Is Going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know
It was like being in some sort of late-night-food-induced dream. You know, the kind where you're walking on the ceiling and people are climbing out of suitcases?
I was in the middle of a swirling world of fog and mist, the light lapping of waves the only major sound to be heard. Out of the steam, two women with their faces covered in white goo materialized, laughing as they glided past, their hair arranged in odd piles atop their heads. From the other direction, a teen boy floated by, munching on an ice cream bar.
And everywhere I looked, I saw milky blue.
But this wasn't some weird dream – it was the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Located between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport in the town of Grindavík, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to either begin or end your trip to Iceland – in fact, you're even encouraged to do so by several of the companies that run bus services between the airport and Reykjavik.
It's long been considered a must-visit in the Land of Fire and Ice – and I myself have been to the Blue Lagoon on three separate trips to Iceland!
But with so many hot springs and thermal pools to choose from all around Iceland (including a few in the Reykjavik area), people are increasingly wondering whether the Blue Lagoon is truly worth the time and cost to visit… so let's talk about it!
Table of contents
Visiting the Blue Lagoon: Arrival
The Blue Lagoon is one of the top tourist attractions in Iceland, but that thankfully means that everything there runs pretty efficiently. There's luggage storage available (for a fee) in a building next to the parking lot, so you can easily visit on your way to/from the airport.
(The Flybus runs buses between the airport and Blue Lagoon to coincide with every arriving and departing flight, so it's very easy!)
Upon arrival to the Blue Lagoon, you walk along a lava path for a short while until you get to the spa building itself. If you want to take some photos of the unreal blue water, make a quick detour off to your left before going inside – this part of the Lagoon isn't used for swimming, so you can just marvel at the milky-blue water.
Yes, it's true that the Lagoon is not natural, but you'd be surprised at how unbothered by this you become when you actually see it up close.
After snapping some photos, head inside the building to check in. These days, booking your Blue Lagoon ticket in advance is mandatory; you cannot just walk up and expect to get in. If you arrive early, there's a cafe and shop on the main floor where you can go to kill some time.
When you check in, you'll be given your towel, robe, and flip flops (if you paid for them), along with a plastic bracelet that will serve as your locker key and bar/cafe tab all at once.
Then you head into the gender-specific changing rooms. Pick an empty locker (follow the directions posted on how to use your bracelet to claim a locker), and get changed.
For all my fellow Americans out there, be prepared that Iceland takes a very European approach to spas: everyone is expected to shower withOUT a swimsuit before entering the pool, so it's not unusual for naked people to be wandering around the locker rooms.
Next, it's finally time to head out to the Lagoon itself. You can either walk straight outside and enter the water that way, or you can ease into the water indoors and then make your way outside via a huge, heavy wooden door.
RELATED: 10 Essential Tips for Visiting Iceland Hot Springs and Thermal Baths
Visiting the Blue Lagoon: In the lagoon
The water at the Blue Lagoon is always between 37°C and 40°C (98-104°F), meaning it's perfect for soaking no matter what the outdoor temperature is.
Once outside, you might be struck by just how BIG the lagoon is – I know I was on my first trip! There are various little pools everywhere, a cave, multiple bridges, a waterfall, saunas, a water massage area, and even a swim-up bar. Yes, a floating bar.
Grab a drink and maybe even an ice cream bar, and get to floating. (Most Blue Lagoon tickets include one free drink.)
The Blue Lagoon is renowned not only for its odd color, but also because the water is rich in silica and sulphur – both said to be fantastic for the skin.
Swim up to the Silica Bar to get your free handful of silica goo to put on your face. (If you get one of the Lagoon's more expensive packages, a second face mask will also be included; I recommend the algae mask!)
How long to spend at the Blue Lagoon
I was a bit skeptical on my first visit, and could not fathom how I would enjoy spending 4 hours floating around in a pool of blue wastewater (because that's what the Lagoon really is – wastewater from a nearby power plant; but don't worry, it's not toxic).
I'm not a spa person or a beach person. Honestly, I'm not any kind of person that is required to wear a bathing suit.
I don't like massages or any other activities that require strangers to touch me repeatedly, either. And on my first trip I didn't even have a travel buddy to chat with to keep my mind off feeling uncomfortable in such an atmosphere.
But the 4 hours I had to spend at the Lagoon actually flew by. I floated around for a while, seeking out the extra-hot spots in the water and watching goo-faced people glide through the steam.
