The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon may be what most people first think of when they think of Iceland. A popular misconception is that it is a natural hot spring, and while the country does have many, this is not one of them.

The water actually comes from a nearby geothermal power plant. The hot water comes from underground and is used to create electricity. The Lagoon’s creators actually thought the run –off water would just soak back into the earth, but the silica in the water forms a bottom layer on the ground and keeps it from doing so. They decided to capitalize on the situation and turn it into a spa and bathing area. The water gets its color from the rich mineral and sulfur content and it steams because, well, it’s hot. The water temperature averages about 104 degrees Fahrenheit, though as you move around you’ll discover hot and cold spots.

We visited the Blue Lagoon on our first day in Iceland. We thought it would be a great introduction to the county, and a nice way to relax after a long flight (not to mention a good way to kill time until we could check in at our hotel). We arrived around 9am, an hour before they opened, and rested in the car while we waited. As we walked in the doors a few minutes before 10, a tour bus pulled up, dashing our hopes of being the only ones inside.

We waited in line to pay – you have the option of paying in kronur or euros, we’d already exchanged our money and would get a better rate with the kronur so we paid in cash. It was around 7000 kr. for admission for two plus the rental of two towels.

The building that the Lagoon is in is quite large, they have a café, restaurant and spa services. You can also book spa services to take place in the Lagoon so you can soak as you receive a massage. The locker rooms are spacious with small lockers for your clothes and larger ones that can accommodate luggage. Make sure to take your shoes off when you enter and place them by the rack- I didn’t notice it until I was on the way out.

Be sure to shower before you get in (I showered in my suit) as not doing so is a major faux-pas in a country that places a heavy emphasis on hygiene. Slather as much conditioner into your hair as you can. I neglected to do so and for two days after my dip, my hair had a consistency that could only be described as “chewy”. I couldn’t get a brush through it and had to take five showers before it returned to normal. From there, just make a mad dash to the Lagoon and enjoy the steaming waters. Make sure you explore the whole thing - it’s fairly large and full of little alcoves, a cave and a waterfall. Many people also like to put the silica on their face as it’s said to cure skin ailments. They sell the silica in the shops; bring a small container into the Lagoon with you and you can take some home for free.

I’m sure soaking in the Lagoon in summer is nice, but our experience there made me so glad we went when we did. Sure it was frigid running in and out (luckily the door is close) but sitting in the steaming, bright blue water of the Lagoon while big fat snowflakes collected in my hair is an experience I’ll never forget.