Chances are, if you’re visiting Iceland regardless if it’s Reykjavik you’re headed to or not, you will fly into Keflavik airport. Although there are other options, we recommend going from Keflavik to Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik or from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon on your way back to Keflavik airport.
Over 2 million tourists visited Iceland last year – that’s 6 times the country’s population! The Blue Lagoon is the number one most popular tourist attraction with over 700,000 visitors a year, followed by the Golden Circle tour at number 2 which we also highly recommend! (More info on that and other Reykjavik tours here)
HOW TO GET FROM KEFLAVIK TO BLUE LAGOON
In our opinion, it’s best to make your visit at the start of your trip. It means there is no rush due to fear of missing your flight. You can book tickets from the Flybus Blue Lagoon transfer desk in the arrival terminal. From there we booked Keflavik to Blue Lagoon and after our wee pamper session from Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik.
The ticket was around £30 – it varies depending on Season and which bus company you choose.
HOW TO GET FROM REYKJAVIK TO BLUE LAGOON
The easiest way from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon is via bus, which takes around 50 minutes. There are busses every hour from BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík to Blue Lagoon (you can view the timetable here).
You can purchase a single, return or combined ticket. For example, once you have gone from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon the bus goes onward to the airport – one ticket will do the entire journey. Meaning you will be relaxed and refreshed ready for your flight!
Often a cheaper way to travel from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon is to book a tour which includes admission to the Blue Lagoon. This ticks both boxes (transport & ticket fee) often resulting in a discount! The majority will also pick you up from outside your hotel too.
LUGGAGE STORAGE
If you are travelling from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon en-route to the airport (or vice versa) don’t worry about trying to squeeze your luggage into the spa lockers.
There is a luggage room, which for a small fee of around £3, you can leave your suitcases, backpacks etc. Don’t forget to take your swimsuit and towel out though!
HOW MUCH DOES A BLUE LAGOON DAY TRIP COST?
Entry to Blue Lagoon
Although one of the best European spas we’ve ever been to (and we’ve tried a few, it was by far the most expensive. However, this unique experience was worth every penny! A “comfort” ticket, which is the basic package, includes entry, mud mask, towel and drink, all for €54.
We booked The Premium package for €77 each since we were birthday princesses. This included entrance to the Blue Lagoon, two mud masks, use of towels, slippers and bath robes as well as a drink from the swim up bar, a table reservation at the Lava restaurant and sparkling wine with the meal. More on the meal later… 😉
Spa Treatments at Blue Lagoon
We unfortunately didn’t indulge in any treatments, as they too come with a luxury price tag. It is £70 for an hour long, in water, full body massage and nearer £100 to also include a silica salt scrub.
From our experience at the Blue Lagoon, the ambient atmosphere and impeccable service we imagine the treatments are worth every penny! That and the fact they sell out weeks in advance.
Food & Drink Prices at Blue Lagoon
At the swim up bar, beers were around £7 each and wine a little more expensive (nearer £10.) Due to health and safety, there is a limit to 3 alcoholic drinks per customer. As lovely as chilled Icelandic beer was, don’t forget to drink water also. Due to the heat of the geothermal waters you may cause more harm than good if you don’t drink enough H20.
There is food available in a café and the Lava restaurant. The Lava restaurant is built around a lava cliff, so one wall that outlines the room follows the curves of the natural igneous hill. It is one of the most striking surroundings we’ve ever dined. It was an unforgettable experience to enjoy dinner whilst watching the sunset on the beautiful blue lagoon.
Despite travelling to 25 countries, we still believe the Lava restaurant at the Blue Lagoon was the best meal we’ve ever had. The food was ridiculously delicious, focusing on traditional yet upscale ingredients.
Noting it was a birthday treat, the 3 course meal plus a bottle of wine came to approx. £180. Confused by the exchange rate, Lauren offered to pay. I bet she regrets not listening in maths class after that bill.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BLUE LAGOON
We visited in April, which we adored as there was snow on the ground, fuelling our expectation of what Iceland would be like – Narnia meets Mars. If you visit in summer you will be able to enjoy the midnight sunshine or be blown away by the Northern Lights in winter. Note the sun doesn’t rise until nearer 11am in Winter or set at all during Summer!
We were advised to go either early morning or in the evening to not only watch the sunrise & set but also to avoid the crowds. However, as we booked last minute we visited around 1pm as it was the only slot left. The price fluctuates depending on availability so bare this in mind.
We were originally told if you dream of the perfect Blue Lagoon picture, try to avoid peak times as you will have to fight off selfie sticks. However, the Blue Lagoon is large enough that we didn’t struggle to find our own tranquil spot to pose for a picture or two. As the capacity is capped per day (hence tickets sell out) it never feels too crowded.
BLUE LAGOON REVIEW
As it was our birthday weekend, we had high hopes and can officially agree that the Blue Lagoon lives up to the hype! It also surprised us in many ways. We expected a crowded pool amongst the rugged Icelandic landscape – instead it was a tranquil oasis with exceptional décor inside, just as breath taking as the lagoon outside!