I took a break and sat in the “relaxation area” inside with my fluffy robe and my Kindle for a while, and also grabbed some lunch before going to soak some more.
On subsequent trips to Iceland with my husband and then my father, I still insisted on going to the Blue Lagoon.
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is touristy. And yes, it's expensive (just like everything else in Iceland).
But I love visiting the Blue Lagoon anyway. It's just so unique, and truly is relaxing no matter what time of year you visit.
Tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon
Here are some practical tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon:
1. Book early
The Blue Lagoon has gotten popular enough that you MUST pre-book your ticket online in advance. And not just a day or so in advance; during high season you might actually need to book weeks in advance in order to get your desired day/time slot!
2. Leave the modesty behind
As mentioned above, forget about being self-conscious – no one else will be. And don't be surprised (or offended) when you meet stark-naked people in the changing rooms. (The changing rooms are gender-specific, though, and the women's does at least have a couple private changing rooms and shower stalls if you're feeling a bit nervous.)
3. Beware your hair
The silica and sulphur in the water of the Blue Lagoon may be good for your skin, but it's definitely NOT good for you hair. Especially if you have long hair, apply conditioner liberally before going into the Lagoon, and don't rinse it out until you're ready to leave. Otherwise you'll be dealing with dry, brittle hair for days.
4. Pay for the extras
No, you don't need a fluffy robe or extra towel or drink from the floating bar… but they sure are nice to have. Just be aware that they do cost extra!
5. Just relax!
After all, this is what the Blue Lagoon is all about! Allow yourself enough time at the Blue Lagoon to float slowly and fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?
Despite it being expensive and one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, I DO still believe that the Blue Lagoon is worth visiting! It's entirely unique, and the level of service, comfort, and cleanliness is high.
And, due to the Lagoon's sheer size, it's still enjoyable even when it's very busy.
Best Blue Lagoon Tours
You don't really need to book a “tour” to the Blue Lagoon; but combining a visit with other tours in Iceland is sometimes a great idea!
Interested in a Blue Lagoon tour? Check some of these out:
- Blue Lagoon Spa Including Admission and Roundtrip Transport from Reykjavik
- Reykjavik Combo: Blue Lagoon Round-Trip Transport plus Golden Circle Half Day Tour
- Viking Horse-Riding Tour and Blue Lagoon Including Admission Fee
Would you visit Iceland's Blue Lagoon?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for the tips about blue lagoon and enjoyed reading your article. We`re heading there at end of May for 4-nights stay.
Ramon Tan
Concierges/Front Office (retired)
Radissonblu Scandinavia hotel Oslo
Do you remember how much it was to get in?
It depends on which package you want. All the prices are listed on this page (in local currency): http://www.bluelagoon.com/blue-lagoon-spa/prices-and-packages/
Sweet thanks!
Thank you for your post. Your review was extremely helpful and your photos are wonderful. May I ask how early did you arrive to the Blue Lagoon? I’m wondering if an 8:00am arrival time will give me great photos like yours. Thanks in advance
Hi Annie. I’ve actually visited twice – once in the afternoon, and once in the morning. The Blue Lagoon used to not open until 9 or 9:30 a.m. in the winter, but they’ve recently expanded and now appear to be open at 8 a.m. every day. In the winter, it will still be dark at 8 a.m. and you may get to watch the sunrise. During the summer, it will already be full-light by that time.
Dear Amanda
Your 10 day itinerary for Iceland in winter is fantastic! Your photos are beautiful! I’m planning a 10 day trip to Iceland in May this year. Will you be able to help me with planning this trip? I would love to see the natural beauty of the country and also the culture there. Your help will be much appreciated. I would like suggestions on places to definitely see, how to get there, accommodation and time in each place. I will be travelling with my son who is an adult.
Thank you in advance
Hi Farida! I’m afraid that trip planning is not a service I offer. I also have not visited Iceland outside of winter, so I don’t have any first-hand tips for road tripping or staying outside of Reykjavik. However you could certainly use my 10-day itinerary for inspiration! I also have written a lot of other things about Iceland, all of which are linked here: https://www.dangerous-business.com/destinations/iceland/
Just stumbled into this site as I was checking out blue lagoon. Can’t believe the amount of blogs you have received. Also it is much cleaner and hygienic than the natural places to swim in, it seems. So what’s the thing about the smell as I know swimming pool smell of chlorine and damage yr hair and eyes and whatever else if swallowed by accident.
