
01 Jul Visiting Iceland’s Wondrous Blue Lagoon
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I feel like bathing in a lava pool filled with runoff from a geothermal power plant”? No? Well you probably should. The Blue Lagoon is just this–it definitely sounds strange, but it is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland and for good reason. The geothermal runoff I mentioned above is actually not as scary as it sounds; it comes from the nearby geothermal power plant which uses the countries geothermal energy to produce heat power. The water from this process is clean and is filtered into the lagoon, thus creating the heated water which is perfect to relax in. Since the lagoon is located between the airport and Reykjavik, it is an ideal stop to make when arriving or departing from Iceland, and it happens to be a sure cure for jet lag after a long overnight flight.
The Blue Lagoon is a place I have dreamt about visiting for what seems like forever, so I was beyond excited when Inga from Tiny Iceland invited us to join her on her visit to the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon was kind enough to provide us with complementary entrance to the lagoon and a delicious lunch, while Micah and I splurged and booked appointments for in-water massages. We had a great time at the lagoon despite the horribly windy day that was upon us.
Arriving at the Blue Lagoon had us feeling like we just landed on the moon. The massive amounts of lava surrounding the entire area leads to such a unique atmosphere. The actual lagoon is a short walk from the parking lot to the entrance, and when you arrive you are greeted with a beautiful, modern glass building. After paying for admission, you get your wristband, which is also your locker key and “credit card” for any food or drink you would like to purchase throughout your visit. The wristbands are super convenient because you don’t have to carry a key or money around with you, and everything is charged to your account at a swipe of your wrist. If you decide to rent a towel or robe, you will get this before entering the locker rooms as well. Tip: if you book a massage or one of the entrance packages, the robe and towel are provided to you at no extra charge.
The design of the Blue Lagoon is really slick; the Scandinavian style is super modern and clean and the locker rooms were no exception. There are a few closed-door changing areas and shower stalls for us modesty loving folks, but if you get to the lagoon early, there aren’t many people around anyways. Also, if you even think about submerging your head into the water, make sure you load your hair up with conditioner and tie it back. Seriously, try not to touch your hair to the water if you can help it, because while good for your skin, the silica destroys your hair. I loaded on the conditioner in the shower both before and after, and my hair was an awful wiry texture the rest of the day because it got wet during the massage. Thankfully, it was mostly back to normal the next day, so if you take proper precautions, you should be fine. After changing and showering it was time to finally get in the water.
We were at the lagoon on a cold and windy day, so we had to give ourselves a little pep talk before running outside and hanging up our robes on the hooks near the water. Thankfully, the chilling wind gave our bodies a jump-start and the warm water felt that much better. Once in the pool, we made a quick lap around the lagoon to explore and then stopped to give ourselves masks with the silica mud found in buckets throughout the pool. The mask is a special white geothermal silica mud, and it is great for your skin. The sulphur and silica minerals in the water are said to have healing powers for skin ailments such as psoriasis, and it also makes your skin feel super soft and look years younger.
There is also a steaming hot waterfall that you can stand under for a free massage, and let me tell you, the water pounding on your back and neck feels amazing after being stuck sleeping crooked on an overnight flight. If you like saunas you are in luck–there is a steam room and a sauna and both are intense. Upon entering the steam room, you are immediately hit with what feels like a brick of heavy heat, but it felt great. We only lasted inside for about 5-10 minutes and decided to skip the dry sauna for more soaking in the lagoon.
At one point, there was a trumpet player serenading the swimmers on the side of the lagoon, and since he was playing a few well known songs, everyone watching decided to chime in and sing along. I’m not sure what lead to this impromptu concert and singalong, but it made for a surreal dreamlike experience while standing in the steaming lava pool.
After exploring the nooks and crannies of the lagoon, it was finally time for our massages. Inga made a beeline over to the in-water bar for some beer while she waited for Micah and I to finish our massages. The 30 minute massages we purchased were a splurge for us at 55 euros each, but it was well worth it. There are many other spa treatments offered as well, so if you are a spa junkie, this is a great place to get your fix. Being massaged from every angle while floating on a mat in warm mineral water was beyond amazing. On cold days they cover you with a warm blanket and dip you under every so often just to keep you nice and toasty. After the massage, I remember thinking that the experience was so relaxing I felt like I was floating–and then immediately started laughing because I remembered we literally were floating.
