Things No One Tells You About the Blue Lagoon Iceland

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Visiting the Blue Lagoon Iceland is a must for anyone on a trip to this awesome adventure destination! The Blue Lagoon is the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland — it seems like nearly every traveler who visits Iceland works a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon into their itinerary.

And, being the most popular destination, there are plenty of guides and how-tos for the Blue Lagoon Iceland on the internet. But to be honest, I was surprised by how many things I still didn’t know during my first visit.

This geothermal spa is a lot more than meets the eye. Between the warm waters and convivial atmosphere, this might be one of the most memorable stops on your Iceland trip, so you want to do it right.

I’ve visited the Iceland Blue Lagoon several times, in all different kinds of weather. As you can see by my photos below, I’ve seen the Blue Lagoon on a gorgeous day in May and I’ve also visited the Blue Lagoon on a cold and rainy August day.

It wasn’t ideal, but it was still worth visiting the Blue Lagoon in the rain. In fact, the Blue Lagoon has only closed three times over the last decade due to weather, so don’t let a little rain or snow stop you from enjoying a soak!

Volcanic eruptions over the last few years have caused the Blue Lagoon to close temporarily from time to time. But as of January 2025, the Blue Lagoon is open with regular operating hours. Seismic activity, air quality and weather continue to be closely monitored to prioritize your safety.

Before you go to the Blue Lagoon, here’s what you need to know — so you can kick back and have an unforgettable experience.

This post was last updated in January 2025.

An aerial view of the Blue Lagoon, dozens of people luxuriating in milky blue water.
Blue Lagoon Iceland, via DepositPhotos

Blue Lagoon Iceland FAQ

Do you need a reservation to enter the Blue Lagoon Iceland?

The Blue Lagoon strongly recommends advance reservations, as tickets are often sold out. But you can book at the door if there are spots available.

How warm is the water at the Blue Lagoon?

The temperature of the Blue Lagoon is 37-40 Celsius (98-104 Fahrenheit) and feels like a warm bath.

How old do you have to be to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?

The minimum age to visit the Blue Lagoon is two years old. Children under 13 are admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult; children under 8 must wear floaties (which are available at the entrance and free of charge).

Can you wear glasses or contacts in the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon advises not wearing contact lenses. If you wear prescription glasses, you can wear them, but don’t get them wet, as the geothermal water from the Blue Lagoon could damage them.

Is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland a natural phenomenon?

It actually isn’t! Many hot springs in Iceland are natural, but the Blue Lagoon is not one of them.

What happens to your hair in the Blue Lagoon?

Trust me, you want to try and avoid getting your hair wet at the Blue Lagoon, because the results aren’t pretty.

In Iceland, the Blue Lagoon -- pale turquoise milky water with people swimming in it, underneath a bright blue sky with clouds.

Is the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik?

The Blue Lagoon is not in Reykjavik. It’s in the town of Grindavík, close to Keflavík International Airport and about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Two-thirds of Iceland’s population may live in Reykjavik, but the Blue Lagoon is quite a distance away. If you haven’t rented a car, you’ll need to book a transfer with a tour company. You can book Blue Lagoon tickets with optional hotel pick-up or transportation to/from the airport here.

That said, Reykjavik is a fabulous city and being based there is the best option for visiting the Blue Lagoon and exploring the nearby region. See below for where to stay in Reykjavik.

Is the Blue Lagoon a natural spring?

No, the Iceland Blue Lagoon is not a natural spring. While Iceland is a country brimming with natural hot springs, the Blue Lagoon actually isn’t one of them. The land is natural, as is the lava that shapes the pool, but the hot water is actually the result of runoff from the geothermal power plant next door.

The geothermal plant was built first, and it uses Iceland’s volcanic landscape to produce heat power. The runoff of geothermal seawater is filtered straight into the Blue Lagoon.

That doesn’t mean the water is dangerous or toxic — far from it! It’s still a geothermal pool with mineral-rich water that is constantly monitored for quality.

The Blue Lagoon is simply not the natural phenomenon that many people believe it to be. It’s a man-made pool filled with geothermal seawater.

Is the Blue Lagoon accessible?

