Iceland is a unique country to visit and with Iceland Air offering stopovers of up to one week at no additional cost, it’s very easy to visit this mystical island. I had the opportunity to visit Reykjavik on a 24 hour stopover en route to the Netherlands. Initially, my trip itinerary included a visit to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa AND a Golden Circle tour to see the geysers. My friends and I never made it on the day tour. Blue Lagoon Iceland was too indulging and we didn’t want to leave – ever.
Guide to Blue Lagoon Iceland
How to get there from Keflavik Airport
Take the Reykjavik Excursions shuttle directly to the Blue Lagoon from the airport. There’s no need to pre-purchase tickets online as tickets can be purchased at the airport. When you exit the departure gates, ask for directions to the shuttle booth located near the currency exchange. The drive from Keflavik Airport to the Lagoon takes approximately 25 minutes.
When you get off the shuttle at Blue Lagoon, note the pick up times. The shuttle will pick up guests from Blue Lagoon for the 50 minute drive into Reykjavik, making stops at most hotels and guesthouses.
Luggage Storage at Blue Lagoon
There is a luggage storage shed at Blue Lagoon. Once you get off the shuttle, everyone stores their luggage. The shed is unsupervised but kept locked.
When to Go
The summer solstice yields many daylight hours and is ideal for visiting Iceland. You can enjoy the Blue Lagoon any time of the year even if you plan your trip in the winter months in hopes of also catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
In March, which is when I visited, the temperature hovers around the 0º mark. Fluffy bathrobes are provided so you can dash out to the cold outdoor area. Once you’re submerged in the milky blue lagoon, the warmth of the geothermal waters (37ºC) envelops you and you’ll quickly forget about the cold temperature.
Suggested Time to Spend
For a relaxed itinerary, budget at least 3 hours. If you’re in a hurry to catch a flight, aim for 1.5 hours with a standard package.
Blue Lagoon Spa Packages
If you don’t pre-purchase your Lagoon tickets online, you will need to line-up. We waited no longer than 20 minutes and got the Premium Package. I would highly recommend this package especially if it’s your first visit because it includes a scrumptious 3-course lunch at the on-site Lava restaurant.
The Premium Package includes the use of a bathrobe, towels, signature blue flipflops (for you to keep), one drink ticket at the swim-up bar, 3-course lunch at Lava and either a volcano scrub or algae mask that you apply yourself in the lagoon. The Lagoon is also a spa and hotel and offers massages and beauty treatments.
You will receive a blue wristband to wear for the duration of your stay at the Blue Lagoon. The wristband is your access to your locker, to enter the turnstile to the changing room and can be used to purchase additional drinks, etc.
What Not to Miss
Be sure to wander towards the waterfall area of the lagoon. That’s where the self-serve silica mud is kept in wooden barrels with ladles. Apply this clay-like goop to your face like a mask and your skin will feel like gold!
What to Bring
Bring a waterproof phone or camera case to take pictures in the lagoon.
You can leave all your toiletries in your luggage since the change rooms have all the amenities you would find at a luxury spa – showers, shampoo, hair dryers, and lockers. Hair Tip: Prevent your hair from the drying geothermal waters by rinsing with conditioner prior to entering the lagoon.
Lava Restaurant
Some Lagoon packages include a 3-course lunch at the on-site restaurant, Lava with views of the Lagoon. The restaurant also offers à la carte items, 2- and 3-course options. The meal was delicious, simple and honoured the ingredients used. Here are some of the dishes we ordered:
For the latest updates, click here to visit Blue Lagoon’s main site. This guide reflects the 2013 offering.
Have you been to the Blue Lagoon? Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments below or by sharing it using the social media links!
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
stretchingittotravel says
This looks amazing!
Live Learn Venture says
This sound amazing!!
Deb Che says
It was! Thanks for reading 🙂
Dee Gilbert says
I loved the Blue Lagoon. It’s a must experience in Iceland, for sure.
Deb Che says
So did I! Some tout it as being too touristy, but it was definitely relaxing and worth visiting 🙂