- The spa sits 20 km from Keflavík Airport and 5 km from Grindavík in a lava field below Mount Þorbjörn
- Milky blue water contains silica, salts and algae, with the colour caused by high silica content
- Children under two cannot enter, and those aged eight and under must wear arm floaters
- All guests must shower before entering and the lagoon water renews every two days
Location on the Reykjanes Peninsula
The Blue Lagoon sits in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland. The spa is 5 km from the town of Grindavík and positioned in front of Mount Þorbjörn.
Keflavík International Airport lies approximately 20 km away. Many combine a visit with airport transfers or include it in Reykjanes Peninsula itineraries.
The location within a volcanic landscape offers dramatic surroundings. Dark lava rock contrasts with milky blue water. Check road.is before travelling, as conditions can change quickly.
Blue Lagoon Tickets and Tours
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Top ratedDay trip · 11 hoursReykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour★ 4.9 6 150 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availablefrom €224 per personSee availability →
Entry ticketOfficial Blue Lagoon Iceland: Premium Admission★ 4.7 751 reviews✓ Free cancellationAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €135 per personSee availability →
Transfer · 45 minutesFrom Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport: 1-Way Blue Lagoon Transfer★ 4.4 2 260 reviews✓ Free cancellation✓ Pickup availableAvailable today and tomorrowfrom €27 per personSee availability →Geothermal Water and Silica
Water at the Blue Lagoon comes from the Svartsengi geothermal power station, which opened in 1976. The spa uses byproduct water from the power plant. This makes it a man-made lagoon rather than a natural spring.
The milky blue colour results from high silica content in the water. This silica settles as soft white mud on the lagoon bottom. Bathers can apply the mud to their skin.
Water temperature in the bathing area averages 37-39°C. The water contains salts and algae alongside silica. Average pH is 7.5 and salt content is 2.5%.
The entire volume of water renews every two days. This maintains quality and temperature. Those interested in comparing Iceland hot springs will find options ranging from natural pools to developed spas.
- Located 20 km from Keflavík Airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Wheelchair accessible with a water ramp and shower chair provided
- Water temperature stays consistent at 37-39°C
- Silica mud available for skin application directly from the lagoon bottom
- Private changing room available for guests with special needs
- Not suitable for children under two years old
- Communal showers are gender-separated and mandatory before entry
- The lagoon is man-made, not a natural hot spring
- High visitor numbers recorded, with 1.3 million in 2017
Entry Requirements and Rules
All guests must shower before entering the geothermal spa. The communal showers are split by gender.
Children under two years cannot enter the Blue Lagoon. Those aged eight and under must wear arm floaters. Staff provide these free of charge at the facility.
The lagoon offers accessibility features including a ramp extending into the water. A shower chair is available for wheelchair users. A private changing room is available for guests with special needs.
| Age Group | Entry Policy | Equipment Required |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years | Not permitted | N/A |
| 2-8 years | Allowed with supervision | Arm floaters (provided free) |
| 9+ years | Allowed | None mandatory |
Getting to the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon's position 20 km from Keflavík Airport makes it reachable for those starting or ending Iceland trips.
You can arrange transport from Reykjavík through Blue Lagoon transfer services. You can also include it in broader day trips from Reykjavík. Self-drivers will find the lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Winter driving requires checking road conditions at road.is before departure. Some visitors combine their spa visit with other attractions. Lava Show Reykjavík is an option on the same day.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Planning Your Visit
The Blue Lagoon recorded 1.3 million visitors in 2017. Check ticket availability and booking options on the official Blue Lagoon website.
Plan your timing around other activities in your Iceland itinerary. Many combine the lagoon with Golden Circle tours. Others pair it with south coast tours for multi-day schedules.
All guests must shower before entry. Some visitors pair their lagoon visit with northern lights viewing during winter months.
Bathing facilities first opened in 1987. The Blue Lagoon company was established in 1992. The site has developed significantly since then to handle visitor numbers.
Blue Lagoon Compared to Other Spas
Iceland offers several geothermal bathing options beyond the Blue Lagoon. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right spa for your preferences and schedule.
| Feature | Blue Lagoon | Sky Lagoon | Secret Lagoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Reykjanes Peninsula | Reykjavík | Flúðir (Golden Circle area) |
| Water Type | Geothermal power byproduct | Check facility details | Check facility details |
| Atmosphere | Developed spa complex | Check facility details | Check facility details |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible | Check facility details | Check facility details |
Read the full comparison at Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon. You can also explore Secret Lagoon for a different experience. Northern visitors might prefer Mývatn Nature Baths instead.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →What to Know Before You Go
The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field in front of Mount Þorbjörn. Winter brings snow-covered volcanic rock. Summer offers extended daylight for visits.
Research Blue Lagoon tickets to secure your preferred time slot and package level.
The spa sits in an active volcanic region. Always check safetravel.is before travelling. Look for any alerts or warnings affecting the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Combine your lagoon visit with other Reykjanes attractions. You can also consider extending your itinerary with multi-day tours. These cover multiple regions of Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon offers convenient access from Keflavík Airport. Water stays at 37-39°C and wheelchair accessibility features are available. Many natural springs lack these facilities. You trade the experience of a natural hot spring for developed amenities and reliable conditions. The lagoon recorded 1.3 million visitors in 2017.
More tours to compare
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Blue Lagoon located in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon sits in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is 5 km from Grindavík and approximately 20 km from Keflavík International Airport. The spa is positioned in front of Mount Þorbjörn in southwestern Iceland.
What temperature is the water at the Blue Lagoon?
Water temperature in the bathing and swimming area averages 37-39°C. The geothermal water comes from the nearby Svartsengi power station.
Can children visit the Blue Lagoon?
Children aged two and older can enter the Blue Lagoon. Those aged eight and under must wear arm floaters, which are provided free of charge. The lagoon is not suitable for children under two years old.
Is the Blue Lagoon a natural hot spring?
No, the Blue Lagoon is man-made. The water is a byproduct from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which opened in 1976. Bathing facilities opened in 1987.
Why is the Blue Lagoon water blue?
The water's milky blue hue results from its high silica content. The silica forms soft white mud on the lagoon bottom, and the water also contains salts and algae.
