Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know

I’ve already said a few times that Iceland impressed me so much that it got a special place in my heart. We had some wonderful days, breathtaking scenery and some first time activities. The first was the campervan ride and the second experience was the Blue Lagoon. Now, Blue Lagoon is an extremely well known and touristy place. National Geographic made a list of great places in the world, making Blue Lagoon one of the 25 Wonders of the World. Its popularity has grown rapidly, and today it is the place no tourist would miss. So in this article I want to talk about Blue Lagoon. I want to present you some interesting information about the Blue Lagoon and tell everything you need to know before Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

About Blue Lagoon

Geothermal springs are perhaps Iceland’s most significant feature, which is why the island has both a strong sulphur smell and a multitude of natural pools. But Blue Lagoon is not one of them.

Blue Lagoon is not made by mother nature and has not always been a spa. In fact, Blue Lagoon was, until 1992, a waste dump where waste from the nearby geothermal power plant collected.

In 1981, an employee at the plant asked for approval to bathe in the wastewater from the pond, and after a few baths he noticed that his condition, psoriasis, had improved considerably. News that the water in the lagoon was doing wonders spread quickly, so the Icelandic authorities opened the pools to the public. Subsequently, what was once a sewage pit was transformed into a luxurious spa.

Some other interesting facts about Blue Lagoon

• Blue Lagoon is a man-made place, being the largest man-made geothermal complex in the world.
• However, the water that fills the lagoon is natural. The water running through the plant comes from a geothermal spring.
• Blue Lagoon sits on volcanic land, Illahraun, which was formed around 1226.
• Returning to the water in Blue Lagoon, it comes from a depth of approx. 2000m and has a temperature of 240° at its source.
• In the basin, the water has a temperature of 38°C.
• The pools have a capacity of 6 million litres of water, which is changed every 48 hours.
• The water is a combination of ocean water and spring water (70-30%).
• Being rich in minerals – silicon – the water is said to have the power to cure certain skin diseases.
• The colour of the water – that milky blue – is due to the way the silicon in the water reflects light.
• Blue Lagoon is a truly fabulous place, and for me it meant the ultimate definition of relaxation. The water is so warm we didn’t realise it was only 12° outside and raining. As long as we were in the water, we didn’t feel the cold. Incidentally, our package included a drink from the water bar and a silicon face mask.

For a few hours, I pampered my face with that mask – my complexion was very happy, we found a comfortable spot and sat. We relaxed so much that as soon as we got back to the hotel, we fell asleep. And we slept like babies (that’s how I imagine babies sleep).

What you need to know before Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is located approx. 50 km from the country’s capital, near Keflavik airport. To get to the Blue Lagoon you need to follow the bláa lónið signpost. There is free parking in front of the resort, and for those who don’t have a car, there are several buses that provide transfers to and from the Blue Lagoon in the country’s capital.

For Blue Lagoon you need a reservation, so it’s best to book your entry to Blue Lagoon as far in advance as possible.

We weren’t so sure we’d make it to Iceland (after two cancelled holidays) and chose to get our tickets the day before. For that day, the comfort package cost us 8000 isk. Also, prices differ from hour to hour and day to day respectively.

More details here.

Visitors can choose between two packages:
Comfort: priced from 6990 isk – package includes: entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silicon face mask, towel and a drink of your choice from the Water Bar.
Premium: from 8990 isk – entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silicon face mask, another face mask of your choice, towel, bathrobe and two drinks of your choice from the Water Bar

The Blue Lagoon

Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, someone will check your reservation and give you a wristband. You should keep that wristband on your hand as it is the key to your locker in the locker room, as well as a way to pay for drinks at the waterbar. At the end you’ll return the bracelet, and if you’ve made a purchase, you can pay at check out.

After check in, you will be guided to the changing rooms, where you can change into your swimsuit. Afterwards, you’ll head to the showers, where you’ll find Blue Lagoon branded skincare products.

In Blue Lagoon you can stay until closing time. There are a few restaurants, a waterbar where you can buy just about anything from champagne to smooties, and plenty of poolside seating.

The water is generally about 1 metre deep – there are deeper areas, and both the bottom of the pool and the edge areas can be slightly slippery.

Another important thing to do after bathing in the lagoon waters is to use plenty of hair conditioner. In the showers you’ll find everything: hair conditioner, body cream, hand cream, hair dryer, etc.

The ultimate tip that I want to give you and that you should keep in mind is the following: Don’t settle for 2-3 hours of bathing. Book a whole day just for the Blue Lagoon. Give yourself this time to relax and unplug! You deserve it!