Your Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon: Is It Worth Visiting?
Ah, yes… the Blue Lagoon, one of the 25 wonders of the world, and one of the things one every tourist’s list on their trip to Iceland – but is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting, or is it overrated?
A kind stranger took a picture for me in the Blue Lagoon as I decided to leave my phone behind in the lockers!
For me, trip to Iceland wasn’t going to be complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon – but considering I decided to visit the Blue lLgoon in the winter, wear contact lenses, and was off to the Blue Lagoon with all of my personal belongings – I had a lot of questions.
Thankfully, I’ve already lived through the Blue Lagoon – and I’m here to give you a complete guide on your upcoming Blue Lagoon experience and put any questions you have to rest.
📍 Table of Contents
- Is the Blue Lagoon Worth Visiting?
- Do I Need to Book My Ticket for the Blue Lagoon in Advance?
- Which Blue Lagoon Ticket Package Should I Buy?
- What Time of Day Should I Go to the Blue Lagoon?
- Your Ultimate Guide to a Trip to the Blue Lagoon
- Advice & Tips Before Going to the Blue Lagoon
- Transportation to the Blue Lagoon
- Things to Buy Before Going to the Blue Lagoon
- What Should I Bring to the Blue Lagoon?
- Advice & Tips For What to Do At the Blue Lagoon (Before Going in)
- What Do I Need to Do Before Going Into the Blue Lagoon?
- How to Properly Open Lockers at the Blue Lagoon
- Advice & Tips on What to Do During the Blue Lagoon
- Advice & Tips on What to Do After the Blue Lagoon
- Blue Lagoon FAQ
Is the Blue Lagoon Worth Visiting?
Yes, I do think it’s worth visiting the Blue Lagoon at least once – even if it is busy and tourist-like. Even if I didn’t find the Blue Lagoon to be the most amazing thing I have ever done, I do feel that my trip to Iceland would have been incomplete without visiting the Blue Lagoon.
Do I Need to Book My Ticket for the Blue Lagoon in Advance?
Yes, you have to plan your trip to the Blue Lagoon well in advance. Booking spots fill up fast, despite the fact that the Blue Lagoon is open year-round – even on Christmas Day. I myself went on Christmas Eve, and even with an early closing time – the Blue Lagoon was still full to the brim with loads of tourists.
Although the checkout site seems insecure at times, this is indeed to correct place to officially book your Blue Lagoon ticket.
Which Blue Lagoon Ticket Package Should I Buy?
I opted for the comfort package, were I paid around $77 USD for entry to the Blue Lagoon, a towel, a free drink at the in-water bar, and a free silicone mask. Considering the green smoothie I had at the bar would’ve run me around $13 USD alone, and a towel rental another $5 USD – this package was well worth the price to me.
The overview cards below will help you compare and contrast the three different Blue Lagoon ticket packages and their prices as of 2026:
💦 Blue Lagoon Ticket Packages (2026)
The overview cards below will help you compare and contrast the three different Blue Lagoon ticket packages and their prices as of 2026:
This is the most basic option and honestly totally fine for most people. You get entry to the lagoon, a silica mud mask, access to the steam/sauna areas, and a towel is included. You’ll also get one drink at the swim-up bar.
This is the “slightly elevated” experience. You get everything in Comfort, plus a bathrobe, extra face masks, and a drink of your choice. It’s a nice middle-ground if you want a bit more comfort without going all out.
This is the most premium experience. You get everything included above, plus two drinks and a full skincare set to take home. It’s definitely the most expensive — but worth it if you want the full spa-style experience.
What Time of Day Should I Go to the Blue Lagoon?
In general, it’s best to go to the Blue Lagoon either early morning or later in the evening, as it’s expected for crowds to soften around those hours.
Personally, I think that the time of day you book your Blue Lagoon ticket is irrelevant – as it’s going to be crowded whichever way you cut it. I heard people with tickets for early morning, mid-morning, and late afternoon. Even as I was coming out of the Blue Lagoon at 3PM on Christmas Eve – there were still more people coming in as I was leaving. I say it’s best to book the Blue Lagoon at convenient times you find transportation if you haven’t book a car – what I learned was a pretty good idea when in Iceland.
I am now going to break down things you should know before, at, and after going to the Blue Lagoon so that you can prepare accordingly.
Your Ultimate Guide to a Trip to the Blue Lagoon
Advice & Tips Before Going to the Blue Lagoon
Transportation to and From the Blue Lagoon
Before heading to the Blue Lagoon, you’ll need to book your tickets for the bus to and from your accommodation at the airport. Round trip bus tickets bought at Keflavik Airport cost around $60 USD or 55€.
