Blue Lagoon

Iceland's Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. Relaxing in its striking blue waters surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes is a must-do experience, and the fact that it's less than an hour's drive from Reykjavik makes it a perfect day trip!

What to expect at the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is an enormous geothermal spa located on a lava field in southwestern Iceland. Its pools have an average temperature of around 38°C (100ºF), ideal for warming up against the chilly Icelandic weather. It owes its striking milky blue colour to the abundant silica particles in the water, which happen to be very good for the skin. This silica is used in one of the exfoliating face treatments offered at the thermal baths, amongst others like algae and even lava masks!

The relaxing experience of bathing in the hot springs is complemented by other services including a lounging area, hydro massage waterfalls, a relaxing steam cave, fountains for drinking water, a sauna, a steam bath... and even a poolside bar! You can order a beer or a soft drink without leaving the warm waters of Blue Lagoon.

Top tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon

As one of the most popular places of interest in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon fills up quickly and it's strongly recommended to book in advance. For the most relaxing experience, the best time to visit is early in the morning, late evening or even at night, depending on the time of year.

If you don't have much time in Iceland but don't want to miss out on a trip to Blue Lagoon, a popular option for many travellers is to stop at the hot springs just before going to Keflavik Airport, which is located just 20 km away. If you decide to do this, the Blue Lagoon has luggage lockers you can use for 600 kr (US$ 4.32) per day.

Is it worth a visit?

The quickest answer to this question is yes: the high quality of the facilities, the impressive landscapes and the healing properties of the Blue Lagoon make it unmissable. What's more, you can also combine a trip to the Blue Lagoon with a tour to see the Northern Lights - unforgettable!

Having said this, as one of the most visited places in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon can be very crowded. There are more peaceful hot springs elsewhere in the country that you can visit if you'd prefer a quieter experience, like the Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle, or the Myvatn Nature Baths and the pool of Hofsós, in the north of Iceland.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon

The most convenient way to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik is to rent a car. In just 50 minutes, driving via roads 41 to 43, you'll reach the large, free car park at the attraction. Alternatively, you can book a tour from the capital or even from Keflavik International Airport.