Top 10 Questions About the Blue Lagoon

Embarking on a journey to Iceland's Blue Lagoon offers an unforgettable experience, blending natural wonders with serene relaxation. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another soak in the lagoon’s restorative waters, you’ll have many questions regarding how to make the most of your trip. From practical advice on preparing for your visit to insights on the lagoon's health benefits, this guide addresses the top 10 questions about the Blue Lagoon, ensuring your experience is seamless and worry-free.

1. What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark in Iceland. It was honored as one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012. This stunning lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is naturally renewed every 40 hours. The lagoon is shallow, with an average depth of 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) and a maximum depth of just over 1.5 meters (about 5 feet). The average temperature of the water is a warm and inviting 37-39°C (98-102°F), perfect for bathing in Iceland's cool climate.

The water in the Blue Lagoon is unique due to its rich content of silica, algae, and minerals, giving the lagoon its famous milky blue appearance. These components have skin-healing and rejuvenating properties, distinguishing the Blue Lagoon from any other spa in the world and making it a unique experience for visitors seeking relaxation and wellness benefits.

Regular sampling of this natural resource shows that foreign bacteria do not thrive in the lagoon's ecosystem. Thus, disinfectants such as chlorine are not needed. In essence, the lagoon is a self-cleaning ecosystem.

2. How long can I stay?

The short answer: as long as you want. The duration of your stay can vary significantly depending on the type of admission you choose and the activities you plan to engage in:

Type of admission: Blue Lagoon offers several types of admission, including Comfort, Premium, and the Retreat Spa. Each provides a different level of experience, from basic access to the lagoon and facilities to more luxurious experiences.

Open every day: Blue Lagoon is open 365 days a year, including holidays, allowing visitors to enjoy its geothermal waters under various seasonal conditions. You can find specific opening hours here.

Visit duration: Generally, it's recommended to plan for a stay of between two and four hours. This allows ample time to soak in the geothermal waters and enjoy the spa's amenities, which include your free drink at the in-water and your free mask at the mask bar. If you're planning to dine at one of Blue Lagoon’s restaurants or have spa treatments, you may want to allocate more time. Likewise, a trip to the Blue Lagoon is perfect as the first or last stop on your Icelandic vacation.

3. How much does it cost?

The cost of visiting the Blue Lagoon varies based on the type of ticket and the time of your visit due to their dynamic pricing system. This approach adjusts prices according to demand, time of day, and season:

Comfort admission: These are the basic tickets, offering entry to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask at the in in-water mask bar, a towel, and a drink at the in-water beverage bar. Check here for prices.

Premium admission: A step up from Comfort, including two additional masks at the in-water mask bar, a bathrobe, and two free drinks at the in-water beverage bar or Blue Lagoon’s onsite restaurants. Check here for prices.

Retreat Spa admission: For a luxurious experience, spa admission gives you a private changing room (accommodating two guests) and grants you 5-hour access to the award-winning Retreat Spa. Check here for prices.

Children aged two to thirteen can enjoy the Blue Lagoon for free when accompanied by an adult, though they don't receive additional amenities like lockers or bathrobes.

The Blue Lagoon experience is truly priceless, thanks to its unique geothermal waters, rich in minerals, silica, and algae, offering both relaxation and skin benefits. Additionally, the stunning natural surroundings contribute to a serene and rejuvenating experience, making it a must-visit destination in Iceland.

4. How do I get there?

Getting to Blue Lagoon from either Keflavík International Airport or Reykjavík is straightforward, offering options for self-drive and transfers:

From Keflavík International Airport: Blue Lagoon is about a 20-minute drive from Keflavík, making it an easily accessible stop for those just arriving in or departing Iceland. Simply follow the signs from the airport towards Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. There are rental car services at the airport for those looking to self-drive.

From Reykjavík: The journey from Reykjavík takes approximately 45 minutes by car. You would head south on Route 41, then follow the signs to Blue Lagoon. This scenic drive offers beautiful views of Iceland’s unique landscape.

Transfers: For those not driving themselves, Destination Blue Lagoon and several companies offer scheduled bus transfers directly to the Blue Lagoon from both Keflavík Airport and Reykjavík. These can be booked in advance and often provide flexible return times, allowing visitors to choose how long they spend at the lagoon.

Addressing Delays: If you encounter delays when traveling to Blue Lagoon, be aware that we generally allow an hour of flexibility for arrival times.

Parking: For visitors driving to Blue Lagoon, parking is available onsite and is free of charge. This makes it convenient for those renting a car or driving their own vehicle.

5. What should I wear?

When visiting Blue Lagoon, swimwear is a necessity. Visitors are expected to wear swimsuits while in the lagoon and during any spa treatments that involve entering the water.

