An Honest Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland: Is It Worth It?

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is arguably one of Iceland’s top attractions (if not the number one… unless there’s a volcano erupting, which easily takes precedent!).

But over the years, it’s gotten a lot of flack for being an overcrowded expensive pool.

So, is that the case? Or should you reserve a spot at the Blue Lagoon Iceland?

Here’s my unfiltered guide and everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and if you should ultimately get your hot springs fix somewhere else.

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Blue Lagoon Review Iceland

In my Blue Lagoon Iceland review, I’ll cover why you might want to skip the Blue Lagoon and why it’s a must-do in Iceland.

Why You Might Want To Skip The Blue The Lagoon Iceland?

The Blue Lagoon Iceland has received somewhat of a bad reputation over the years.

People are complaining that it’s overhyped for what it is; that it’s really just a giant over crowded pool that’s completely man made.

And for the most part, they’re not wrong…

Let’s just say that for a spa, the Blue Lagoon is not what I would have expected. It was actually the least spa-like experience I’ve ever had.

And I guess on a certain level, of course it is just a giant swimming pool. It’s a manmade structure that’s been filled with water and people swim in it. There’s nothing natural about the Blue Lagoon other than it’s surroundings.

The Water Is A By Product Of The Nearby GeoThermal Plant

So, unlike every other lagoon in Iceland, the milky blue water at the Blue Lagoon isn’t technically a natural hot spring.

The water is actually a by-product from the nearby power plant – doesn’t that sound inviting!?

The power plant uses the geothermal water to generate electricity, and as it turns out, that process creates a discharge of creamy silica filled water. Locals started bathing in this pool claiming it had healing powers, and the rest is history! You can read more about it.

The power plant still exists today, and you’ll actually drive by it on your way to the Blue Lagoon. Without it, you wouldn’t have the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

The Floor Of The Lagoon Is Kind Of Weird (So Bring Shoes)

I didn’t think too much about what I’d be walking on at the Blue Lagoon, but I wish I had.

If you’re someone like me, who gets freaked out by walking barefoot on unknown terrain, and just ocean floors in general, you might want to consider bringing water shoes.

And yes, flip flops and water shoes are allowed in the Blue Lagoon (probably because they know the floor feels weird).

I would recommend water shoes over flip flops so you don’t risk them falling off and losing them while you’re in the water.

For the most part, the floor of the lagoon is solid rock (silica sediment). There are no jagged edges where you can risk injuring yourself. But what freaked me out was when it became somewhat softer…

I originally thought I was walking on sand, like a typical ocean floor – until I realized that doesn’t actually add up… there’s no sand here! My partner thought it was hairy kelp, which really freaked me out. So much so that I couldn’t bear to put my feet down anymore.

And then, we realized it was probably algae…YUCK!

The Blue Lagoon In Iceland Is Touristy & Over-Crowded

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the country’s top attractions (if not the most popular!). So it’s should come as no surprise that there will be a lot of people there.

But from my experience, it didn’t feel over-crowded at all, especially when you consider that we visited mid day, during high season.

I’ve seen regular pools that are WAY worse than the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!

The reality is, the space at the Blue Lagoon is actually quite large, so you’re not ever really on top of other people. You can easily walk around a bit and find a place to settle and relax without anyone sitting on top of you.

You will probably still wind up bumping in to people when moving through the lagoon. That’s not a problem of over crowding though, more of an issue of limited visibility (you just can’t see anything below the water!). So, I stepped on a lot of feet, and I may have kicked some people with my own…oops!

The Blue Lagoon Is NOT For Relaxing – It Is Family Friendly

If you’re interested in a spa experience, the Blue Lagoon Iceland is not for you.

Like I said, there are quite a few people there. And among those people are children.

Kids as of the age of two our allowed in the spa (in fact, their entrance is free until they’re 12!). So, although it’s great for families, it might not be the romantic couples getaway you were hoping for!

I Was Ultimately Disappointed With The Facilities

I’m not one to expect luxury, but it’s not like the tickets to the Blue Lagoon Iceland are cheap either.

