Location
Situated a short 20 to 25-minute drive from the airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavik, a visit to the Blue Lagoon makes an easy stop off just after you land or prior to your departure point.
There are many options on how to get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik. At the airport, there is a bus that takes you to the Blue Lagoon and there are regular transfers from Reykjavik to this geothermal spa. You may need to book these in advance, I recommend checking this out before you go in case you do. We hired a car and drove from Reykjavik. When you arrive there is a small building for luggage storage which is perfect if you coming from or going to the airport.
Outside the Blue Lagoon
We visited on a cold March day when there was still snow on the ground from the previous week's heavy snowfall, so I wondered how warm we would be in the geothermal waters. Read on to find out.
Main entrance to the Blue Lagoon
There are different types of tickets which you can book online. Price is determined by the time of day and how far in advance the ticket is booked.
- Standard from 5400 ISK includes entrance and silica mud mask
- Comfort from 7400 ISK includes entrance, silica mud mask, use of towel, 1st drink and algae mask
- Premium from 9500 includes all you get in comfort as well as use of bathrobe, reservation at Lava restaurant and sparkling wine at Lava restaurant
- Luxury from 26500 includes all in premium plus private changing room and entrance to the Exclusive Lagoon
*check out the website for up-to-date prices and up-to-date information on what that includes
Children
Well behaved children at the Blue Lagoon are welcome from the age of 2. If your child is under 13 it is free for them to use the facilities.
Armbands are mandatory from the age of 2 to 8 and they are provided free of charge. If you are bringing children, check with the Blue Lagoon website to see how many you can supervise at any one time.
Entry time
The main pool
The Blue Lagoon is open from 8 am every day. Closing time varies between 8 pm and midnight. There are longer hours in the Summer as Iceland gets more daylight, and it can still be light at midnight.
The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the day. Busiest times are usually just before and after lunch when coach parties arrive. Your ticket gives you a one-hour window option for entry. There is no exit time and you can stay as long as you want.
If you want to hire a towel, robes and flip-flops and haven't already paid for the hire in your ticket price, they can be hired at reception. Take a towel with you to save money, as towel hire is 700 ISK or about £5.20. I took a loose beach cover all, instead of a robe and you may want to consider this. Top Tip!
Flip flops are not really needed in my opinion, as the changing rooms are right next to the water and once you are in you don't really want to get out to walk around.
You are given a wristband on entry to the Blue Lagoon and this also acts as your charging band to pay for treatments and refreshments. You pay at the exit when you leave. The wristband also lets you use the lockers, you swipe a band and it lets you close a locker. Be sure that the locker is locked before you go away as they were a little glitchy.
Showers
A cave in the Blue Lagoon
As is customary in many Scandinavian countries before you use the water you will need to shower without clothes. There are signs asking you to do this and it is clearly mentioned on the website. I was unsure about showering in a communal area but there was a number of private cubicles, 6 in the section I was in and so I used a private cubicle. You may have a short wait for these if it is very busy. There is shower gel, shampoo and conditioner provided. You then put your swimming costume on to enter the Blue Lagoon.
In the changing rooms, there are a limited number of hairdryers to use to dry your hair after you come out of the pool later and a number of mirrors.
Hair
The minerals in the water can play havoc with your hair so it is recommended to use the conditioner provided in the shower area before you enter the water. I combed it through my hair and left it in. If you have long hair I would recommend tieing it up out of the way to protect it as much as you can. Top Tip!
Sun
The weather in Iceland is notorious for being very changeable so be aware of the weather forecast and use waterproof suncream on all areas above the water. The light reflects from the water and this can make you more likely to burn. Pay special attention to this if you have very fair skin or burn easily.
Glasses
They do recommend glasses and contact lenses are removed before entering the water. Prescription glasses can be damaged by the water.
Sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from the sun, however, leave you best Gucci sunglasses at home just in case they could get damaged.
