If you are planning a trip to Iceland then it’s very likely you are considering whether or not to visit the Blue Lagoon, doubtlessly one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions.
You have probably seen lots of pictures of the sparkling blue lagoon and pictured yourself floating in the warm water with a cocktail in one hand and a white mud mask plastered across your face. That’s when you looked up the price of entry and were brought back to reality. Is it really worth spending that much money on a spa experience in a country as unique as Iceland?
Gary and I decided to find out whether the Blue Lagoon is actually worth a visit. Here’s what we thought of our experience. I hope this article will help you make up your own mind on whether to include this famous attraction in your own itinerary.
ABOUT THE BLUE LAGOON
For those of you who have never been to Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is basically a large manmade, geothermal spa. It is particularly famous for its turquoise colour, although its water is actually milky white, and it’s only when the sun shines on it that the reflections make it appear blue.
Before we visited Iceland, I always assumed that the Blue Lagoon was natural. It isn’t. It is actually an accidental by-product of the Svartsengi Power Plant, which is located right next door and was built in 1976. The lagoon is topped-up every two days.
The water of the lagoon is a mixture of underground, geothermal and fresh water. It, therefore, contains lots of minerals, algae and silica, which supposedly have a lifting and toning effect on your skin. It is especially good for you if you suffer from psoriasis or other skin conditions.
Because part of the lagoon’s water comes from 2000 meters below the earth’s surface, the water temperature naturally varies between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius. So you go for a dip in its warm water even in the middle of winter.
HOW TO GET TO THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field near the town of Grindavik, approximately twenty minutes by car from Keflavik Airport (12 miles) or 50 minutes from Reykjavik (24 miles).
Most people therefore visit the Blue Lagoon either right after they have landed in Iceland or just before they catch their flight back home. We did the latter and it worked out great for us. Just make sure to leave enough time (at least a couple of hours) to actually enjoy the experience.
We had a rental car and drove to the Blue Lagoon on our way back to the airport. However if you are not planning to hire a car (or van) to get around the island, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternative ways to get to the Blue Lagoon.
If you are coming from the city, ask the staff at your hotel. Most hotels in Reykjavik offer shuttle transfers to the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, you could purchase a ticket from a tour company in the city centre.
If you are coming from the airport, you might be tempted to hire a taxi but I don’t recommend it as taxis are incredibly expensive in Iceland. You’re much better off purchasing a transfer from any of the local tour companies at the airport. Both Grayline and Flybus offer transportation to the Blue Lagoon from the airport and their counters are located just after customs.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON
Well, entry to the Blue Lagoon certainly isn’t cheap. In fact, everything in Iceland is ridiculously expensive. The Blue Lagoon offers several different packages at various price ranges.
The Standard package is the most basic package. It gives you access to the Blue Lagoon and a silica mud mask. If you are able to bring your own towel and flip-flops, I would recommend that you choose this option, since it allows you to experience the Blue Lagoon at a relatively affordable price (40 Euros Winter/50 Euros Summer).
The Comfort package gives you access to the Blue Lagoon as well as the use of a towel. It also treats you to a silica mud mask, an algae mask and a drink of your choice from the swim up bar. This is the package we chose during our visit. At 55 Euros Winter/65 Euros Summer we thought the package was worth its value, even though we later found out that everyone can make use of the algae mask
The Premium Package throws in a bathrobe as well as a pair of flips flops on top of the towel, silica mud and algae mask and drink of your choice. It also guarantees a reservation at the ever so popular LAVA restaurant and a glass of sparkling wine if you dine there. This package costs 70 Euros Winter/80 Euros Summer and in my opinion, is rather expensive for what you get.
The Luxury package adds a set of spa products and access to the exclusive lounge. It comes in at an expensive 195 Euros all year round.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO TO THE BLUE LAGOON?
Honestly, you can probably visit the Blue Lagoon any time of the year. Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather and this is actually part of the charm of the country. We experienced pretty much all four seasons in a single day. So don’t let bad weather keep you from going to the Blue Lagoon. The wonderful thing about visiting the Blue Lagoon is that it is relaxing no matter the weather.
