A perfect day at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

*not an ad, everything was paid by me on this trip

The most amazing birthday present I gave to myself was a solo trip to the Blue Lagoon while I was in Iceland. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate your big day than lounging in a warm pool with a glass of wine! Birthday or not, I highly recommend that you book some time on your Iceland adventure to visit the Blue Lagoon. Yes, it’s touristy but it’s still worth a visit.

Location

The Blue Lagoon is actually very close to the Reykjavik International Airport so it’s worth visiting right after you arrive or right before. I opted to go right before I got on the plane and it was so great to be able to relax a for a few hours before flying instead of running around the city. I also thought I might be too tired to enjoy the lagoon when I first arrived as I was on a red eye from Canada and basically hadn’t slept.

The lagoon gets it’s waters from a geothermal station that is right beside it. Some people think the station takes away from the atmosphere but honestly I didn’t even notice it.

The easiest way to get to the lagoon is to drive yourself and there is tons of parking onsite. There is also a shuttle bus you have to pay for that will take you to either Reykjavik or the airport once you are done.

Arriving at the Lagoon

I would recommend trying to get to the Blue Lagoon as early as possible if you enjoy a less crowded environment. I actually ended up going at 11am which is probably peak time and it was pretty busy. That being said, the pools are really large and I didn’t find it noisy or disruptive with more people. There are a lot of tiny corners where you can have a few minutes of quiet time in the waters.

When I arrived, I checked in at the front desk with my online voucher I’d printed out from the computer (I’m sure you can just show the online ticket but I like paper). There are a few different packages that you can get on the Blue Lagoon website and I highly recommend you take a look and choose the one that works for you. I actually ended up taking the Premium package for $100 CAD which included:

• Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
• Silica mud mask
• Use of towel
• 1st drink of your choice
• Second mask of choice
• Slippers
• Use of bathrobe
• Table reservation at Lava Restaurant
• Sparkling wine if dining

I highly recommend that you book in advance, as there is a limit to how many people can use the lagoon waters so you don’t want to be disappointed when you arrive.

My time at the Lagoon

The women’s change rooms are enormous and they have very advanced lockers for all of your valuables and private changing areas if you need more privacy. It’s important that you take a shower prior to getting in the pools and make sure you are all clean. They have employees there making sure that everyone does this!

The showers are individual stalls that have body wash/shampoo and conditioner. I would recommend if you have long hair to not get it wet but if you choose to, you can add some conditioner to your hair prior to entering the pools to help protect it. I didn’t dare try it with my thick hair but I have heard it can make your hair really stiff and difficult to manage.

In the water

You can enter the lagoon from inside through an opening (more popular in the winter) or through the main outdoor exit down a ramp into the waters. There are hooks to place your towels but don’t be surprised if when you come back someones taken it. No worries, you can always get another one!

First thing I did when I got in the waters was head for a drink! Hey, if it’s included and it’s my birthday, I will indulge. The drink you choose can be smoothies, pop, water, juice or alcoholic. Since it was my special day, I had a glass of wine. There is something so decadent in drinking wine in the lagoon- so indulgent.

Next, I was on my way to get my first face mask. There is a “mask bar” where you get the gooey mask (Silica from the lagoon) and rub it on your face. I’ll be honest, it’s not the most flattering look but it’s supposed to “strengthen and provide radiance” so I tried it. Since I had two masks in my package, I got to choose from one of the three other types. I went with the Algae mask which felt a lot nicer on my skin.

There is also a steam bath and sauna that can be accessed from outside and in water massages in a private section of the lagoon. I happened to walk by this area and totally regretted not doing this unique experience. Next time!

You can also take your phone into the lagoon waters but I would recommend you bring a waterproof case from home. You can buy ones that go around your neck that seem to work best. The case can also be purchased there if you forget but it will cost you. I was just super careful with my phone near the water but it was risky.

Lunch at Lava Restaurant

I can’t recommend lunch at the Lava Restaurant enough. It was a wonderful meal and if you get the upgraded option, you get a glass of sparkling wine that is delicious. Since it was my birthday, I opted to eat in my robe. It’s a great option if you feel comfortable- just don’t use your robe outside prior so it’s nice and dry!

There are three different set menus or an a la carte menu to choose from. I chose the Seafood set menu which consisted of:

Langoustine soup – Garlic marinated langoustine, dulse

Cod – Barley, avocado, almonds, broccolini, mussel sauce

Crème brûlée – Liquorice, skyr ice cream

They serve the most amazing bread beforehand but don’t fill up on it as the portion of fish was quite big. The staff were nice enough to write a “Congratulations” note on my creme brulee for my birthday. At least I hope that’s what it said- I don’t understand an Icelandic!

I was sad to leave the Blue Lagoon and wished I could have spent the whole day there. One tip I would say is to give yourself a bit more time than you think at the lagoon. You’ll be amazed how time flies and it’s nice not to feel rushed.

How was it going solo to the lagoon?

It was Fantastic and I highly recommend a visit regardless of how many people you are with. It’s easy to strike up conversations with people if you choose and compare face masks or just chill on your own. The great thing about going solo is you can stay as long as you please without worrying about anyone else’s schedule. I highly recommend a solo trip!

Top tips for your visit

1. Book ahead to avoid disappointment
2. Try to come before or after your flight to avoid extra driving
3. Put sunscreen on! I got burnt.
4. Have lunch at the Lava restaurant
5. Allow for more time than you think you’ll need there
6. Bring a waterproof phone case
7. If it’s sunny, sunglasses are a must! The reflection is brutal off the water.
8. Visit the relaxation area inside the main building and take a nap in the swing chairs

Have you been to the Blue Lagoon? What was your experience like?