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Blue Lagoon

Soothe yourself with a visit to this astounding hot spring and geothermal spa.

Reykjanes peninsula
A man floating in the Blue Lagoon
A woman with a back tattoo sitting in the Blue Lagoon
A man floating in the Blue Lagoon
A woman with a back tattoo sitting in the Blue Lagoon
A man floating in the Blue Lagoon
A woman with a back tattoo sitting in the Blue Lagoon
A man floating in the Blue Lagoon
OverviewNearby attractionsFAQsMore inspo
Best time to visit
All year
Open
Every day
Parking
Free with admission
Charging station
No

Your guide to the Blue Lagoon hot springs

The Blue Lagoon Iceland geothermal spa is an iconic and magical destination, located on the Reykjanes peninsula. This worst-kept-secret lagoon offers the perfect destination to relax and let your worries drift away in the hot water of these natural hot springs.

The otherworldly Blue Lagoon is one of the most exquisite geothermal pools in Iceland. This incredible geothermal spa is located in 800-year-old lava fields, directly in front of the mighty Þorbjörn mountain.

Nowadays, the Blue Lagoon is known for luxury and relaxation. However, its origins are a little unorthodox. At first, it was fed by wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Knowing this, people were understandably nervous about bathing in the blue water.

However, in 1981, local Valur Márgeirsson discovered the health-promoting properties of the water. He and others soon began to bathe in the lagoon to see if it would help with chronic skin problems, which it did. The water has since been tested and found to help with conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

As well as its stunning surroundings and healing waters, the Blue Lagoon also offers beauty and massage treatments for that luxury spa experience. 

What’s more, you can dine with a view over the lagoon at one of the 3 innovative restaurants in the complex, including the Lava Restaurant and Moss Restaurant.

Other attractions near the Blue Lagoon

Aerial view of the 2023 volcano eruption near Litli-Hrútur.

Fagradalsfjall volcano

See where fissures opened and fresh lava flowed during the volcano’s previous eruptions.

17 km (11 mi)

View
A group enjoying the Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon

Slip into the warm waters of this geothermal spa and take in sweeping views of the North Atlantic.

46 km (29 mi)

View
The Tjörnin pond in Reykjavík in summer

Downtown Reykjavík

Immerse yourself in culture, cuisine, and heritage at the beating heart of the Icelandic capital.

49 km (30 mi)

View
Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, in autumn colors

Þingvellir National Park

Step back in time and see Iceland’s natural and cultural history up close at this major historic site.

89 km (55 mi)

View
View Reykjanes peninsula

FAQs about the Blue Lagoon

The waters of the Blue Lagoon are naturally heated by geothermal heat resulting from the Earth’s volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula.

The nearby geothermal plant extracts super-heated water from the Earth to produce power. After that, the leftover hot water is mixed with sea water and led into the Blue Lagoon to for a comfortable bathing experience.

The water temperature in Iceland’s breathtaking Blue Lagoon varies, but is usually around 38°C (100°F). This may vary slightly depending on the time of year you visit the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is a stunning geothermal spa set the in natural lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula. The lagoon itself however is man-made, being carved into the local rocks.

The water you’ll bathe in is heated naturally by the geothermal activity beneath the surface of the Earth. It’s these milky blue waters that have made the Blue Lagoon one of the most popular attractions in Iceland.

The unique blue color of the Blue Lagoon is thanks to the water’s high silica content. This mineral reflects only blue light, absorbing all other colors. As a result, the water appears to be a pristine shade of milky blue.

There are lots of geothermal lagoons in Iceland, but only 2 that are considered ‘blue lagoons’.

The Blue Lagoon Iceland hot springs themselves are a single destination. However, the Mývatn Nature Baths in North Iceland are similar and also boast exceptionally blue waters.

The Blue Lagoon is around 8,700 square meters (94,000 square feet), with an average depth of approximately 1.2 m (4 ft).

The average depth of water in the Blue Lagoon is approximately 1.2 m (4 ft), but some areas can be as deep as 1.6 m (5 ft). You don’t need to be a swimmer to enjoy the lagoon, but if you’re not confident in water it’s best to stick to the shallows.

Visiting Iceland at different times of the year offers different experiences. On a summer trip, you could relax in the lagoon’s turquoise waters under the midnight sun.

If you visit in winter, you might even see the Northern Lights during your relaxing soak. Opening hours vary by season, so check what slots are available to find the best time to visit.

To make the most of your time in the Blue Lagoon Iceland hot springs, try to dedicate around two hours at least. You’ll want to allow more time than this if you’d also like to indulge in the on-site spa and dining experiences.

At Iceland Tours, many of our multi-day tour packages include a visit to the Blue Lagoon. It’s also easy to add one to a self-drive or privately guided tour when you book online.

Keflavík International is the main airport in Iceland. Getting to the Blue Lagoon from the airport is straightforward: it’s just a 20-minute drive. Simply follow road 41 (Reykjanesbraut) and then look out for signs pointing you in the direction of the Blue Lagoon (Bláa lónið).

To get the most out of your visit to the Blue Lagoon, we recommend to bring your own bathing clothes, towel, bathrobe, and anti-slip socks. If you forget any of these, they are available for rent or purchase as you check in.

Yes, you can take your phone or camera into the lagoon. It might be worth getting a waterproof case for it though, as the high mineral content of the water can damage even water-resistant devices.