5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting the Blue Lagoon
When was the last time you stared at an Instagram photo and vowed you’d make it there one day?
That was me a few years ago with the Blue Lagoon.
And to be honest, I didn’t even want to go to Iceland — I just wanted to go to the Blue Lagoon. :) Thankfully, my interests grew to desiring an experience more than just the Blue Lagoon, and I have just returned from Iceland having one of the best adventures ever!
I want to make sure I pass along some helpful tips + tricks to make sure you get the most out of your own Blue Lagoon experience. These are questions I had myself, or other people have asked. Feel free to ask a question you might have and I'll do my best to answer!
What package should you get?
There are now 3 choices to choose from. I chose the Comfort Package (the lowest package) and I honestly don’t see a reason why this wouldn’t be suitable for almost everyone.
Upgrading to the Premium package (which they call their “most popular” — marketing trick!) gives you only a few extra benefits, which you might not even use, for about $30 more.
*You get a robe and slippers: Unless you plan on being outside in the freezing cold just walking around, you don’t need a robe and slippers. You’ll be straight in the water and that’s it.
*You get an algae mask: Buuuuut you already have a silica mask and I just think that two mask treatments is unnecessary.
*You get a reservation at LAVA restaurant. Just the reservation — not the food. You do get a glass of sparkling wine, but you can get the sparkling wine inside the Blue Lagoon also. If you do want to make a nice lunch part of your experience, that is the only reason I would go for the Premium package, as then you can put on your robe and slippers and dine in a bit more comfort.
*The luxury package is approx. $550 for two people. You get your own lounge area and changing room, so perhaps if this is a honeymoon trip you might splurge. Otherwise, there is no reason for this. Note that the general changing rooms do have private shower stalls now so it really is not a free for all, weird shower situation at all.
How should you keep your hair protected?
The properties in the Blue Lagoon will do a number on your hair and your nails. For your hair, condition it really good before you get in the water with the conditioner they provide and then condition it well after and if you can, put a leave-in conditioner in as well. If you’re like me, you just leave-in the conditioner that is available. :) My hair still felt like straw, but once I got home and really deep conditioned it, it was fine. To avoid all of this, put it in a top knot and don’t get it wet. Problem solved. You just won’t have any floating pictures.
If you have a gel manicure, it will turn a little rusty. I don’t know why that is, but my manicure suffered after being in the water. Also - remove your jewelry!!!
When should you go?
The Blue Lagoon will always be relatively crowded. To that point, make sure you make your reservation beforehand and don’t just show up expecting to gain entry.
As for the best time in your vacation to Iceland to go to the Blue Lagoon, it makes the most sense to go right after you land or before you are departing, based on the location and it’s proximity to the airport. My flight landed at 4:20am and the Blue Lagoon didn’t open until 8AM, so that wasn’t going to work. Plus, I didn’t really want it to relax me so much when I had to stay awake all day.
My flight home departed at 3:10pm so it was perfect for a morning reservation, plenty of time at the lagoon, and then a relaxed and soothing experience before I boarded the plane.
Whatever you do, give yourself a minimum of 2 hours to enjoy the geothermal hot springs. You don’t want to feel rushed. 2-3 hours is optimal in my opinion.
As for time of day, I really like early in the morning, or maybe late at night — although I didn’t have that experience. Going at opening time means there will be less people, as there is no limit to how long people stay. So, later in the day more people are arriving and the more crowded it can get.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, it’s kind of a tourist trap. But it doesn’t even matter. We are tourists. And the fact of the matter is, there is nowhere I can go in my own country that is basically an outdoor bathtub filled with this silky, beautiful sky-blue water, sip champagne and slap on a silica mask while I lounge.
You should go. You should take some selfies. You should absolutely overpay for this experience and not be mad that every other visitor to Iceland is doing the same thing.
What other hot springs should you add to your visit to Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon is the most famous hot springs in Iceland without a doubt. But… it’s not the only place you can have this experience — it’s just the only place you can have it with that special blue color.
I added two more hot springs experiences to my itinerary. One was a bust because of repairs to the trail at the time we were there, but it involved a nice hike at a place called Reykjadalur, about 45 min or so from Reykjavik. You should know that this is literally you hiking to a hot spring in the wilderness, awkwardly putting on your suit, and then enjoying nature at it’s finest. Nobody will be serving you champagne!
The other really cool spot that we did get to visit, is a great addition to your Golden Circle route. It’s called The Secret Lagoon -- or Gamla Laugin, but there is not much secret to it. Here you will find actual Icelandic people enjoying the experience alongside the tourists. The cost is about 1/3 of the Blue Lagoon, and the water here is actually coming from nearby hot springs. It’s a professional setup complete with a bar — except you actually have to get out of the water to get a drink.
Contact me if you want help planning a trip Iceland perfectly curated for you! It can be with or withOUT a stop at the Blue Lagoon -- after all this is your best trip, I already took mine. :)