We visited the Blue Lagoon at the end of November, one of the coldest months of the year. The water of the lagoon is almost 40 degrees hot all year round, so while the air outside might have been freezing, the water was not. In fact the Blue Lagoon was the perfect place to warm up. The steam coming off the lagoon mixed with fog and rain made the experience extra romantic and cozy!
I would recommend you go as early as possible. The Blue Lagoon is a tourist hot spot and therefore gets really busy. Especially around mid-day. So set your alarm and get out of bed. That being said remember that in winter the sun in Iceland doesn’t rise until 11 am. So if you visit the Blue Lagoon in the morning, it will still be dark outside. Nonetheless, I would say that the lagoon can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Finally I would advise you plan to stay for around two or three hours.
WILL THE WATER IN THE BLUE LAGOON RUIN MY HAIR?
Now there is a rumour going around the internet that the Blue Lagoon will ruin your hair by turning it into straw and that you should, therefore, avoid it. Whilst I was worried that there was some truth to this widespread concern, I couldn’t resist the turquoise water.
And I am happy to report that I experienced no issues what so ever. I washed my hair in the showers and lathered on a coating of conditioner (far more than I would usually). I then tied it up into a bun before getting into the water. I was going to avoid dipping my hair in the water, as I was aware that the high sulphur content could damage it. However, I quickly forgot my good intentions and dunked my whole head underwater. Luckily the result wasn’t too catastrophic. Having said that, different types of hair react differently so I would be best if you erred on the side of caution. After our dip in the Blue Lagoon, I thoroughly washed my hair and again applied a lot of conditioner. The first day my hair did feel a little “crispy”. But after a couple of washes, it was 100% back to normal
CAN I BRING MY CAMERA?
The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful place and I am pretty sure that you will want to bring your camera or at least your phone. I brought both, as well as my GoPro, just to be on the safe side.
The Blue Lagoon has plenty of lockers and this is where I kept my DSLR camera (as well as my phone) for most of the afternoon. Although I did take the camera outside to take a few snaps. If you are brave enough to face the cold, slip into your bathrobe and slippers and take a brief walk around the lagoon. The photo opportunities are incredible and are definitely worth almost freezing to death.
If you don’t own a GoPro I would recommend that you buy an inexpensive waterproof cases online. If you forgot to do this or are visiting the Blue Lagoon on the spur of the moment, then ask the staff at your hotel for a regular plastic zip lock baggie or purchase one from the store. You won’t be able to submerge your phone but at least it will be safe from splashes.
OUR EXPERIENCE AT THE BLUE LAGOON
BOOKING OUR EXPERIENCE
If you want to visit the Blue Lagoon, then you will need to pre-book it. Gone are the days when you could just turn up and get in. Due to the rising popularity of the Blue Lagoon, management has had to implement a system that controls the amount of people in the pool to avoid overcrowding. Entrance is by the hour and only a certain number of people are allowed entrance at one time. You can book your tickets online via the website or from a whole range of tour companies. The earlier you book your entrance tickets, the cheaper it will be. You will also be glad to hear that there is a grace period of 45 minutes, to allow for traffic or flight delays. Furthermore once you have entered the Blue Lagoon you can technically stay as long as you like.
A LONG QUEUE TO GET IN
This might not come as a surprise, but there was a long queue at the entrance to the Blue Lagoon when we arrived. A member of the staff walked down the line, asking if anyone had a coupon, and those who did were escorted to the front of the queue while the rest of us looked on with sad puppy dog eyes.
We stood in line for around 30 minutes before reaching the cashier counter. Here we exchanged our pre-booked confirmation ticket for a rubber wristband, which gave us access to the lagoon as well as all its facilities. Any purchase we made during our visit from the bar, restaurant or spa were also charged to the wristband. Which conveniently meant that we could leave our wallets in the locker. You simply settle the final bill before you leave the lagoon.