Yes, the Blue Lagoon is accessible with services and facilities for guests with special needs or disabilities. If you have any concerns or questions, contact the Blue Lagoon directly.

These services and facilities include disabled parking, wheelchairs available to borrow, wheelchair access through the lagoon and main complex, accessible changing rooms, a shower chair, and complimentary admission for a personal assistant if one is needed.

Note that the lagoon is a maximum of 1.7 meters (4.7 feet) deep with a natural uneven floor, which may impact accessibility.

A curved bridge over the bright blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland.
Sunny summer days at the Blue Lagoon are the best! Via DepositPhotos.

Best time to go to Blue Lagoon

When is the best time to go to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland? The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions to visit in Iceland, so I recommend planning your trip carefully to avoid crowds.

If you want to have the space mostly to yourself, I recommend going as soon as it opens, first thing in the morning. If you’re waiting at the Blue Lagoon right as they open and you rush into the locker room, you could be the first person in the water!

(This is also the best option if you want to avoid a long line, or get photos without other people in them.)

If you want to be a bit of an overachiever, you could check the flight schedule at Reykjavík airport and plan your trip for when the fewest flights are arriving and departing. Personally, I think this is a bit overkill, but some people who live for data enjoy doing this.

In terms of the best time to visit Iceland, you have options.

How long should you plan to spend at the Blue Lagoon?

Most people spend about two hours in the water at the Blue Lagoon, which includes time to enjoy your complimentary drink at the in-water bar and silica mask at the Mask Bar.

Plan to spend another hour or two at the Blue Lagoon to account for showering and changing before and after using the pool, relaxing in the sauna and steam rooms, and maybe grabbing a bite at one of the cafes or restaurants. If you’ve booked The Retreat Spa, your spa experience will take five hours.

However, your entry ticket to the Blue Lagoon does not have a time limit — meaning you could spend all day soaking in the soothing waters if you really wanted to! Well, almost all day, as you have to exit the water 30 minutes before closing.

Can you bring your phone/camera into the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, cameras, phones and tablets are allowed at the Blue Lagoon. This is different from many spas and public pools in Iceland where cameras/phones are NOT allowed.

Personal photography is permitted in the lagoon itself but not in the locker rooms. If you’re using your phone or camera out in the lagoon, remember to be respectful of other guests and try not to disturb the relaxing atmosphere.

I would recommend bringing your phone/camera with you to the lagoon to snap a few photos, and then putting it back in your locker in the change room. If you want to keep it with you the whole time, I’d suggest using a waterproof case as the geothermal waters may not mix well with your tech.

The only exception is in the Retreat Spa and Retreat Lagoon where NO electronic devices or cameras are permitted. If you want to take photos or use your phone, you can head out to the Blue Lagoon pool area.

A wooden walkway leading to a hexagonal platform on top of the milky blue waters of the blue Lagoon, enshrouded in shadows at night.
The Blue Lagoon at night, via DepositPhotos

Blue Lagoon at night

Can you visit the Blue Lagoon at night? Yes — but the opening hours vary based on the time of year.

From June through mid-August, the Blue Lagoon is open until midnight. From mid August to end of May, it’s open until 10:00 PM. During the summer months, the midnight sun ensures that you always have a bit of light out.

One advantage of visiting the Iceland Blue Lagoon at night is that it has a peaceful, dusky, almost spooky atmosphere. Plus, most of the visiting children will have left by night.

However, don’t plan to get images of the Blue Lagoon underneath a dark sky. If you visit during the summer months, midnight in July will only be a bit dusky. Frankly, it will be a lot darker in late December at 5:00 PM.

Is it possible to see the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon Iceland? Technically, it’s possible, but it’s very unlikely.

Most of the images you’ve seen of the Northern Lights are taken in places with little to no light pollution. The Blue Lagoon is full of light. Proper Northern Lights tours — like this Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon tour — will take you far outside the city for the best chance of seeing them.

Iceland Blue Lagoon hours

The Blue Lagoon is open every day of the year for the following hours:

  • June 1-August 20: 7:00 AM-12:00 AM
  • August 21-May 31: 8:00 AM-10:00 PM
  • Christmas Eve: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
  • New Years Eve: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

How deep is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is a maximum of 1.7 meters (4.7 feet) deep. This can vary slightly, as the ground underneath is naturally uneven.