There’s no chlorine at the Blue Lagoon, but you might notice a sulphur smell that’s just natural in many parts of Iceland. The minerals in the water here can still damage your hair, though – that’s why you should definitely put lots of conditioner in!
This was a great story, until of course the obligatory attack on Americans. Its an attitude that turns many off to world travel. Never ceases to amaze me how some feel the need to scold Americans for some basic modesty.
There is no attack on Americans – I AM an American, and it’s a fact that we’re a fair bit more modest when it comes to things like this than most Europeans.
Having been to a bunch of hot springs, I was hoping that the Blue Lagoon would feel a bit more authentic and less man made. I would think that Iceland’s geothermal energy would produce some natural hot springs that feel a bit more authentic. I still had fun though
Well, the Blue Lagoon IS man-made! So that’s probably why it felt that way. 🙂 There are tons of natural hot springs all around the country, but you often have to have the insider knowledge about where they are to find them.
[…] Read more about the Blue Lagoon here. […]
You made me laugh! It sounds that seeing saggy boobs is the only unpleasant thing at the Blue Lagoon. I’d love to visit that amazing place!
Haha! I’ll be going back later this year, so it must not have been all that bad. 😉
Hoping to visit the Blue Lagoon one day! Just came across this post of yours, and I’m going to start reading all your Iceland posts, since it’s the next destination I’m hoping to visit 🙂
Awesome! I’m hoping to go back later this year!
So, super offensive to anyone without a perfect body, which frankly even girls with perfect bodies think theirs is something to be ashamed of because hyper critical body image issues run rampant. Just saying I was enjoying your post until I ran up against your disgust of people that don’t look like what you think is acceptable. I know you probably meant it to be funny, but commenting harshly on women’s bodies is basically girl on girl crime.
How is it offensive? I think it’s great that people in Europe are more confident about their bodies than I am. My audience is mostly North American – we’re not used to to this, and I’m just being honest about what you’ll see. Where did you read the disgust?
One might read it here: “If you are a women, be prepared to see lots of saggy old lady boobs. Perhaps some perky young ones, too, but definitely lots of saggy ones. […] If you aren’t too traumatized after changing, …” Happy aging (with more respectful wisdom) to you, too 😉
Hey, I’ll have saggy boobs one day, too. That’s just reality! Nothing wrong with that, though. Aging is aging. It’s just not something most Americans are used to seeing in a (relatively) public place.
Wow this looks amazing! I am in the early stages of planning my first overseas solo trip and the Iceland stopover looks more appealing by the day!
Oh you should definitely do it! Iceland is great, and is very solo-travel-friendly!
Thank you so much for posting this – very helpful. I’ll be in Iceland later this year and the lagoon is scheduled on my last day there. I’m traveling solo, so was a bit worried about looking like a dimsum on my own there. Good to know about the tips. Will save this. 🙂
I was worried about the same thing, but I didn’t end of feeling weird there on my own at all! It was very relaxing.
I’m disappointed to learn that its not clothing optional. I’d be more interested if I didn’t have to wear a bathing suit.
Well unfortunately you have to keep you clothes on! Most European baths that I’ve been to require at least a bathing suit.
[…] in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland […]
How could wastewater look so beautiful??!! Iceland is definitely on my must-visit destination, and I’ll remember to include Blue Lagoon when I get to chance to actually visit it. =)
Who knew, right?? Though, to be fair, it’s not your typical “waste”water. 😉
[…] to unknown places and discover some of the world’s greatest sights I read an article on the Blue Lagoon. I’d never heard of Iceland’s most famous attraction and the world’s largest thermal hotspot, […]
Hi,
Great article! Thanks so much for the details on the actual experience. We already knew we wanted to visit the Blue Lagoon on our trip in June, but there is very little info on how things work/what it is like. You did a fantastic job of ‘bringing us with you’ on your trip, and it is much appreciated.
One quick question: We have a 4 (almost 5) year old who is a great swimmer, and wondered if he be allowed in the lagoon? We obviously would stay with him the entire time, but I don’t see a lot of pictures or info online about younger kids going in.
Thanks again for the great info!
Happy to be able to help!