GETTING CHANGED
The women’s changing facilities are kept separate from the men’s. So after check-in, Gary and I went our separate ways to slip into our bathing suits. If you are visiting the Blue Lagoon with your partner and are sharing the same bag, I would recommend you make sure you have all the items you might need on you before you split up, because there is no way to contact the other person once you part.
The changing rooms are beautiful, modern and heated. The attendants at the Blue Lagoon are great and do a fantastic job of keeping the area clean and dry. There is a shoe rack at the entrance of the room. Make sure to take off your shoes before you head further in. The lockers in the changing room are free and easy to use. They come in different sizes and are opened with a chip inside your rubber bracelet. I found an empty locker and left my belongings inside it. I then made my way to the shower room.
Not unlike most spas, the Blue Lagoon requires visitors take a shower before taking a dip in the hot water. However, the Blue Lagoon goes one step further and requires you to shower naked. I’m not sure if any of the attendants actually police this rule but there are several signs directing you to do so. Luckily for those of us who are shy, the showers are private and surrounded by opaque glass screens. Shampoo, conditioner, body cleanser and lotion are all available free for your use. Once suitably lathered up, I made my way to the lagoon.
FACING THE COLD
After getting changed, I waited for Gary in the communal relaxation room. You can choose to enter the waters of the Blue Lagoon from this covered heated space or to face the cold with a quick dash outside. This is what Gary and I decided to do, because we thought it would be more fun. The ground was so cold that my feet almost froze to the ground! But once I got in the water, I quickly warmed up.
If like me you opted to get a bathrobe (at extra cost), you can hang it up on a rack outside. It’s based on an honour system though, so technically anyone could steal your bathrobe. I would, therefore, advise you do not bring your hotel’s bathrobe unless you want to be faced with a hefty bill at check-out.
TAKING A DIP IN THE BLUE LAGOON
We then spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the turquoise waters of the lagoon. We were particularly surprised by the size of this natural pool. It was immense! The pool has both shallow and deep areas, so visitors can choose whether they want to swim or walk around the lagoon. Although rigorous physical activity is frowned upon in the lagoon. So we spent most of our time soaking and slowly making our way around the enormous lagoon.
The temperatures of the water varies in different spots of the pool. Whenever we found an exceptionally warm spot, we’d stop and enjoy the moment.
The sulphur in the water gives it a distinctive smell, which at first is a little unpleasant. The good news though is that we quickly grew accustomed to it.
The bottom of the lagoon is pretty uneven, so be careful, especially since you won’t be able to make out your own feet in the milky turquoise water.
OUR SPA EXPERIENCE AT THE BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon offers a variety of spa treatments, including a massage on a float.
There is even a swim-up spa bar in the middle of the lagoon. Here you’ll find buckets filled with silica mud, which is really good for your skin. You can help yourself to as much mud as you want. Smooth it onto your face and be careful not to get it into your eyes. The recommended time for leaving it on your skin is 10 minutes.
I must say, we felt a bit disappointed that we had spent about 10£ for the Skin Care Trial Pack, to then find out that the Silica Mud Mask was included in the standard package for free. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the additional green algae mask, and it made our face feel as smooth as that of a baby. If you didn’t pay for the algae mask and then change your mind, you can just charge it to your bracelet.
After covering our faces with the healing mud, we walked towards the cocktail bar whilst we let the minerals harden on our skin.
A DRINK IN THE POOL
I already mentioned it but there is a swim-up bar in the Blue Lagoon, where you can buy anything from beer, wine to smoothies. One drink was included in our package. Gary was the designated driver, so opted for a berry smoothie, whilst I picked a pink bubbly glass of prosecco. Alcohol is expensive in Iceland, so we were surprised when we found out that prices range from $8-$10 per drink. I would say this is actually pretty average for any kind of spa. The bartender simply swiped our bracelets and gave us our drink.
ACTIVITIES AT THE BLUE LAGOON
There is plenty to do in the Blue Lagoon beside swimming, drinking and mud masks. If you enjoy exploring than you will love the lagoon’s many little nooks, crannies, bridges, twists and turns. Some of the caves have been turned into sauna and steam rooms, perfect if you are looking for a quieter spot. One even looks like a tiny Hobbit Cave. The lagoon’s lava walls slope gently into the water and form the perfect spot to sit or recline in.
