When we did our 12 day epic Iceland roadtrip, we made sure we didn’t miss out on Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. It is one of those bucket list items for anyone visiting Iceland. It is easy to understand why, who doesn’t want to miss the opportunity to bathe in this milky blue lagoon which is packed full of minerals. These minerals have amazing benefits for the skin and the body.
If you are only visiting Iceland for a couple days then you should definitely visit the blue lagoon if you want to experience Iceland’s hot pools. The Blue Lagoon is literally about 15 minutes away from the airport. It’s a great trip if you want to make the most of a layover. You can hop on a bus which will take you there and back to the airport. You can read this complete guide to the Blue lagoon in Iceland for more information.
From Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is only a 40 minute drive away from Reykjavik and is definitely a great spot to end your road trip over campervan trip through Iceland before heading to the airport! You basically drive towards the airport until you see the signs for Grindavik or the Blue Lagoon. Another option if you have not rented a car would be to jump on a bus tour or even just hire a taxi.
Blue Lagoon Iceland: Things to Know Before you Go
Blue Lagoon Packages: There are multiple options for your Blue Lagoon experience, we recommend just opting for the basic package unless you plan to spend the whole day there. When you go to book online this is called their Comfort Package. They also have a Premium package which includes a table at their Lava Restaurant and sparking wine if you choose to dine there. The Retreat Spa package basically gives you a private changing room and unlimited access to the pool.
Blue Lagoon Prices: The basic Comfort Package will run you around 50 Euro per person or approximately $57usd. The Premium package is approximately $81usd or 72 Euros per person and their Luxury Retreat is $647!
Our Blue Lagoon Experience
We paid 50 Euros each for the most basic package we could get. We arrived at 7am and the buses were already arriving packed full of people. After a quick shower we made it out into the blue lagoon while it was still quiet. As soon as you walk in it feels more like a 5 Star spa, you receive a band which you can charge anything you want onto it which you then pay for as you leave. There are options for lots of extras including face masks and massages. I felt like we were in some hotel spa with swim up bars where you could pay for overpriced booze. We left after about an hour, it was starting to get busier and the water didn’t feel as hot as I expected. After 12 days in a campervan we made the most of the complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I even blow dried my hair there before we left. We had a coffee at the café and watched everyone in the lagoon before we left to head to the airport. It felt too commercialized and overpriced, right down to the Blue Lagoon skincare products you can buy as you walk out the gift shop when you leave. It was a little disappointing.
So, what are some Blue Lagoon alternatives? Check them out below.A post shared by Caribbean Travel Couple (@wanderingbajans) on
Blue Lagoon Alternatives
Myvatn Nature Baths
If you are staying in Iceland longer and are seeing a bit more of the country then skip the Blue Lagoon. We visited the Myvatn Nature Baths up in North Iceland and we loved it. It felt like a more authentic experience. We strolled in without booking at around 2.30pm. We paid 30 Euros each and headed to the changing rooms. There were communal showers which you bathed in before heading out to the lagoon.
The Myvatn Nature Baths felt so much hotter, we kept having to get out to cool off a bit. There is one pool that is very hot and then other which is a couple of degrees cooler. We loved how quiet it was here. You could still grab drinks from the bar and sit in a sauna. We were overlooking Lake Myvatn and it was so beautiful. We spent almost 2 hours here swimming back and forth from the hot pool to the cooler one. There were little nooks with seats and if someone took your spot there were plenty of other nooks to sit in. It is definitely not as glamorous as the Blue Lagoon but it had a nicer atmosphere.
Hot Springs
After Myvatn we also had fun hot spring hunting in Iceland’s Westfjords. These were fresh water pools and springs. Most of these were quite secluded. You can find most of the co-ordinates to these by checking out our Westfjord’s post. Some of these springs were about body temperature and others were very hot. It was such a fun adventure finding a pool in the middle of nowhere with such epic views and no one else around.
Heading to Iceland soon? Here are some posts you might find helpful:
- Epic Iceland Roadtrip Itinerary for 12 Days
- Iceland Day 1: The Golden Circle
- Iceland’s South Coast: Waterfalls & Glaciers
- Discovering Iceland’s Eastern Fjords
- North Iceland: Volcanoes & Waterfalls
- Iceland’s Westfjords: Hot Spring Hunting
- From Snaefellsness to Reykjavik
Have you been to the Blue Lagoon? What did you think of it? Did you find the Iceland’s Blue Lagoon overrated? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for sharing your experience at the Blue Lagoon! I honestly would probably still go just because, haha but if I get the chance I would definitely check out other hot springs as well. Hoping to visit Iceland one day soon.
I’ve heard that the Blue Lagoon is very touristy and commercialized, but I think I would still do it as it’s such an iconic experience! I’ve also had Myvatn Baths on my radar for a while so I’m glad to hear it has both a nice atmosphere and isn’t too busy. I can’t wait to get to Iceland and experience them both for myself!
I’m still in the wanderlusting phase when it comes to Iceland as I haven’t been there yet. I have read about the Blue Lagoon and I’m getting mixed reviews about it. Whatever the case, I am still interested to try the natural thermal baths in Iceland and your recommendation to go to Myvatn Nature Baths and the natural hot springs sound more appealing. I just hope Myvatn doesn’t go the same path as the Blue Lagoon and that it retains its authentic environment.
I would like to go all and would like to dip in them with lovely views of Iceland’s scenery. WestFjords is unique due to natural thermal bath. Very nice post and detailed description about Blue Lagoon of Iceland
If you buy a pkg deal ask if its truly blue lagoon or another spot..the whole thing is very commercial. Didnt like communal showers or changing room..we were under the impression it was blue lagoon slightly misleading advertising. The best part of this was the northern lights. Cross off bucket lust.