Blue Lagoon
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Grindavík, Iceland • Europe

Blue Lagoon

A milky-blue geothermal spa set in a black-lava field near Reykjavík - Iceland's most iconic place to soak, unwind, and watch for the northern lights.

#Geothermal Spa#Nature#Northern Lights#Adventure#Bucket ListCouplesAdventureLuxuryFriendsSolo Travel
5 Attractions
4 Restaurants
4 Hotels
2 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

There are two great seasons. June to August brings the midnight sun, mild temperatures (10-14°C), open highland roads and easy touring - peak season, so book early. Late September to March is Northern Lights season, with fewer crowds, snowy landscapes and atmospheric soaks in the Blue Lagoon, but short daylight and changeable driving conditions. The Blue Lagoon itself is open and magical year-round.

Daily budget
$340
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), UTC+0 (no daylight saving)
Language
Icelandic (English spoken almost universally)
Currency
kr (Icelandic Krona (ISK))
Emergency
112 (all emergencies)
Power
Type C, F · 230V / 50Hz

About Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland''s most famous escape - a surreal, milky-blue geothermal spa set in a black lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík. Its silica-rich, 38-40°C waters glow against the dark rock, and soaking here - face mask on, drink in hand, steam curling into the cold Arctic air - is one of travel''s great bucket-list moments. But the Blue Lagoon is also the perfect gateway to Iceland itself. From here, the capital Reykjavík offers cool design, seafood and the soaring Hallgrímskirkja church, while the classic Golden Circle loops past the tectonic rift and waterfalls of Þingvellir, the erupting Strokkur geyser and the thundering Gullfoss. Along the South Coast lie cinematic black-sand beaches, glacier tongues and the twin waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Iceland is a land of raw, elemental drama - volcanoes, ice caps, puffins and, from autumn to spring, the dancing Northern Lights overhead. It is also famously pricey and weather-driven, so plan smart: book the Blue Lagoon in advance, rent a car for freedom, pack for four seasons in a day, and let the landscape do the rest.

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Things to Do in Blue Lagoon

5
Nature

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

The iconic milky-blue, mineral-rich geothermal spa set in a black lava field - soak in 38-40°C water, apply a silica mud mask and unwind with a swim-up drink. Pre-booked timed entry only; arrive early or stay for sunset.

2-3 hours From €704.7
Nature

Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir & Gullfoss)

Iceland's classic day loop: walk between tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, and feel the spray of the mighty two-tier Gullfoss waterfall.

Full day Free (tours vary)4.8
South Coast Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss) Blue Lagoon
Nature

South Coast Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss)

Two of Iceland's most spectacular falls - walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss, then stand before the 60-metre wall of Skógafoss, often crowned by a rainbow. A photographer's dream.

2-3 hours Free4.8
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Blue Lagoon
Beach

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

A dramatic volcanic beach near Vík with basalt columns, sea stacks and roaring Atlantic surf. Breathtaking - but heed the warnings and never approach the deadly "sneaker waves".

1 hour Free4.6
Reykjavík & Hallgrímskirkja Blue Lagoon
Culture

Reykjavík & Hallgrímskirkja

Iceland's compact, colourful capital - climb the tower of the rocket-like Hallgrímskirkja church for city views, browse Laugavegur's design shops, and feast on new-Nordic cuisine and famous hot dogs.

Half day Church tower €104.6

Where to Eat in Blue Lagoon

4
Dill Restaurant restaurant food Blue Lagoon

Dill Restaurant

New Nordic $$$$4.7

Reykjavík's Michelin-starred pioneer of New Nordic cuisine, turning Icelandic lamb, fish, skyr and foraged herbs into an inventive tasting menu. Book well ahead.

Grillmarkadurinn (Grill Market) restaurant food Blue Lagoon

Grillmarkadurinn (Grill Market)

Modern Icelandic $$$4.6

A stylish downtown grill showcasing Icelandic produce - langoustine, lamb, beef and game - over charcoal, with a buzzy atmosphere and great cocktails.

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur restaurant food Blue Lagoon

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

Icelandic Hot Dogs $4.5

The legendary harbour-side hot-dog stand serving lamb-pork pylsur with crispy onions and remoulade since 1937. Order "eina med ollu" (one with everything).

Fiskfelagid (Fish Company) restaurant food Blue Lagoon

Fiskfelagid (Fish Company)

Seafood $$$4.5

An atmospheric cellar restaurant near the old harbour celebrating Icelandic seafood with global influences and a generous tasting menu.

Where to Stay in Blue Lagoon

4
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon hotel Blue Lagoon

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

Luxury $1,300/night4.9

An ultra-luxury hideaway carved into the lava with a private section of the lagoon, subterranean spa and floor-to-ceiling views - Iceland's most coveted stay.

Silica Hotel hotel Blue Lagoon

Silica Hotel

Boutique $520/night4.6

A serene design hotel a short walk from the Blue Lagoon with its own private bathing lagoon and easy early/late access to the main spa.

Hotel Borg hotel Blue Lagoon

Hotel Borg

Luxury $310/night4.5

A 1930s art-deco landmark on Reykjavík's main square, blending period glamour with modern comfort in the heart of the capital.

Kex Hostel hotel Blue Lagoon

Kex Hostel

Hostel $48/night4.3

A characterful hostel in a former biscuit factory, with a popular gastropub-bar, sea views and dorm and private rooms - a Reykjavík social hub.

Blue Lagoon Itineraries

2
4-day trip

4 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle & South Coast

moderate $1,300 total

The bucket-list highlights from a Reykjavík base - the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle and the waterfalls and black beaches of the south.

View day-by-day plan
7-day trip

7-Day Iceland Ring Road Highlights

challenging $2,400 total

A week-long self-drive around the island - south coast glaciers, the eastern fjords, Lake Mývatn and back via the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.

View day-by-day plan

Blue Lagoon Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$400 - $1,200$400 - $1,200$400 - $1,200
Accommodation$95/night$210/night$550/night
Food$30/day$75/day-
Activities$80/day$80/day$80/day
Local Transport$65/day$65/day$65/day
Daily Average$170$340$700

Local currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)

Blue Lagoon Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.