I think it is safe to say that visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is on almost everyone’s bucket list. I know it was on mine! It’s milky blue water and otherworldly appearance is like something out of a dream. A spa-like dream.
While visiting Iceland, I had a LOT on my must-see list, like the Northern Lights, Icelandic horses and, of course, the Blue Lagoon. Due to weather and time constraints, I only really got to see the Blue Lagoon, so I am glad I made the best of it (the Northern Lights never showed during my time in Iceland, and the Icelandic horses I saw from a far, but we were’t allowed to go up close. Sad 🙁 )
I had read plenty of articles about the Blue Lagoon before going and there were a couple of common themes: it’s expensive and it will ruin your hair.
I found both of these to be true, but since I was prepared, I knew what to expect. Read my helpful hints below to get you through your first experience at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland the very best.
Helpful Hints for Visiting the Blue Lagoon
BEFORE YOU GO
- Bring flip flops! They sell them at the Blue Lagoon, and it seems obvious, but I completely forgot to pack mine. Very helpful when walking around and back and forth to the lockers
- Book your bus ticket to and from the lagoon. I mention this below, but make sure you book your tickets in advance so you have plenty of time to hang out at the lagoon. We were there by 9:00am, and stayed until 4:00pm. Having the entire day there was ideal!
- Know what time it get’s light and dark out for optimal pictures. Since we went in the winter, it didn’t get light until 11am, and started getting dark again around 3pm. So make sure you are there and ready for some light! A lot of our pictures were taken in the “dark,” and it makes almost a gloomy feel to the images. But I still love them!
GETTING THERE
- The Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and about 20 minutes away from the airport. There are shuttle transfers available to the Lagoon from both locations. Since I landed at 6:30 am, I figured it would be ideal to go straight to the Blue Lagoon from the airport – a relaxing start to the trip. I hopped on a bus directly at the airport, which I had purchased before leaving the US. You can buy the shuttle from the airport, the ticket, and the bus from the Blue Lagoon, all in one. Go HERE to The Official Blue Lagoon website to do so.
straight from the airport!
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
- The water is not hot hot. It felt more like warm bathwater. Though, after swimming around to different areas, I did find that the warmest spots were oddly located near the placement of trashcans. But it still feels good regardless, since it was so cold outside.
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The weather in Iceland is highly unpredictable. I’d often experience all four season in a single day! Don’t let bad weather keep you from going to the Blue Lagoon. Make sure you have a water proof case (which they sell there for a hefty $30 price) for your cell phone. You don’t want any kind of water getting on that.
- Pack food if you can, because the food is subpar and expensive. We spent $20 on a caesar salad that had questionable chicken flung in. Bring granola bars if you can. And be prepared to spend about $13 for a beer or champagne. It is worth the experience I think, but it is not a cheap way to start your trip.
- The water can damage your hair, so make sure you use the conditioner provided. I never dunked my head for this reason, but I still washed and conditioned my hair before entering the lagoon just to be safe. It is free and it is there, so take advantage of it.
- Put the masks on. They are so much fun, and my skin was so soft afterwards.
LEAVING THE BLUE LAGOON
- After almost 8 hours there, we headed back to Reykjavik to check into our hostel. The bus getting home was a bit chaotic, as a lot of people were leaving at the same time. So be prepared in advance and head out to the busses early for an easy departure. have your tickets ready, and know where you’re going
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