Ever since I started telling people that I was going to spend some time in Iceland over the summer, they always asked me if I had already booked my reservation for the Blue Lagoon. It is the must-do attraction for anybody visiting this country, and most people spend some time here while they are out here, and it does not disappoint.
The Blue Lagoon is a pool of this milky blue water that is heated naturally through geo-thermal tunnels that wind their ways down deep into the earth below. A gentle mist floats above the pool as the cool air from the sea blows over it. It creates the perfect environment for a long soak that cleans out the pores of your skin and relaxes you at the same time. We were supposed to go on our first full day in Iceland, but due to complications with our van rental, we had to reschedule for two weeks later. Scheduling a time is required for admittance into the Blue Lagoon. They only let a certain amount of people in every hour, and as soon as you are in, you can stay there as long as you like. But if you miss your time, you will have to try to find another one later. If you are coming out here, I would recommend booking your time as soon as you know. When we had to reschedule, there were only two times available either 8 o’clock in the morning or 8 o’clock at night, an hour before they close, so out options we limited.
We ended up taking the 8 o’clock in the morning option, and it turned out to be the best option. It did stink a little to wake up to an alarm during vacation so we could make the appointment, but considering we were the first group of tourists that were let into the Blue Lagoon, there weren’t that many people there, and it almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. By the time we left, it was a little after 10 o’clock and the place was starting to get more crowded. I would suspect that in the middle of the day, when our original appointment was, it would be really packed and the fun of wading around in warming water would be tainted with the crowds.
The Blue Lagoon has a lot more to offer than just blue water that you can lounge around in. There is a restaurant there where you can get a bite to eat if you wish. They have steam baths that you can lounge in as well if you ever tire of soaking in the unique water. There is also a bar with limited drink menu, but the selection is big enough that you should be able to find something that you would enjoy. In fact, your first drink is a part of admission, so everybody ends up at this spot at some time during their visit. There is a place where you can put a silica mask on your face to help open up the pores there. Overall, there is enough to keep anybody occupied for the couple of hours that you will want to spend there.
Even if you do not book ahead for a reservation, it is still worth the time to make your way out there. There are paths around the outside of the lagoon where you can look at the blue water, and there is even a little viewing spot that allows you to look over the pool. I will say that it is better to get in the water because it will change your perspective, especially if you have had a few days of inclement weather. It is the one place that you cannot miss if you make it out to Iceland, so book your stay there now.
John Collings 