The Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: Bláa lónið) is a geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is perhaps the most popular attraction in Iceland, drawing visitors from all over the world.
History of the Blue Lagoon
The origins of the Blue Lagoon are inextricably linked to one Icelander – Valur Margeirsson. When a small lake of azure water appeared in the nearby lava during the construction of the Svartsengi geothermal power plant on the Reykjanes Peninsula, he was the one who decided to bathe in it first. Importantly, Valur suffered from psoriasis, so he saw the geothermal bath as a chance not only to relax, but also to help cure his condition.
Soon both Valur and other locals began to notice the extraordinary healing properties of the azure water, and word of them spread very quickly. In 1987, the first bathing facilities were officially opened. Today, the Blue Lagoon is a luxury spa with the impressive Silica and Retreat hotels, the magnificent Lava Restaurant and the Blue Café. There are also saunas, steam rooms and a small waterfall on site.
Healing water of the Blue Lagoon
The water in the lagoon is rich in silica, sulfur, algae and mineral salts. The silica combines with geothermal seawater in volcanic aquifers deep underground. When the superheated water reaches the surface and cools, the silica particles separate out and turn into white mud – one of the Blue Lagoon’s signature features.
The algae of Bláa lónið are microorganisms characteristic of geothermal seawater. Patented in 2006, they are cultivated and harvested using sustainable methods at the Blue Lagoon’s research center. Mineral salts and a range of other minerals complete the water’s unique composition and contribute to its remarkable power to heal and rejuvenate.
Scenic surroundings of the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is famous not only for the healing properties of its water, but also for its exceptionally picturesque surroundings. Set amid an abundance of spectacular volcanic landscapes, it has a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing.
The architecture of the buildings, inspired by Icelandic nature, is also worth noting. Winding corridors reminiscent of lava formations, walkways built into the natural landscape, tall basalt windows and minimalist, austere forms make the place truly unique and reflect a deep respect for the land.
Blue Lagoon: practical information
- The Blue Lagoon is open all year round: from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for most of the year, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 15 to August 20, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from February through May. Guests are asked to leave the water 30 minutes before closing.
- Because the number of guests is limited, you have to book in advance – and in peak season it’s worth booking tickets even a few months ahead.
- The Blue Lagoon is just a 10-minute drive from the town of Grindavik, 15 minutes from Keflavík Airport and about 30 minutes by car from Reykjavík. The main access road is Grindavíkurvegur (Route 43) – some navigation apps show outdated routes, so follow the road signs. You can also book a bus transfer from Reykjavík or Keflavík together with your admission ticket (see prices below).
- Before entering, you can rent flip-flops and a bathrobe for a fee; a towel is included in the ticket price.
- On the resort grounds you can also buy cosmetics made with minerals from the Blue Lagoon.
- Children under the age of 2 are not allowed into the lagoon.
To avoid the commute, you can spend the night at one of the resort’s hotels. Both are top quality and come with many extras (including admission to the main part of the Blue Lagoon and to the separate ‘private’ lagoons), but it is a rather expensive treat.
Rates at the Silica Hotel start from 104,000 ISK (about $870) for a double room (26 m2, breakfast included 🙂 ?), and at the Retreat Hotel from 230,000 ISK (about $1,920) for a suite for 2 people (40 m2) per night.
Keep in mind, though, that these prices – however high – cover not only a night in a beautiful place, but also treatment packages and services often unavailable to other Blue Lagoon guests.
Blue Lagoon admission prices (2026)
To enjoy the Blue Lagoon, you have to book one of its admission packages. Prices depend on the date and time of your visit; the lowest ones listed on the Blue Lagoon website (checked September 10, 2026) are as follows:
- The Comfort package, from 11,990 ISK (about $100), includes:
– entrance to the Blue Lagoon, the sauna, the steam room and the colder lagoon,
– a silica mud mask,
– use of a towel,
– one non-alcoholic drink. - The Premium package, from 14,990 ISK (about $125), includes:
– everything in the Comfort package,
– two additional masks,
– use of a bathrobe,
– a drink of your choice at the in-water bar,
– a 10 ml silica mud mask to take home. - The Signature package, from 18,490 ISK (about $155), includes:
– everything in the Premium package,
– a second drink,
– Blue Lagoon skincare products to take home, worth 14,000 ISK (about $115). - The Retreat Spa, from 89,000 ISK (about $740) per changing room, includes:
– entrance to the Blue Lagoon,
– five hours in the Retreat Spa and the Retreat Lagoon (the separate, ‘private’ parts of the resort),
– a private changing room,
– the Blue Lagoon ritual,
– a facial treatment.
