No trip to Iceland would be complete without a soak in the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon. It’s the perfect way to de-stress after an international flight and start your adventure in the land of ice and fire!
Iceland is a land of stunning natural beauty. From emerald green fjords to black sand beaches studded with ice that sparkles like diamonds in the sun, there’s really nothing quite like it. But in the lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula, there’s a lagoon with mystifying blue waters that attracts people from all over the world to come and bathe.
Contrary to popular belief, the lagoon isn’t natural. In fact, it was an accident from a nearby geothermal power plant. The lava field didn’t absorb the mineral-rich runoff from the plant, and instead served as the foundation for the lagoon. It wasn’t until someone took note of the benefits of bathing in silica-rich water that the site became Iceland’s destination du jour.
Know Before You Go
The Blue Lagoon is not in Reykjavík. It’s closer to Keflavík International Airport and about a 45 minute drive from the city. Tour buses operate between Reykjavík and the lagoon throughout the day, and there is free parking if you’re in a rental car. I went for the day, but many travellers go to the lagoon on their way to or from the airport.
Make a reservation. The lagoon is busy! You don’t want to show up and find the pool is at capacity. Especially if, like it was for my friend, it’s the number one item on your itinerary. Booking your time slot online is easy. Once you’ve arrived, you can stay as long as you like.
In Iceland, you’re expected to strip naked and get sudsy before entering the water—it’s common courtesy to your fellow bathers. Plus, you’ll want to shampoo and condition your hair before you go in the water.
While the lagoon is rich in minerals beneficial to your skin, if you’re not careful it could give you what many travellers call “Blue Lagoon Hair”. The silica is not actually harmful to your hair, but it can dry it out and make it awfully difficult to de-tangle. Condition your hair and rinse it well before and after your swim, or tie it up and keep it out of the water entirely.
Oh, but it’s sooo expensive!
Well, no actually, it’s not.
Everything in Iceland is expensive. But as far as spas go, the Blue Lagoon is not. A dip in the waters at the Scandinave Spa in Whistler will cost you north of $160. The comfort package at the Blue Lagoon starts at 10,000 króna, or about $100. Plus, at no other spa can you swim up the banks and help yourself to enough silica mud to give yourself a facial whenever you want.
All that being said, if you ever find yourself in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon really is a must. If you’re on a timeline, allot yourself at least 3-4 hours to enjoy the experience properly, because there’s nothing else like it!