Five step guide to the Blue Lagoon

It was second only to the Northern Lights on my trip to Iceland and was a welcome day of relaxation on an otherwise action-packed trip across Iceland’s exciting landscape. For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Blue Lagoon, it was formed as a result of excess water from the nearby geothermal power plant and eventually opened up to the public due to its many healing minerals such silica and sulphur. When you arrive at the Blue Lagoon there is no doubt why it is one of 25 wonders of the world, it’s a remarkable place that represents everything that Iceland prides itself on.

People have asked me all sorts of questions about the Blue Lagoon such as, what’s it really like inside? Is it really cold? Where do you put all your stuff? Can you take a camera inside? Etc etc…So! In this post I answer all these questions and more; here is my five step guide to the Blue Lagoon.

STEP 1- Tickets and entry

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland so always book your tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment. They only let a certain number of people in at a time to avoid overcrowding so you’re not always guaranteed entry if you arrive without a ticket. So book book book people!

There are four types of tickets available: the standard, the comfort, the premium and the luxury package. Tickets vary in price from £25 for the standard to £116 for the luxury package but if you’re not looking for all the trimmings, the standard package is all you’ll need. With the standard package you get entry and a locker to put your things in as well as free access to showers with shampoo and conditioner for after your experience.

STEP 2- Getting there

The Blue Lagoon is actually closer to the airport then Reykjavik so try to book tickets either on your way home or on your way from the airport to Reykjavik. Make sure to arrive at least half an hour early for your time slot as even with tickets you’ll queue up to have them scanned and then need time to get ready in the changing rooms.

STEP 3- When you arrive

On arrival you will be given a locker to keep all your things safe in whilst you are in the pool. Wrist watches are used as the keys to allow you to go in and out of your chosen locker which you can programme whilst you’re in the changing rooms (pretty cool right?!). The watch can also be used to put money on so you can buy drinks whilst you’re in the lagoon. I would advise this as you can spend as long as you like in there with any ticket so you will get thirsty!

Before you enter the pool you must shower and condition your hair because the minerals in the lagoon dry it out and can actually damage it. Now, I’ve heard horror stories of women getting their hair wet in the Blue Lagoon and they have been unable to brush it for days after getting it wet however I left conditioner in my hair whilst I was in the lagoon and I had no problems whatsoever afterwards. I would always air on the side of caution though so keep your hair tied up and condition thoroughly when you get out…you too boys ;)

STEP 4- Whilst you’re in the lagoon

There is nowhere really safe to store cameras whilst you’re in the lagoon so my advice would be either to take some photos before you get into the pool and then put the camera back in your locker or get a waterproof bag for your iPhone which you can keep round your neck. All the photos in this post (a part from the first and last photos) were taken on my iPhone through the clear bag so you certainly won’t miss out on any photo opportunities if you just rely on your iPhone. Plus you can get a waterproof iPhone bag for less than a fiver, bargain!

In terms of temperature, you may think that it would be cold in the Blue Lagoon but it is actually nice and toasty. The only element of cold in the equation is going from the door where you come out of the changing rooms and the five feet you walk (or dash!) to get into the pool, that’s it! Even when it rains it feels like you’re in a warm relaxing bath.

Also on offer for every type of ticket holder in the lagoon is your choice of silica and algae masks. The geothermal silica mud is the Blue Lagoon’s primary element and deep cleanses the skin to give it a glow whilst the algae mask nourishes and moisturises the skin. There are literally buckets of the mud at the side of the pool so you can put as much mud on as you like. Prices in the gift shop are off the charts so make the most of the buckets whilst you’re in there!

STEP 5- After your experience

After spending a few luxurious hours floating around the Blue Lagoon, you will no doubt be peckish when you’re ready to get out but hold up, the experience isn’t over quite yet! After you have showered and got changed there is a seafood restaurant and a little cafe you can eat at afterwards with a full view of the lagoon. After you’ve been fed and watered there are some really lovely little hiking spots just behind the pool which you are free to roam and well worth sticking around an extra hour for. I mean…look at that rainbow for goodness sake!

I hope my five step guide to the Blue Lagoon has answered some of your questions. If you have anymore please comment below or if you’ve been to the Blue Lagoon already let me know what you thought! :)

For more on the Blue Lagoon you can check out my daily vlog from my Iceland Vlog Series (psst! Also includes pics from the Northern Lights!).