You’ve probably heard of the Blue Lagoon, right? It’s kind of the spot in Iceland—a total bucket-list destination. And trust me, it lives up to the hype. Nestled in a lava field in the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík, it feels like something out of a dream. The milky-blue water, the black volcanic rocks, and the clouds of steam rising around you… it’s unreal.

What's so great about it?

The lagoon is filled with geothermal seawater, which comes from deep within the earth. It’s naturally warm and packed with minerals like silica and algae, which are known for being great for your skin. That’s one of the things the Blue Lagoon is famous for—the water leaves you feeling soft, refreshed, and totally rejuvenated. People even scoop up the silica mud and put it on their faces for a little DIY spa moment.

The history of the place

What’s cool is that the Blue Lagoon didn’t start as a luxury spa. It was originally a byproduct of the nearby geothermal power plant. Don't be alarmed by the words "power plant"! The way it works is that wells are dug into the ground at sites with high geothermal activity. From those wells, hot water surges upwards, where it spins a turbine to create electricity. Most of the host water is then pumped into our homes to heat them up. But a bit was released "back into the wild", which ended up creating the Blue Lagoon.

And if there is one thing you can be sure about when it comes to Icelanders, it's that when we find a natural pool, we will be jumping in!
Locals quickly discovered how amazing the water was for the skin, and boom—it became one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. Now, it’s a full-on wellness retreat with everything from swim-up bars to fancy spa treatments.

How do I book a visit, and are there different packages?

If you really want to make the most of your visit, they’ve got a few different entry options. The Comfort Package is the basic one—it includes entry to the lagoon, a silica mud mask, and a drink of your choice from the swim-up bar. The Premium Package takes it up a notch with an extra mask, a robe, and a glass of sparkling wine at the on-site restaurant, Lava.

For the ultimate experience, go for the Retreat Spa Package. It gives you access to the exclusive Retreat Lagoon, which is quieter and even more serene. Plus, you can try out private changing suites, relax in a series of spa rooms, and enjoy a few extra treatments that make you feel like royalty.

You can choose between booking admission only or including your visit in a larger tour like a Golden Circle tour!

How much time should I reserve for my Blue Lagoon visit?

One of the best things about the Blue Lagoon is how easy it is to fit into your itinerary. It’s super close to Keflavík Airport, so a lot of people stop there on their way in or out of the country. Imagine stepping off your flight and immediately soaking in warm, mineral-rich water. Best layover ever.

A normal visit and soak can last anywhere between one and two hours. It just depends on how much you like it, and how long you want to soak for.

And the views—oh man. You’re surrounded by lava fields that stretch for miles, and on a good day, you’ll catch the sunset reflecting off the water. It’s such a unique experience, blending relaxation with Iceland’s wild, natural beauty.

So, if you’re coming to Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a must. It’s more than just a pretty spot—it’s an experience that stays with you. Whether you’re there for an hour or a full day, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve hit the reset button on life.