If you’ve ever Googled “Iceland”, most likely a dreamy shot popped up of someone relaxing in milky, pastel blue water, steam rising in the air like out of a luxury travel magazine. That’s Blue Lagoon… undoubtedly the most photographed hot tub on Earth and “one of 25 wonders of the world” according to National Geographic”.
But is this bucketlist experience worth the hype? Or just another overrated Instagram trap with good lighting? I went, I soaked, I silica masked… and now I give you my real Blue Lagoon Iceland review.
Spoiler: it’s not as simple as “skip it” or “must-do.”
🚗 How to get to Blue Lagoon? For the best transfer options, prices, & booking links, read my Blue Lagoon Transportation Guide »
Blue Lagoon’s Location: Perfect for Layovers ✈️
Blue Lagoon = Iceland’s unofficial airport lounge. ✈️ Only 20 min from Keflavík, 45 – 50 min from Reykjavík. Since you’ll be passing it anyway, it’s perfect for layovers, last day soaks, or city trips. Just block 6 – 8 hours.
Search Iceland Flight Deals
💡 Geeves’ Ticket Tip
Booking direct can sometimes save you a few Icelandic krona if you’re way in advance or off-season. But for most of us—especially short timeline or peak season— GetYourGuide’s flat-rate tickets usually end up cheaper and steadier.
Arrival & First Impressions
The drive to Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, feels straight out of Star Wars… endless black lava fields.. then bam! A glowing blue pool in the middle of a volcanic desert.
When I arrived, it was a bit chaotic and locker rooms were like a maze. Your digital wristband doubles as your locker key, spa tab, and “yes, I’ll take another Prosecco” pass.
Stash your stuff, shower (mandatory!), and step into the lagoon. A little cold Icelandic air, rising steam, milky waters… and just like that, you’re in a spa fairy tale. 🤩
You might also like:
An Insider’s Guide to Geothermal Spa Bliss: Sky Lagoon Iceland Review
Blue Lagoon’s Story in a Nutshell
Blue Lagoon wasn’t always a geothermal spa. It all started in the ’70s when locals with skin problems noticed its healing powers after bathing in a pool of mineral-rich runoff from a nearby geothermal plant.
Fast forward: it’s now a full blown spa experience with hotels, restaurants, and luxe treatments. Man made? Yes. Magical health and beauty benefits? Absolutely.
Facilities at Blue Lagoon
There’s so much to enjoy (especially now with the newest additions) that I regret not trying it all.
Highlights:
- Saunas, Steam Rooms/Cave, Cold Plunge: built into lava rock, some with epic, panoramic views
- Mask Bar: where staff hand out complimentary silica mud for your glow-up
- Mini Lagoon Waterfalls: stand under the gentle pounding for instant shoulder relief
- In-Water Massages, Floatation Therapy or Retreat Spa
- Swim-Up Bar: your first drink is included!
- Indoor Relaxation Areas & Viewing Decks: overlooking the lagoon
- Lockers, Showers & Changing Areas: have BL branded shampoo, conditioner, body wash, towels, vanities, hair dryers, etc.
Wondering what to wear in the land of fire & ice? Check out my 👉Iceland Packing List 👈 with essentials for men and women.
Lagoon Experience
Not gonna lie, my first reaction was “Icelandic Disneyland”, but instead of strollers, selfie sticks. Coming at the right time makes all the difference.
Best time to go: For Golden Hour photos, go early in the morning, sunrise or sunset (starts earlier in mid October when daylight starts to fade). For a calmer vibe and to dodge the “resort pool party” energy, go later in the evening. Unless that’s your thing. 😉
The surroundings are surreal with cozy lava rock nooks and mini waterfalls like your personal Icelandic playground.
Grab a drink, pretend you’re in your own little world, and soak in the dramatic scenery.
First Dip: That Milky Blue Glow
The lagoon is so warm (98-104°F / 37-40°C) with a pretty milky pastel blue color thanks to silica and minerals that sparkle in the sun.
Most of the lagoon is pretty shallow.. waist-to-shoulder deep (max depth ~1.4m/4.7 ft), perfect for floating, posing, or just pretending you’re in a skincare commercial.
