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!
[…] 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.