36 In Guides + How-Tos/ Iceland/ Travel

Bliss in the Blue Lagoon – Iceland

I know what you’re thinking, another Blue Lagoon post.  Everyone who goes to Iceland stops at the Blue Lagoon and for good reason. I researched quite a bit before going and found a lot of tips, one of which was to skip it all together, but I definitely disagree with that. While it is a cliche stop, there are usually reasons that these stops are “musts”.

For the Love of Wanderlust’s Tips for the Blue Lagoon

✈︎ Make a Reservation – This is a requirement (although, I’m sure they probably allow people to come without reservations), but it’s also good to do beforehand because then you can select your package. Prices vary depending on the season, winter being the cheaper time to visit, but don’t let the cold weather deter you from taking a dip.

✈︎ Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – I wish I had been better about this. Like any other spa or hot tub experience, staying hydrated is key. Who wants to feel dehydrated during such a relaxing experience?

✈︎ Don’t Fret About Changing Rooms – I heard several people say that they are totally intimidated by this because they don’t like changing in front of people. While that isn’t my favorite pastime, there are definitely places to change in private. Also be aware, though, that you will be seeing other people’s naked bodies, just so you aren’t jarred if this is a new experience.

✈︎ Your Hair Will Recover – For me, my hair is extremely oily, so the silica in the water actually made my hair feel normal. However, I have read tons of posts about people freaking out that their hair was totally ruined by this experience. My mom got her hair wet (which is normal to dry) and it just took a few washes to get it back to her normal, and even my oily hair was only affected for a few days. Do take advantage of their conditioner though. It’s pretty incredible.

✈︎ Consider The Time of Your Visit – A lot of people plan their visit to the Blue Lagoon heading to or coming from the airport, as it’s a bit out of town from Reykjavik. While this is practical, I liked going in the middle of the week to rejuvenate + pamper ourselves after a couple days of adventures. If you’re pressed for time, though, and have to stop to or from the airport I recommend visiting th Blue Lagoon upon arrival. When I go back, I would also really love to go for sunrise (in winter) and sunset (in summer). It sounds extra-awesome!

✈︎ Bring A Waterproof Case for Your Phone – They sell those pouch things here, but for much more than you can get elsewhere. I took my GoPro, but instantly wished I had bought a case for my phone instead. Then, I was going to bite the bullet and buy one of the overpriced pouches and they were sold out! Especially being a blogger, I wished that I could immediately view the photos I had taken (the curse of my model of GoPro).

✈︎ Relax – This seems silly, but I actually saw a lot people who hopped in, got there pictures/moments checked off and then hopped out. We definitely soaked for a couple of hours and took time to relax. Sure, we took silly photos and checked off the list of things included with our package, but then we explored the whole area.

✈︎ Don’t Let the Weather Change Your Plans – Now, if there’s a lightening storm, be smart. However, we got sleeted on, but it wasn’t upsetting at all because you’re warm and toasty in the water. If you get cold, dip a bit. Not to mention, the weather in Iceland is constantly changing, so simply wait 5 minutes and the rain could pass. Plus, rain leads to rainbows!

The Blue Lagoon is a well-oiled machine. You receive a bracelet that you scan for everything you purchase, so you don’t have worry about bringing any cash or a card into the Blue Lagoon. You simply leave your personal belongings in the locker that’s provided. And, you guessed it, the bracelet is the key to your locker. Also, you receive a specific color to let the workers know which masks you’ve already paid for.

What Package Should You Get?

I purchased my mom + myself the Premium Package for her Christmas present last year and it was really nice! However, you can check out which package looks best for you.

If I was returning in the summer, I would purchase the Comfort Package. [Includes your entrance, a towel rental, your first drink, algae mask, silica mask.] A bathrobe doesn’t seem as necessary when it isn’t 32 degrees outside and the slippers were just flip-flops.