I just had a look at the Blue Lagoon’s website, and children of all ages are indeed welcome. (In fact, it seems like anyone under 14 is free!) They only mention that kids under 8 have to wear floatation arm bands. (Check out the info. here: http://www.bluelagoon.com/blue-lagoon-spa/spa-etiquette/ )
Have a great trip!
Thanks for such an informative post! We are planning a trip to Iceland next summer…now I know to watch out for the old lady boobs! LOL We are definitely interested in spending some time at the Blue Lagoon and your pics and thoughts make me want to even more. 🙂
Great to hear, Nichole! I hope you have a great trip!
[…] to unknown places and discover some of the world’s greatest sights I read an article on the Blue Lagoon. I’d never heard of Iceland’s most famous attraction and the world’s largest thermal hotspot, […]
Aah, this looks amazing! I’m just dying to visit Iceland, and the Blue Lagoon is definitely on my list. (I was kind of put off by the fact that it’s really just power plant runoff, but I think I can get over it, as it looks so relaxing and peaceful.)
It is well worth a visit! Once you’re there soaking in the nice water, I promise you won’t care where it came from!
[…] the Szechenyi Baths somewhat reminded me of visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland earlier this year. Except on an even grander […]
hey i’ll be in iceland for honeymoon in this coming october!!! :)))
we were planning to go to the blue lagoon on the first day after we arrive at 6:30am! how long do you think we should spend in blue lagoon? and what are your recommendations if we are eating there?
The length of time you spend really depends on how much you like to relax! I easily spent 4 hours there, and I’m not really much of a spa person! The good news is that if you book your ticket through FlyBus, you can then catch any FlyBus back to Reykjavik (they’ll give you a schedule with your ticket), so you don’t have to decide beforehand how long you want to spend!
If you can clarify this it will be great! After you take the shower and put your swimsuit, can you actually take your towel with you to the area where you will be at the lagoon or you put everything in the locker provided?What if I want to take my camera while in the lagoon? Do I have to go back to the locker to put it there after Im done or there’s a place (not the locker) that I can leave it?
Thanks!
You can take anything with you that you want! However, when I went, there weren’t any chairs or anything else outside, so there wasn’t really anywhere to put a towel or camera or other things once you got into the Lagoon. I did take my waterproof camera into the Lagoon with me, but I then went and put it back into my locker when I was done with it.
Thanks for your response! I understand then that most people leave their towels in the lockers and after taking their time in the lagoon just go straight to the lockers to shower? I read somewhere about the etiquette in the thermal pools and I think it said that is not well seen by the locals that you go all wet and dripping to the lockers.
Well, I don’t know how many locals you’ll actually find at the Blue Lagoon, first of all… haha. And, like I said, when I was there (on a cold and damp day), there wasn’t really anywhere to hang/set a towel outside. There was a room with tables and chairs just inside the doors that people were leaving towels/shoes in before they went to the Lagoon. I suppose you could leave your towel/robe there. But, there were SO many towels/robes piled up, that I don’t see how you could possibly find your own again upon exiting the Lagoon…
I think the etiquette “rules” applied to geothermal pools that locals frequent more! Thanks for answering my questions!
Your passion for travel remind me of when I decided to just explore the World even if nobody wanted or could travel with me; as of today I can say that I finish visiting the 7 New Wonders of the World, it took me 7 years and in my way I visited many other countries with great cultures and sites…still there is so much to see out there. Happy travels!
Don’t be alarmed at the locker and shower rooms. You can be private. The locker rooms are broken down into several sections, with bathrooms, and there are private change rooms. Also in the shower rooms there are private showers. There are as many people being private as being nude.
Yup, all true. Though, it’s much easier to just get over the self-consciousness and go with the flow. 😉
It looks really cool, but I was a little weirded out when you said it’s waste water from a power plant. Then the stuff about the locker rooms…ugh. I’m not a fan of that stuff. Especially the mandatory shower in front of everyone else in there? Yuck. I can’t handle massages either, not my thing. I think I’ll wait until I actually book a trip to Iceland before I decide about going to Blue Lagoon. I’m glad you enjoyed it though!
Haha, don’t be weirded out! The power plant is a hydro/geothermal one, so the water is turned to steam, used to move turbines, and then pumped into the lagoon — so it’s by no means dirty wastewater! The locker rooms might not be your thing, but if you go early enough, you can probably get through the awkward bits quickly without much of an audience!