You can opt to take a round trip taxi instead, but beware – it’s a whopping 20,000 ISK, or closer to $165 USD.
If you don’t rent a car, plan your bus fare (as there are NO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR RIDE SHARES SUCH AS UBER IN ICELAND) carefully and accordingly. For frame of reference, I left my hotel in Reykjavik at 10:30AM to get back to Keflavik Airport at 11:15AM to catch a 12:30 PM bus to the Blue Lagoon. This is why it’s crucial to give yourself as much time as possible before heading to the Blue Lagoon, as the journey from your accommodation or even the airport could take longer than you think it will.
Parking lot at the Blue Lagoon; December 2022
Things to Buy Before Going to the Blue Lagoon
If you forget something before going to the Blue Lagoon, you’ll probably have access to it at their gift shop – but it’ll be extremely expensive.
Here’s what I recommend buying before going to the Blue Lagoon, of which are things you probably don’t already have on hand:
Hair/Shower Cap: If you really care about your hair like me, buy a shower cap before going to the blue lagoon to prevent paying through-the-roof prices there. I found a pack of them in Norway before I flew to Iceland. This is because the minerals and algae in the Blue Lagoon can cause your hair to become stiff and unmanageable for an indefinite period of time. Most simply tie their long hair up, but I went the extra mile due to my curly locks.
Water Proof Phone Case: If you want to take pictures of your Blue Lagoon experience, I strongly suggest purchasing a water-proof case beforehand if you want to bring your phone into the Blue Lagoon. I myself went in the Blue Lagoon without my phone, and I don’t regret it – as I got to swim and experience the moment. I did meet a British girl who told me she paid around 20 GPB, or around 14€ for her waterproof phone case there. As of 2026, it reportedly costs closer to $30 USD to buy a waterproof case at the Blue Lagoon itself – which is all the more reason to buy one yourself before hand to make the Blue Lagoon more budget friendly.
What Should I Bring to the Blue Lagoon?
You’ll want to bring a lot of things with you to the Blue Lagoon to make sure you have a pleasant experience: such as snacks, toiletries, a swimsuit, a waterproof phone case, and a fresh pair of clothes. I strongly suggest packing a bag that will go into the lockers with you ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling last minute for things you’ll need at the Blue Lagoon.
Packaged Snacks: Bring your own snacks if you think you’ll get hungry. I recommend eating a good meal before the Blue Lagoon, as even the cheapest cafe at the Blue Lagoon will run you around $17 USD for a slice of Avocado Toast.
Jewelry Case: You’ll need to remove all jewelry before heading into the Blue Lagoon. I removed mine the night before so that I wouldn’t forget in the midst of being at the Blue Lagoon. If you think you’ll forget, be sure to bring a jewelry organizer with you to the Blue Lagoon so you’ll have somewhere safe to keep your earrings, rings, and necklaces.
The overview cards below will reveal everything else that you should bring with you before heading to the Blue Lagoon:
🧳 What to Bring to the Blue Lagoon
You'll want to bring a clean swimsuit to change into, otherwise - you won't be able to go into the Blue Lagoon at all.
You'll need to bring a towel if you don’t opt for at least the comfort package, where a towel is included.
Toiletries such as your favorite hair products, deodorant, lotions, perfume, etc. that you might want to use after the Blue Lagoon (they have body wash, shampoo, and conditioner there – and the products are top quality, so no need to bring those).
Trust me, you'll want to make sure your hair is tangle free after the Blue Lagoon. Luckily, I believe blow dryers were provided in the lockers.
These are optional if you're like me and prefer to err on the side of caution. I personally didn't want to use the shared showers barefoot!
You'll want a fresh pair of clothes to change into after the Blue Lagoon. Trust me on this, you don't want to change into the same clothes you arrived to the Blue Lagoon at – as it'll ruin the clean "spa" feeling.
Photo of the luggage hold center at the Blue Lagoon; December 2022
Advice & Tips For What to Do At the blue lagoon (Before Going in)
Drop Off Luggage at the Blue Lagoon Lockers
If you decide to come to the Blue Lagoon with all of your luggage, you will first have to drop off your luggage at the luggage center. It costs 1000 ISK, or around $8.20 USD. The luggage hold is in a separate, small building before entering the Blue Lagoon facility.