The bus drop off and car park (which is free to park) is a few hundred metres away – this means there is no noise of traffic from the lagoon adding to the ambience. We were surprised by how contemporary the spa buildings were. The modern designs are low to ensure harmony with the surrounding landscape and built using mostly natural materials, such as wood and igneous rock.
On arrival, as mentioned earlier you are given an electronic bracelet and depending on your package, a towel and bathrobe. Then we separated into our beautiful changing areas which have hair dryers, dressing tables, showers, and lockers. We expected luxury surroundings due to the luxury price tag but we were still pleasantly surprised by the stylish changing areas!
The lagoon itself is a Geothermal Spa (with water temperature around 37-40°C) and believe it or not it is actually manmade! The water looks blue (due to reflecting the sky) but is actually white thanks to three active ingredients – Silica, Minerals and Algae.
This water not only leaves your skin super soft but it helps cleanse and improve conditions such as psoriasis. There is even free silica mud in buckets around the lagoon for added pampering. As part of our package we were treated to a second face mask which did wonders for my sensitive skin!
Overall we spent around 3 hours at the Blue Lagoon and felt this was the perfect amount of time without getting bored, cold or too hungry! It really did feel like we were in a different world. We left refreshed, relaxed and relieved it was worth every penny. Then the meal at the Lava restaurant was the icing on top of a beautiful Icelandic birthday cake!
10 TIPS FOR VISITING THE BLUE LAGOON
1. Bring An Intensive Hair Mask Or Conditioner
Although the mineral rich waters are a dream for your skin, they are a nightmare for your hair. Comb through a hair mask prior to entering the Blue Lagoon (particularly if you’re blonde) or I tied my hair up high on top so it didn’t get wet. The Blue Lagoon did provide conditioner in the showers which I used a tad too enthusiastically (afterwards) and my hair was totally fine!
2. You Will See Alot Of Nudity
Although the waters of the Blue Lagoon completely renew themselves every 48 hours, cleanliness is fundamental to a geothermal spa experience as there is no chlorine in the water. Prior to entering Blue Lagoon, a full body shower is essential – this means without a swimsuit! There are private cubicles if you wish, although you may have to queue. Also note that showering/bathing nude is very much part of the Icelandic (and Nordic) culture. We’re all human and it’s all part of the experience.
3. Don’t Forget To Visit The Sauna
There are 3 different saunas and steam rooms. One area we loved was almost like a giant cave and once inside we got speaking with many other people from all over the world. Although you may expect saunas to be silent we loved the fact everyone was speaking and getting to know each other as well as recommending other things to do in Iceland. We are unsure if this was a one off but recommend exploring other areas instead of just staying in the water!
4. Expect 4 Seasons In One Day
When we were travelling from Keflavik to Blue Lagoon it was pouring of rain and we debated if it would be worth the visit. However, rain increases the likelihood of rainbows over the lagoon and chances are there will be glorious sunshine 10 minutes later anyway.
Just as we took out our Go Pro a hale stone shower started which was an unreal experience. Watching the snow bounce on the lagoon as we remained in the warm water was surreal. A few minutes later, the sun was out and I was regretting not bringing sunscreen. You will have an amazing time – rain or shine!
5. Don’t Worry About The Funny Smell
Due to the volcanic landscape the strong smell of sulphur is pretty much unavoidable in Iceland. Although initially really noticeable, after an hour or so you become completely used to the smell and it soon fades, so don’t let it put you off.
6. Stay Hydrated – For Free
Staying hydrated in geothermal water is very important but don’t waste your money on pricey bottled water from the bar. As Iceland water is some of the cleanest in the world we recommend drinking from the free fountains dotted around the lagoon.
7. Bring Your Own Towel, Robe & Slippers
Although a robe is highly recommended as it is so cold when you leave the water, renting one is an unnecessary expense. Either take one from your hotel or bring your own. The same goes for towels and slippers, the Blue Lagoon will charge to hire them, but the space to leave them is so small that everyone’s get muddled up anyway and/or used by someone else.
8. Leave Enough Time If You Have A Flight
If you are travelling from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport, remember to allow enough time. Although this is quite an obvious tip, during peak seasons there are queues to get in – long queues! Then expect around 2-3 hours for a full visit, longer if you plan to eat there. No better way to ruin your relaxation than the stress of running through an airport to make your flight!
9. Don’t Wear Any Jewellery
Due to the minerals, silica and algae this can tarnish jewellery so do not wear any in the lagoon. Not only that, if you lose any, there is zero chance of seeing it again in the cloudy, milky waters!
10. Are There Any Cheaper Alternatives To The Blue Lagoon?
Yes. Despite the popularity of the Blue Lagoon there are numerous other thermal spas and natural baths that you can enjoy at a fraction of the price. Try Myvatn Nature Baths in Northern Iceland, they are also blue yet only £15 entry. The Secret Lagoon is around £10 entry or an hour from Reykjavik is Fontana Baths which are also around £15.
