Swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Swimming in
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
![Blue Lagoon Iceland](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Blue-Lagoon-Me-9-e1664220932158.jpg)
![Swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Pin Swimming in Iceland's Blue Lagoon](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Swimming-in-Icelands-Blue-Lagoon-Pin.jpg)
Ahhh Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, a marvellous geothermal spa located in the midst of a natural lava field in southwest Iceland. This incredible place is a truly iconic destination, renowned for its stunning beauty, unique character and therapeutic waters, it’s not hard to understand why this extraordinary spot appears on almost every traveller’s bucket list. Few activities in the world can compete with the utterly euphoric experience of soaking and bathing in nine million litres of warm, cleansing water amongst the harsh reality of the vast Icelandic wilderness.
Pre Book to Avoid Disappointment
![Blue Lagoon 2 Blue Lagoon Iceland](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Blue-Lagoon-2-e1664221064717.jpg)
We decided to prebook our visit to the Blue Lagoon in order to avoid potential disappoint, something that I‘d strongly recommend all visitors to do. It’s extremely common for the venue to sell out weeks before your intended visit date, especially during peak summer season. Once you’ve decided on the dates you’re going to be in Iceland, head on over to the Blue Lagoon website and choose a ticket type to suit your needs.
The Blue Lagoon has a number of different packages to choose from, some include drinks, dining and extra treatments, whilst others simply include your entrance to the lagoon. Be sure to check out and read through all the packages on offer, as well as the specific time slots available, these vary throughout the day, dependant on the lagoon’s current capacity and availability.
Hire a Car or Join a Tour
![Iceland Hire Car Hire Car](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Iceland-Hire-Car-e1664220913523.jpg)
Without a doubt, the two simplest and easiest ways to visit the Blue Lagoon is either by hiring a car or joining a preorganised tour. Much like everything else in the country, taxis are extremely expensive across Iceland and therefore are totally uneconomical when it comes to getting around the country. Surprisingly, car hire in Iceland is reasonably inexpensive, thanks to the wide range of rental companies competing with one another to keep the prices down at a fair rate. Also, the Blue Lagoon benefits from ample parking space and is easily accessible via well maintained roads from the city of Reykjavik, so you won’t have no dramas driving over there.
Joining a guided tour is also an equally good option, with a wide selection of companies to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find one that caters to your personal travel plans and itinerary. Often, tours will help you get the most out of your trip to Iceland, by incorporating multiple activities and destinations into a single packaged tour. For example, you may visit the Blue Lagoon in the morning and head off on a snowmobiling excursion in the afternoon or could even combine your afternoon Blue Lagoon visit with an evening experience of the spectacular Northern Lights. Of course, you don’t have to book a multi excursion tour if you don’t want to, there’s plenty of tours that operate solely to the Blue Lagoon, just weigh up your options and decide which one best fits in with your intended schedule.
Soak and Relax in the Therapeutic Water
![Blue Lagoon Iceland](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Blue-Lagoon-Iceland-e1664221004900.jpg)
As you wade into the soothing and therapeutic waters of the Blue Lagoon, you’ll feel all your worries and stresses blissfully floating away, this place is the definition of total relaxation (Believe me, I drifted off into the land of nod on multiple occasions!).
The lagoon itself is made up of 70% saltwater and 30% freshwater which is constantly kept at a pleasurable and inviting 38C/100F. The water also contains an abundance of important and beneficial minerals, perfect for cleansing and revitalising the skin whilst also inducing natural recovery within the body.
Enjoy Drinks and Face Masks
![Blue Lagoon 3 Blue Lagoon Iceland](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Blue-Lagoon-3-e1664220972832.jpg)
You may have seen photos of the Blue Lagoon and noticed lots of people donning funny looking, natural facemasks. These are the lagoon’s famous algae and silica mud masks, both found at the swim up mask bar. The white silica mud mask is the most popular of the two, renowned for enhancing and moisturising the skin, whilst also cleansing and clearing skin of any impurities. The algae mask on the other hand, is designed to reduce the effects of aging, by stimulating the skin’s ability to produce collagen and emit a bright and youthful glow.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to drink, so when I found out you can purchase beers and cocktails from a swim up bar inside the Blue Lagoon, I was in my absolute element! Choose from a range of local beers and hand crafted cocktails, served directly to the water and charged to your electronic bracelet. Keep in mind, the bar implements a three alcoholic beverage limit per person, as to not reduce the classiness and style of the lagoon’s reputation.
Splash Out on Spa Treatments
![Iceland Blue Lagoon Spa Spa Treatment](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Iceland-Blue-Lagoon-Spa-e1664221039253.jpg)
The Blue Lagoon also boasts a separate spa area, known as the Retreat Spa, a bespoke space designated for luxurious treatments and therapies. Although the spa carries a pretty hefty price tag, it’s the perfect experience for those looking for that little extra luxury and privacy. Offering a range of services, from private swimming areas and saunas to in water massages and full body treatments.
Head over to the Blue Lagoon website to browse the extensive list of treatments and inclusions available at the Retreat Spa. Bespoke and unique packages can also be created by contacting the lagoon directly.
Dine and Stay Overnight
![Blue Lagoon Restaurant Blue Lagoon Restaurant](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Blue-Lagoon-Restaurant.jpg)
The Blue Lagoon is home to a number of onsite dining options, each with their own unique style and character. Firstly, the Lava Restaurant, overlooking the edge of the Blue Lagoon, is a gourmet dining experience, showcasing a range of tasty and fresh Icelandic cuisine. Offering a la carte menus for both lunch and dinner, as well as a tasting and children’s menu, this restaurant offers the widest selection of choice. Alternatively, fine diners can opt to visit the Moss Restaurant, a Michelin recommended experience, offering a sensational set menu, accompanied by spectacular views out over the volcanic horizon. In addition to the two gourmet restaurants, the Blue Lagoon also benefits from an onsite café, offering a wide range of delicious snacks and refreshments, ideal for those wanting to grab a quick drink or bite to eat.
If you want to really splash out and go all in at the Blue Lagoon, why not book a stay at one of the resort’s two onsite hotels? These luxurious hotels guarantee to give visitors a truly unforgettable stay, but beware, the experience definitely comes with a substantial price tag.
Check Out Alternative Thermal Springs Around Iceland
![Blue Lagoon 4 Blue Lagoon Iceland](https://backpackercaptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Blue-Lagoon-4-e1664220954724.jpg)
Though the Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most famous thermal spring in Iceland, it’s not the only one. There are tons of thermal springs scattered all over the country, including ones that are naturally formed in the Icelandic countryside, arguably offering visitors a more authentic and genuine thermal bathing experience.
Hrunalaug, Seljavallalaug and Reykjadalur are just a few of the most famous natural springs dotted around the country. Be sure to do your research before arriving at these type of natural springs, some are actually located on private land, whilst others are totally out in the wild. Remember to always keep a sharp eye on the general conditions in and around the springs and never enter any kind of water without first testing its temperature, it’s extremely important to remain vigilant and always put safety first.
If you’re heading over to Iceland, then the Blue Lagoon is undeniably a must visit attraction. Though it’s true that the lagoon can often get crowded and busy, it still stood out as one of the top highlights during my time exploring Iceland. After all, the touristy spots can often end up being the best spots!
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