Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Review: Is it Worth it or Overrated?
When planning a trip to Iceland, chances are you’ve already heard about the Blue Lagoon. This world-famous geothermal spa, with its milky-blue waters and surreal lava field setting, has become one of the country’s most iconic attractions, often topping every “must-do” list. But with the hype comes the big question: is the Blue Lagoon really worth it?
For first-time visitors, it’s not always clear what to expect. The Blue Lagoon is undeniably beautiful, but it also comes with a high price tag, crowds, and plenty of mixed reviews. So, how do you know if it belongs on your itinerary?
Having experienced the Blue Lagoon TWICE (both day and night), I can say it’s both magical and imperfect. But there are a few things you’ll want to know before booking. Today, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons and share my honest review and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for your Iceland adventure.
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Is Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Worth it (Pros & Cons)?
Overall, I think Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is definitely worth checking out (at least once) for first-time visitors, as a relaxing and a unique experience. Plus it’s easy to schedule in with limited time, or on a half day from Reykjavík.
The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly Instagram-worthy, and photos have been planted all over the internet for years. It isn’t just visually pleasing but also renowned for its healing powers!
➡ Compare entrance tickets HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
With minerals such as silica, algae, and sulphur, visitors to this wonder often leave with glowing skin and a feeling of ultimate relaxation.
⏱️ Are you Short on Time?
Is the Blue Lagoon suitable for you? If you’re short on time and don’t want to read the entire article, here’s my quick reference list of the top Pro’s and Con’s to visiting the Blue Lagoon:
Pros
- Iconic geothermal spa with surreal milky-blue waters and lava field surroundings.
- Relaxing and therapeutic – mineral-rich silica and warm waters soothe skin and muscles.
- Easy access being located between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport (ideal for layovers).
- Modern facilities which includes saunas, in-water bar, skin treatments, and luxury upgrades.
- Great photo spot and one of Iceland’s most photogenic and Instagram-famous places
Cons
- Very expensive since basic Ticket entry starts around 70US (105AUD) and rises to 150US (220AUD) quickly with extras.
- Often over-crowded, especially during peak travel seasons or midday slots.
- Contrary to belief, Its a man-made lagoon and not natural, fed by runoff from a nearby geothermal plant.
- It can damage hair as the high silica content dries it badly if not protected.
- Commercial feel – some find it overly touristy compared to Iceland’s wild hot springs.
With that said, I think the milky-blue thermal pool of geothermal seawater will make you feel relaxed, invigorated, and, even a little romantic under the starry night sky. Additionally, it contrasts perfectly with white and black lava fields, while snow-topped mountains stretch out in the distance.
Certainly the picture-perfect setting that I’m always craving as the photographer!
However, if you read up on forums, ask locals and other tourists who have visited, some think of it as being touristy, expensive and overrated. Honestly, I think they are probably right, but I do believe you should try everything at least once for yourself and make your own mind up!
Therefore, please read on below for every aspect in more detail!
My Personal Review?
Overall Experience?
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is an attraction everyone idolises in ticking off their Bucket list, but does that make it worth visiting? In my review, I felt it was worth it during the day or night. However, if I had the choice, then the daytime would be better for the first time (especially for photos).
It’s a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours and very easy to get to with included bus transport from your hotel. Conveniently, it’s located in a lava field about 30-45 minutes outside of the capital of Reykjavik (See map for directions here).
The Cost?
Don’t be alarmed, but, I found almost everything in Iceland relatively expensive, and the Blue Lagoon was no different.
You can book Tickets ranging in price from ISK 9990 (US 73) to ISK 20990 (US 153), depending on the package and transportation needed (you can check your currency here).
This could include Masks, bath robes, slippers, and a few drinks.
➡ Compare entrance tickets HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
The Blue Lagoon Packages available:
- Comfort (Access, Mask, 1 Drink & Towel) – This is the package I purchase!
- Premium (As above – plus Bathrobe, more Masks & a 2nd Drink)
- Signature (As above – plus Masks to take home)
Pro Tip: Booking through their own website will vary in price depending on the time of day. However, purchasing your ticket at GetYourGuide, will allow you to pick anytime of the day!
Coming from Australia, I pre-purchased my ticket for roughly $120AUD for the entrance, Silica Mud & Algae Mask, Towel & One Drink (Comfort Ticket). As well as included transfers/pickup from my hotel.