Next, it was time for lunch, so we showered, freshened up, and made our way to Lava, the lagoon’s restaurant. There is also a cafe if you are looking for a more casual quick lunch, but do note that it is perfectly acceptable to dine in the restaurant while wearing your robe. Lava offers both a buffet and a menu, but we decided to go with the buffet so we could sample a variety of the foods that were offered. There were many foods to choose from–sushi, fish, salads, lamb, turkey, vegetables and so much more.
We went back for seconds and dessert because we couldn’t fit everything on one plate! It was a delicious meal, and I would have to say my favorites were the sushi and fish, and of course the desserts. There were two types of dessert, and I had to try one of each, you know, for research reasons, and I’m glad I did, because they were both scrumptious. There was a carrot cake with cream cheese and Icelandic Skyr. Skyr is a perfect dessert in my opinion as it is not too sweet, not to tangy, but the perfect balance between the two.
Before heading out, we made a stop at the observation deck which gives you a nice overlook of the entire lagoon and facilities. Oh, and I have to mention, we even had an elf following us around and playing tricks on us the whole day–more on that later! The lagoon was a perfect introduction to Iceland and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
Special thanks to the Blue Lagoon for providing us with our entrance to the lagoon and lunch at Lava, and Tiny Iceland for asking us to join! As always, all opinions are my own.
Angela (
Posted at 12:41h, 01 JulyTwitter: angelatravels11
I wish I would have known about not dipping your hair. My hair was a wreck the rest of the trip in Iceland. Fortunately, I was mainly hiking and covered the mess with a beanie. I enjoyed the Blue Lagoon and recommend it upon arrival to Iceland instead of departure. That way you are nice and clean for your flight home. Also, get there early in the morning to beat the crowds and have the place basically to yourselves before the tour buses arrive.
Angela ( recently posted…Photos of My Favorite Hikes
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:32h, 08 JulyYeah, it does make hair so weird, doesn’t it? Glad it didn’t end up causing you too much trouble anyways 🙂 It would be great to go on departure as well–it would really be a great way to end the trip!
Kimmy
Posted at 15:25h, 01 JulyTwitter: afterglobenet
Looks like you had an amazing time. Iceland was never high on my list, but after seeing everything you’ve been posting from your trip, I want to go so badly now! Especially for that massage.
Kimmy recently posted…How to Get a Marriage License in Hawaii
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:35h, 08 JulyGlad to hear–It really is an amazing place! The massage was so great too, could definitely go for another one of those 🙂 I have a lot more Iceland coming up the next few weeks, so hope you enjoy!
noel
Posted at 16:06h, 02 JulyI love this gorgeous , I’ve always wanted to go visit this beautiful area, it looks so foreign to me and unusual…wow and the food, I think I can sample plateloads after a great swim!
noel recently posted…Travel Photo Mondays – photo tour #1
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:35h, 08 JulyThe landscape is so different from anything I have ever seen–it was really cool! The food was great too 🙂
Jessica - a passion and a passport
Posted at 00:05h, 03 JulyTwitter: passion_4travel
love EVERYTHING about this post! I hope to visit iceland in the near future, and now I cannot stop thinking about the lagoon and the fask masks and the massage! OH and those desserts- what perfectly little bite sizes! I’ll have to give Inga a call when I go! 🙂 (Love tinyiceland!)