The water is clean! According to Blue Lagoon, “foreign bacteria do not thrive in the lagoon’s ecosystem. Thus, disinfectants such as chlorine are not needed. The water is “a self-cleaning ecosystem“, renewing every 40 hours.”
Silica Mask: How It Works
The ritual is simple but heavenly: mask on → soak → rinse → glow. When you swim up to the mask bar, a staffer hands you a glop of the iconic signature silica mask (free)… a thick, goopy paste full of minerals that work wonders on your skin. And myth busted… it’s not made of bird poop.
I loved the whole mask ritual and was laughing with friends the whole time, taking selfies. The Icelandic surroundings create a magical atmosphere.
I got the Premium package, gets you 2 additional masks, each with different benefits like hydration or exfoliation.
👇🏻 Keep reading for packages & pricing.
Even with mirrors, we all looked funny trying to apply it. My skin was glowing so much I was later asked for my skincare routine! 🙂
👉 Buy or Skip Products? You can buy Blue Lagoon’s luxe skincare products, but it’s pricey. My wallet said no after dropping over $5K on my Iceland trip but, I treated myself to BL’s Signature Mask Travel Set, which won Allure’s Beauty Awards.
Beauty Benefits: Why Your Skin Will Glow
Blue Lagoon is basically Iceland’s version of Sephora with magic waters said to “undo the effects of time” (Blue Lagoon’s words, not mine). 😉 “There must be something in the water”… But what?
This unique combo (not found anywhere else) is a geothermal seawater cocktail packed with:
- Silica: Smooths skin, calms irritation, gives that Insta-worthy glow.
- Algae: Hydrating and anti aging.
- Minerals: Can help conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Special Experiences
Don’t miss storytime (next to the mask bar) where Icelandic locals tell you about folklore and historic tales. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a clear night, you’ll see the Northern Lights over the lagoon… one of the most magical moments of my trip.
✨ What’s New at Blue Lagoon (2026 Update)
Even with volcanic eruptions threatening closures, Blue Lagoon bounced back with a glow up recently, expanding and renovating the property: new locker rooms & showers PLUS added a new sauna, steam cave, cold plunge, and not one but two massage waterfalls.
Oh, and they’re expanding into other Icelandic locations too, just more excuses to come back… and I’m not mad about it. 😉
Can’t choose? Read my Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon comparison where I put them head to head in the ultimate Mean Girls showdown.
Luggage Storage
- KEF Airport: short-term lockers available, perfect for a layover.
- Blue Lagoon lockers: fit bags up to 35 × 45 cm (14 × 18 inches). Larger luggage can be stored for a small fee.
Personal Care & Essentials to Pack
- Waterproof phone case or GoPro
- Small waterproof pouch for glasses/earbuds
- Swimwear (rentals available)
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses (even in Iceland)
- Slip on sandals (not necessary, minimal outdoor walking)
- Toiletries &/or makeup (brush, q-tips, etc.)
- Waterproof bag & bag for wet swimwear
Tips You’ll Thank Me For
- Hair SOS: To prevent your hair from turning into straw, slather it with conditioner in the shower before going in, then twist your hair into a bun and don’t get it wet or no amount of Olaplex will save you.
- Skin Win: Don’t put the silica mask near your eyes.
- Contact Lenses: You can, but it’s not recommended. The water can damage contact lenses and irritate your eyes.
- Remove Jewelry: Could be damaged by the minerals in the water.
Blue Lagoon Packages & Pricing
Comfort Package (The Crowd Favorite) — from ISK 9,990 ($80 USD / €70 EU)
- Entrance to the lagoon
- The famous silica face mask
- A free drink at the swim-up bar (prosecco, beer, smoothie… your call)
- Towel
👉 My take: First visit? Comfort is plenty. You already get the mask glow, free drink, and iconic selfie without FOMO. Unless you want a robe or are dying to try the mask trio, save the krona.
Book Comfort Ticket
Some people didn’t put the mask on when I went. They just came for the soak. 🙂
Sounds very interesting. I don’t think I need a mask treatment, but interesting way to see the northern lights.