For this reason, all children under 13 are required to have a guardian with them while in the Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon temperature

The Blue Lagoon has wonderfully warm water. It has a water temperature ranging between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius (98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit). 

It feels like a nice, warm bath. However, keep in mind that the outdoor temperature and weather mean that the water temperature can fluctuate a bit higher or lower.

But I still found that the temperature of the Blue Lagoon is warm enough to keep you toasty on a cold day.

A man and a woman wearing silica mud masks while relaxing in the Blue Lagoon.
Enjoying silica mud masks in the Blue Lagoon Iceland, via DepositPhotos

Are there medicinal benefits to the Blue Lagoon?

You might notice that geothermal spas around the world, including the Blue Lagoon, like to infer that their pools can help medical conditions, especially skin diseases. The Blue Lagoon’s medical benefits were first discovered by Valur Margeirsson, a young man from Keflavík looking for treatment for psoriasis.

Margeirsson reportedly cured his psoriasis from frequent soaks in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Of course, tales like this must always be taken with a grain of salt. Even so, many people with skin conditions enjoy spending time in a geothermal environment like this.

As always, if you have medical concerns, talk to a medical professional.

Do you have to shower before going into the Blue Lagoon?

Like most spas in Europe and around the world, you must take a shower before going into the pool. The Iceland Blue Lagoon goes one step further and requires you to shower naked.

This is an absolute requirement at every swimming pool and geothermal spa in Iceland. You must be naked. It is the height of rudeness, and actually prohibited, to shower in your bathing suit. Icelanders take cleanliness in pools very seriously.

Don’t worry if you don’t want to be naked in public! While most Iceland locker rooms have communal showers out in the open, there are now several private shower stalls at the Blue Lagoon where you can wash in private.

If you’re interested in more privacy, you get access to private changing rooms with Retreat Spa tickets. More on that below.

Once you’re rinsed and your hair is conditioned, you can put your bathing suit on and head on into the Blue Lagoon.

Timing your Blue Lagoon visit with your flight to/from Iceland

Since the Blue Lagoon is located closer to Keflavík International Airport than Reykjavik, try to time your visit to the Blue Lagoon with your flight to/from Iceland. The Blue Lagoon Iceland is the perfect place to chill out for a bit before your departing flight or get over jet lag and relax into your Iceland vacation after your arriving flight.

If you have super early flights to/from Iceland, you may not be able to do this — but if you have a morning or afternoon arrival or an afternoon or evening departure, you should take advantage of hitting up Iceland’s Blue Lagoon on the way to or from the airport.

If the timing works with your flights, I recommend booking Blue Lagoon tickets and adding an airport transfer. This means you can enjoy the lagoon on your way to/from Keflavík Airport, and not make a separate trip from Reykjavik, giving yourself more time to do other things in Iceland.

If you’re visiting Iceland as a stopover between North America and Europe, you’ll find much more convenient times for visiting the Blue Lagoon from North America to Iceland to Europe rather than when you’re flying home from Europe to Iceland to North America.

Kate in a leather jacket standing in front of Gulfoss waterfall in Iceland.
Gulfoss Waterfall is part of all Golden Circle tours. Me in 2015!

Should you combine a Blue Lagoon visit with another tour in Iceland?

If you’re only visiting Iceland for a few days, you can save time and money by booking day tours that include multiple activities in one day. Not a bad way to combine a Blue Lagoon tour with another activity!

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Visit the Blue Lagoon and tour the Golden Circle, including Kerid Crater (easy).
  2. Visit the Blue Lagoon and tour Reykjanes Geopark (easy).
  3. Visit the Blue Lagoon and hike to Merdalir Volcano (moderate to hard).
  4. Visit the Blue Lagoon and go on a Northern Lights safari afterward (September through April only).
  5. Visit the Blue Lagoon and go on an ATV Adventure on the Reykjanes Peninsula (moderate).

Personally, I think combining the Blue Lagoon with the Golden Circle is a great way to spend a day in Iceland.

Warning: Your hair will get DESTROYED at the Blue Lagoon!

The silica in the water at the Blue Lagoon can leave your hair dry, matted and straw-like for DAYS. While silica isn’t harmful for your hair, it sure feels like it is!

