phone case for photos – the Instagram opportunities are endless, and everyone else will be doing the same!
Have you been to Iceland? If so, what are your top Blue Lagoon tips?
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