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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Iceland’s most popular – and photogenic – geothermal pool is surrounded by black lava fields and framed by the steaming towers of the Svartsengi geothermal plant. It’s an otherworldly place that looks like something out of a science-fiction movie – and an essential experience to tick off your Icelandic bucket list.

Averaging 37–39°C, the steaming pools are actually a by-product from the power plant, but don’t let that deter you. The waters are rich in minerals and silica, absorbed from the volcanic bedrock, a tonic for skin inflammation.

The psychedelic, blue-green water comes from naturally occurring algae which thrive in the balmy water.

Don't miss

Don’t miss a dunk under the pool’s piping-hot waterfall, which emerges with enough force to give you a full body massage.

While you're there

The super-stylish Moss Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon Retreat serves sumptuous tasting menus based around Icelandic ingredients, with panoramic views of the lagoon through floor-to-ceiling windows. Alternatively, just lay back and savour Blue Lagoon cocktails and energy shots, served to you in the pool.

Logistics

Price from: £35
Minimum age: 2
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s easy to visit: either come by bus (the Flybus to the airport stops here) or by car. The lagoon is 40 minutes from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from the airport and is well-signposted (look out for Blaa Lonid).

Unsurprisingly, the pool is enormously popular, so bookings are essential whatever time of year you visit. You can purchase VIP tickets which allow you to access a private area of the pool, as well as a lounge and viewing platform.

The luxurious Blue Lagoon Retreat hotel, on the pool’s western shore, has access to its own private section.

Do be aware that the mineralised water can discolour metals, including silver – so be sure to remove jewellery before you bathe.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. Winter sees far fewer visitors, and booking a visit for early morning or late evening usually provides a more restful experience.

Try it beneath the midnight sun in June, July or August, in the snow in winter or during the Iceland Airwaves festival in October when bands play around the edges. Under dark winter skies, you might even be lucky enough to spy the Northern Lights while you bathe: November to February is the main aurora season.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater

Reykjavik

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater
The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are the two most popular sights to visit in Iceland. Book this small group day tour and enjoy visiting both the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon in a relaxing fun filled day. Admission to all sights, also the Blue Lagoon, is included in the tour price so as soon as you have booked you can relax and start looking forward to your adventure. Your first stop is at the Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. This is where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, which allows you the unique feeling of having one foot in each world. Next destination is the famous Geysir Hot Spring. Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes up to 30 meters high. Here you can buy a lunch during the stop. Gullfoss the Golden Waterfall is next and will amaze you with its beauty and raw power. Adding even more, you will visit the Kerid Volcanic Crater before heading off the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing end to a great day.

Price: $219

Min age: 5

Rating 4.88 / 5 [2594 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater, and Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater, and Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik
The Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon are two of the most famous attractions in Iceland.  Join this tour to discover both in a unique one day adventure.  During the tour you will visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall as well as the volcanic crater Kerid (entrance fee included).     After exploring the amazing Icelandic nature, you end the journey by soaking in the extraordinary Blue Lagoon.  You arrive before 17:00 (5:00pm) and enjoy a relaxing time there for about 2 hours before heading back to Reykjavik (entrance fee to the Blue Lagoon is not included and must be booked in advance at own expense).

Price: $129

Min age: 5

Rating 4.84 / 5 [1387 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Circle, Volcano Crater & Blue Lagoon Small Group Tour

Reykjavik

Golden Circle, Volcano Crater & Blue Lagoon Small Group Tour
Experience the best of Iceland's natural wonders on this one day mini bus tour. Join us for this magnificent combination of of Iceland, we will take you to the Golden Circle pearls and finish the day off in the Blue Lagoon. Book now to begin your journey!

Price: $211

Min age: 14

Rating 4.68 / 5 [868 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Golden Circle Express Tour with Optional Blue Lagoon Admission from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

Golden Circle Express Tour with Optional Blue Lagoon Admission from Reykjavik
The Golden Circle is a collection of Iceland's most famous natural wonders and a must-see for any visitor to Iceland. You will see the famous erupting geyser and hot springs, experience the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall and walk in the footsteps of Vikings through the lava canyon where the American and Eurasian continents have dramatically pulled apart in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. In addition to a live guide, the tour also comes equipped with a personal computer tablet in each seat complete with an audio guide in 10 languages. If you choose also the Blue Lagoon option (which must be selected during the booking process), you will make a short stop at our Reykjavik Terminal before heading to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing evening, soaking in the amazing geothermal waters.

Price: €72

Min age: 0

Rating 4.38 / 5 [163 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Blue Lagoon Admission Including Transfer

Reykjavik

Blue Lagoon Admission Including Transfer
The Blue Lagoon is a popular spa destination featuring an outdoor lagoon with mineral-rich waters in a lava field. Let the warm and mineral-rich water warm you up and recharge you for your exciting trip in Iceland.

Price: €246

Min age: 2

Rating 4.40 / 5 [147 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

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