The whole changing room experience just felt a little chaotic and uncivilized to me, when it should have felt more spa like.

I ended up in the upstairs changing rooms, and they were quite small, cramped, and ultimately felt like more like an old gym locker room.

There was nowhere to sit or put anything down (like a bench). Right behind the lockers was a vanity with sink and blow dryers, so it just felt like everyone was on top of each other.

There was a main second locker room for women on the ground floor, so maybe it was better?

P.S. The women’s showers actually have some with doors, but the men’s are completely open.

A Little Stingy On Towels… For No Reason

All Blue Lagoon Iceland tickets include a towel. But! What they don’t say is that said towel is only given to you at the end of your time in the Blue Lagoon.

So, on top of not having a great area to change, you also don’t have a towel to change and shower with.

And let me remind you, they also want you to shower nude before entering the Lagoon…

I definitely would have appreciated a towel to help me change, and to use after my shower before heading into the lagoon.

All I’m saying is that for such a high ticket price, I think they could afford to update their facilities, and especially provide a second towel, or even unlimited towels!

So either upgrade you package to include at least a bathrobe or bring your own quick dry towel to use!

P.S. You can try and go to the entrance to the lagoon and ask for a towel. But they might not give it to you.

Why You Need To Visit The Blue Lagoon In Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is marketed as the 25th wonder of the world, which I’m not sure is even a real thing. But if it is you can say you’ve been there, so that’s something!

Also, don’t listen to people who say it’s just like any other pool. I don’t know what pool they’re talking about, but it’s unlike any pool or even lagoon that I’ve ever been to, even in Iceland!

What sets the Blue Lagoon in Iceland a part from other geo thermal lagoons is the water. You’ll notice it’s a creamy blue colour. That’s because it contains silica, which also gives the lagoon some beneficial properties for your skin!

The water is actually pumped up through the ground (from 6500 feet deep) for you to enjoy. It doesn’t need any separate heating system, the ground does all the work!

You’re then surrounded by lava rocks, because, of course it’s perched on a glorious 800 year-old lava field (p.s. that’s pretty young for Iceland’s volcano fields!).

I would actually argue that if you’re visiting Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most unique things to do that you can ONLY do in Iceland!

Although I will say this, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into, what to expect, or to upgrade your package to get more of what you want (continue reading for a low down on the packages at the Blue Lagoon Reykjavik).

The Benefits Of The Unique Water At The Blue Lagoon Iceland

The water is hands down what sets the Blue Lagoon a part from any other lagoon in the world.

The silica gives the water a creamy white colour and is beneficial for your skin. It strengthens your skin’s barrier making your skin seem brighter. If you do visit, the every package includes a silica mask for you to try!

On top of the silica, the water also contains unique minerals and algae that are also beneficial to your skin. The algae in particular can reduce collagen breakdown and increase collagen production, which gives you younger looking skin!

You Can’t Experience This Anywhere Else Even In Iceland

A visit to the Blue Lagoon Iceland is all about the experience of soaking up these beneficial milky waters – which you can’t get anywhere else.

There are SO MANY natural geothermal lagoons in Iceland, but the Blue Lagoon doesn’t even compare to them. I mean, they can’t even be compared because they’re two completely different experiences.

You just have to remember that a visit to the Blue Lagoon is NOT for a relaxing spa experience and that’s okay, because that’s not what it’s about (even though maybe back in the day it was).

But if a spa experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is something that interests you, you might still be able to get it if you’re willing to pay a bit more…continue reading to find out more about each package, or jump to it.

Booking Blue Lagoon Tickets

Blue Lagoon ticket prices vary based on the package you choose, the season, and even the time of day.

Typically the first and last time slots will be the cheapest.

What Package Should You Choose? (It Might Be Worth Upgrading)

The Blue Lagoon offers three packages and the one you choose can drastically affect your visit (but also your bank account!).

The three packages are Comfort, Premium, and Retreat.