If you are not driving, you can book admission together with a return bus transfer from the BSÍ Bus Terminal in central Reykjavik (or directly from your hotel for a small surcharge): Blue Lagoon Comfort with transfer costs 23,999 ISK (about $200) per adult, and Blue Lagoon Premium with transfer 26,999 ISK (about $225); children aged 2–11 pay 2,399 ISK (about $20) and 2,699 ISK (about $22).
Photos from the Blue Lagoon
Other attractions near Bláa lónið
The Blue Lagoon complex lies on the highly seismically active Reykjanes Peninsula, so there are several other very interesting places nearby. I described them in more detail in the article about the nearby town of Grindavik. Here they are:
- the Krýsuvík geothermal area and the Skátalaug hot spring, on Route 42 toward Reykjavik;
- Keilir mountain and the beautiful Lambafellsgjá fissure, which you can reach by a smaller road off Route 41;
- the Hafnarberg cliffs and the Bridge Between Continents (between Europe and America), on Route 425.
Alternative hot springs and pools in southern Iceland
The healing properties of the water and minerals from the Blue Lagoon are exceptional – there is no other place like it.
But there are plenty of hot pools, springs and spas all around the island. You won’t find a larger complex, but the choice is almost endless: places more down-to-earth or more upscale, focused on swimming or on skin treatments and relaxation, or simply fun for kids. There is also a wide selection of natural hot pools that offer nothing but hot water and wild landscapes… See them all in our complete guide: ALL the Hot Pools of Iceland [2026 Complete Guide with a Top 10 List].
But you don’t have to travel all around the island to find interesting alternatives to the Blue Lagoon. Close to Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon, there are several alternatives really worth your attention. The ones certainly worth visiting include:
- Reykjadalur hot river
is an absolutely unique place, though in a different way than the Blue Lagoon. The river – or rather the large mountain stream – Reykjadalur flows through a hanging valley, and “simply” all of it is hot… Boardwalks have been built here, there is plenty of grass, and the whole place is absolutely worth a visit – on a global scale it may be even more unique than the Blue Lagoon itself. You can read more in this description: Reykjadalur – Hot Bath in a Mountain Stream. - Krauma SPA
This spa is a bit farther from Reykjavik – about 100 km (60 miles) north – but it lies in an area with many attractions. It’s worth making a full day of it: visit the largest cave in Iceland, see some unique waterfalls and the highest hot spring, which supplies energy to the whole area. And you can end such a trip right at Krauma – a cheaper and smaller, but very elegant spa in the Reykholt region. You can read more about Krauma here: Krauma – Natural Geothermal SPA. - Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon is an exclusive spa that opened in spring 2021 in southern Reykjavik (formally just outside the city limits). Beautifully located and designed, it is aimed at those looking for an elegant and tranquil spa, even if admission is rather expensive. - Laugarvatn Fontana on Route 37
is an intimate but very nice hot pool center that also shows a traditional way of baking bread in the hot ground (see a broader description of this place in this article: Laugarvatn Fontana – Hot Pools, Baths and a Bakery – a 3 in 1). - The Secret Lagoon (Icelandic: Gamla laugin, literally “the Old Pool”) in Fludir
is a fairly simple hot pool, but it is surrounded by a ring of interesting hot springs with water at 100 °C (212°F); you can find my description of Gamla laugin here: The Secret Lagoon in Fludir – the Oldest Pool in Iceland. - Skatalaug
is a very simple hot spring just off Route 42; it’s no spa – there aren’t even changing rooms – but it offers raw contact with Iceland’s magnificent nature, completely free of charge; you can read about it in the article about Grindavik: Grindavik Surroundings – Top Things to See in the Reykjanes Peninsula. - Reykjavik pools
primarily Nauthólsvík beach and the Laugardalslaug and Sundhöllin pools. At Nauthólsvík you’ll find a rather unusual hot pool right at the ocean’s edge, next to a beautiful city beach. Laugardalslaug, on the other hand, is probably the most family-friendly pool on this short list, with several slides and a small playground for children. See more detailed descriptions in the article Hot Pools in Reykjavik.
