Should You Visit the Blue Lagoon (Iceland)?

Is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland worth checking out? I like to encourage people to take on new experiences for themselves, instead of deciding on value based on the ramblings of others.

Of course, reviews and recommendations often provide useful insights, especially for those who may not have a certain level of disposable income to experiment with. That isn’t lost on me, which is why we’re here.

I took a little trip to see what the Blue Lagoon hype was all about. What did I see? Did I learn anything? How does it help you? Let’s talk about it.

How Do You Get to the Iceland Blue Lagoon?

Direct Private Transfer

If it’s just one or two people traveling and you can afford it, there is an option that sees Easy Transfer pick you up from the airport and take you there. It costs roughly $85, and the staff will wait 75 minutes after your plane lands, so keep that in mind if you’re worried about delays.

Traveling by Car

There’s kind of a bias here, as I will almost always get a rental car if I can. Honestly, it’s just convenient. The time it takes to get to Blue Lagoon will depend on if you’re traveling from the Keflavik Airport or if Reykjavik is your starting point. It’s 20 minutes from the former and 50 from the latter.

From the airport, the trip takes you from Reykjanesbraut (Route 41) to Grindavikurvegur (Route 43). You’ll then be headed to Blaalonsvegur (Route 426), after which you’ll see the Blue Lagoon signs.

If you’re in Reykjavik, then you head from Hringbraut (Route 49) to Krinlumyrarbraut (Route 40). Next is Reykjanesbraut (Route 41), after which you’ll then be headed west for 26 km until you get to Grindavikurvegur (route 43). Everything after that point is the same as above.

There’s no cost for parking, which is awesome.

Traveling by Bus

If you’re trying to save money, then you can spend $29 to book one-way transfers through Destination Blue Lagoon. Options are available from both Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik. It is $59 for roundtrip transfers.

I think Icelandia is a better option if you’re in Reykjavik. There’s a departure every hour from 9 AM to 5 PM. Return trips also happen hourly from 1:15 PM to 8:15 PM. It’s only $46 for the roundtrip, and the buses are super reliable.

What Does the Blue Lagoon Experience Cost?

Those who want to enjoy the milky blue waters have a few cost options, as there are three ticket categories. You would think each of the three has a set price, but that is not the case. Instead, depending on the time slot you choose, the cost will vary.

Sadly, there’s not really a system that I can lay out for you to make it easy to understand. It’s kind of weird. The best I can do is give you an idea of the minimum and maximum costs.

Comfort Ticket

Expect to pay somewhere between $82 and $103 per person. This option provides you with access to the lagoon, a towel rental, one drink (your choice), and a silica mud mask.

Premium Ticket

The cost here will be between $113 and $124 per person. Now you get two free drinks. Additionally, you get to select two more masks. I highly recommend the lava scrub mask. Finally, you are entitled to a glass of sparkling wine when dining at the Lava Restaurant.

Signature Ticket

Now, we come to the most expensive tier of the set. The signature ticket will cost you between $128 and $149 per person. You get all the other perks, as well as a set of skin care products that you’re allowed to keep. These will usually be a mineral mask and a silica mud mask.

Good Places to Stay

Keflavik

You’ll generally find that the accommodations in Keflavik are enjoyable, though there is the downside of being further away from the lagoon.

If you are going to go this route, consider staying at the Bank Guesthouse. There may not be many bells and whistles, but the place is clean. Additionally, you get the bonus of being near the airport. It may not seem like a big deal initially, but you’ll love it when the time comes to leave.

I think Hotel Berg is also a great option with great interior decorating. While many hotels will have rooms that are essentially carbon copies of each other at each level, no two are the same here.

While some of us travel alone or with a single person, others travel as a family, which means that The Little Guesthouse is perfect for them. It’s essentially a home, complete with multiple beds and a living room area. There is more than enough space to prevent anyone from feeling confined.

Near the Lagoon

The first option is simply to stay at the Blue Lagoon. Doing so requires you to pay a nightly rate that is often upwards of $1,600. I don’t know about you, but I was not going to do that. If you can afford it, you won’t regret it. This is especially true since you get access to the very private Retreat Lagoon.

If you want to stay close without paying for one of the most luxurious hotels, Northern Lights Inn is another option. The location makes it incredibly convenient, and you’ll also find the stay to be very cozy.

You will also find the Silica Hotel nearby, which happens to be a luxury option, though it isn’t quite as expensive as the first option. There is also a private geothermal spa located here, which should enhance your stay. Additionally, the stay will include access to both the Retreat Spa and Blue Lagoon.

Make Sure to Enjoy What the Blue Lagoon Offers

Mornings for the Win

I would highly recommend that you take advantage of the bathing and swimming area as early as you possibly can. While you will see people around, the crowd is quite sparse, so it won’t feel too bad.

If you wait until the afternoon, however, you will find that the main area starts to fill up. Things get really crowded at this time, which many people find uncomfortable.

Those who prefer the afternoons can capitalize on one of the outer pools. Even at these peak times, they’re not too crowded.

The Private Lagoon Visit Is a Must

Even if you can’t afford the overnight stay at the hotel to get access to the Retreat Lagoon, you do have the option to book a private visit for two. Assuming that you’re taking this trip with a partner, I highly recommend that you get this experience if you can afford to. I didn’t feel like I experienced the Blue Lagoon properly until I did this with my significant other.

Everything Needs to Be Waterproof

This one should go without saying, but let me put it out there. Ensure that anything you’re heading into the lagoon with is waterproof. There are a lot of minerals in the water, which means that even items that are thought to be submersible may not survive.

Listen to the Staff

The staff members are there to ensure that people get as much enjoyment out of the experience as possible while staying safe. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend acting like a know-it-all and ignoring their instructions.

For example, you may be told to apply the conditioner they provide to your hair if you’re planning to dip. Remember the minerals I mentioned? Your hair will dry out and cake up very easily, so always apply it when you will be dipping.

All That’s Left Is Planning

All that’s left is to plan your trip right? I’d imagine the information I provided is very useful, but remember you’re probably not planning to spend the whole trip at the Blue Lagoon. If you intend to visit, get an idea of some of the things to do that might interest you.

Pay attention to where to eat, what the weather conditions may look like, and what kinds of attractions there are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Lagoon Natural or Man-made?

Since it’s technically a geothermal pool, there is a man-made element in the formation of the lagoon. However, the power plant doesn’t account for the water in it. Instead, while geothermal energy heats the water, it naturally comes from underground.

How Hot Is the Famous Geothermal Spa?

You’ll never be experiencing actual hot water, so don’t worry about getting burned. Typically, 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) is as hot as it gets.

Is Swimming Allowed?

Visitors can bathe and swim in the lagoon to their heart’s content. Once you’re paying attention to the guidelines provided, you can enjoy the large pool and the smaller ones as you wish.

Where Is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is found in southwestern Iceland near Grindavik. It’s pretty popular with tourists, especially since the water is said to have healing properties.

What Is the Blue Lagoon Company?

This is an organization put together in 1992 to meet the demands of persons who wanted to bathe in the waters safely. Its establishment is why there are now measures in place to protect everyone.