Most people will book either the Comfort or the Premium package. We opted for the Comfort package (the base), but in retrospect I think I would have been happier with the Premium.

All Blue Lagoon tickets include the silica face mask, one drink at the bar, and a towel.

P.S. Don’t expect any exciting drink options. We were a bit disappointed that there weren’t any fun cocktails to order. Our choices were red or white wine, beer, or a cider.

The Base (Comfort) Package Vs. Premium Package

The Comfort Package only includes the silica face mask, one drink at the bar, and a towel.

On top of the base package, the Premium package also includes access to a private changing room, 2 extra masks of your choice, and a bathrobe. Plus, 1 glass of sparkling wine if you dine at the Lava restaurant.

In retrospect, the price difference isn’t that much for the added comfort you get (kind of ironic!). From what I could tell, the locker room is slightly larger and there’s a private changing room. But, the showers are the same for both the Comfort and Premium packages.

I didn’t think the bathrobe was necessary, but it would have been nice considering we only got a towel at the end of our time in the lagoon.

Plus, the extra masks are always fun! It gives you some more activities to do while in the lagoon!

Upgrade Your Package For A Spa Experience – The Retreat Spa

The Retreat Spa package is where it’s at! It’s in a league of its own but I think it’s totally worth it if you’re actually looking to relax and have, well, a spa retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

Included in the Retreat Spa package (on top of the other amenities) you also get 5 hour access to the spa. The spa includes the lagoon ritual, subterranean spaces with a sauna and relaxation room.

The real bonus is that you have access not only to the Blue Lagoon, but also the Retreat Lagoon!

The Retreat Lagoon is connected to the Blue Lagoon but it’s in its own private section. The only way to access it is to either book a room at the Retreat Hotel, or get the Retreat Spa package.

And you know what that means… A LOT LESS PEOPLE!

Obviously, it’s quite a bit more expensive than the other packages, but I think this will actual give you a spa experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (and it’s still way cheaper than booking a room… more on that in a bit!).

Do You Have To Book Tickets In Advance?

From my research, the Blue Lagoon doesn’t ever seem to sell out of Comfort package tickets even for the same day. You will be locked out of most time slots however.

The time slots that were still available will be later in the day – which might work for you, but they also might not!

I did notice that the Retreat Spa was the first to sell out, several weeks in advance. That’s probably just because there are a lot less spots.

So, If you want a specific time or package, the earlier you book, the better.

What’s The Best Time To Book The Blue Lagoon?

You have unlimited time once you’re in the Blue Lagoon, so the best value will be the first time slot of the day.

Not only will you be able to stay for the ENTIRE day, but it’s also the cheapest time slot and there will be the least amount of people.

But even if you can’t book the first time slot, you can still enjoy the Lagoon. We booked at probably the worst time (from 1:00 to 2:00 PM), with the most people, and there is always space in the lagoon – it’s that big.

Many people also recommend booking the Blue Lagoon before you leave Iceland because it’s so close to the Keflavik Airport. I would argue that the better time to visit is actually after you land, read why in my blog post.

How Long Do You Need At The Blue Lagoon?

On their website, they say that most people spend about 2 hours in the water but 4 hours at the facility.

We spent two hours total with just over an hour in the lagoon. We also arrived after we ate lunch, and left before dinner, so we didn’t enjoy any of their on-site restaurants!

We wanted to walk around and enjoy the lagoon from outside the water, but it was way too cold to do in our bathings suits. So we changed back into our clothes without realizing we wouldn’t be allowed back in once we did.

This would be a good argument to get the Premium Package with the bathrobe, so you can actually enjoy the Lagoon space outside the water a bit.

Other Activities At The Blue Lagoon Iceland

You can easily spend an entire day at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland if you wanted to.

The Blue Lagoon offers other spa amenities you can sign up for as part of your day (even if you don’t pay for the Spa Retreat Package).

The most popular add-ons are the in-water massages, or float therapy.

They also have guided tours where they delve into the history of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland (it’s not advertised, I found it by going through their FAQ page). I wish I had known about this before my visit because you have to contact them in advance to book a tour ([email protected]).

