Mud masks, spa treatments, relaxing soaks: All you need to know about Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

They don’t call Iceland the land of fire and ice for nothing. The geothermal activity that bubbles below its surface has created endless natural wonders that make up its otherworldly landscapes, from gushing geysers to iridescent geothermal pools.

There are at least 17 geothermal pools in the greater Reykjavik area alone and no trip to Iceland is complete without a soak in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Here’s all you need to know about visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, from how to get there to the best hotels to stay at. We’ve got everything covered, so all you need to do is bliss out.

Situated on the UNESCO Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is not a natural hot spring, but an artificial lava rock pool that draws its water from a nearby geothermal power plant. Apart from the hot spring, this wellness complex is fitted with modern facilities like saunas, in-water treatments, a relaxation cave and luxurious spa experiences.

But nothing beats soaking in its distinctive milky blue pools—a result of its silica-rich waters—with a mud mask on while sipping on a refreshing smoothie at the In-Water Bar. The waters are at a comfortable 100°F, enriched with minerals that promise to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. 100% relaxation guaranteed.

The Blue Lagoon opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m and while there’s no time limit to how long you can stay, you will need to pre-book your trip through their website and get there early to beat the crowds.

The hot spring remains open all year round but the best seasons to visit are in summer to experience the midnight sun, or in winter to catch the Northern Lights from the Blue Lagoon.

There are three different tiers of admission to the Blue Lagoon: Comfort, Premium and Retreat Spa—all of which include towels, a silica mud mask and a free beverage. The most basic Comfort tier costs between €76-86 (USD 85-95) but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you might want to upgrade to the Premium tier. Priced between €98-107 (USD 110-120), this tier includes extra face masks and sparkling wine to go with a romantic lagoon dinner—perfect for couples.

For ultimate indulgence and privacy, the Retreat tier will set you back €565 (USD 647) but includes access to the private Retreat Spa and changing suite, the Retreat Lagoon and their signature spa therapy—The Blue Lagoon Ritual. You can also load up your entrance wristband with money to buy unique souvenirs like lava scrubs, mineral face exfoliators and bath oils at the gift shop.

On average, you’d need around six hours to best experience the lagoon, leaving you with lots of time in the day to explore other attractions around Reykjavik and beyond.

On this jam-packed 6-hour guided tour, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to popular attractions like Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Center and Perlan, before being whisked off to the Blue Lagoon for a rejuvenating soak.

Have a little bit more time? Visit the iconic natural wonders along the Golden Circle route like Thingvellir National Park, Kerid Crater and Gullfoss Waterfall on this 11-hour day trip from Reykjavik or this small-group full-day minibus adventure, both ending with a well-deserved soak at the end of the day.

Dubbed as Iceland’s first five-star luxury hotel with 62 private suites, The Retreat Hotel offers sweeping views of the surrounding moss-covered lava fields. Not only do you get access to the Blue Lagoon but you can also visit the exclusive Retreat Spa and enjoy The Blue Lagoon Ritual signature spa treatment.

Just a kilometer away from the main Blue Lagoon resort, Silica Hotel is an intimate Nordic-chic resort with minimalist rooms boasting stellar verandah views. It’s perfect for couples and families looking for a cozy stay, with all the modern creature comforts you need. You can also spend time at the Silica Lagoon, the hotel’s private lagoon that promises the same relaxing joys of the Blue Lagoon, sans the crowds.

The Northern Light Inn is a family-run hotel in the countryside, located just three minutes from the Blue Lagoon. There’s a variety of rooms available for any kind of traveler, all fitted with rustic wood furnishings that make it extra homey and cozy. If you’re here for the Northern Lights, head up to the Galaxy Balcony to catch a glimpse of the dancing lights. The hotel is also located close to the airport—a plus for those with a packed itinerary.

This 3-star hotel is just 20 minutes away from Keflavik International Airport and within walking distance of plenty of cafés, shops and outdoor thermal pools in the charming fishing village of Grindavik. Convenience is key here at Geo Hotel Grindavik, with a complimentary breakfast buffet, parking and transfers to the Blue Lagoon available for guests.

A 20-minute drive from Blue Lagoon, Keflavik Luxury Apartments will make you feel right at home. With fully-fitted kitchens (great for home-cooked meals), snug living areas and a Scandinavian theme, it’s the perfect place to retreat to after a relaxing soak in the pools.

The Blue Lagoon is in Grindavik, which sits nicely between the airport and the capital of Reykjavik. If you’re driving, hop on Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) until you reach Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43) and follow the directional signs to the Blue Lagoon. If you’re driving from Keflavík, you will arrive in about 20 minutes. From Reykjavík, it is a 50-minute drive.

Since Iceland’s public Straeto buses don’t service the lagoon, you’ll need to book yourself a charter bus. An easy round-trip bus ride from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon costs about €40 (USD 45) per adult with multiple timings available throughout the day. Get more value for money with bundle packages that include admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could just soak away the jetlag? There are shuttle buses available from Keflavík International Airport that will take you straight to the Blue Lagoon. Bus services run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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