Water
The Blue Lagoon holds 9 million litres of geothermal seawater which is renewed every 40 hours. The blue colour comes from the way silica reflects light and the green in the water is from the algae which multiply when exposed to direct sunlight. Apparently, if you pour it into a clear cup it will look white as the sun makes it look blue. Often I felt the water was more green than blue.
The water is lovely and warm. Set at between 37 and 40 degrees centigrade,
you will not feel cold whilst in the water even if it has been snowing. What is not widely known is that there are slightly hotter and slighter cooler sections of water which make it more fun. Have a wander around and see what I mean. Top Tip!
The depth of the water varies. I am 5ft 2in and I could just about touch the floor everywhere. you will feel squidgy sections under foot which is the mud.
Swim Up Bars
You will see two bars on the water. One is a bar where you get your free face pack and buy more expensive face masks too.
The other bar in a different area on the far right of the main pool where you can buy drinks, such as beer and wine, Skyr smoothies (an Icelandic dessert like yoghurt), soft drinks, water-resistant phone protectors and sunglasses amongst other things. You swipe your wristband to pay for the items. If you have just arrived in the country it may surprise you how expensive everything is! Expect to pay £7 plus for a smoothie.
Cafe And Restaurant
The Blue Cafe serves snacks, salads, sushi, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks with a view of the Blue Lagoon. if you are coming with someone but do not want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you can sit here with refreshments and watch the people in the pool. Prices are expensive but in line with the average prices in Iceland. If you are coming from the airport it may be a shock! We found the average price for a cappuccino in Iceland to be around £3.80 for example and a toasted sandwich £9. There is also a small outdoor area which is great for photo opportunities. Top Tip!
There is an upmarket restaurant attached to the Blue Lagoon called the Lava restaurant and reservations in advance are recommended for lunch and dinner. To give you an idea of prices, the main courses at the Lava restaurant for lunch are from 4500 ISK or £33, for dinner main courses are from 5900 ISK or £43.
The Experience
After you shower and change into your swimming costume you walk downstairs to the main doors. These are where the floating devices are for little ones.
You go outside and hang your towel up and any robe if you have one, the coat hooks have numbers on so be sure to remember where you have put your belongings as if you hire your towel and robe they all look the same. You then walk into the steaming water which has a milky blue/green colour. The water is lovely and warm and with the steam coming off it, it is like a scene from Dr Who, minus the monsters of course!
After a wander around we got a free facemask from the treatment bar. Mr W slapped it on his face and I did my neck and shoulders. We were told not to let it in your eyes so we didn’t. You leave the face mask on for five minutes before washing off. Mr W felt his face was as soft as a baby's bottom.
There are pockets of water of different temperature but mostly it is a warm 37 to 40 degrees C. This is the perfect temperature to relax and enjoy the warm water easing away any aches or pains. They say it is important to drink plenty of water when you are in the water and we tried to do this. Although bringing food and drink from outside is discouraged, I could see no problem bringing a bottle of water with you to drink. Top Tip!
We took our Go Pro to get these photos. If you are taking any form of camera equipment make sure it is waterproof, we saw people taking photos in the water with their phone but we thought they were mad, don't risk it, if you want to do this, buy a reputable waterproof cover. They do sell these at the swim up bar but I don't know how good they are. Top Tip!
In the changing rooms, there are a limited number of hairdryers to use to dry your hair after you come out of the pool later and a number of mirrors.
Hair
The minerals in the water can play havoc with your hair so it is recommended to use the conditioner provided in the shower area before you enter the water. I combed it through my hair and left it in. If you have long hair I would recommend tieing it up out of the way to protect it as much as you can. Top Tip!
Sun
The weather in Iceland is notorious for being very changeable so be aware of the weather forecast and use waterproof suncream on all areas above the water. The light reflects from the water and this can make you more likely to burn. Pay special attention to this if you have very fair skin or burn easily.
Glasses
They do recommend glasses and contact lenses are removed before entering the water. Prescription glasses can be damaged by the water.
Sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from the sun, however, leave you best Gucci sunglasses at home just in case they could get damaged.
