EXPERIENCING ICELAND MOST VISITED ATTRACTION: THE BLUE LAGOON
NO HOT TUBS HERE, ONLY GEOTHERMAL
It’s on everyone’s bucket list when planning a trip to Iceland. With its tranquil water, healing properties, and breathtaking surroundings, the Blue Lagoon offers a unique and rejuvenating experience.
Here’s everything you need to know to have an amazing experience at the Blue Lagoon!
WHAT IS THE BLUE LAGOON?
The Blue Lagoon is situated in the Reykjanes Peninsula, a geothermal wonderland renowned for its volcanic activity. This phenomenon was created thanks to a nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, where superheated water is pumped from deep within the earth to generate electricity. The mineral-rich water pushes its way to the surface and that is how you get the iconic milky blue hue that gives Blue Lagoon its name. Blue Lagoon doesn’t get its hot water naturally, like other hot springs in Iceland. The water is filled with strong minerals that are good for your skin, but not so much for your hair.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Located between the capital city (50 Minutes) Reykjavik and the (20 minutes) International Airport. Getting there is easy by bus, rental, or taxi. You might even find that people like to go when they first arrive or are leaving. If you’re going during peak season, it's essential to book your tickets in advance.
HOW MUCH DOES THE BLUE LAGOON COST?
There are three levels of packages that you can purchase. All Blue Lagoon packages included one drink of your choice, lockers, towels, body wash, hair dryers, shampoo, and conditioner.
PACKAGES: COMFORT, PREMIUM, AND LUXURY
COMFORT: USD 65
PREMIUM: USD 83
LUXURY: USD 497
WHICH TIER IS BEST AT THE BLUE LAGOON?
It’s really a personal preference of what you want to experience. When I went, we had a comfortable experience. I thought it was worth the price and got to enjoy all the amenities. If you decide to do extra things, you can always add on when you’re there.
BEFORE ENTERING THE LAGOON:
Unlike in America, where it’s not practiced to shower before entering any type of community pool or hot spring, it’s a custom here. The Blue Lagoon and Iceland overall take cleanliness seriously. They have open-gender showers where you must shower naked. Completely naked without your bathing suit. It’s a requirement that you can’t avoid. I know that there are private places to shower but most people shower in communal spaces. Once you have showered and changed into your swimsuit, you can head outside and into the cold.
Inside the Lagoon:
Before you even get to the locker rooms, you are given wristbands at check-in. Everyone who enters Blue Lagoon wears a bracelet that comes with your package. Since I got the Comfort package, I was able to get a drink and a mud mask during my time in the water. There is no limit to how long you stay in the lagoon. There were two areas where you could go to get your special face mask and another bar area to grab your drink. After swimming around, taking pictures, and covering my face with mud, I took my smoothie and relaxed before hopping out. The water was warm but not too hot and I and my cousin moved around, trying to find the sweet spot to enjoy the moment.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
EXPLORE
There are trails around the Blue Lagoon, about a mile of walking the grounds. You can spend hours walking through several restaurants to try and a gift shop. There’s a swim-up bar, where you can have smoothies, cocktails, or alcoholic beverages while in the water. A cool thing about the place is that during your admission/check-in, you get a wristband that is attached to your credit card on file. You can use the wristband to pay for items while relaxing in the Lagoon.
DINE
There are several restaurants on the property, and while there, we made reservations in advance and ate dinner there before departing for our hotel. I highly recommend pre-booking because they fill up and are very popular We ended up at Lava Restaurant, which was an expensive fine dining experience. . During dinner, the restaurant provided us with complimentary champagne.
RELAX
The best part of going to the Blue Lagoon is to enjoy the experience. Swimming in the lagoon, putting on mud masks, and just enjoying the country and its beauty.
Overall, I would say that The Blue Lagoon is a must-experience if you’re ever in Iceland. It’s a beautiful place and just a one-of-a-kind experience. If anything, you will get an Instagram post.