Head to Reception & Blue Lagoon Overview
Once you enter the Blue Lagoon, you’ll veer to the left to see the entry ways. You’ll get a quick review from employees at the Blue Lagoon and the reception desk on what to do, such as:
Reminding you to tie your hair up in the Blue Lagoon
Take a shower before entering the lagoon
Make sure that you leave enough time to shower after you come out of the lagoon before the Blue Lagoon closes
Do I Need to Shower Before Entering the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, you’ll have to shower without a bathing suit both before and after visiting the Blue Lagoon. Technically, no one is watching to make sure you do this – but it’s a precaution taken to ensure no toxins or dirt from the day go into the Blue Lagoon with you.
Should I wear contact lenses or Glasses in the Blue Lagoon?
According to employees at the front desk – it’s okay to go into the Blue Lagoon wearing contact lenses, as long as you take the same precautions when wearing them in the pool or the ocean.
The women checking me in gladly answered any questions of concern: such as if I could wear contact lenses, and if it was safe to go in the Blue Lagoon with a healing rash. I had previously read online that going in with glasses was just as bad as contact lenses, as if the glasses got wet – the minerals from the Blue Lagoon would damage my glasses. The women, also wearing glasses, recommended I go in with contact lenses – and just to be careful as if I were in the ocean or swimming pool with them on. She also said that with glasses, since the Blue Lagoon is so foggy with all the steam coming out – that it’s more difficult to see. I trusted her judgement, despite being wary – but I can confirm it is more than safe to go into the Blue Lagoon with contact lenses.
Can I Go into the Blue Lagoon with a Rash or Cut?
Yes, you can go into the Blue Lagoon with a healing rash or cut. The front desk at the Blue Lagoon advised to me that as long as my rash didn’t sting in the Blue Lagoon, that it would be fine to go in. In fact, the healing properties of the help to increase the skin-barrier function and can help to improve moisture in the skin and common irritants such as eczema – meaning it actually might help to clear up any wounds faster!
View of Blue Lagoon in the middle of winter; December 2022
What Do I Need to do Before Going Into the Blue Lagoon?
After checking in at the front desk, right before heading into the Blue Lagoon – you will receive a wristband that will be used to open your locker and make purchases at the Blue Lagoon. Beware that if you have small wrists like me, it will need to function as more of an arm bracelet.
Before taking a shower, you’ll need to pick out a locker.
The lockers at the Blue Lagoon aren’t exactly user-friendly. I had a pretty unfriendly woman come up to me, half-naked still blow drying her hair, ridicule me that it was easier than it looks – but it isn’t.
How to Properly Open Lockers at the Blue Lagoon
It’s tricky to get the lockers working properly at the Blue Lagoon, but I’ve got you covered. Here’s how it works:
Pick a locker, and but all of your belongings you need (besides things for your first shower) inside.
Slam the locker well to ensure it is closed, and then QUICKLY tap your wristband to the bar scanner on the side. This is what activates your wristband to the locker of your choice. Whenever you want to open your locker, scan your wristband back on the same barcode you used to activate your locker. I would have provided pictures, but sadly – there are no cameras allowed inside the locker rooms in the Blue Lagoon.
Take a Shower Before the Blue Lagoon
Once you’ve got the locker situation sorted out, it’s time to shower. Be sure to tie your hair up (there’s no need to wash it before the Lagoon – but after is a good idea, even if your hair doesn’t get entirely wet. This is because of the amount of steam in the Blue Lagoon – which is likely to leave some undesired minerals behind in your hair regardless if you get it wet or not).
After changing into your swim suit, you can go take your first shower. The doors do not close all the way, and are somewhat see-through – but it is still private.
Return to your locker to put anything you don’t want to bring into the Blue Lagoon with you.
NOW you are finally ready to enter the Blue Lagoon!
View of the Blue Lagoon on the left just before entering the Blue Lagoon facility; December 2022.
Advice & Tips on What to Do During the Blue Lagoon
💧 How to Enjoy Your Visit at the Blue Lagoon 🇮🇸
Enjoy it, the time will go by fast. It's easier said than done, but try your best to limit the amount of pictures and videos you take and simply soak in the present moment while at the Blue Lagoon.
It is much more difficult to see in the Blue Lagoon than you’d expect, due to the fog from the steam. I went in December, where there had just been a blizzard – so the amount of steam was exceptional. However, it is perfectly (if not more) pleasant to visit the Blue Lagoon in the winter. It started to snow while I was still in the Blue Lagoon, and the toasty-temperatures feel good after a day of sightseeing in a cold Reykjavik.
