When planning our trip to Iceland, we decided that because the Blue Lagoon was on the way from the airport to Reykjavik that it would make a lot of sense to stop there after landing as a way to relax after a not-long-enough overnight flight (and a long layover in JFK).
Getting there
So after landing in Reykjavik, we found the bus that takes passengers to the Blue Lagoon (along with all the luggage), right outside of arrivals – you can’t miss it once you walk outside! There are buses that go to the Blue Lagoon and others that go into Reykjavik. Just look at the buses or ask! Folks are very helpful.
Once you get to the Blue Lagoon, right by where the buses drop you off, is a storage room where you can leave your luggage (for a price). You can bring a bag in to the changing room and there are lockers there but they are small. We packed the bathing suit, a change of clothes and some toiletries in the smaller bag. There was a little of a wait to get in as the place was full and they control how many people will be in at once (which I take it as a good thing).
In the changing area they clearly ask that everyone shower without clothing on BEFORE getting into the lagoon. I assume it is for hygiene reasons but it seems most people ignore that…
The lagoon – minus Brooke Shields
Though it was a little cold that morning, the moment you step into the lagoon (which is sort of a light baby blue) you begin to warm up. The lagoon is quite large and you can remain close to the area where you drop your towel/lounge or you can go further away to areas that are much more quite on the opposite side. That day love apparently was in the air as there were many couples on that opposite side… You can also hunt down the areas where the hot water comes in if you want the temperature a little hotter.
Conveniently (probably for all the British youth that may visit), there is a corner of the lagoon with an in-water bar area for those who want their drink on while in the lagoon.
Once in the lagoon, you can go to a couple of spots to find the local white-ish mud to put on you to rejuvenate your skin. Though always uncertain about the effectiveness of such muds, I partook. Clearly, not a flattering look but I look 18 years younger. Well worth the embarrassing look captured below!
Oh, and it is worth saying that kids enjoy the lagoon too as you can see above! But be sure to put the arm floaties because, even if they know how to swim, the waters are not clear so if a child goes under, they are unlikely to be seen. No need to ask for trouble!
So, despite the similarly-named film, there was no Brooke Shields anywhere that I could tell. If you go and you spot her, please let me know! Otherwise, know that this is a great first stop to make after landing in Iceland from a red eye flight – it will help you recover some from the jet lag and lack of sleep, even if a bit on the touristy side!
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Read and see more about my trip to Iceland:
- Thingvellir (or “Þingvellir” in local alphabet) – where history and nature meet
- A “post card” from northern Dalvik
- Our week-long itinerary
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