A First-Timer's Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon by Stylish Travel Girl

First-Timer’s Guide to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

· by · in ,

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is a do-not-miss for any traveler’s first visit to Iceland. If you’re a first-timer, read on to learn how to plan your perfect day at one of the most unique outdoor spas on the planet!

A First-Timer's Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon by Stylish Travel Girl

Mud masks and beer at Blue Lagoon

Make a Reservation

Pre-booking is required at Blue Lagoon. I’ve noticed some time slots are still available at the last minute, but if you want to make it easy on yourself, book a few weeks in advance.

Blue Lagoon tickets aren’t cheap, but it’s worth the splurge — especially if you snagged a budget flight. Budget around $50-60 USD for a standard ticket. (Check current summer/winter prices on the Blue Lagoon website.)

I kept an eye on reservation availability as we were traveling around Europe and ended up booking just one week in advance. We were very happy with our post-dinner reservation time in June. (Remember, it stays light very late in summertime Iceland.)

Even with a reservation, you’ll likely wait in line to enter. Several reservation tiers offer different amenities included in the ticket price, but extra amenities can be purchased a-la-carte as well. The more you pay, the shorter you wait (unless you get lucky or book at an unpopular time). I bought the standard ticket and waited in the queue about fifteen minutes before redeeming my reservation (8pm in June) at the counter.

Stylish Travel Girl recommends: Book the standard ticket and purchase your extras (robe, towel, drinks, algae mask, etc.) separately when you get there.

A First-Timer's Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon by Stylish Travel Girl

Stepping into Blue Lagoon for the first time

Getting There

Twenty minutes from the Keflavik airport, Blue Lagoon is one of the easiest attractions to get to in Iceland. You can book a shuttle directly from the airport (you’ll likely see an ad for this when you book your flight), book a car or shuttle from your hotel, or drive your rental car/van and park easily in the large lot adjacent to the Lagoon. Since Blue Lagoon operates on a reservation system, it prevents the lot from getting too crazy at peak times.

You can also book transportation when you make your Blue Lagoon reservation.

A First-Timer's Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon by Stylish Travel Girl

What You’ll Love

Get ready to have an amazingly relaxing time!

Included with the Standard Ticket

Get access to almost everything — entire Blue Lagoon with in-water drink and mask bars, locker rooms, showers — with just the standard ticket. A free mud mask is included, which you’ll grab from a self-serve bar inside the lagoon.

Optional Extras

A variety of packages offer amenities included in the ticket price, but most items can be purchased a-la-carte.

  • Bathrobe Rental
  • Towel Rental
  • Swimsuit Rental
  • Slippers (flip flops)
  • 1st drink of your choice
  • Algae Mask
  • Reservation at LAVA Restaurant
  • Entrance to the Exclusive Lounge
  • Spa products

Rent a robe, towel, swimsuit, and slippers at the counter when you check in. You can purchase drinks (beer, wine, smoothies, etc.) or the algae mask with your wristband at the lagoon-side bars while inside the warm lagoon.

Rental prices are reasonable, ranging from 700-1400 ISK ($6-13 USD, at the time this was published), making the standard ticket a more attractive option since you will only pay for what you really need. View current add-on pricing on the Blue Lagoon website.

Check out Blue Lagoon in NatGeo’s Wonders of the World publication!

A First-Timer's Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon by Stylish Travel Girl

Lagoon-side bar with drinks purchased by wristband

Know Before You Go

Save Your Suit — While you may be tempted to wear your favorite swim suit, just be aware: I can still feel the silica mud in my suit. Even with a good hot rinse in the shower post-spa, your suit will probably feel a bit sticky afterward.

Stylish Travel Girl recommends: Rent a suit at Blue Lagoon or pack an old one for this trip.

Keep Your Hair Out of It — Tie up your hair to keep the silica out, which can dry out your hair. Use the conditioner provided in the shower before and after using the spa.

Showering Required — A shower, without your suit, is required before you enter the spa. There are private showering cubicles in the locker rooms with shampoo and conditioner provided.

Don’t Fret Over a Lost Towel — With tons of tourists in the Lagoon, it’s not unheard of to lose track of your rented towel or robe. My brother’s robe went missing, and the staff just gave him a new one when he asked.

Stay Warm — If you can’t bear a few seconds of being wet and cold when entering/exiting the lagoon, use the in-water door on the side instead of the main doors to the lagoon deck.

Stow Your Stuff — Wristband-activated lockers are available in the changing rooms and are included with all levels of admission. Use them so you don’t lose your car keys, phone, and other important items.

A First-Timer's Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon by Stylish Travel Girl

More Information

For additional and up-to-date information about visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, visit the official Blue Lagoon website.

Author Profile

Diana SouthernSTG Founder & Contributing Editor
Diana is an outspoken, DIY-ing, star-chasing, hockey-loving, dog-owning, veggie-eating professional wanderer. And that's not the half of it. Not long ago she jumped ship from a comfy, predictable American life, sold all her stuff, and set out to explore the unknown. Now a full-time traveler, Diana believes that spontaneity, a smile, and an organized suitcase are the three key elements to a happy nomadic existence. Follow her personal travels on North To South.
Tags: , ,