We will be visiting Iceland in the next few weeks for a honeymoon trip. I was lucky to visit Japan a few years ago and went to an Onsen. Your description reminds me somewhat that. Onsens, at least with my experience, are segregated by gender and are small, hot pools, rather than a large lake. The whole bath experience is ritualistic, and of course, the nudity is not a concern; it all hangs out. So I believe it is we uptight Americans who worry worry about these things, rather people of other cultures. By the way, we are planning on visiting Blue Lagoon immediately on the morning of arrival to Iceland. And we are looking very much forward to doing so.
It is very much a Western thing, I think, to be so concerned about modesty (I’ve talked to some Australians who were similarly surprised at the Blue Lagoon, so I don’t think it’s only Americans). Enjoy Iceland!!!
Lucy and I are very excited to visit Iceland; we can’t wait.
I didn’t know the blue lagoon was actually wastewater. Still looks really pretty, and definitely a place I’d want to check out.
It’s not like dirty, toxic wastewater though, as it’s only used in a hydro/steam power plant. But it definitely wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for the plant!
Most definitely worth a visit!
I was very surprised to read about the changing room. I would probably be self conscious as well, yet, like you, I would do it anyway. Even though the lagoon is not natural, its color is spectacular, the mountains around it look pretty natural and this all place looks fantastic. I would definitely go.
Good to hear you’d still go! It’s definitely worth it.
[…] Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Stunningly beautiful these photos do an amazing job of selling me on a trip to Iceland. This blue […]
That looks so nice! I actually didn’t know that the Blue Lagoon wasn’t natural. I still want to visit it though!
Natural or not, it’s still definitely worth visiting!
With your modesty safely left in Iceland, your next stop can be the Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden!
I’m a guy with short hair, and it still took days for me to get the Blue Lagoon silica out of my hair. If I’m every there again, I’ll remember your conditioner trick.
The conditioner is key! I actually think they had a sign suggesting it in the women’s showers, but I could be making that up…
I really enjoyed reading your article. It made me chuckle and smile. I’ve been to the Blue Lagoon and know exactly what you are talking about. You describe it very well and the pics are great! Even though I am not into massages I had one, outside in the spa and it was fantastic!! When you get a massage you get a gift pack of products to take home, and a bathrobe and towel to use, which I would recommend leaving both in your locker while in the pool. Also, the waterfall is another great massage. There is also a viewing roof for photo taking. Great article, thank you 🙂
Glad to hear you enjoyed both my post and the Blue Lagoon itself! I don’t know of anyone who’s been and didn’t enjoy it.
I’ve been to the Blue Lagoon several times now and I LOVE it! Whenever I fly to Europe, I try to book on Icelandair or Iceland Express and schedule a long layover on the way back. Well worth the effort! Grindavik (where the Blue Lagoon is) is pretty close to the airport. You can use the Flybus or hire a taxi driver, I’ve done both and had no issues.
IcelandAir is VERY smart for allowing free stopovers in Reykjavik between North America and Europe. It’s such a great idea on their part!
The color of the water is so…. unreal. I would love to relax here for a day… and then come back again the next day.
It’s definitely a place I would go back to!
Never heard about this lake but it looks amazing! Did you get a massage? The pics are awesome!
No, I did not get a massage, but a lot of people do!
Your pictures and post capture the atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon nicely. It’s great to read about someone else’s experience of it. Funny how we notice different things – we didn’t even notice the nudity (surprising perhaps being Brits), nor the effect on your hair (being a man), but we did enjoy the Krap, the Icelandic slush served from the bar (being with kids). The other worldliness is very striking though, especially if you visit as soon as you have arrived in Iceland. And isn’t it cool that you can do it as an excursions on the way to/from airport.
Thanks, Stuart! It is definitely funny how different people notice different things. Glad to hear you guys enjoyed the Lagoon, too!
And I think Reykjavik Excursions is genius for building in the Blue Lagoon into your Flybus ticket. Such a great way to get people to visit the Lagoon!
I’ve seen a number of photos of the blue lagoon but love your details about how it works and getting the most out of your experience.
As an American, I am long past the nudity issue we have here in the US. It’s definitely different for us but I’ve been on nude beaches, nude baths, and experienced it all. This shouldn’t hold anyone back from experiencing this at all. Definitely something I would love to do in Iceland.