Jessica – a passion and a passport recently posted…10 Things to do in Florida (besides hanging out with Mickey)
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:39h, 08 JulyThank you!! 🙂 I hope you can get there soon–it’s so great, we already want to go back! And yes, definitely get it touch with Tiny Iceland–Inga is awesome! 🙂
Bennett - The Further Adventures of Bennett
Posted at 00:53h, 03 JulyTwitter: penguinbennett
This looks fabulous and a great chance to relax! Really want to get to Iceland for the view and the experience here 🙂
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Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:41h, 08 JulyThanks! It was great! You should definitely go 🙂
Anna
Posted at 01:23h, 03 JulyWhat a stunning blue!! I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland!!! Maybe this winter!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anna recently posted…Comic-Con – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:43h, 08 JulyThanks! It was really pretty–it was such a unique milky blue! It would be so fun to visit in the winter–the northern lights would be fun to see! Hope you get to go 🙂
zof
Posted at 08:10h, 03 JulyTwitter: thepicktures
Every time I see images of Iceland I feel like packing! I love everything about it. Thank you for sharing your experience!
zof recently posted…Berlin: all I see is you
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:52h, 08 JulyThanks! We loved it and already want to go back! 🙂 Hope you can make a trip there soon!
elaine schoch
Posted at 12:29h, 03 JulyTwitter: elaineschoch
Looks amazing! I can’t believe how blue the water is. And swimming in Iceland, never would have thought you could do that.
elaine schoch recently posted…The American Flag: Photo Essay Celebrating Independence Day
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:54h, 08 JulyThank! Yeah, it was surprising there were so many places to swim, but it was so much fun! 🙂
Mary Calculated Traveller
Posted at 16:10h, 03 JulyTwitter: CalculateTravel
This thermal spa looks spectacular and utterly relaxing! I’ll make a note of it if I ever get to Iceland.
Mary Calculated Traveller recently posted…Historic Fort York – Brought to Life Before my Eyes
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 21:55h, 08 JulyDefinitely do! It was super relaxing–we really enjoyed it 🙂
ChinaMatt
Posted at 18:53h, 03 JulyTwitter: chinamatt
Blue Lagoon was awesome. Helped me relax a bit more before my flight home. I avoided the steam rooms after my previous spa stop–I thought my skin would burn off after a couple minutes.
ChinaMatt recently posted…Iceland Has a Museum of What!?
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 22:01h, 08 JulyIt would be relaxing before a flight home! I don’t blame you for skipping the steam room–it was super hot!!
Vanessa
Posted at 08:50h, 04 JulyTwitter: turnipseeds
The food looks amazing! I’m always a bit hesitant about “spa food” but any place that embraces carrot cake can’t be bad, right? This would be a perfect destination (not just for me!) but for all the athletes that go to Iceland for the marathon or for extreme biking and so on.
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 22:08h, 08 JulyIt would be a great destination for athletes or marathon runners! I agree, I’m always hesitant on spa food too, but Lava was a really good restaurant! Especially the carrot cake 🙂
Ron
Posted at 14:39h, 07 JulyTwitter: actplanettravel
Now that what I call paradise! It’s always so nice standing under waterfalls and getting that ‘free massage’. I did so when I was out in Puerto Rico, we hiked for like 2 miles (I know not all that bad) but after the humid weather and steep trails, sitting under a waterfall meditating while the falling water works all the kinks out of your back is just outright rejuvenating!
Ron recently posted…How to Make Friends in a Hostel
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 22:15h, 08 JulyDepending on the terrain, 2 miles can definitely be quite a work out! Sounds like the waterfall was necessary and amazing! That would be so fun to do! Waterfall massages are so great 🙂
Ross
Posted at 15:36h, 24 NovemberTwitter: travelling4fun
Great photos. Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland as you said but I felt that they advertise it as if it is all natural which really got on my goat. Im glad you pointed it out that it does come from a thermal plant. I thought the place was really nice and enjoyed it but it was just an expensive spa resort and nothing more and not straight from nature like they make out. It does make a balls of your hair alright!!
Ross recently posted…Visit Morocco – Things to Do
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 18:52h, 29 NovemberThanks! Yeah, it’s definitely not as natural as it sounds and it is quite expensive! We did still enjoy it though–I loved the warmth! And thankfully my hair has recovered 🙂
Kate
Posted at 04:52h, 21 FebruaryTwitter: katehappenence
I don’t think I’ve ever put so much conditioner in my hair as I did the day I was at the blue lagoon. Lovely post and a wonderful reminder of my own trip.

Kate recently posted…The challenge of reading widely
Jenna Kvidt
Posted at 01:15h, 24 FebruaryLOL–I can see why! My hair felt horrible too! Glad to give you a trip down memory lane 🙂
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