To avoid stiff hair, everyone told me to use lots of conditioner. The locker rooms at the Iceland Blue Lagoon offer complimentary conditioner, so that made it easy.

Well, after covering my hair in conditioner, putting it up in a French twist, leaving the conditioner in, going into the Blue Lagoon, then coming out, rinsing my hair, conditioning it like crazy, and leaving it in again — my hair was still destroyed for the next five days.

Take my advice — even if you condition your hair, don’t let it touch the water. Just put it up in a bun and don’t submerge your head. You’re not missing out on much by keeping your head out of the water.

You can choose to wear a swim cap (bring your own or buy one at the Blue Lagoon) if you’d like, but I think it’s still better to keep your head dry. I would be especially cautious if you have natural Black hair, curly hair, or color-treated hair.

Iceland Blue Lagoon pricing

Admission tickets to the Blue Lagoon are sold in tiers: Comfort, Premium, and Signature. You can also add on in-water treatments or upgrade to the Retreat Spa tier, which gives you access to a private spa and private lagoon.

The Comfort tier includes:

  • From 9,990 ISK ($71 USD)
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
  • Silica mud mask at the Mask Bar
  • Use of towel
  • 1 drink of choice

The Premium tier includes:

  • From 12,990 ISK ($92 USD)
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
  • Silica mud mask at the Mask Bar
  • Use of towel
  • 2 drinks of choice
  • 2 additional masks at the Mask Bar
  • Use of bathrobe

The Signature tier includes:

  • From 16,490 ISK ($117 USD)
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
  • Silica mud mask at the Mask Bar
  • Use of towel
  • 2 drinks of choice
  • 2 additional masks at the Mask Bar
  • Use of bathrobe
  • Skincare products to take home with a total value of 11,000 ISK ($78 USD)

All Comfort, Premium and Signature admission tickets also include access to the sauna, steam room, steam cave, mask bar, in-water beverage bar, massage waterfall and changing facilities.

You can also upgrade your experience with in-water treatments, like an in-water massage (from 20,900 ISK/$148 USD) or float therapy (from 20,950 ISDK/$148 USD).

Or if you really want to swim in the lap of luxury (pun intended), check out the Retreat Spa.

The Retreat Spa is a five hour experience for two guests, which includes:

  • Access to the Retreat Spa and Retreat Lagoon
  • Access to the Blue Lagoon
  • The Blue Lagoon Ritual (self-pampering with silica masks, algae masks and more)
  • Private changing room with towels, bathrobes and flip flops
  • Skincare amenities
  • A drink of choice
  • Access to the Spa Restaurant
  • Access to eight experience areas

The Retreat Spa has floor to ceiling windows and is a luxurious experience. In the spa you’ll find a sauna, a steam cave, a fireplace, a refreshment area, a viewing deck, a cold plunge, and more areas to indulge and relax. The Retreat Lagoon is a smaller and way less crowded version of the main Blue Lagoon pool.

Retreat Spa tickets at the Blue Lagoon start at 89,000 ISK ($630 USD) for two people. Guests must be at least 12 years old to access the Retreat Spa and visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Yes, the Retreat Spa is expensive!! But it’s so different. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. It feels removed from the busy main lagoon. One of my travel writer friends told me the Retreat Spa was the best spa experience she’s ever had.

Which tier is best at the Iceland Blue Lagoon? Personally, I think that the Comfort package is more than fine — there’s no real point to Premium or Signature unless you’re really into mud masks.

But if you want to go all out and have the cash to spend, go ahead and treat yourself to the Retreat Spa!

Can you walk around the Blue Lagoon?

Certainly! There is a trail around the grounds of the Blue Lagoon. It’s about 1.6 km (one mile), it’s almost entirely flat, and it works out to be around a 30 minute walk.

People bathing in the milky turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon Iceland with volcanic rocks in the distance and steam lifting off the pool

Dining at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon has several restaurants and cafes on the property, making it possible to stay there for hours and enjoy all the amenities.

I highly recommend pre-booking for the restaurants, but especially for Moss, as it’s very popular. You want to make sure you can get your time slot.