Remember, you can always purchase drinks when you are there and charge them to your wristband. (This will be paid for on your exit)
However, I will advise you to pre-book in advance online or through tour companies. Not only will this secure your spot on the day, it means you’ll get through the line quicker.
“It’s not surprising that given the opportunity, I would absolutely visit again.”
How to get there?
Getting there is pretty straightforward – you can drive there yourself, or the online tickets you purchased might include hotel pickup from Reykjavík. This is what I chose, and a small shuttle bus picked me up and took me to the local bus terminal.
Luckily, everyone speaks English, and it’s relatively easy to find your way around and get on the right bus.
The second bus will take about 30 minutes to drive just outside the capital and past all the old Lava fields covered in moss (There is so much Moss around). When you’re near the Blue Lagoon, you’ll start to notice the milky light blue/green waters coming from the power plant.
Once off the bus, you’ll walk the small 100 metre pathway and split up into lines depending on what type of ticket you have brought (or purchased there). The longer lines, means you get to read their little trivia signposts about the Lagoon while you wait.
Handy Tip: The shorter lines on my visit were for tours and prepaid tickets.
The Crowds
The crowds can be massive, and I didn’t even visit during the peak period. We spent about 15 minutes in the queue, but we also saw others outside the door waiting to come in and line up.
➡ Compare entrance tickets HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
Despite this, the actual Lagoon is a large enough area, that you don’t feel overwhelmed with people. I’m sure this could be different in the peak season, so keep it in mind!
Entry / Change Rooms
After you confirm your ticket, you’ll receive a plastic wristband, then it’s onto the changing rooms. Obviously, these are separated for Male/Female but also one-way entry. This means you have to meet your partner on the other side, near the edge of the Lagoon waters and I found it a little inconvenient!
However, I liked the plastic wrist band which carries the code for your lockers (These were easy to use) and also where you charge your drinks. This means you don’t have to carry money around!
The Change rooms comprised of lots of smaller rooms with changing, lockers & showers. Consequently, I got a little turned around, trying to find my way.
Showers
After you change into your swimsuit, you’re supposed to shower. This ensures foreign substances are washed off your body, before entering the water.
Here is where you’ll get my biggest tip for your Hair! Rub heaps of their supplied conditioner all over your hair, leave it in, and tie it up!
Silica and Sulphur are supposed to be good for your skin, but it’s HORRIBLE for your hair. Leaving conditioner in with help protect it, but even better if you don’t get your hair wet in the Lagoon waters at all.
NOTE: I have heard that women’s hair can feel like straw for days if you submerge it too much in these waters.
Entering the water
After finishing in the changing rooms/showers, you come to a different opening where you can wait for your partner or friends and enter the Blue Lagoon from inside the glass doors. The alternative to this would be to exit through the glass doors, brave to cool air for a short period and walk down the ramp into the water.
Swimming in the Pool
You might be surprised to hear that this is Man-made? Yep, the foundations of these hot pools come from the run-off water from the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant next door, rich in minerals like Silica.
Although, this doesn’t seem to deter the visitors, and they continue to pile on in. However, the minerals are supposed to be very good for some skin ailments.
Just like any other thermal spas, you will have a strong sulphur smell and can be potent in areas. You’ll also walk around the pool and find a temperature change (Hot spot/cooler spot).
However, the mud mask, the drinks, and the time to relax after a 40-hour flight from Australia, went down really well!
➡ Purchase entrance tickets HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
Face Masks & Drinks
There are a few bars situated around the lagoon, one particular for the Masks and others for the drinks. You can stay in the water as long as you want, but you will notice your fingers pruning after so long.
It can be very smelly with the sulphur, and the warm sections seem to drift, so moving around is needed. But, on the other hand, there is plenty of room, even if it’s really crowded.
Apart from that, it’s just relaxing in the warm waters, getting a face mask, and having a drink or two.
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Exit the Pool
When exiting, the Males and Females are separated again to the changing rooms. If you got your hair wet, Shampoo & Condition it a few times to reduce the stiff, sticky hair. You eventually finish, exit at the turn dials and pay the balance on your plastic wristband (e.g., Extra Drinks), then peruse the café and gift shop.
Best time (Year or Day) to visit?
Straight up, Its good to know that the Blue Lagoon is ideal to visit at any time of year.
However, arriving first thing in the morning, or late at night, is your best time of day to visit the Blue Lagoon. This is within 1-2 hours of 7am to 8am (depending on the time of year you’re visiting), or after 8pm until closing.