For those who might forget to bring their own or prefer not to travel with wet swimwear after their visit, Blue Lagoon offers swimsuit rentals. Additionally, swimsuits are available for purchase for those looking to acquire new swimwear. Blue Lagoon also provides bathrobe rentals, which are included with Premium admission, enhancing the comfort and experience of visitors. While guests are welcome to bring their own flip-flops or sandals, it's not essential due to the minimal amount of outdoor walking required. These provisions ensure flexibility and convenience, guaranteeing a seamless experience for all visitors.

Remember, while swimwear is essential, Blue Lagoon also requires visitors to shower without swimsuits before entering the lagoon to maintain the cleanliness and purity of the water, in line with Icelandic public swimming pool etiquette.

6. Where should I stay?

For those planning a visit to Blue Lagoon and looking for accommodation options, there are multiple options in Keflavík and Reykjavík, as well as two hotels at Blue Lagoon:

Silica Hotel and The Retreat Hotel: The Retreat Hotel is a luxury option providing a high-end experience with unlimited access to the Retreat Spa and Lagoon. Silica Hotel is a boutique location known for its comfort and access to a private bathing lagoon. Staying at these hotels includes access to the Blue Lagoon.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, it's recommended to book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability. Each option provides a different aspect of Iceland, from the serene luxury of the Blue Lagoon's own accommodations to the vibrant life of Reykjavik and the charm of local towns.

7. What is the Blue Lagoon’s effect on your skin and hair?

The Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters are renowned for their beneficial effects on the skin, enriched with silica, algae, and minerals. These components contribute to skin's strength, renewal, and moisture, promoting radiance, rejuvenation, and improved circulation. The lagoon's water is not just soothing; it has been the basis of medically-approved psoriasis treatments and is the foundation of Blue Lagoon Skincare.

However, while the water is beneficial for your skin and scalp, it can have a drying effect on your hair, leaving it matted and unmanageable. To protect your hair, it is recommended to thoroughly wet your hair and apply a conditioner before entering the lagoon, leaving it in your hair to act as a barrier against the minerals. If your hair does get wet, rinsing it with fresh water and following up with a conditioner after your dip helps manage its condition. Hair conditioner and shampoo are complimentary amenities in all shower areas at Blue Lagoon. For those with long hair, tying it up or using a swim cap, available for purchase at the lagoon, can offer additional protection. The effects of the lagoon's water on hair are temporary, similar to swimming in the ocean, and normal hair condition is typically restored after 2-3 washes.

For skincare, Blue Lagoon offers treatments that utilize geothermal seawater's healing properties. Notably, the lagoon's psoriasis treatment, which incorporates regular bathing in its mineral-rich waters, application of specially developed skincare products, and UV light therapy, has been effective and is one of the few completely natural remedies for the condition. The treatment products, created from the lagoon's primary bioactive elements, aim to promote skin health and are available for purchase online.

In essence, while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the Blue Lagoon for your skin, a little preparation and care can prevent any temporary adverse effects on your hair.

8. Is pre-booking necessary?

Pre-booking your Blue Lagoon visit is essential due to its popularity. By booking directly with Blue Lagoon, you’ll gain access to the My Booking feature, which grants you numerous benefits, providing flexibility and peace of mind:

- Skip the line when you arrive for check-in

- Easy booking management and modification

- Best price guarantee

- No hidden fees

- Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance

9. Is Blue Lagoon Water safe for bathing?

Yes, the Blue Lagoon's water is safe for bathing. Born 2000 meters underground where seawater and fresh water converge in a tectonic realm of searing heat and immense pressure, this extraordinary natural resource is extracted at the Svartsengi Resource Park, which harnesses heat from the Earth's interior. Unlike nuclear or coal power, geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable source that doesn't produce hazardous waste. The bioactive components found in the Blue Lagoon--silica, algae, and minerals--are naturally occurring and have beneficial properties for the skin. There's no radiation or harmful chemicals, making the water perfectly safe and therapeutic to bathe in.

10. How should I spend my time at Blue Lagoon?

To maximize your Blue Lagoon experience, consider dividing your time among its rejuvenating activities and amenities. Start by soaking in the geothermal waters, exploring the steam room, steam cave, sauna, and unwinding under the massage waterfall. Enjoy a drink at the in-water bar. Treat yourself to an in-water beverage and apply an element face mask—silica, algae, minerals, or lava—from the in-water mask bar. Consider taking your relaxation to the next level with a signature in-water massage found nowhere else in Iceland, or a float therapy session. For dining, choose from Blue Café for light refreshments or indulge in classic Icelandic cuisine at Lava, Michelin-starred culinary journeys at Moss, or gourmet delicacies at Spa Restaurant. Don't miss shopping for unique skincare products or souvenirs at the onsite store, and make time to explore the serene paths through the moss-covered lava fields for a complete Blue Lagoon experience.