Hot water

Blue Lagoonalternatives.

Nine other lagoons and hot springs, where each one is, and real entry prices where we have them.

First, the Blue Lagoon

It's famous for a reason: milky blue water in a black lava field, about 22 min from Keflavík Airport, which makes it easy on an arrival or departure day. It's also the busiest and usually the dearest, and it has closed at times during the eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula since 2023. Check it's open before you plan around it.

Iceland has hot water everywhere. Here are the alternatives worth a detour.

Entry prices are admission tickets sold by the lagoon itself through Iceland Trip Planner, checked every week. Where there isn't one, the link goes to the lagoon's own site for its current prices. Drive times are by road on all-year routes, with no stops.

The cheapest hot water in Iceland

Every town has a public swimming pool with hot tubs, and it costs a fraction of any lagoon. It's where Icelanders actually soak. Shower without a swimsuit before you get in: it's the rule, and staff will tell you.

Lagoon days with transport

Operators with strong ratings and real open dates. Book on Iceland Trip Planner, our sister site.

Soak in a geothermal lagoon: the full page

Good to know

What is the best alternative to the Blue Lagoon?

Near Reykjavík, Sky Lagoon is the easiest. On the Golden Circle, the Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana. Up north, the Forest Lagoon or Earth Lagoon Mývatn.

Is the Blue Lagoon open?

It has closed at times during the Reykjanes eruptions since 2023. Check its own site on the day.

Do I need to book lagoons in advance?

For the popular ones, yes, especially at sunset and in summer. Smaller ones often have space on the day.

What's the cheapest way to soak in Iceland?

A public swimming pool. Every town has one, with hot tubs, for a small entry fee.

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