As you can imagine, the busy tourist buses will service the area during the main parts of the day and make the pool and changerooms extremely busy.
With that said, July and August is Iceland’s high season and when overcrowding in the Blue Lagoon is more prominent. Therefore, If your visiting outside of this time range, you can be more flexible with your times of day to visit!
Opening times are as the following:
- June 22-August 20 – 07:00-23:00
- August 21-June 21 – 08:00-22:00
- Christmas Eve – 08:00-16:00
- New Years Eve – 08:00-18:00
FAQ’s – Common Questions?
➡ Compare entrance tickets HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
How long do you need at the Pool?
You only need to spend about 2-3 hours there (per visit). I think this is why it’s so busy, and a superb half-day tour to fill in your day. In Fact, I used it as an afternoon filler after flying into the country for the first time.
Is it Better at Day or Night?
Both day and night are exponentially great experiences.
During the day, you can witness an ethereal, blue-hued atmosphere as the natural ingredient-infused water is basked in strong sunlight.
But when night falls, the experience turns even more meaningful and romantic experience. Especially if you’re lucky enough to visit with a kaleidoscope of lights cascading over its illuminated waters. (The Arora Borealis).
However, If I was to choose – It would be the daytime experience for my first time for better photos! So, yep, for me, it’s all about the proof!
What is the Temperature?
The Blue Lagoon is always warm, with temperatures of around 98-104 Degrees Fahrenheit (36-40 degree Celsius). However, it does depend on the air temperature and the weather.
Seasonal and weather changes can vary the water from warmer to slightly cooler temperatures. Not only that, but you can experience hot and cold spots throughout the pool.
Can you take your Phone or camera in the Water?
Yes, you can take your phone or camera in the water – I certainly took enough pics! But be warned: you do so at your own risk!
While waterproof phone cases are available for extra protection, not all phones, cameras, or seals may survive exposure to the heated water.
NOTE: I carried my camera around for the entire time above the water. It’s not ideal, but did the job and didn’t get it wet.
Can you wear Jewellery?
Yes, you can absolutely wear jewellery.
Still, it’s probably better to leave it at home or in the locker room. Not only is there a high likelihood of pieces falling off or sinking in the geothermal waters, but also because some jewellery can be affected by minerals in this unique environment.
Should you wear waterproof shoes in the water?
The truth is, there’s really no rule requiring visitors to wear shoes, so you can choose whichever option best suits your comfort level. Although, wearing no shoes might provide a greater sense of freedom while soaking in the lagoon (I didn’t wear any).
➡ Compare entrance tickets HERE with GYG, or HERE with Viator.
Can you see the Arora Borealis?
Yes, it is possible to see the Arora Borealis while sitting in the waters. However, I wasn’t lucky enough for this to happen on my Night visit. My trip was in October, which was probably the wrong time due to the weather.
The Northern Lights were high on my list, however, it rained the entire time and clouds took over the sky.
If not for a 4am flight home to Australia (and clear skies at the time) I would not have been able to see them in my last 30 minutes.
Can you drink Alcohol?
The legal age in Iceland is 20 Years old to drink alcohol. So, Yes, you can drink alcohol there is you’re older than that. In Fact, the facility has a couple of bars located around the lagoon area and different cocktail drinks to choose from.
The basic package I purchased included one drink, but you could buy more after charging it to your wristband. But, Notably, this also means you CAN’T bring your own alcohol into the facility.
Can you wear clothes in the water?
Yes, you can wear clothes if needed for protection or for your beliefs! But it does come with warnings.
Just like your bathing suit, the minerals and sulphur found in the lagoon waters will taint anything you’re wearing. Meaning anything that goes in the water must be washed properly after you finish.
This ensures you don’t ruin the fabric!
Which is better – The Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon?
It can be hard to decide between The Blue Lagoon and the newly added Sky Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon has been around for years and is already well known for its gorgeous blue waters and rocky beaches.
The Sky Lagoon offers a newer experience and a slightly different attraction. It’s only minutes from the capital, but you are relaxing in the hot pools while overlooking the ocean waters. Therefore, given a choice, I would try out both of them.
Other alternatives close to Reykjavik include:
Wrap up & Read More!
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland’s is definitely one of those places that you have to see, and worth it when you visit the country. It’s a bucket list opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of your friends or partner and I would highly recommend adding it to your list!
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