Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is like no other place on Earth! I know it’s a tourist trap, but we had a fantastic experience. It’s so popular that you’ll want to buy tickets online before your trip. If you wait, tickets may be sold out.
Getting There
The Blue Lagoon is in a perfect location to either make it your first or final stop in Iceland. It’s about 15 miles from Keflavík International Airport, and 30 miles from Reykjavik. Making it our first stop in the country was a no brainer. The first things I always want to do after a long flight, in no particular order, are to burn everything I’m wearing and take a shower. At least I’d get the shower!
We had no problem getting to the Blue Lagoon. I booked flybus tickets online several weeks before we left on vacation. The option I chose took us from the airport to the Blue Lagoon and then the Blue Lagoon right to the door of our hotel in Reykjavik.
We found the flybus counter right next to the exit door at the airport. The bus option is $30-$40 per person, which is way cheaper than a taxi. We bought the ticket to the Blue Lagoon that included the transportation option.
The employees looked at our e-tickets and showed us how to get to the waiting area outside the airport. Read more about our flight on Icelandair and what you need to know to get through the airport here.
Our bus arrived to pick us up. We boarded and connected to the free WI-FI offered with no issues. You can either start facebooking and instagramming your friends now, or sit back and take a quick nap before you hit the lagoon.
Arrival
The bus dropped us off in the parking lot at the Blue Lagoon. You’ll know you’ve arrived because of the smell. It reeked of Sulphur! Don’t let this ruin your experience, the smell disappears once you’re inside the lagoon area.
We grabbed our luggage and followed the crowd. The first building is just steps away from where the bus dropped us. It’s a tiny one. This is not the actual entrance. It’s the place where you check any luggage or bags you won’t need during your stay. You’ll pay $5 a bag. There are lockers once you get to the lagoon, but they aren’t big enough for suitcases, backpacks or large purses.
After you check your bags, follow the walkway through the lava flow until you reach the next building. You are now at the entrance to the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon
The colors you’ll see as you walk up to the entrance are amazing. The water is a beautiful blue surrounded by black lava rock. You can see both before you ever enter the welcome center. Iceland is all about nature, so you have the option of taking a path to walk around a section of the lagoon or going inside to begin your experience.
PRO TIP: When you buy tickets, they are for a specific time. You can enter the Lagoon after your time, but not before. For example, if you ticket is for 10 a.m., you can enter at 11 a.m. … but not before 10 a.m. So, don’t be concerned if your bus is a little late.
As soon as you go inside the building, you will need to join the queue. The line can get long, but it moves fairly quickly. As you wait, pay attention to the employee standing off to the side. He or she is telling everyone about what to expect and a little about the history of the lagoon.
When you reach the check-in counter, you will be handed a bracelet to wear. It’s waterproof. You will use it to lock and unlock your locker. Plus, any purchases you make during your stay will be charged to the bracelet. You’ll settle your bill as you leave. Make sure you don’t lose it. If you do, you’ll be changed a whopping $50 as you leave!
An employee will show you how to use the bracelet, and hand you a towel. If you want a robe or slippers, this is the place to rent them. Then it’s off to the locker room.
NOW TAKE A DEEP BREATH.
DO NOT FREAK OUT.
It’s time to get naked. Everyone is required to shower before getting into the Blue Lagoon. In your birthday suit, not in a swimsuit. There are private showers to use, but the locker room is exactly what you think it is. Strip down and deal with it. There are attendants in the locker room making sure everyone follows the rule. Don’t fight it. If you don’t shower naked, you aren’t getting into the water.
PRO TIP: Free soap and conditioner is provided in the showers. Lather on the free conditioner and don’t rinse it. It’s good for your hair. Plus the silica in the Blue Lagoon water will dry out your hair. You are allowed to keep the conditioner in your hair during your time in the water. And everyone will be walking around with conditioned hair.
Now that you are showered and in a swimsuit, it’s time to head into the mystical water!!
The morning we arrived, the mist/fog hung low over the blue water of the lagoon. It was blissfully warm as we stepped inside. Just what we needed after a long flight. The water varies in temperature as you walk around, so if there is a spot that’s either too hot, or not hot enough, just move around and you’ll locate your perfect place.
I’m about 5’8” and the water never went higher than my chest. There are some spots where it only came up to my knees. If you find the water too deep or too warm, or just don’t feel like walking around in the water, find a smooth lava rock around the edge to sit on. The bottom of the Lagoon is also smooth, and we didn’t need water shoes.
Added Benefits
Your trip to the Blue Lagoon can be more than just sitting in the warm water.
Take advantage of the free silica mud masks available. When were were there, an employee was in the water walking around with free samples for everyone to try.
Another thing you’ll want to try out is the swim-up bar. You can order all kinds of smoothies, as well as beer, wine, Champagne, and water. The first drink for every visitor is free with admission! The attendant will scan your bracelet for each additional drink you order. It’s all charged straight to your account.
If the water isn’t relaxing enough, there are massages and other treatments available, too. They range in price from about $100 to $300 USD.
If you work up an appetite while relaxing, check out the cafe or restaurant. Both are fairly pricey, so be ready for some sticker shock.
Special Needs
The Blue Lagoon did have a nice option for families traveling with one or more people who need a little help. There is a “family room.”
It has a handful of lockers, a toilet and sink, and one extra large shower with a bench. If you need to help someone in your family take a shower and get into the Lagoon, this is a great option.
You can spend as long as you need in the room. It doesn’t cost anything to use, but you may have to wait a little if the room is already in use.
This is an option that some of the other pools in Iceland did not offer.
Wrapping Up Your Visit
We spent about three hours just floating around in the warm water. Employees say most people spend between two and three hours at the attraction.
When you’re finished, it’s back to the showers and into your clothes. Hair dryers and lotion are supplied.
As you leave, employees will scan your bracelet and you’ll settle your bill. Then you scan your bracelet and drop it off as you head toward the exit. From there, you’ll walk through the gift shop and to the exit.
Leaving the Lagoon
We walked back to the parking lot to catch our bus to Reykjavik. Don’t forget to pick up your luggage if you checked it.
The people working at the luggage check will also be able to tell you the bus schedule. We waited about 20 minutes before the bus arrived. Then we boarded, handed over our tickets and sat back to relax for the 30 drive. This bus also has free Wi-Fi!
The driver asked us where we were staying. If you’re renting an Airbnb or staying at a smaller guest house, you’ll be dropped at the closest bus stop. We stayed at Hotel Natura because it was part of our tour package. While it is completely out of the way, we didn’t have trouble getting the drivers to drop us off at the front door of the hotel. Everytime!
One thought on “Iceland’s Blue Lagoon”