Has wanderlust bitten you again? Are you thinking of visiting the land of fire and ice, Iceland? We visited in June 2017 and lived every monent if it. Before traveling we researched must Iceland’s “must see” spots. Over and over again we heard The Blue Lagoon mentioned. We looked up a few photos and then decided, “yeah let’s do it.” We honestly went somewhat blind into the whole thing, and it added to the adventure of it all. However, there are a few things that everyone should know to get the most enjoyable experience from visiting the Blue Lagoon as a family.
First, what is the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. It’s roughly a 21-minute drive from the airport and a 50-minute drive from Reykjavík.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. The Blue Lagoon is roughly 4 feet deep. Most individulas can walk and wade comfortably in shoulder deep warm water.
Is it clean?
Yes. We all felt safe and clean. Iceland has a strict code of hygiene and guests are required to shower before bathing in the communal showers, which are split up by gender. (Be prepared for a some nudity.)
Can I take the kids?
Yes! We took our 6 year old daughter and she loved it. Best of all, her entance was FREE. (Oh yeah!) Children under the age of 9 years old are only allowed entry with the use of armbands, even if they know how to swim, provided free of charge. The lagoon is not suitable for children under the age of 2 years. Tip: We brought our own floaty so Jocelyn would feel more comfortable swimming. Having her familiar floaty (puddle jumper) made Jocelyn feel more comfortble. Keep in mind: Girls must dress/undress with mothers, and sons must dress/undress with fathers. They do not mix genders in the dressing rooms.
What about disabled individuals?
The Blue Lagoon is accessible for wheelchair users with a ramp that extends into the water and a shower chair. There is also a private changing room available for those with special needs, complete with a roll-in shower.
How deep is it? Do I need to know how to swim?
The Lagoon is roughly 4 feet deep in most areas. Most individuls can easily wade shoulder deep in the water. For this reason you do not need to know how to swim to enjoy your trip to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
What about the weather?
Yeah, this one got me really thinking as we drove toward the Blue Lagoon on an overcast drizzly afternoon. It was chilly when changed into our swimsuit. I was cold after bathing in the dressing room showers. Then we were faced with the 10 second run from the building to the waters of Blue Lagoon in the 30 degree rain. For those 10 seconds I thought to myself, “Jennifer you’ve lost your mind!” Jocelyn and I were whimpering as we dashed forward. Then our feet touched the water and I was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) at the wondrous warmth. For the next 3 hours we swam, laughed, played, and floated with drizzle falling on our faces feeling perfectly warm. So should you worry about the weather? Nah! Go for it!
Are there thereputic benefits?
The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C (99–102 °F). Just the sheer warmth of the water was soothing to me. I have a dislocated or slipped disc in my upper neck. I regularly visit my chiropactor fir adjustments. When swelling in my neck increases I must alternate heat and cold to the area so that I’m not in severe pain. Happily, three hours playing in the Blue Lagoon allowed all of my muscles to relax, decreased swelling, and the disc to slip naturally back into place without seeing my chiropractor. I was one deliriously happy woman!
What should I definitely bring with me when visiting The Blue Lagoon?
- An extra towel. You are given 1 towel, but it would have been nice to have a second to dry my hair.
- Deep Hair Conditioner Packets. Hair Conditioner is available, but let me tell you…..The Blue Lagoon will do a serious number on your hair! Everyone had dried out hair the next day. The mineral rich waters strip your hair of all moisture. My chemically relaxed hair felt like brittle dry straw!! I packed it with deep conditioner and had to wash it 3 times before it felt normal. So with this in mind, purchase a couple of sample sized deep conditioners. You will need it!
- A waterproof camera/phone case for taking pictures in the water of course.
- Wet Suit Bag, to keep your bathing suit in.
A swimsuit. No explanation needed.
Is it expensive to visit the Blue Lagoon?
Yes. There are a number of price points, beginning at $75 per person. It only goes up from there. We choose admittance that also included 1 drink. It was awesome to swim up to the bar and pick what we wanted. It also included a 2nd facial mask. I really enjoyed how soft my skin felt afterwards. That being said, yes it was ecpensive, but it was worth it for such a unique experience. Save your money for the Blue Lagoon.
What about food and drinks?
You are not allowed to bring food and drinks into the Blue Lagoon. There is a swimup bar for drinks while in the lagoon. There is a cafe and restaurant for afterwards. We enjoyed our drinks at the bar, Jocelyn had apple juice, but we skipped the restaurant. It was too expensive ($30 USD per person) for our family budget. Instead, we left and found delicious Icelandic Meat (Lamb) Soup back in Reykjavik for a much less expensive price. ($10 USD)So there you have it, my family travel tips for visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. This is one spot that must go on your bucketlist. It truly deserves being among the top 25 wonders of the world. I hope you find these travel tips helpful on your trip to the the “land of fire and ice,” Iceland.
That looks and sounds amazing! I’m sure the views are just spectacular!
I wish everyone could see it.
I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland and visit the lagoon. It looks like such a beautiful relaxing place, and sounds like you guys had a great time!
xo Jannine | http://www.happystylishfit.com
Thank you so much Jamie. We loved every moment in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon was my favorite part of all.
Girl this is on my bucket list! Looks amazing, I hope I get there someday.
Also loving the red bathing suit on you 🙂
Devon
http://www.modernlamb.com
Thank ypu so much! I hope you make it to Iceland. It’s truly wonderful.
This looks and sounds like a dream trip! What an experience!
PS: you have the cutest fam!
Sam
http://www.lifeandmessyhair.com/
Thank you so much! It was really thevtrip if a lifetime.
Iceland & the Blue Lagoon are the top of my list for my next vacation! I love all your tips & answers. It’s super helpful and I’m glad you had a good time!!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you found ut helpful!
Wow! Sounds awesome! One of my friends went and I asked her if she got in the water and she said no. I couldn’t believe she skipped it! Very nice pictures!
Thank you so much! We loved the water. I hope she visits again to experience it.
looks like you had fun, that is on my bucket list.
Xo, Christianne
http://simplychristianne.com
Thank you for stopping by!
Woww. All is beautiful but for us impossible. Very expensive if you are five in the family and only one is working. I love your photos
Yes! I totally understand.
Ok I’m convinced! Just added this to my bucket list! Great post and tips!
xo, Ilse
http://www.livelearnluxeit.com
Thank you so much! I hope you get to visit soon.