The Blue Lagoon also features a waterfall of hot water. We were really tempted by the thought of standing beneath it whilst it massaged our aching shoulders. Unfortunately, the queue was so long that we quickly lost interest.
We ended our visit in the quiet room. We didn’t immediately get a seat, but after showing a little patience, a chair soon opened up. It was really nice to sit back and relax, before returning to the real world.
If you feel peckish you might want to head to the Lava Restaurant or the more casual café on site. Be warned though, you will be spending an arm and a leg for food and drinks. Think $20 for a basic grilled Panini or a salad in the café.
LEAVING THE BLUE LAGOON
To our surprise, there was a queue on the way out of the lagoon. We had to wait about ten to fifteen minutes in the line. You can then pay for any extras that were charged to your bracelet. If like us you didn’t buy any additional drinks, you can bypass the cashier and head through the turnstile. Simply scan your bracelet and a small compartment will open. Place your bracelet inside and the turnstile will let you through. If it doesn’t then you probably forgot to pay for something.
SO IS IT WORTH VISITING THE BLUE LAGOON?
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is, without doubt, expensive but if there is one thing you should splurge on in Iceland than I would say it is this. I would even go as far as arguing that not visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, is like not going up the Eiffel tower when in Paris. You need to experience it at least once.
Soaking in the silky milky water of the lagoon is a wonderful and surreal experience. It is the perfect place to relax and forget the daily grind. Furthermore it is a nice way to warm up after spending several days in Iceland’s temperamental weather.
ADDITIONAL TIPS IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON
Entrance to the Blue Lagoon is, without doubt, expensive but if there is one thing you should splurge on in Iceland than I would say it is this. I would even go as far as arguing that not visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, is like not going up the Eiffel tower when in Paris. You need to experience it at least once.
- Choose the Standard entrance ticket– I honestly don’t think that the premium and luxury tickets are worth the price, unless you are determined to have the full experience. And whilst we enjoyed the comfort package, you could always buy the green algae mask or a drink if you change your mind.
- Bring your own towel, bathrobe and slippers – if you can. Note that there is a charge for bringing your own, but it is far less than the rental price. In fact it is best to bring two towel. One to dry off after your Blue Lagoon experience and one to dry off after you had your shower.
- Bring a bottle of water. You might get pretty dehydrated in the warm water.
- Give yourself a lot of time at the Blue Lagoon.We spent about four hours at the Blue Lagoon, but this included the time spent queuing to get in as well as back out. If you want to have a massage or are planning to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant you might even need more time.
- You can bring your luggage– If you’re on your way to or from the airport, you can store your luggage in the Service Center building next to the parking area for ISK 550 (5$). Smaller Hand Luggage (nothing larger than a backpack) will fit in the electronic lockers in the changing rooms.
- Don’t wear contact lenses– The Blue Lagoon strongly recommends that you do not wear contact lenses in the water. The silica can get into your eyes and this can be super painful if you’re wearing contact lenses.
- Don’t wear any jewellery– Not only to prevent losing it. The silica, algae and minerals can damage the any jewellery that you are wearing.
You can find more guides for Iceland here. Or if you haven’t fully decided where to go yet, you can find other great destinations in Europe here.
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Great blog on the Blue Lagoon. Did you get a water Massage there too ? It’s hard to book because it’s always booked ! Have you been to the Secret Lagoon ? Half the price and way less people.. ! ?
I have visited Iceland and also took an experience of the blue lagoon. It is really worth it. Nice Post. Thanks for sharing it.
You take some really great thoughts here!
What an absolutely wonderful post to read. Everything I needed to know you had put into this post.
Also, your pictures looked very nice. Cant wait to visit Iceland! http://niccimarquart.com/
Thank you Nicci. I am glad you found my post helpful. When are you planning to visit Iceland?