Reykjanes peninsula Thermal

Blue Lagoon

4.632,026 reviews Variable hours

The world’s most famous geothermal spa: milky blue waters at 38–40°C amid the black lava of the Reykjanes Peninsula, 40 minutes from Reykjavík.

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Ticket
€49
Estimated duration
3h
Difficulty
Accessible to all
Crowd level
Very busy

Safety warning

Do not bathe with open wounds, skin infections or irritated eyes. Rinse thoroughly after your visit to remove silica. Long hair must be tied up to avoid irreversible damage from silica.

At a glance

  • Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead in high season.
  • Tie up your hair before entering: silica can make it very dull.
  • Bring pool sandals — the bottom is uneven.
  • Avoid touching your face before rinsing off: silica can irritate the eyes.

A one-of-a-kind experience

The Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið) is probably Iceland’s most famous attraction and one of the world’s most visited geothermal spas. Its bright turquoise, milky waters, surrounded by fields of black volcanic lava, create a surreal landscape that never fails to impress.

Where the water comes from

The Blue Lagoon’s waters are not natural in the strict sense: they are a by-product of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which draws hot water from around 2,000 m below ground. The water — rich in silica, algae and minerals — was initially released into an artificial pool in the lava. Power-plant workers discovered that bathing in it relieved skin conditions, and the spa officially opened to the public in 1992.

The benefits

The high concentration of silica (the white sediment), blue-green algae and minerals is associated with dermatological benefits, particularly for psoriasis and eczema. The water temperature is kept between 37°C and 40°C.

How to visit

Online booking is mandatory, with timed entry slots. Packages range from Comfort (admission + silica mud mask + welcome drink) to Premium and Retreat. Arrive 20–30 minutes before your booked time.

Getting there

By car (40 min from Reykjavík via Route 41) or by direct bus from Reykjavík’s BSÍ Bus Terminal. There is also a convenient stop at Keflavík Airport — ideal as the first or final stop of your trip.

Blue Lagoon

Getting there

From the capital, it takes around 40 minutes via Route 41. If you do not have a car, dedicated shuttles run from Reykjavík and Keflavík with times coordinated with your booking.

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Weather & conditions

The lagoon is outdoors and can be visited in all weather conditions. Heavy rain or extreme cold will change the experience, but the warmth of the water more than makes up for it. In winter, the mist effect is particularly scenic.

Photography tips

The white silica contrasts beautifully with the blue water and black lava. Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) provides warm light that enhances the colours. For photos without tourists, choose the first morning slot or the final slot before closing.

Early morning Evening Sunset

Practical info

Visit planning

120 min

Minimum

180 min

Ideal

240 min

Extended

Suitable for

Couples Families Solo travellers
Opening hours
Monday
07:00–23:00
Tuesday
07:00–23:00
Wednesday
07:00–23:00
Thursday
07:00–23:00
Friday
07:00–23:00
Saturday
07:00–23:00
Sunday
07:00–23:00

Avoid during

Peak middayVolcanic closureSevere weather warning
Related legend

Services & access

  • Parking
  • Toilets

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible parking
  • Accessible restroom

Access & rules

Free parking Drones prohibited

Accepted payments

Card App

Terrain

Paved pathsPool floorLava rock
Slippery when wet Marked paths

Recommended gear

  • Swimsuit
  • Hair conditioner
  • Pool sandals
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Warm layers after bathing

Traveler reviews

Updated July 7, 2026

4.6

32,026 reviews · Google Places

Read on Google

  • "Truly suggestive and unique place. The water is blue and warm in contrast to the cold air. Immersed in nothingness it is quiet. The cost is high but it is certainly a magical place. The lagoon is large, there is a face mask area (the siliceous one is included in the basic formula), a bar (a non-alcoholic cocktail is included in the basic formula) and saunas. Very relaxing indeed! Perfect to start your Iceland experience or to say goodbye!"

    Scilla Guidi

    Google Places · 5 months ago

  • "Only and only marketing! The only bad experience in Iceland. The most famous lagoon in the world... is nothing more than a very expensive heated swimming pool. Less beautiful, evocative and cared for than any spa center visited in Italy. Do something else!"

    giovanni gargano

    Google Places · 2 months ago

  • "Fantastic spa with blue, milky waters. Impeccable organization, excellent service before, during and after the experience. I recommend purchasing the entrance ticket in advance, at least a month."

    Gabriele Brizio

    Google Places · 5 months ago

  • "An unforgettable experience, among steam, hot thermal waters, saunas and Turkish baths. All outdoors. The contrast with the low external temperature and the heat of the water is truly pleasant and you never want to leave. The possibility of enjoying a natural drink and natural clay masks, which leave the skin as smooth as that of a child, is also very relaxing and pleasant. Overall it is a highly recommended experience."

    Giuseppe Borgonovi

    Google Places · 8 months ago

  • "A great Icelandic classic that cannot be missed on a visit to this nation. The place is spectacular but you can't see it from the thousands of photos found on the web. The most interesting thing is that it is a truly natural space born from the waste water of the geothermal power plant a few tens of meters away, a fundamental place for Icelanders only in the second half of the 80s and which became famous and exploited by tourists. Today it is perhaps a little too crowded, but still very suggestive."

    Marco Monari

    Google Places · 7 months ago

Frequently asked questions

Is booking really mandatory, or can I just show up at the entrance?

Booking is mandatory: you cannot enter without a reserved time slot. The lagoon operates with controlled capacity. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead in high season (June–August).

Can I bring children?

Yes, but children under 2 are not admitted. Entry is permitted from age 2 onwards. Family packages offer reduced rates for children up to 13 years old.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the facility is designed to be accessible. Water wheelchairs are available on request. Contact customer service in advance to arrange access.

Tours/activities related to Blue Lagoon

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