// ICELAND // DAY TRIP
the blue lagoon
Instagram-famous, but lives up to the hype
Blue Lagoon is one of those places that looks otherworldly. The water such pure, bright, creamy aqua, a stark contrast against the dark lava rocks. It’s no wonder that this place has gained Instagram fame over the years.
Blue Lagoon is both an incredible natural wonder, and a luxurious retreat. It’s a lot more than the physical lagoon itself, there’s been an entire resort complex built around it, complete with a premier spa, two hotels, and three restaurants.
A lot of people come here as a day trip from Reykjavik, or for a layover retreat straight from the airport. If there’s one thing Iceland does well, it’s the tourism bus system, super easy to get exactly where you need to be with buses that run to and from the airport (~20 min), and others that’ll take you right back to your hotel lobby in Reykjavik (~50 min).
- day trip -
If you’re coming here, you’re probably coming for the lagoon itself. Aka, if you’ve seen photos of people hanging out in steamy aqua waters with masks on their faces and dozens of other people in the background, that’s what this is.
There are a few different options, depending on how much you feel like pampering yourself. For the lagoon, there is a basic ($51+) and a premium package ($72+), both of which grant you entrance into the lagoon, a drink from the in-lagoon drink bar, and a mask (or 2 for the premium) at the in-lagoon mud mask bar. There are well-kept gendered showers and locker rooms as well.
If you want a more luxurious experience, they also have a spa retreat ($573+), which is a 4 hour experience that includes a private changing room and access to the retreat spa and lagoon (separate from the main portion), as well as treatments, massages and skincare amenities.
- OVERNIGHT -
When it comes to accomodations, you have a couple options too.
There’s the Silica Hotel, with rooms starting in the $500s. These stays come with entrance to the lagoon and complimentary breakfast. Some have private verandas too.
Then there’s the Retreat Hotel, with rooms starting in the $1100s and going up into the $2000s for a suite with access to a private lagoon. These stays come with entry into the retreat spa in addition to the lagoon, and hikes, yoga and other activities.
- DINING -
Lava Restaurant is the culinary destination conveniently tucked inside the spa complex. If you’ve ever wanted to experience fine dining in a robe, this is where you do it. They have both a set menu and an a la carte menu, and reservations are highly recommended. With the expansion of the hotel, they’ve also opened up two other dining experiences: the upscale restaurant with a view, Moss, and the more casual all-day Spa Restaurant.
the details
| Address | Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík |
| Website | https://www.bluelagoon.com/ |
| Tripadvisor | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g608874-d207805-Reviews-Blue_Lagoon-Grindavik_Reykjanes_Peninsula.html |
| @bluelagoonis | |
| Hours | the hotels are of course open 24/7, but the lagoon hours vary depending on the season and which option you go for. |
| Price | $$$ – $$$$, it’s definitely more of a splurge treat, so the lowest budget would be ~$70-100 for a day trip not including a meal. Sky’s the limit. |
| Aesthetic | like if nat geo made a spa and then hired nordic designers to make it beautiful |
good to know
Go here for: a relaxing day of floating around and working on that self care skincare
Get this: the premium lagoon experience is probably the best for most people, you get a full experience plus a reservation for Lava, which makes for a perfect itinerary.
Amount of time to spend: about a half day (~4-6 hours) if you’re just doing a day trip
When to come: if you’re coming for the main lagoon, try too book the first slot of the day, so that there’s fewer people. If you don’t mind a shorter experience, the prices do get cheaper in the evenings
Other things to note:
- They actually have a bus that goes straight from the airport to and from Blue Lagoon, perfect for long layovers. They will store your luggage for you too.
- If you’re driving, parking is free on site.
- They have a gift shop with all their skincare, so definitely check that out for souvenirs. If you forget, they also sell it at the airport too.
Last visited: April 2016
Last updated: March 2020 – prices as seen on site