In the winter, I would stick with the Premium Package. [Includes everything above, a bathrobe rental, slippers (flip-flops) to keep, dinner reservations + a free glass of sparkling champagne.] We didn’t end up using our reservation, but it was still REALLY NICE to have the warm robe in the winter, and I think next time, I would maybe go ahead with the massive restaurant splurge.

Why Use the Silica Mud Mask?

This mud mask is naturally produced in the Blue Lagoon. It makes your pores less visible and leaves your skin feeling, and looking, fresh + clean. After 5-10 minutes simply wash it off in the Blue Lagoon. To give our skin a break, we went to get our drink from the swim up bar before giving the algae mask a shot. We chose the blueberry smoothie, but next time I’m going for the wine. It just seems extra-luxurious.

Why Use the Algae Mask?

The Algae Mask feels a bit more like an anti-aging cream. It helps fill in fine lines and rejuvenate skin. This mask should leave you with a radiant glow. For me, however, it left a red glow. I don’t think I was allergic or anything, it just made my face red for some reason. A few others experienced the same thing, including my mom and Stacey. The redness went away shortly. If you’re wanting your perfect Blue Lagoon pic, I would try to take it before your Algae Mask.

Helpful Hint: The Blue Lagoon has employees sitting on the wooden decks in the lagoon who have tablets. They’re not just people who forgot their swimsuits and are passing time on their tablets. They’re there to take your photo! It’s a nifty keepsake and brilliant idea. The photos are 100% free and they email them right to you. [This photo was provided by them. Thanks, ladies!]

The building on the left of this photo that you can just barely see, is the mask bar. You just swim up, more like walk, as the water is just under 5 feet high in most places, and get your masks to lather on and enjoy. The Silica Mud Mask is on the outside where you can help yourself. The Algae Mask is behind the bar. However, if you’ve not pre-paid for the mask, no worries, you can scan your bracelet.

The building you can see here is the cafe where you can grab snacks or a light meal before or after your time at the lagoon. Their menu looked good, but as with most other tourist attractions, the prices are pretty steep.

Helpful Hint: I heard that you shouldn’t wear contacts in the Blue Lagoon. However, I did and was perfectly fine. Avoid getting water in your eyes, obviously, but don’t stress about it. I was very happy to have been able to see. Besides, even if you bring glasses, they tell you not to get your lenses in the water because it can be harmful. So, basically, just keep the water away from your eyes.

The Blue Lagoon is much larger than it appears. There are inlets all around with fewer people or even no people. It is still possible to have a more private spa-like moment.

Leaving the Blue Lagoon is a breeze! Before leaving I was sure to jump in their shower and use their famous products one last time. They’ve truly thought of everything, they even provide bags for your wet swimsuits! After changing, you simply drop your towels and robes in the hamper and go back downstairs. There, you scan your bracelet one last time and pay for anything that you charged. Luckily for us, since we had the Premium Package, we didn’t have to charge any extra.

Everyone’s experience everywhere is unique. So, be sure to do what’s best for you! Luckily, the Blue Lagoon is extremely accommodating and simple to navigate. More than anything, take the time to relax and soak up all the bliss in the iconic Blue Lagoon.

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36 Comments

  • Reply
    HayleyC
    February 20, 2017 at 7:29 am

    I’ve visited Iceland 5 times so far, and no visit is complete without a trip to the Blue Lagoon, and purchase of their wonderful shower gel! There are definitely wilder, and more serene natural geothermal pools, but the Blue Lagoon does have a special something.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      I could definitely see myself making it a must on each trip! It was so luxurious!

  • Reply
    Nisha
    February 20, 2017 at 11:13 am

    What a lovely post it is! “I researched quite a bit before going and found a lot of tips, one of which was to skip it all together,”…. I liked this one. 🙂

    I think I’m going to love Blue Lagoon. It reminds me of dead sea in many ways though it’s entirely a different thing.
    I agree with your tips, specially with being naked, camera pouch etc.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      I can’t believe someone actually said to skip it! I absolutely LOVED it!