Moss Restaurant

If you’re looking for something truly special, Moss Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon offers high-end, elegant, beautifully plated cuisine. Moss is the best restaurant at the Blue Lagoon, with views looking down into the surrounding landscape of the lagoon. It’s also one of the only restaurants in Iceland to make the Michelin Guide.

Moss Restaurant serves seven-course tasting menus exclusively, with a regular set menu and a vegan menu, as well as wine pairings. Expect exquisite, modern, Nordic dishes featuring high-end Icelandic produce.

Moss is open for dinner from Wednesdays to Sundays. Diners must be at least 12 years old and abide by the fine casual dress code.

Lava Restaurant

Lava Restaurant features gourmet dining overlooking the shores of the Blue Lagoon. While high-end, it’s not as fancy as Moss, and is open daily for lunch and dinner service.

Lava Restaurant features an a la carte menu, a tasting menu (available for dinner only) and a children’s menu. Here the lava field is brought indoors, and you dine while surrounded by the remains of an 800 year old lava cliff.

Spa Restaurant

The Spa Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon specializes in light, healthy dishes to be enjoyed in a quiet, peaceful environment. The atmosphere here is more relaxed — no reservations are needed and you can dine in your bathrobe.

A good selection of vegetarian, seafood, and meat dishes are on offer, and they have a nice beverage list. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Blue Cafe

For a casual snack or refreshment, you can visit the Blue Cafe which looks out over the Blue Lagoon pool. They also serve up a breakfast box, perfect to take with you if you’re on your way to catch a morning flight!

Kate takes a selfie in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, steaming bright blue water behind her with people in the water.
A rainy August day at the Blue Lagoon!

My Blue Lagoon experience

I enjoyed my time at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Being the kind of girl who loves extreme heat, I thought the water wouldn’t be hot enough for me, but it turns out that there is a super-hot section just for cold-blooded ones like myself!

Right away I got into the soft milky-blue waters filled with algae, silica, salt and natural minerals, and immediately felt ten times more relaxed.

It never gets too hot in Iceland — on my spring and summer trips, temperatures hovered in mid-40s Fahrenheit (about 6-9 C), which made the pool nice and toasty, and not so cold that walking outside was like Nordic torture. It felt just fine.

If you visit the Blue Lagoon in winter, it will be colder, but that just means you should get in the water a bit faster. The water feels nice and cozy year-round.

The Blue Lagoon gives you wristbands that connect to your credit card which you can use for purchases while in the water. This is a brilliant way of paying for items without having to keep an eye on your purse or wallet. Your wristband also acts as your locker key.

The Blue Lagoon has a sauna and steam room. You can get a variety of spa treatments, like face masks, but nothings’s better than a massage on a float right in the Blue Lagoon! There are cocktails and alcoholic beverages at the swim-up bar, but I prefer the smoothies, all of which you can conveniently pay for with your wristband.

On the way out, there’s a gift shop filled with souvenirs and skincare products to take home with you.

Overall, if you’re going to Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a beautiful place and one of those unique experiences that you just have to try. If only for the social media posts!

But if you can, I recommend you do it on the way to or from the airport — and I beg you, don’t let that water touch your hair!

Once you’ve tried the Blue Lagoon, you may be up for trying more of Iceland’s fantastic hot springs — including the Sky Lagoon.

Kate smiles in the gray misty water of the Sky Lagoon. She wears a black and white patterned bathing suit top. Behind her you see gray rocks and a stormy gray sky.
Enjoying the Sky Lagoon in 2022!

Alternatives to the Blue Lagoon

Iceland is a fantastic country, rich in geothermal spa experiences! Whether you want another high-end spa day or you want to hit the city pools with the locals, you have plenty of choices both in Reykjavik and around the country.

Below are a few other alternatives to the Blue Lagoon that you may want to visit instead. Or, if you really get into the Icelandic tradition of bathing, maybe you’ll want to visit them all!

Sky Lagoon Iceland

I am a huge fan of the Sky Lagoon, which opened in April 2021. This spa is much closer to Reykjavik (about a 15-minute drive from downtown) and it’s a more luxurious, adult-oriented experience — all gray and misty overlooking the ocean. You can read my full review of the Sky Lagoon here.

