Beautiful, But Overhyped - My Experience At The Blue Lagoon
One of the first photos I saw of Iceland years ago was of the Blue Lagoon. It was so pretty and serene looking, and I thought to myself. One day, I am going to go there. ”
As I researched Iceland, I found the Blue Lagoon to be overwhelmingly plastered in your face. Before my trip, whenever I told people I was going to Iceland, they would say, “ Are you planning on going to the Blue Lagoon?” or “You have got to go to the Blue Lagoon!”
This beautiful and well-known tourist attraction in the land of fire and ice fascinates many. However, many consider it overhyped. I decided to visit and see myself, and I agree with the critics.
Buying the tickets
Prices for certain dates in August 2024 from BlueLagoon.com
I found the ticket-purchasing process to be quite easy, but I did notice they were really pushy with the upselling, so be sure to read everything carefully. One piece of advice I always hear about Iceland is to book your Blue Lagoon tickets well in advance to secure your preferred timeslot. When we went on a Saturday in May, we purchased our tickets 48 hours beforehand to ensure good weather. We didn't have any trouble getting a 9 am slot, just an hour after they opened. You can stay as long as you want, even until it closes at 8 to 10 pm.
Transportation
Price as of August 2024 from BlueLagoon.com
To make our trip less stressful, we decided to include transportation with our Blue Lagoon ticket for an additional $60 USD. We chose to be picked up from our hotel, the Hotel Reykjavik Grand, and then taken to a meeting point at a hostel. From there, a bus from Destination Blue Lagoon took us to the Blue Lagoon.
Many people on the bus were concluding their stay in Iceland with a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Personally, I wouldn't do this because my anxiety would prevent me from enjoying the experience, and I would be preoccupied with getting to the airport. However, I understand the appeal of the idea. The Blue Lagoon offers luggage storage, but I'm unsure if there is an extra fee for it.
Pro Tip: My motto is if you are on time, you’re late, and if you are early, you’re on time, and they are very serious about this with the tour buses in Iceland. They will pick you up 30 minutes before the time you choose, so make sure you allow yourself extra time. We almost missed our shuttle back to the airport because of this.
Another Pro Tip: You can take an earlier shuttle back to Reykjavik. My friend and I thought we would be there for hours and booked a return shuttle for around 2 pm but ended up leaving at 12 pm.
Check-in process
Couldn’t find a photo of the lobby so here is the cute cafe from BlueLagoon.com
The check-in process was straightforward. You scan your ticket or QR code, receive a bracelet and a voucher for a free drink, and you are given some instructions and directions for your next steps. If you haven't completed the questionnaire online prior to your arrival, you will be asked to complete it at this time, as it is mandatory.
As we approached the changing rooms, an attendant informed us about the evacuation procedures in case of a volcanic eruption. The way they explained it was odd and lacked urgency, which made me concerned that oblivious travelers wouldn't grasp the seriousness of the situation. What’s crazy is that the volcano erupted days after our trip, and the Blue Lagoon was evacuated.
what the influencers don’t tell you
My friend went into the lagoon and gave me a rundown of the procedures. I myself did not go into the lagoon as I was under the impression you could go out to it, and I was willing to spend the money to take beautiful photos and videos. However, if you are not going into the lagoon, you cannot go into that part of the spa, so I hung out in the cafe, and this is what my friend experienced.
Overhead map and location of the cafe I stayed in from BlueLagoon.com
After placing your belongings in a locker, taking a shower before entering the lagoon is mandatory. This is a common practice in Icelandic public swimming pools to ensure the water's cleanliness and purity. Showering without swimsuits is required, and there is a staff member to ensure compliance with this rule. Influencers often purposely overlook this, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough research instead of solely relying on influencers for information.
They didn’t give her a towel, so she had to walk out into the lagoon soaking wet and feared falling because we didn’t want to see if our travel insurance was good or not. But she was handed a towel upon leaving the lagoon. She said the water was very warm, but the other guests made the vibes odd.
Don’t forget your free drink
Your ticket includes one free drink, which can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. I don’t drink, so I chose juice. However, if you do drink, consider choosing an alcoholic beverage as it is a much better value, especially since alcohol is very expensive in Iceland. I also got a delicious vegan muffin.
Go there for free
Afterward, my friend and I walked around the grounds, and it was a nice walk. A walkway connects the Blue Lagoon Spa to one of the hotels, and you can walk on this path for free. Throughout the walk, you are surrounded by the gorgeous blue water. However, you are not allowed to go into it, even though I saw people breaking the rules and doing it anyway. There is also a geothermal power plant there, and its excess water fills the Blue Lagoon, which is pretty cool.
Final thoughts
I believe that the Blue Lagoon experience is overpriced. The location itself is beautiful, and if you enjoy spas, you would probably love it here. However, many people portray it as a must-do, and I disagree with that.
Even if you have extra money, I wouldn't recommend it. Sky Lagoon offers a similar experience for the same price and is closer to your accommodation if you stay in Reykjavik.
Nevertheless, I suggest finding a shuttle to get there, explore the surroundings, and take a relaxing walk along the pathway. This activity is free, and the sights are stunning.
In summary, it was a very costly letdown. I would only consider returning to the Blue Lagoon if I was traveling with someone who had never been to Iceland, and I still wouldn't pay to enter the lagoon.
If you are interested in going to the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, use the link below to book with Viator using my affiliate link!
This followiing contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click any link and make a booking, I will receive a commission at no cost to you.
I'm Andrea, a travel content creator from NYC. If you are considering visiting the world's most sought-after travel destinations and need tips and recommendations or are looking for the latest film reviews, you are in the right place. Join me as I share my passion for cinema and exploration.
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