Thanks, Jeremy! I’m glad you liked the post. I’ve seen lots of photos of the Lagoon, too, but not so many posts with tips and descriptions about visiting. So hopefully this post helps fill that void!
And I agree — no one should let the nudity issue keep them from the Blue Lagoon!
I’ve been wanting to go to Iceland for ages. This definitely will make my list. Thanks for posting!
Iceland seems to be on a lot of people’s lists these days… and for good reason! I’m already dreaming about a return trip.
Oooh, so pretty! It looks fake! Iceland is really high on my bucket list, and going to the Blue Lagoon will be one of the first things I do.
I hope you make it there soon, Emily! So much of Iceland looks fake – and it’s awesome.
Your photos on Instagram were enough to convince me to go but this post has just made it a priority for 2012! It has to happen, it’s so (relatively) close to where I am living in Sweden. Wonder if it is cool to go year round or if there are some months I should try to avoid. Hmm….
You are so close in Sweden, Larissa! I’ll bet you could find a good deal on IcelandAir, especially if you go during the off-season.
The summer months are the most popular to visit Iceland in, but you can go year-round! It does get colder in the winter, but I’m sure no worse that what you’re used to in Sweden!
True, true. Setting a fare alert NOW 🙂
Awesome! I don’t think you’ll regret it! 🙂
Wow, I had no idea it wasn’t natural. I’ve always wanted to go there though, and I’m still determined to go even if it’s man-made 🙂
Well, for what it’s worth, it wasn’t man-made on purpose — it was actually a complete accident! But leave it to Icelanders to turn an accident into the most popular tourist attraction in the country!
Just surreal!! The fog, mist coupled with the blue water look just heavenly.
When I went to the Himalayas, there was this natural hot water spring which had green water! Reminded me of that.
Hope you are having a great week Amanda:)
Ooo, a green hot spring? That also sounds quite cool! But yes, the color of the Blue Lagoon definitely adds to the experience!
Such awesome pics! I had the best time there. You don’t like massages? Ahhhh I think they’re the best!!!
Nope, not really a big fan of massages… but I know that plenty of people love them!
I have wanted to visit the Blue Lagoon ever since it was highlighted during the Olympics in Iceland! What a super experience and yes I am one of those that would be a bit timid with the changing. But when in Rome. . .
You could just look at it as an opportunity to let it all hang out, because no one will be judging you!
I’ve always wanted to go here and this looks so beautiful and relaxing. I have to admit though, I wouldn’t know where to look in the changing rooms. I would probably be getting changed in the loos to avoid all of the nakedness!
Haha, yeah the locker rooms can be a bit awkward if you’re not used to it! But I’m sure you’d survive. 🙂
I will definitely have to check out the blue lagoon in Iceland! It reminds me a lot of when I visited the dead sea, of course there are a few differences and the blue is more beautiful than the murky mud that awaits at the shores of the dead sea too!
Yup, the blue hue here is definitely unique, and very easy on the eyes. Try to go if you can!
Water related activities are not at the top of my list but I will go to the Blue Lagoon for sure. One questions. Did you had to walk in the cold before getting to the warm water?
If you enter the water indoors, no, you don’t have to walk through the cold to get to the water. Which is what I did, because it was definitely cold out!
You clearly WEREN’T USING ENOUGH mud!! 😛 When I put it on, I put it on really thick, and then my face just about froze off… I also read about conditioning before you went in the water AFTER I went in the water, on the way out actually. So my advice would be to actually read the instruction before going in. I’m glad they had a couple of showers/change room behind doors. I’m not European enough to bare all 🙂
Haha, I was actually more concerned with the mud messing with my skin than helping it… That, and I didn’t want to get my hair wet! I remember you and Claire complaining about how dried-out your hair was, even days afterwards.
And I’m not “European enough,” either, but I just kind of changed quickly behind my towel. 🙂
Love the idea of this place – sounds like the water’s properties are healing like the Dead Sea but this looks like much more fun!
You don’t float as well here as in the Dead Sea, though. 😉 But it certainly isn’t like any other body of water in the world that you’re likely to soak in!
I’m with you…pretty much if it requires getting wet I’m not going to be a fan. But this is something I need to make an exception for just once…
The Blue Lagoon is worth making an exception for — I really enjoyed it, which was a pleasant surprise for me!
What a great post!
Was wondering, how deep is the lagoon? Can you stand in it?