I think the Sky Lagoon is a great option if you want a quieter, less kid-filled experience (the minimum age here is 12 and adult supervision is required) without shelling out the sky-high fees for the fancy Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon.

You can book the Sky Lagoon here.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs

Hvammsvik, about 45 minutes north of Reykjavík, is known for its unspoiled natural setting which you can appreciate from their eight hot spring pools. Enjoy a soak while you take in the Icelandic wilderness!

Admission starts at 4,900 ISK ($35 USD) and advanced booking is encouraged to secure your spot. There are also hiking trails, dining options and accommodation available on-site.

You can book Hvammsvik Hot Springs here – or book this option with transfers to/from Reykjavik.

Reykjavik public swimming pools

Within Reykjavík there are several public swimming pools that you can enjoy for a low fee. I personally visited the Sundhöll Reykjavíkur, the oldest swimming pool in Reykjavík. This public pool complex has indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s pool, several hot tubs, a cold tub, and saunas.

The cost is a reasonable 1,330 ISK ($9 USD) for adults, 205 ISK ($1 USD) for 16- and 17-year-olds, and free for kids under 16.

Keep in mind that phones and cameras are NOT allowed at public swimming pools in Reykjavík. You also are required to shower without swimwear on before entering the pools.

Other geothermal pools in Iceland

Beyond Reykjavík, there are so many memorable geothermal pools in other parts of the country. I recommend checking out:

Read More: Is the Sky Lagoon Worth It?

Blue Lagoon Iceland address

Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland at:

Blue Lagoon Iceland

Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík

+354 420 8800

Kate standing facing a waterfall in a yellow rain jacket, holding her hand up in a peace sign.
Skogafoss Waterfall on the South Coast is a must!

More things to do in Iceland

Iceland is home to some of the most exciting, once-in-a-lifetime activities you can imagine! This is your chance to go all out with scenery and adventure. It seems like everywhere you go in Iceland, you’re experiencing some of the wonders of the world.

Here are my top recommendations of things to do in Iceland, beyond the Blue Lagoon:

Snorkeling Silfra with Professional Photos — Snorkel the cold, clear, bright blue waters between the European and American tectonic plates, wearing a drysuit to stay warm-ish. A very adventurous activity, unlike anything else in the world, and the best thing I’ve ever done in Iceland.

Horseback Riding in the Lava Fields — Icelandic horses are a unique species — fuzzy, short and adorable. Hop on horseback and explore the lava fields, another truly only-in-Iceland activity.

South Coast of Iceland Tour — The South Coast is the most scenic part of Iceland that you can easily experience on a day trip from Reykjavik. This tour takes in multiple waterfalls, cliffs, and a black sand beach, all seen by jeep with off-roading capabilities.

Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour — Icelandic cuisine isn’t exactly world-famous, so here’s your chance to get to know it better! Taste unique dishes from the sea and the land, including Iceland’s famous street hot dog, with a local expert and new friends.

Northern Lights Hunt and Photo Shoot — Watch the green Aurora Borealis dance across the sky, and learn how to photograph it well, even with your phone. Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are seasonal and never a guarantee, but this tour offers you a SECOND TRY if you don’t see them your first night!

Reykjavik Beer and Booze Tour — Head out to three cool bars in Reykjavik, led by a guide and surrounded by new friends, tasting Icelandic beers, schnapps, and spirits you never would have known about otherwise. A fun way to enjoy booze in a pricey country.

And this is just the beginning; the Reykjavík area is only one small part of Iceland. To really get to know the country, head out on a road trip, exploring the Ring Road and seeing even more incredible landscapes at every turn.

READ MORE: 35 Awesome Things to Do in Reykjavík, Iceland

A view over the roofs of colorful cottages in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik, Iceland, on an unusually sunny day.

When to visit Iceland: Summer vs Winter

While Iceland is very popular throughout the year, it’s at its busiest and most expensive during the summer months. This is when you have long days (and midnight sun!), the most pleasant weather (though in Iceland the weather can be brutal and ever-changing year-round), and the most activities available.

If you choose to visit Iceland during the summer, be sure to book accommodation, tours, and car rental as soon as possible. Many hotels, flights, cars, and activities sell out in advance.

