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!
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.