  • Reply
    Jen Morrow
    February 20, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Very informative about the best timing and packages to reserve for the blue lagoon. There are a ton of posts about visiting, especially warning people about the damage to hair. I am glad that you went mid-week and actually enjoyed your visit instead of a quick photo-op!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Thanks! I’m glad we really soaked it up – pun intended 😉

  • Reply
    Of Wildest Heart (Denise)
    February 20, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    Looks and sounds incredible! It’s definitely a place I’d love to visit some time 🙂

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:50 pm

      It’s well worth the visit, in my opinion.

  • Reply
    eatlivetraveldrink
    February 20, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    The Blue Lagoon is one of my favorite attractions – so much so I have been twice. when I was there a few weeks back, there was hurricane force winds and it was like tidal waves in the lagoon – all before sunrise. But we just dealt with the punches – had a great day.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:51 pm

      That’s definitely the best thing to do, roll with the punches. In fact we had hurricane force winds blowing sleet in our face. We still hiked to a glacier and made the best of it, because, luckily, about 10 minutes in, the sleet stopped.

  • Reply
    Anne @TravelTheGlobe (@TTGLOBE4L)
    February 21, 2017 at 2:02 am

    I went to the blue Lagoon almost ten years ago and think I timed it quite well. I’ve been quite shocked at some of the package prices since I visited as I don’t recall paying tons for my visit. That said, I would definitely not recommend skipping it. It’s one of the highlights of my trip to Iceland

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:53 pm

      I wish I could’ve gotten in on the lower prices, but we still enjoyed it none the less. It definitely is a great stop on any visit to Iceland.

  • Reply
    wyldfamilytravel
    February 21, 2017 at 2:33 am

    We went to the blue lagoon last month and loved it. Alot of people say its over rated we say no way its a must when visiting Iceland

  • Reply
    Holly Crocker
    February 21, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    I loved this post Paige! A great reminder of our visit last November!
    We landed about 10:30am, so went in our hire car straight to the lagoon and it was the perfect activity for day one of our trip!
    I was amazed at the amount of people using their phones in the lagoon – I almost found it comical how so few people seemed to just be relaxing there – we got a few snaps with our camera (crap camera, but thankfully waterproof) and that was it – god knows why people would risk taking an expensive phone in! And sadly there were people facetiming and on the phone, rather than just enjoying the place!
    Sorry – that’s my rant done – I just think sometimes people forget to just enjoy where they are!
    It is huge isn’t it – and I loved the masks!
    Great photos and lovely reminder of an awesome place!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:56 pm

      I totally understand your rant! That totally frustrates me too! I know, especially being a travel blogger, that I want to take photos to add to my posts. For me, though, I usually want to get the photos out of the way and then enjoy whatever it is I’m doing. I’m awful when it comes to food, I have it half finished before I remember that I was going to write about a restaurant! ha!
      It really is huge! Way bigger than I was expecting! The masks were a lot of fun. I think the only thing it’s missing are some underwater benches to rest my pruney toes! Ha!

  • Reply
    Candy
    February 21, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    We went to the Blue Lagoon and loved it. We agree that making a reservation is a good idea 😉 We didn’t get our hair wet because we heard it would dry it out, but it’s good to hear that you had no issues. I guess it just depends on your hair type.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      I’ve actually heard from a handful of people that they had no issues. I know that it does dry it out some, but it goes back to normal within a few days. I haven’t met anyone personally yet who said it wrecked their hair.

  • Reply
    Janna
    February 22, 2017 at 12:58 am

    I’ve heard a lot of people say that it wasnt worth it to visit the Blue Lagoon but I dont care! Im still gonna go coz it looks so freaking amazing! I really want to try it hopefully this year!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:58 pm

      I loved it! I would definitely recommend it and I hope you make it there this year!