Restaurants At The Blue Lagoon

There are four restaurants at the Blue Lagoon Iceland so you don’t have to worry about food while you’re there.

The most reasonable for a quick bite and a coffee is the Blue Café. Honestly, I would come here just to enjoy the view a bit longer before heading out!

Then they have two formal sit down restaurants: the Lava Restaurant and the Moss Restaurant.

The Lava Restaurant is a unique dining experience where you feel engulfed by the lava rocks around you. But you can also enjoy a Michelin star meal at the Moss Restaurant.

And finally, if you’re in the Retreat Spa you have access to the Spa Restaurant.

Essentials You Need At The Blue Lagoon

I’m going to skim over the obvious of bringing a bathing suit… it is not a nude lagoon.

As I mentioned, the Blue Lagoon Iceland only gives you the towel at the end of your time in the Lagoon. So, if you’re booking the Comfort Package, I would bring my own towel to use. I recommend getting a quick dry towel, like this one on Amazon.

I would also recommend bringing flip flops or water shoes. These come in handy for walking around the locker rooms and even in the lagoon itself.

If you’re a woman with longer hair, they recommend keeping your hair out of the water as it can dry it out. So a hair elastic is a must! I would also bring your hair brush if you’re like me and need to detangle after it gets wet!

If you plan on taking pictures in the water, a waterproof case comes in handy! This way you won’t have to worry about getting your phone wet, you can get one on Amazon.

Hotels Near Iceland Blue Lagoon To Extend Your Stay

There are two hotels options at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, but it’ll cost you.

The benefit of staying at one of the hotels is that each one offers a private lagoon for hotel guests only. So if you’re worried about the crowds, this is one of the best ways to avoid them!

The Silica Hotel

The Silica Hotel is a 4 star hotel that’s actually a 10 minute walk from the Blue Lagoon.

There are a few room options at the Silica Hotel that range from 94 000 ISK to 108 000 ISK (2023 prices)… That’s about 940 CAD to 1,080 CAD PER NIGHT!

I would argue that the best room is the Silica Deluxe King, because you actually have a balcony looking out onto the lagoon, which let’s be real, its the whole reason you’re there! And the price difference between each room isn’t as a big as I would have thought.

The Retreat Hotel

The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is a 5 star hotel that is not only twice the price of the Silica, but also requires a minimum two night stay.

So a room at the Retreat Hotel will cost you around 500 000 ISK (5,000 CAD – 2023 prices).

But you are right at the Blue Lagoon, instead of a 10 minute walk away.

Blue Lagoon Reykjavik Alternatives

There are a few other lagoons near Reykjavik if you’re interested in some other options.

Newly opened in 2021, the Sky Lagoon is much more of a spa lagoon experience. But there will still be a lot of people. I visited a few days after the Blue Lagoon, you can read my full comparison between both lagoons in Iceland.

For the most natural experience, head to Reykjadalur Valley for a natural river hot spring (but there is an hour-long hike to get there). You can read my guide to visiting.

Planning On Staying In Reykjavik?

We stayed in Reykjavik our whole time in Iceland at the Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels. They offered free parking (upon availability), breakfast, and a modern room. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re interested in spa services at the tip of your fingers, ( I mean, you’re in Iceland after all!), stay at Midgardur by Center hotels. My parents stayed here and highly recommend it. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

If you’re staying in Reykjavik for one night before heading out to drive the Ring Road, my sister stayed at the Hotel Frón and would recommend it for a one night stay. Check updated prices and availability on Booking.com.

Or, check out more hotel options in Reykjavik, Iceland

My Icelandic Spa Amazon Must Haves

Related Posts

• Don’t Book Blue Lagoon Tickets Before A Flight…Do This Instead
• The Best One Day Iceland Golden Circle Route From Reykjavik
• Reykjadalur Hot Springs: How To Hike It & Is It Worth It?
• The Sky Lagoon Vs Blue Lagoon: Which Is Better For You?

Click Image To Share Or Save This Post

Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API