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Basking in the Electric Blue Lagoon

Ever since I first heard of the Blue Lagoon and saw photos of its milky blue water I have wanted to go there. I know it’s touristy; I know it’s pricey, but I didn’t care. I was going. And so I did.


Driving into Grindavík, about an hour outside of Reykjavík, there are signs at almost every intersection directing you to the Blue Lagoon or Bláa Lónið in Icelandic. Once you get there, you can’t even see the building, just a small information center that has lockers for your luggage. I couldn’t believe how many busloads of tourists were coming straight from the airport.

The imposing entrance to Iceland's Blue Lagoon.

A Trip To The Blue Lagoon

Some were on a layover tour and some just wanted it to be there very first thing they did, so they dragged in all their luggage to find their swimsuits. One of the best ways to visit the Blue Lagoon is on an all women’s tour of Iceland. Women travelers that bathe together are friends for a lifetime.

Bathers enjoy the soothing water and invigorating silica at the Blue Lagoon.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Blue Lagoon?

There is a well thought out path leading from the parking lot to the main building, and there you will find the chained airport-type queuing system, which is always your first clue that every tourist in the country is going to be there with you. It was again evident when we paid our outrageous entrance fee of 35 Euros (about $50) to get in and rent towels for the two of us.

This is the basic package which covers the entrance to the lagoon and saunas, no extras. There are other packages for that. Regardless of which options you want, it is imperative to prebook. Let me to repeat that. You must prebook your Blue Lagoon visit. Don’t worry, though, it’s super easy, just follow this link: Blue Lagoon Prebooking.

Inside the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik.

Getting Ready For The Baths

However, we happily paid as we were excited to try out this outdoor spa treatment. We trundled off to our respective changing rooms, and then it got a little confusing. First you must take off your shoes and put them on a rack, then change. All suited up, you start to walk outside where you encounter the showers. No big deal, right? You have to shower before entering any pool….But!  You have to do it without your swimsuit on? Huh?I just put my suit on.

Well, off it came, and shower I did. The great thing was that they provide soap and conditioner for you. They even have posters telling you which areas they want you to concentrate on (yep those ones!). The conditioner is for you to put in your hair and leave on while you are in the pool to help enhance your hair’s experience. Note: If you are shy or have children, there are some changing rooms and showers with doors, but most people are walking around in the suit they were born in. Just saying.

Bathers with mud on their faces and others just relaxing in the Blue Lagoon.

Wearing only a swimsuit, it was cold so Jim and I quickly entered that mystical milky blue water of my dreams. I was….surprised.  o begin with, I thought it would be hot. Hot springs, like in Japan, are hot! This was only warm. I guess it is really regulated, and scalding hot doesn’t bring in the same cash as mildly hot. There were a few places that got really hot, probably where the water was coming in.

There are lifeguards, which definitely make you feel safe!
There are lifeguards, which definitely make you feel safe!

Impressions

The people. There were so many of them! I stopped counting languages at about 13. Yes, the word is out! If you are going to Iceland, don’t miss the Blue Lagoon.

The experience. Pretty good. I expected crowds, and I expected the expense. I also think it could have been better. We later found out there is another “blue lagoon” near Mývatn Lake. There it seemed a more organic experience, still a little crowded with folks from everywhere, but not as….commercial!

A private spa room near the pool at the Blue Lagoon.

My Recommendation

If you are going to fly through Iceland, take that free stopover. I would take it for as long as they would allow and really get out and see some of the country, but if you cannot do much, at least do the Blue Lagoon. It’s pricey, crowded, and really pretty unique. It’s worth it! And for a real luxury splurge, why not stay at the gorgeous hotel, right there at the spa? The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, amazing!

Informational sign about the Myvatn hot spring baths.

However, if you do have the time to get out and see Iceland, give the Blue Lagoon a pass and head to the Nature Baths at Lake Myvatn. I think you will really enjoy the experience more.

Is the Blue Lagoon on your bucket list?  Have you been?  Did I miss anything?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

stephanie

Tuesday 17th of February 2015

It looks like something that should be experienced - I'm very tempted by Iceland but I think it might be part of a bigger trip at some point, but sadly not just yet!

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 17th of February 2015

Stephanie, Iceland was wonderful! But, I know about that list...it's hard to do it all!

rhonda albom

Tuesday 21st of October 2014

This is so fabulous. A swim in the Blue Lagoon has just been added to my bucket list!

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 21st of October 2014

Rhonda, The Blue Lagoon is definitely a destination!

Geeky Explorer

Saturday 18th of October 2014

This has been on my bucket list for a long time but for some reason everybody is going there which just adds to my curiosity! I loved how there is a lifeguard :D

Corinne Vail

Saturday 18th of October 2014

Geeky, That cracked me up as well.

Adelina // Pack Me To

Wednesday 15th of October 2014

I don't care about the price or the people. If I'm in Iceland, I'm going to do this. Nice tip about the other blue lagoon though. That sounds like a less touristy option to check out.

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 15th of October 2014

Adelina, I'm glad. That's why I wrote the post. I hope you get there soon!

Laia (colibrist)

Sunday 12th of October 2014

Iceland is definitely in my bucket list! Very comprehensive guide on what to expect, from crowds, price and cleaning and impressions. It does sound a nice experience! Thanks for sharing!

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 14th of October 2014

Laia, The Blue Lagoon is pretty unique; worth the trip.