Know Before You Go: Visiting the Blue Lagoon

With its milky turquoise waters and dreamlike surroundings of ancient lava fields, it’s easy to see why the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular geothermal pool. But before you slap on your mud mask and dive in, here are a few things to know.

Make sure you book in advance.

Entrance to the Blue Lagoon requires advance planning, and there are a number of packages to choose from. Standard entry is the simplest and cheapest, offering entrance, a locker, and access to the lagoon, saunas, and showers. Alternatively, the comfort package includes a towel, algae mask, and a drink, while the premium package offers all that, plus a bathrobe, flip flops, and a reservation at the LAVA restaurant (food not included).

Hit the showers before you go in the pool.

All visitors are required to shower without a swimsuit before entering the lagoon, and attendants are on-hand to ensure that the hygiene rules are followed by everyone. Most showers are communal, with separate areas for men and women, but there are also some private shower cubicles. Shampoo, soap, body lotion, and even hair dryers are provided. If you’re worried about the effect of the geothermal waters on your hair, use the special provided conditioner prior to bathing.

Indulge with a spa treatment.

Silica mud is available to all visitors free of charge, so you can help yourself to a mud mask or full-body cleanse. For an extra indulgence, upgrade to receive an algae mud mask or book an in-water massage.

You don't even have to get out of the water to order a drink.

The lagoon has its own swim-up bar, where you can order everything from a fresh fruit smoothie to a chilled beer or a glass of wine. Drinks are charged to your account (you’ll be issued a wristband on arrival), so there’s no need to carry cash. If you get hungry, there’s also the upscale Lava restaurant (reservations required) and a café on-site.

Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the lagoon.

You'll need between two to four hours to make the most of your visit to the Blue Lagoon. For the most enjoyable experience, book a tour with round-trip transport from Reykjavik, or combine your visit with pickup or drop-off at the nearby Keflavik International Airport.