If you enter the Blue Lagoon from the ramp side, the in-water bar is straight and to the right. The mask station is straight, and far to the left in another corner, as well.
If you decide to leave your phone behind, be sure to ask someone who does have a phone what time it is now and again to make sure you have enough time to shower afterwards. You don’t want to ruin your time at the Blue Lagoon by feeling rushed to leave it in a crowded, busy locker room.
Stay hydrated before, during, and after the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is naturally heated to be around 37-39°C or 98-102°F. While this is relaxing, it can cause dehydration – so drink up!
If you go in without your phone, I highly suggest taking a swim in the Blue Lagoon. It isn’t as picturesque as you might think due to the excessive fog and in my case white-winter-sky – but there is something magical and warming about going for a lap in the Blue Lagoon.
Are certain parts of the Blue Lagoon hotter than others?
Yes, certain parts of the Blue Lagoon are indeed warmer than other parts of this famous and picturesque body of water.
Since the Blue Lagoon is heated using geothermal energy – different parts of the Blue Lagoon are warmer than others. Some areas will feel cooler, and others hot-tub-like-hot. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay put in one random spot in the Blue Lagoon!
Advice & Tips on What to Do After the blue lagoon
Grab a towel, or go back to your locker to grab a towel and take a shower.
Wash your hair really well after the Blue Lagoon, and lather their fancy conditioner on really well!
Change into a fresh pair of clothes, and make sure you take all of your personal belongings from the lockers with you: such as phones, passports, wallets, or residence cards if you live in another country.
Drink some water. I walked to the main cafe outside of the famous Lava restaurant, and they kindly gave me some tap water free of charge.
Find your luggage tag before returning to the luggage hold center. In the chaos of being at the Blue Lagoon, I misplaced my luggage tag – beware that it is a small slip of paper easy to lose. Luckily, my suitcase was Airtagged, covered in stickers from my previous travels, and had a luggage tag on it so I could I.D. myself.
Get your luggage & board your bus back to the airport or your hotel
I really hope this guide has answered all of your questions about going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland!
💦❄️🇮🇸 Blue Lagoon FAQ ☁️
| 🔒 Are there lockers at the Blue Lagoon? | Yes, there are lockers at the Blue Lagoon for you to store all of your shower and after-lagoon needs without going back to luggage storage. Lockers are usually included with your ticket. |
| 📱 Can I bring my phone into the Blue Lagoon? | Yes, but even if your phone is water-resistant, it should be protected in a waterproof bag. You can buy one at the Blue Lagoon for around 4,000 ISK (~£24 / €27 / $32). This is quite pricey, so if you plan to travel with someone else, maybe only have one person bring their phone in. |
| 🧳 Is there luggage storage at the Blue Lagoon? | Yes, there’s luggage storage conveniently located before the Lagoon’s facilities and shops. It costs 1,000 ISK per bag (~£6 / €7 / $8). Keep your tag handy—or take a photo of it just in case you misplace it! |
| 💇 Can I get my hair wet in the Blue Lagoon? | Technically yes, but it’s strongly advised against. The minerals and silica can make your hair stiff for days. As someone with thin, curly hair—I wore a shower cap, but still rinsed and conditioned thoroughly afterward, since the fog and minerals can seep in. |
| 👓 Can I wear contacts in the Blue Lagoon? | The official Blue Lagoon website says not to wear contact lenses in the lagoon. However, I was told by reception—by someone who also wore contacts—that I should wear them instead of glasses since the Lagoon is foggy. Just be cautious: if water gets in your eyes, it’ll sting, just like in a pool or the ocean. |
| ✈️ How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik & the airport? | The Blue Lagoon is about 30 miles / 50 km from Reykjavik (around 45 minutes by car) and 13 miles / 21 km from Keflavik Airport (about 20 minutes by car). |
| 🍽️ Is there food at the Blue Lagoon? | Yes! There’s a casual café plus the fine dining Lava Restaurant, both of which have vegan options. But prices are high—even at the café—so eat a good meal beforehand if you’re on a budget. |
| 🛫 Should I go to the Blue Lagoon before my flight? | Yes! As long as you shower well to scrub off all the minerals, the Lagoon is a relaxing way to unwind before a long flight. It might even help you sleep better on the plane! |
Want to see my adventures in Iceland in action?
Watch me enjoy my trip to the Blue Lagoon in my Iceland vlog below!
Planning an entire Europe trip? Click here to read about my other European travels.
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Last updated: May 9, 2026