Water
Mr W enjoying the water
The Blue Lagoon holds 9 million litres of geothermal seawater which is renewed every 40 hours. The blue colour comes from the way silica reflects light and the green in the water is from the algae which multiply when exposed to direct sunlight. Apparently, if you pour it into a clear cup it will look white as the sun makes it look blue. Often I felt the water was more green than blue.
The water is lovely and warm. Set at between 37 and 40 degrees centigrade,
you will not feel cold whilst in the water even if it has been snowing. What is not widely known is that there are slightly hotter and slighter cooler sections of water which make it more fun. Have a wander around and see what I mean. Top Tip!
The depth of the water varies. I am 5ft 2in and I could just about touch the floor everywhere. you will feel squidgy sections under foot which is the mud.
Swim Up Bars
The swim up bar
The other bar in a different area on the far right of the main pool where you can buy drinks, such as beer and wine, Skyr smoothies (an Icelandic dessert like yoghurt), soft drinks, water-resistant phone protectors and sunglasses amongst other things. You swipe your wristband to pay for the items. If you have just arrived in the country it may surprise you how expensive everything is! Expect to pay £7 plus for a smoothie.
Cafe And Restaurant
relaxation area
The Blue Cafe serves snacks, salads, sushi, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks with a view of the Blue Lagoon. if you are coming with someone but do not want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you can sit here with refreshments and watch the people in the pool. Prices are expensive but in line with the average prices in Iceland. If you are coming from the airport it may be a shock! We found the average price for a cappuccino in Iceland to be around £3.80 for example and a toasted sandwich £9. There is also a small outdoor area which is great for photo opportunities. Top Tip!
There is an upmarket restaurant attached to the Blue Lagoon called the Lava restaurant and reservations in advance are recommended for lunch and dinner. To give you an idea of prices, the main courses at the Lava restaurant for lunch are from 4500 ISK or £33, for dinner main courses are from 5900 ISK or £43.
The Experience
Me and Mr W with our Skyr smoothies
After you shower and change into your swimming costume you walk downstairs to the main doors. These are where the floating devices are for little ones.
You go outside and hang your towel up and any robe if you have one, the coat hooks have numbers on so be sure to remember where you have put your belongings as if you hire your towel and robe they all look the same. You then walk into the steaming water which has a milky blue/green colour. The water is lovely and warm and with the steam coming off it, it is like a scene from Dr Who, minus the monsters of course!
Mr W with his free face mask
After a wander around we got a free facemask from the treatment bar. Mr W slapped it on his face and I did my neck and shoulders. We were told not to let it in your eyes so we didn’t. You leave the face mask on for five minutes before washing off. Mr W felt his face was as soft as a baby's bottom.
There are pockets of water of different temperature but mostly it is a warm 37 to 40 degrees C. This is the perfect temperature to relax and enjoy the warm water easing away any aches or pains. They say it is important to drink plenty of water when you are in the water and we tried to do this. Although bringing food and drink from outside is discouraged, I could see no problem bringing a bottle of water with you to drink. Top Tip!
We took our Go Pro to get these photos. If you are taking any form of camera equipment make sure it is waterproof, we saw people taking photos in the water with their phone but we thought they were mad, don't risk it, if you want to do this, buy a reputable waterproof cover. They do sell these at the swim up bar but I don't know how good they are. Top Tip!
pin for later
Other things you need to know
- Jewellery can be affected by the water so remove jewellery before entering.
- In-water massages can be booked in advance and start at 10,200 ISK.
- Cameras are allowed but not in the changing rooms.
- There is a steam area, and a steam cave to visit as well as a man-made waterfall.
- Parking is free.
- You may smell a sulphur smell as you drive up to the Blue Lagoon. Once you are in the water you won't smell it.
- There are bags to store your wet swimsuits and it is recommended you rinse with clean water in the changing area before bagging
- There is a shop where you can buy Blue Lagoon branded products.
- If you want to stay close by there is a luxury hotel called The Silica Hotel a ten-minute walk away. Guests have a range of benefits including their own private lagoon and complimentary premium admission.
