Located between Reykjavik and airport in Keflavik, 45 min. from town, 20 min. from airport. Admission US$35+.
Locals prefer their city pool, or “hot pot,” to coming here, to the Blue Lagoon, which they think is too commercial and expensive. But I think you won’t want to miss it. Formed by accident in 1976, this gigantic pond in the middle of a lava field opened as a geothermal spa in 1992. A foggy mist hangs above the opaque, milky-baby-blue water, which ranges from 98 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. After it is first used to make heat and electricity, the mineral-rich recycled hot seawater is piped in from a power plant next door.
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| entrance to Blue Lagoon in Iceland |
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| bar in Blue Lagoon in Iceland |
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| chillin' at Blue Lagoon in Iceland |
Bring along a bathing suit, flip-flops, a towel, and a rubber band for your hair, or you can optionally rent almost anything you need. Changing rooms are similar to what you would find in a nice spa—small shared locker rooms, open shower cubicles, and private restroom cubicles that you can turn into a changing room if you are modest . . . and fast. An electronic security bracelet secures your locker and keeps track of your purchases, so you can get a drink at the lagoon bar, a snack at the indoor cafe, or rent an extra towel or fluffy bathrobe with a flick of your wrist. If you make an appointment ahead, you can even have a massage. When you leave, your bracelet is scanned and you settle up.
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| scenic of Blue Lagoon in Iceland |
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| applying silica mud mask at Blue Lagoon in Iceland |
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entering cave sauna at Blue Lagoon in Iceland
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Everyone must shower in the changing area before getting into the lagoon and after as well, but you can probably get away with doing it in your bathing suit if it is crowded and you are quick. Minerals in the water include silica and sulphur, which are good for skin but bad for hair. I brought a shower cap, which isn’t very cute, but you can also purchase a swim cap at reception. If you don’t plan to go under water, you can get by with slathering on the complimentary conditioner provided in the shower area and leaving it in while you soak. I slathered and put my hair up in rubber bands, too, and it had no lasting issues. Do also look for the grey silica mask goo found on the side of the lagoon in wood boxes with ladles, and apply it liberally to your face for a deep cleaning and exfoliation. Water temperature varies around the pond, from mostly perfect to very hot or even lukewarm. The pool bottom is uneven, and sometimes I found myself up to my chin in hot water, especially in the center. Should you get tired of bathing, you can explore an area with a cave, a sauna, a steam room, and a massage waterfall. After, to avoid dry, brittle hair, wash your hair thoroughly with the provided silica purifying shampoo and use more conditioner.
You can arrange to get here by bus tour and airport shuttle. Many people stop on their way to or from the airport. Large luggage can stay on the bus or be stored in a building with lockers that is adjacent to the parking lot. Try to pack ahead in a small bag what you need at the spa. To avoid crowds, go early--before noon if possible, or late in the afternoon.
images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Thanks for the handy tips! I've often gone to spas with no clue what to expect so this will definitely help to plan a visit to the Blue Lagoon ( long on my list of places to experience).
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful experience!
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual experience! Did you have any health/cleanliness concerns? So many people!
ReplyDeleteThis place was clean, so no worries.
DeleteYou're right - this looks like an experience I wouldn't want to miss. Seems like it would be so relaxing and the mask and massage would make you feel fabulous afterwards!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tips. Island is certainly on our "bucket list", just not very high up. The problem lies with islands in general and our style of travel; we overland travel in our own camper, most islands are either too difficult or too expensive to reach. But the natural beauty of Island might one day convince me to get onto a plane instead...
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that you could probably rent a camper or tent and have a wonderful time driving the circle route around the island. Take a look at the book "Camping Europe" for its section on Iceland (I am the editor). http://www.berkeleyandbeyond.com/carousel-press/camping_europe.html
DeleteThis looks like a great experience. I'd love to go there if I get to Iceland one day.
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't want to miss this when I get to Iceland regardless of how commercial it might be. I like the idea of enjoying a drink at the lagoon bar, too. No picture wearing the shower cap??
ReplyDeleteIt is a don't-miss. I did ask a photographer friend to take my picture in all my mud-goo glory, but I haven't received a copy yet. I figure he might be sparing me the sight. And I did lose my shower cap soon after I got in the water.
DeleteWe were there in 2014 but didn't get the time to soak. We only had a day in Reykjavik. Regret!
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually big on "pools" with a lot of people, but this looks like a can't miss experience. I hope you'll share that shower cap photo Carole when it materializes!
ReplyDelete