Visiting the Blue Lagoon was the only thing on our itinerary for our last day in Iceland. It's a highly hyped destination, and it seems that anyone who has spent any time in Iceland has visited this spot. We were no exception. This was by far the most luxurious experience of our trip.
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa, about 12 miles away from the airport. The water is hot (around 98-102 F), and rich in minerals. The primary minerals present are silica (responsible for the milky blue coloring - just like with the blue waterfall!) and sulfur, which supposedly hold healing properties for skin conditions. The lagoon is not natural, and in fact the warm waters come from the nearby geothermal power plant.
Here are some tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon:
- BOOK EARLY! When planning your Iceland trip, purchase your entrance to the blue lagoon in advance. If you wait, you may miss out. The spa does not accept walk-ins. Prices vary based on availability and notice. Booking in advance offers you the lowest price.
- When booking, choose an early time slot. We chose one of the earliest available time slots to arrive at the spa - around 8am. It was pretty busy, but it was crazy by the time we were leaving (around 11am)! Trust me, if you want a truly tranquil experience - make an effort to get there in the early hours!
- If you're visiting over summer - you can choose a late time slot (after 9pm) and enjoy the midnight sun.
- There are several levels of "experiences" you can choose from when booking. We chose the most basic - entrance to the lagoon, plus a mud mask and towel. If you want to make a day of it, look into the pricier options. We found that the basic experience was perfect for our budgets and travel style.
- You will be provided with an electronic wristband when you enter. This will allow you access to a private locker for your belongings, and be used to create a tab if you purchase drinks or masks.
- There are mask and drink bars within the spa that you can swim up to.
- Note: You are not permitted to enter the lagoon without showering, in order to keep the spa hygienic. There is shampoo and soap provided in the locker room showers.
- I would advise keeping your hair up and out of the water, as the silica and sulfur can make your hair stiff and quite uncomfortable! Of course, you can always wash it out afterwards.
- There is accessibility for disabled travelers at the spa.
- The spa is not suited for children under 2 years old, but is free for children 2 - 13 years of age.
In our opinion, is the Blue Lagoon worth a stop?
Yes, but with a small caveat. There are other spas and pools that can be visited in Iceland for cheaper. For us, it was a fun, popular destination that we could experience for ourselves. The spa is a bit pricey, but it was worth it for us for the convenient location and much needed relaxation. It was a great way to wind down before our flight, and to rest after a nonstop week of hiking and driving.
This is part of a series of posts about our trip to Iceland.
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