- Leave your goggles at home, the water is milky and you will not see anything.
- There is an indoor area with sun loungers for relaxation.
- If you forget your swimwear you can rent some at the reception from 700 ISK.
- The Exclusive Lounge is a small area for up to 12 people with private. changing rooms and an array of complimentary items for a luxury experience. This needs to be booked in advance.
I personally felt that the Blue Lagoon was a great experience. Yes it's expensive, yes it's touristy but the water is gorgeous and warm, it feels like it is actually doing you good and it is a lovely relaxing experience.
My only negative point would be that both myself and Mr W heard staff in the shower areas be quite abrupt to customers, so maybe customer service could be looked at more closely. There is no excuse for rudeness, especially when you are paying a lot of money for entry.
Tell me would you visit the Blue Lagoon? Have you ever been to Iceland?
Oh my goodness, it looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty great!
DeleteI would love to go to Blue Lagoon, it is stunning! A real shame that the staff were so rude though, like you said rudeness is not needed! x
ReplyDeleteExactly.
DeleteThat place looks absolutely amazing! I'd love to go there, and I'm sure my wife would too!
ReplyDeleteWow!.This is so lovely.I would love to go to the Blue Lagoon.I would plan towards that.
ReplyDeleteWe loved the Blue Lagoon when we visited. I have to admit we splashed out fir the exclusive lounge but I'm sure we'd still be saying the same had we not. For me it's a must visit when in Iceland, touristy or not. Glad you both enjoyed it x
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to if I go back.
DeleteThis is definitely on my list for when we got to Iceland one day.
ReplyDeleteWow! It looks amazing X
ReplyDeleteWe visited Iceland last year and the Blue Lagoon was right up there on must-do! It was certainly a fantastic experience and one I'd recommend to everyone although I'd suggest bringing your own lunch as the panini and drinks we purchased were incredibly expensive! Great photos. :-)
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
That is a good tip. Were they ok with you taking your own food and drink in?
DeleteI've never been to Iceland, it really does look amazing
ReplyDeleteThis just reconfirms my need to visit Iceland! It looks such a beautiful place even if they did knock us out the Euro's last year! That swim up bar looks like heaven
ReplyDeleteHaving a swim up bar like this is an excellent idea.
DeleteAhh it looks amazing, I'd love to visit Iceland!! It looks and sounds like a beautiful place to visit even if it is a little on the pricey side ♥
ReplyDeleteIt was very pricey but just budget for that when you go.
DeleteOh wow this looks amazing, I would love to take a trip here one day and its great that I could bring along the kids too! I also love the idea of having the bar in the water area!
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing!!! What a beautiful, heavenly place! I'd love to visit one day x
ReplyDeleteThe Blue Lagoon is one of the most amazing places I have visited in my life. A fab informative guide!
ReplyDeleteThank you Talya and I am so glad you are a fan too.
DeleteOh my goodness what an absolutely amazing looking place to go and visit! I would love visit myself one day, though I'm not sure I would want to leave!
ReplyDeleteWe didn't want to leave, the water is so warm and the environment is really relaxing.
DeleteThe Blue Lagoon is on my must visit list along with pretty much everything in Iceland so these are great tips thanks x
ReplyDeleteIceland is one of my top places that I want to visit! Iceland has so many places and activities that interest me. I want to see the Northern Lights and I would love to visit the ice caves. The Blue Lagoon is also a top location I would like to visit and I'm glad that I now know to buy a ticket in advance if I do ever get to go to Iceland.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't have a chance to see the Northern Lights unfortunately, but that's a good excuse to go back!
DeleteLooks like an amazing experience, I would love to visit one day as it is top of my travel wishlist
ReplyDeleteGo Kara, don't think about it just book a trip to Iceland. You won't regret it.
DeleteIt looks absolutely fantastic - I would so love to visit one day. Great post hun, Kaz
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! It is on my bucket list
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience! Iceland sounds intriguing and something definitely out of the norm. Thanks for the photos and travel inspiration! Rob :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob!
Delete