Blue Lagoon
The Basics
A soak in the famous Blue Lagoon is a must for visitors to Reykjavik. Booking ahead is required, and there are several options and extras to choose from, including towels, bathrobes, spa treatments, and special face masks. On-site facilities include a hotel, restaurant, café, bar, and spa shop.
Tours are the easiest and most convenient way to experience the lagoon complex, as most include hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Reykjavik. Some even combine a Blue Lagoon visit with other activities such as a city sightseeing tour, a Golden Circle tour, or a whale-watching cruise.
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Things to Know Before You Go
The Blue Lagoon can get very busy, so be prepared to wait in line to get in; book an organized tour if you want to skip the line.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops, or rent them on arrival; lockers are provided to store your belongings.
The Blue Lagoon is fully wheelchair accessible, with shallow areas and steps available for children and non-swimmers.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the site.
How to Get There
The Blue Lagoon is 29 miles (47 kilometers) southwest of Reykjavik, along the Reykjanes Peninsula. It's about 50 minutes by road; the public bus takes a bit longer. Many visitors choose to visit en route to or from Keflavik Airport, 14 miles (23 kilometers) north of the Blue Lagoon, or a 20-minute drive.
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When to Get There
The Blue Lagoon is open year-round, and the busiest times are from May to September. To avoid the biggest crowds and highest prices, visit outside the peak months of July and August. If you do go in summer, arrive in the early morning, late afternoon, or evening for a somewhat quieter experience.
The Healing Powers of the Blue Lagoon
The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon are typically heated to between 98°F and 104°F (37°C and 40°C), and are famous for their high levels of silica, algae, and minerals, which explain the lagoon's cloudy blue appearance. The mineral-rich waters have long been reputed for their healing properties and are reported to help skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. If you'd like to do more than soak, there is also a sauna, steam room, man-made waterfall, silica mud masks, and in-water massages.
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