Blue Lagoon Guide For Beginners – Everything You Need to Know!

Iceland Blue Lagoon Guide – Perfect for First-Timers

Did you even visit Iceland without stopping at the Blue Lagoon? Located right in Reykjavik, it is considered one of the best things to do when visiting Iceland. After visiting the Blue Lagoon ourselves, I learned a lot of things I wish I had known before visiting. Therefore, here is your ultimate Iceland Blue Lagoon guide covering everything you need to know before you go!

Update: The Blue Lagoon is temporarily closed due to seismic activity. They are expected to re-open on January 16th, but double-check their website to confirm they are open!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, where I might receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

About The Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Believe it or not, The Blue Lagoon is actually man-made. The water comes from a nearby geothermal plant that runs off into what we know as the Blue Lagoon. However, just because it is man-made, doesn’t mean the water doesn’t offer tons of benefits.

With average temperatures of 99–102 °F, you can soak in the water year-round! The geothermal seawater is 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater, enriched with silica, algae, and minerals, and has been known to heal and rejuvenate the skin.

Read: Iceland Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting

Book the Blue Lagoon in Advance

One too many times, I’ve heard of people trying to get a ticket on arrival and getting turned away. It’s best to book in advance. You can book a little over a month out and be able to pick the time slot you want to visit.

I would suggest making the time slot after arriving in Iceland or before leaving Iceland since the Blue Lagoon is right by the international airport.

Also, something good to note is that once you check-in, you can stay until closing so it is best to book as early in the day as possible! Here’s the link to book your ticket.

Blue Lagoon Packages

While doing research for Iceland, I read mixed reviews on the Blue Lagoon, but ultimately decided to spend $100 per person for the basic package. Currently, the basic package ranges in price depending on the month and time you choose. Therefore it can be a little less or a little more.

The basic package includes your entry, a towel, 1 drink with your bracelet, and a silica mask.  I’ve heard stories about people getting the robes, and when they came back, their robes were gone.

Everyone’s towels and robes get hung up in the same place, so you might not even get your original towel. One level up will give you two masks, the bathrobe, and champagne at the lava lounge. If it’s not too much more than the basic, it could be worth the alcohol. 

Related: Ultimate 4 Days in Iceland Itinerary

How to Get to The Blue Lagoon

If you are coming from Keflavík Airport, the Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes and 50 minutes from Reykjavík. One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting the Blue Lagoon is actually driving to the wrong location.

When arriving in Iceland, we made the mistake of going to the Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavík instead of the REAL Blue Lagoon in Grindavík.

I was told it’s a common mistake and it’s about 45 minutes away from the true destination. If you are not renting your own car, you will want to look into a guide or shuttle to the Blue Lagoon.

This should be the correct address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík or use these coordinates: 63°52’49.3″N 22°26’58.1″W

Arriving At The Blue Lagoon

Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, you will walk straight back down the path about a quarter-mile, (not the small building to the left) where there will be lava rocks on either side.

Next, go to the reception, and they will give you this plastic bracelet that controls your locker entry to the building along with anything else you buy while inside the Blue Lagoon.

Getting to the Bathing Area of the Blue Lagoon

Once you go through the check-in, you will see locker room levels on both floors. When I got to the locker room, I was a little confused. I couldn’t find out how to get to the actual lagoon from the lockers.

I could imagine it was quite comical watching me try to figure it out. There were no signs or instructions, so here’s what I learned.

For girls, you will go in and scan your watch to get a locker. Just pick anyone that is empty, scan your watch, and close it. Make sure to do it with the locker empty to make sure it works before locking away your stuff! The lockers are pretty large. I think they can fit a carry-on suitcase.

Once you have your locker, change into your swimsuit, tie up your hair, get your camera, and go to the back of the locker rooms by the shower. You are required to shower first before you are allowed in the pools and should see the entry from there.

For the guys’ locker room, you will go up the stairs into your locker room, get a locker, and go to the showers. After, there will be stairs leading down to the lagoon.  (Going off my husband’s memory).

Put Your Hair Up at the Blue Lagoon

If there is one important thing this Blue Lagoon guide taught you, it’s to put your hair up! Do not get your hair wet in the Blue Lagoon! The sulfur will turn your hair into straw.

Only a little bit of my hair got wet, and I still felt the effects. I would definitely make sure you have a hair tie or something to clip it up. It’s not worth the Instagram picture, I promise!

Once You’re In The Blue Lagoon

You finally made it inside the warm, relaxing water! Now, head over to get your free drink (to the right) and the free mask (to the left). When we booked our tickets, it happened to be pouring rain and windy. We looked up canceling the tickets, but tickets are basically non-refundable.

Tired from the flight and slightly disappointed,  we decided we would jump in and then jump out of the lagoon. To our surprise, once we got in, we stayed for a couple of hours.

So if there is bad weather, don’t be discouraged because it did not ruin our experience at all. So, have the absolute best time and soak it all in!

Dining at The Blue Lagoon

There is a restaurant inside, but we didn’t explore the dining options. I would imagine they are just as expensive as the rest of Iceland.

If you’re hungry while there, I would eat there because it’s expensive everywhere. However, we did see many people with their own snacks. If you could hold out, it would be best to wait until you get back to Reykjavík.

What about the Secret Lagoon in Iceland?

The Secret Lagoon is a stop on the Golden Circle. We stopped by to check it out, but it does not have that iconic blue water, and it’s much smaller, so it was pretty crowded. We didn’t go inside the lagoon, so I can’t completely speak to it; this was just my observation.

They did have a nice little restaurant area where you could grab some food and a beer. If you do decide to do the Secret Lagoon as well, I would give it at least half a day.

It would be hard doing the rest of the Golden Circle since you would need to shower and get re-dressed.

The Sky Lagoon

The Sky Lagoon is relatively new to the Reykjavik area and has gained popularity. People debate back and forth about which is better to go to. You will not get the iconic blue water, but you will have an older crowd, as children are not allowed. The Sky Lagoon is also basically right in downtown Reykjavik, which can be easier for some to visit.

If you have time and money, I would honestly recommend both. They are both different experiences, and soaking in Geothermal pools is part of what Iceland is all about!

Where to Stay in Iceland

When deciding where to stay in Iceland, Reykjavik is usually your best bet. The town is so cute, and you will find a lot of food options around the area. We had stayed in Selfoss and wished we had stayed in Reykjavik instead.

Iceland is a very popular destination, so the best accommodations book up fast in Reykjavik. Here are some of the best places to stay.

• Midgardur by Center Hotels $$$ 
•  Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina $$
•  Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre $$$$

There are also a handful of hostels in Reykjavik available for those traveling solo, or on a tight budget.

Iceland Blue Lagoon Guide Overview

This covers everything you need to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon. If, for some reason, you are unable to get a ticket or make time for the Blue Lagoon, you can still drive there to see the water for free from the outside and take photos!

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