Winter is the slowest time of year for tourism in Iceland. If you want to experience a quieter Iceland, I highly recommend visiting during the winter. Keep in mind that it’s a cheaper time to visit, flights will likely be less expensive, daylight hours will be limited, and fewer tours and activities will be available. 

Are you interested in seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland? The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are most likely to be seen during the winter months and around the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (March 21 and September 21). You are extremely unlikely to see them in the summer.

However, the Northern Lights are finicky and unpredictable. Despite your best efforts, you might not get to see them. Many an Iceland tourist has been disappointed at missing their chance. 

My advice? Don’t make your trip all about the Northern Lights. (Frankly, there are places much more reliable than Iceland to see the Northern Lights, like parts of Alaska and northern Norway.) Go in with cautious optimism.

If you see the Northern Lights, great! If you don’t, you’ve still had a fun trip to Iceland.

Where to stay In Iceland

Where’s the best place to stay in Iceland? If you’re only staying in Iceland for a few days, Reykjavik makes an excellent base for exploring western Iceland – including the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle.

Here are my top recommendations for Reykjavik accommodation, whether you prefer hotels, hostels, or apartments.

Best Reykjavik hotels

All of the following hotels are located within Reykjavik’s city center or a short walk away.

Best Luxury Hotel: Sand Hotel — Immaculate, gorgeous, and brimming with textured amenities, all set in the heart of downtown Reykjavik and steps from everything. Artsy Icelandic touches in all the right places. Truly outstanding.

Best Mid-range Hotel: Hotel Ódinsvé — Classy, clean, black and white modern hotel rooms, all in a perfect central location. Feels special without breaking the bank. Has a Danish restaurant with an elegant bar on-site.

Best Budget Hotel: Igdlo Guesthouse — A warm and welcoming family-run guesthouse with both private rooms and dorms available, plus access to a kitchen, barbecue, and laundry to keep costs down even further.

Best Hostel: KEX Hostel — One of the coolest and hippest hostels in the Nordics, featuring a gorgeous lounge area, a nice restaurant, and both dorms and private rooms.

Find deals on Reykjavík hotels here.

Best Reykjavik apartments

All of the following apartments are located within Reykjavik’s city center or a short walk away.

Best Luxury Apartments: House of the Snowbird — Two gorgeous apartments in a cheery red house that feels like a piece of art. Filled with hand-carved furnishings, comfy robes, and pieces of Icelandic artwork. Almost like a retreat hotel. Unforgettable!

Best Mid-range Apartments: Island Apartments — A minimalist Scandinavian paradise in the absolute heart of downtown Reykjavik. Everything you need in a very convenient spot.

Best Budget Apartments: Stay Apartments Einholt — Simple, clean, high quality apartments at a low price (by Reykjavik standards). Simple kitchen facilities and access to laundry machines.

Find deals on Reykjavik apartments here.

A blonde woman relaxing in the milky blue water of the lagoon.

Iceland & Blue Lagoon essential info

The Blue Lagoon has several different tiers of pricing: Comfort, Premium, Signature and Retreat Spa, with entry starting at $71 USD. Ticket prices vary based on the date/time of your visit and booking in advance is highly recommended. 

Book tickets to the Blue Lagoon including optional transfers from the airport or Reykjavík here. Alternatively, book the much fancier and pricier Retreat Spa at the Blue Lagoon here.

For flights to Iceland, I find the best rates on Skyscanner. Double-check to make sure you got a good rate.

Would you like to experience Iceland on a fun group tour? G Adventures has several Iceland tours, all with small groups.

The best way to get from the airport to downtown Reykjavík and back, or to and from the Blue Lagoon, is the Flybus. It’s cheap, easy, and runs frequently.

While Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, it’s vital to get travel insurance before your trip. If you get seriously injured and require an air ambulance home, it could save you literally hundreds of thousands of dollars. I don’t travel anywhere without insurance. Check out World Nomads, a company I’ve used before, to see if they’re right for you.

Plan Your Trip to Iceland:

More Hot Springs in Iceland:

More on Reykjavík:

Cool Places to Visit in Iceland:

More than a decade ago in 2012, the Iceland Tourism Board hosted my first Blue Lagoon visit. I’ve since returned, paying my own way. All opinions, as always, are my own.