For many people the Blue Lagoon is the most iconic thing about Iceland. The pictures of the instantly recognizable blue water
Nearly everyone who visits Iceland makes a trip to the Blue Lagoon. It helps that it’s also only 20 minutes from the airport and about 40 minutes from Iceland’s main city Reykjavik. What makes it even more accessible is that it is open early and stays open late most days.
So of course when we went to Iceland I had to check out the Blue Lagoon for myself. Here are the things I wish I would have known before I visited the Blue Lagoon:
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is not a natural phenomenon
This was a surprise to me. You hear stories about all the natural thermal baths in Iceland. Many people say just pull off the road and hop in a naturally occurring hot spring. The reality is that the Blue Lagoon is not one of those natural hot springs. The land surrounding the lagoon is a natural phenomenon and it is stunning to see the lava fields that surround the lagoon. The heated water full of silica that fills the lagoon is actually runoff from the geothermal plant next door, Svartsengi. In the 70’s runoff water from the plant began to pool and people started bathing in it and remarked on the healing abilities and the Blue Lagoon company was formed in the late 90’s. Yes that is correct, there is a big industrial plant in the background of the lagoon that most photos do not show.
Don’t worry though. Just because the extremely hot water is used to produce power, the runoff that heats the lagoon is completely safe. The warm waters is completley renewed every two days and is full of silica and sulfer and bathing in the lagoon is heralded to help those suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis. Take advantage of using their skin products too. The Blue Lagoon operates a research facility to help find cures for skin aliments using their silica enriched water, so they know that they are doing!
You do NOT have to get naked in a communal shower.
Although originally the case as of fall 2018 that is no longer the case. They now offer series of private stalls equipped with doors, shampoo and conditioner. Don’t skip this step. It is important that you shower before going into the lagoon. Showering before your swimsuit will ensure the removal of perspiration, body oil, cosmetics and bodily fluids. When you think about it you REALLY want everyone to shower before you go and sit in a hot swampy pool together that is usually at a water temperature of 37–39 °C (99–102 °F).
The Blue Lagoon will wreck your hair
I thought the accounts of the havoc the lagoon does to your hair would be overestimated, but it’s accurate. I lathered my hair in the conditioner. In hindsight, I wish I would have taken my hair down to do this, but I slathered it right on top of my pony tail and looked all slicked back in photos. My hair was ok for the most, except for the lower part by my neck that was in the water the most. Make sure you use the conditioner they offer and if you can leave some in your hair as you leave. It might not be a total disaster depending on your hair, but be prepared.
Be prepared to relax
One thing people don’t talk about is the lounging areas. Realistically there is only so much time you can spend in the warm water before your body turns wrinkly. Take a book and enjoy the lounge area, in the cafe or the rooftop balcony which has a great view. If you are with someone not used to going to spas or have days of non-stop tours, it may be hard to let yourself do nothing. There is no time limit on your stay, so take time to enjoy the steam room, sauna, shower and cave with multi-lingual informative recordings. Also, if you can manage the time go for a walk around the property and enjoy the unique view of the lava fields. If you want a more exclusive experience enjoy the upgraded premium package or get a massage on a floaty while you are IN the lagoon.
It’s not super expensive
At first glance $55 CDN to soak in a hot spring that you go to for free in other areas may seem like a lot. But the Blue Lagoon is so much more than just a hot spring. You can literally spend all day there. If you get the basic ‘comfort’ package you receive a towel, locker, face mask and bracelet. The bracelet allows you to pay for your free drink, get upgraded masks and buy other drinks and food while you are there. The “Premium’ package at $95 is very popular and gives you an additional 2nd mask, slippers, use of bathrobe, table reservation at the Lava Restaurant and sparkling wine if you dine.
Everywhere I read that the lagoon will hold your luggage, but noone mentions it’s an additional cost of 550ISK or $5.
The Blue Lagoon is a great first or last thing to do in Iceland
At first I really thought we should start our trip at the Blue Lagoon. It’s located 20 minutes from the airport and opens early. I thought it was the best option when we arrived, but we decided to go on our last day and we were SOO happy we did! Especially since we first visited the Secret Lagoon. If we would have been to the Blue Lagoon first the sheer size of it would have made the Secret Lagoon seem underwhelming. We went around 9am and it was a great time. As we left around 12 we saw school buses arriving full of people. Although many go in the evening in the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights, there is really no bad time to go.
The Blue Lagoon is easy to get to
If you haven’t rented a car you will need to book transport to and from the lagoon. We booked our bus online with out ticket. We later learned our ticket can be used to go back to Reykjavik OR to the airport. It works out to around $30 CDN each way, and the convenience is worth it. There are buses to and from Reykjavik hourly with fewer to the airport. Check the schedule for exact times. Although many of the buses do have wifi, the blue lagoon’s does not. Also be there 30 minutes BEFORE the time on your ticket. Where most tours are 30 minutes after your time, the lagoon expects you to be at your pick-up 30 minutes BEFORE… Can you guess we missed our bus? We did. and they were very helpful in getting us on the next available bus.
The Blue Lagoon is for everyone
This was probably the most surprising thing I noticed on my visit. From children to elderly there really were all walks of people at the lagoon. Children under 8 are required to wear arm floaters (that are provided for free) and children under 2 are not allowed. There were a lot of children there, but since they were in their parents arms I did questions how relaxing it was for the parents.
It’s wheelchair accessible and they even have a roll-in shower! There were groups of seniors and young hipsters all hanging out. Although my personal opinion is that with so many things to do, I would wait until my kids are a bit older to bring them.
You don’t need your camera
The Blue Lagoon offers a professional photographer onsite to take photos. And their photos are WAY better than what you can take. It is a group of photographers there depending on the weather. They obviously aren’t there in the rain or snow storm, but they try to have someone there at all times. So leave your iphone in your locker and just enjoy.