From what I remember, yes, you can stand in it; it’s not super deep.
You look so cute!
Haha, aww, thanks!
Really interesting! The Blue Lagoon is such an iconic place, it’s great to learn more about it (I had no idea it wasn’t natural!)
I had no idea either, until right before I went! But yes, it’s such an iconic place that I knew I couldn’t skip it. And I’m glad I didn’t!
Is this a place to go if you can’t swim
No swimming required, as you can touch the bottom the whole time.
Oh, I would definitely go! It looks so relaxing and ethereal, even. I am super interested in spa/ bath house culture in other countries, so this would be a really fun experience!
Sounds like you would really enjoy yourself here, Ariana!
I do love soaking in hot water but the idea of waste water isn’t all that appealing. No smell huh?
It’s not really “waste” water; it’s not dirty or anything, since they just pull it up from the ground, convert it to steam to power turbines, and then send it into the Lagoon. 😉 And I don’t remember it smelling at all… though, by that time I’d already been in Iceland for 5 days, and was quite used to everything smelling like sulphur!
It does smell a bit sulphurous, but you won’t notice after a half-hour or so. The mud at the bottom (if you decide to scoop some up) is decidedly stinky. And the bar isn’t really “floating”, but you do wade/swim up to it. No seats, though. And no bottles- draft beer only (Viking brand).
I did not scoop any mud off the bottom — and now I’m glad I didn’t! Haha.
And perhaps “swim-up bar” would actually be more accurate. Whatever you call it, it’s cool though!
While technically accurate, it’s a touch ingenuous to call the blue lagoon “wastewater from a powerplant”. This isn’t coolant from a nuke station. It’s the cooled superheated ground water that was used to create a steam in the geothermal powerplant, and then heat water that is used to heat the city.
I was amused at your surprise at an open change room and communal showers. Isn’t it like that at the health club at your university? Certainly it is (in the men’s area anyway) at the University of Colorado. And the change rooms at my health club are totally open, as are the showers. And I know from personal experience that the women’s change room at my health club is the same (yes, I was in there legitimately – I have EMT training and a lady had collapsed).
Anyway.. it looks like blue lagoon is an awesome experience that I’ll have to put onto my list. I’m not much of a sit-in-hot-tubs person, but I do like natural (or natual-ish) hotsprings. We’ve a bunch here in Colorado. Strawberry park in Steamboat is even clothing optional after 9pm.
Yes of course you’re right — there’s nothing wrong with the water, and it’s not “wastewater” in the sense that most people think of wastewater as. But technically, that’s what it is! It wouldn’t be there if the power plant wasn’t using it first.
And I went to a small university that barely had a rec center, let alone a health club. 😉 So nope, never been in that sort of environment before! Luckily I knew what to expect — there were a handful of American women there who apparently had not been warned, however, and it was quite funny.
Definitely worth a stop in Iceland, though!
It occurs to me to wonder what the water/mud smells like given its high sulphur content. I just re-read your posting and the idea of a massage whilst floating in the lagoon sounds wonderful. I can already see myself spending too much money there next year 🙂
It actually doesn’t smell too bad, from what I can remember.
And if you do want a floating massage, make sure to book early! (Like, months early if you can!) They are very popular.
I had a floating back massage. I booked the day before!
Nice! I was told you had to book that sort of thing weeks in advance! Awesome that you were able to squeeze in the day before!
http://waterfire.fas.is/GeothermalEnergy/TheBluelagoon.php
Just in case people want a little more educational information on the subject of geothermal heating and the benefits it has on humans and the earth.
Cheers!
Thanks for the link!
Bahhhhh I would LOVE this!!! Seriously sounds like my ideal afternoon–and I love that the Flybus works it in! Need to remember this so that I can start AND end any trip to Iceland with some time at the Blue Lagoon 🙂
You WOULD love this, Christine!!! Get your butt to Iceland!
Ah that looks so relaxing.
It IS! Incredibly relaxing.
I never realized it was the result of wastewater from a power plant – I’m embarrassed to say I thought it was a naturally occurring lagoon all along!
Haha, nope, not natural at all! It was just a lava field before. When they built the power plant, they figured they’d pump the wastewater out into the lava field and that it would just filter back down into the ground… well, it didn’t quite work as quickly as they thought it would, and the result is the Blue Lagoon! I think new water filters in from the plant every 2 days or something like that.