  • Reply
    Mel Butler
    February 22, 2017 at 3:14 am

    I love the Blue Lagoon, I went here over 10years ago before it was a tourist spot and we had the place to ourselves. Your pictures take me right back there and makes me want to jump on a plane right now and go again 🙂 Good tips to by the way!!!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 4:59 pm

      Thanks, Mel! I bet that was amazing to have it all to yourself! Luckily it’s so big that you can find your own spot. I would love to try some of the natural pools on my next visit. Did you make it to any of those?

  • Reply
    Cori Carl
    February 22, 2017 at 4:53 am

    I know this is the top tourist destination in Iceland, but I can’t get over the fact that it’s runoff from a power plant. If I were to do another thesis, I’d have to study the marketers in Iceland, because they’re amazing!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      February 22, 2017 at 7:09 pm

      Yeah that it is. I don’t think it’s as much of a secret as some people do. They say all of that on the signs, and although the water is from the runoff of a geothermal powerplant, the minerals come up from the earth below it and the water is actually heated from lava flow. So, it’s not like a coal powered plant is pouring out waste, ya know? It was well worth visiting!

  • Reply
    nycgingeronthego
    February 22, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    The Blue Lagoon is on my backlist. I love all of the tips, and glad to know that hair will bounce back! I would love to go for sunrise or sunset. I bet that is beautiful. I also would love to relax and try the masks, have a drink, etc. Sounds like such a wonderful experience!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      It was loads of fun and relaxation rolled into one. I definitely will be going for sunrise or sunset next time.

  • Reply
    Tara
    February 22, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    I haven’t been to the Blue Lagoon since 1997. It has changed so much! When we were there – there were 5 other visitors, the locker rooms were empty, and the only thing you could buy was a towel! It rained when we were there, but we stayed nice and warm. Love your photos!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 5:02 pm

      Wow! I can’t even imagine going 20 years ago and then going back today! I bet it would blow your mind!

  • Reply
    Sandy N Vyjay
    February 22, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    Loved the post. You guys had a wonderful time. The Blue lagoon is indeed the stuff that dreams are made of. Hope to get there some day and all your tips would come in handy. The tip about the hair is something that I will definitely keep in mind before jumping into the inviting waters of the Blue lagoon.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 5:03 pm

      It is the stuff dreams are made of. I say jump right in! I had an okay experience with my hair for sure.

  • Reply
    The Soul of Seoul
    February 22, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Great tips about the weather changing so much. People change their plans and five minutes later.. you just never know what will happen. I can’t believe people just hop in and out though. I’d definitely be like you and stick around and relax some. Love the photos! Silly or not. ^^

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      That’s so true! I try really hard not to let weather dictate plans, unless it’s something totally unsafe, of course. It’s definitely worth taking the time to relax!

  • Reply
    Tamason Gamble
    February 23, 2017 at 11:39 am

    Ok I seriously need an algae facemask!!! We visited Iceland a few years ago but believe it or not we never made it here. Perhaps it’s something I need to rectify quickly.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 5:08 pm

      I’d say that’s a top-notch reason to take another visit!

  • Reply
    abcdefghizzy
    February 23, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    Who took all your photos lady? Seriously you are so photogenic! I know I keep telling you that but honestly, I haven’t seen a blog with Blue Lagoon pics as good as yours. Your like the perfect daughter, what a sweet sweet gift for your momma. I have to completely agree with you that staying hydrated is a must! And omg so weird but yea, my hair was freaking LUXURIOUS post-Blue Lagoon! It’s not that oily but can be if I don’t wash my hair daily but I honestly think the rejuvenating effects to both my hair and skin were my favorite part of the Blue Lagoon 😀

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      March 1, 2017 at 5:11 pm

      My mom actually took them! It took some coaching and cropping, but she rocked getting them to be what I wanted! You’re so sweet; thank you so much! I take that as a major compliment coming from you – my blogging HERO! I totally agree about the rejuvenating effects. My hair is similar to yours in the fact that I have to wash daily, and I can’t condition or it gets super greasy just about 12 hours later. I hate it. I need to add some silica to my water apparently 😉

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