At the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
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.
The arrivals area at the Keflavik airport
Right across from that arrival area, you see the buses
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.
Beautiful waters and landscape
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.
The bar scene
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!
The muddy faces blend well with the steamy air of the lagoon!
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!
————————————————————————————————————–
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
Bellisimo!
Surreal looking photos of the calm Lagoon, almost looks milky. So you didn’t grab a drink at the bar? Lol
Karl recently posted..Day Trip Outside Prague – The Bone Church
With Brooke or not,the lagoon might be a relaxing place,I’d like to go there…Thanks for post Raul !
Iceland is so high on my list. No matter how touristy it is, I probably will stop at Blue Lagoon when I finally get there! Great tip about kids wearing the floaties; I probably wouldn’t have thought of that ahead of time!
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..Best places to eat and drink in Chicago Little Italy
Yes, thankfully, the Blue Lagoon thought about it and provides you with the floaties!!
I’ve always wanted to go here, and that area for drinking is right up my alley!! Great photos! I really need to make my way to Iceland already…long overdue.
Erin – The World Wanderer recently posted..The Streets of Lecce, Italy.
More on Iceland coming soon, Erin! You may just end up booking a ticket there after you see the rest!
we know of a couple people who made the blue lagoon their first stop after landing in iceland, and it definitely looks like a great way to kick off your time in the country! aaand what types of drinks do they serve at this bar, exactly? JUST CURIOUS.
the lazy travelers recently posted..city dwellers: philadelphia’s center city
A bar and a heated lagoon seems like the ideal introduction to Iceland or any country. Some places are touristy for a reason and are worth rubbing shoulders with the masses even if Brooke Shields is not part of the horde.
Traveling Ted recently posted..A White River State Park Segway Tour oddity
I concur, Traveling Ted!
OK I took me a while to get the Brooke Shields reference – blame it on my limited interest in pop culture… 😉 Glad you posted photos of the airport, since I love the moment when I leave the terminal and adjust to the new landscape. So I guess this is the closest I’ve gotten to Iceland so far. Would love to check out the lagoon at some point, no doubt.
Pola (Jetting Around) recently posted..Tasting Slovenian cuisine with Slocally
Not sure if it will happen but we’re tossing around the idea of a visit to Iceland next year. I’m not sure if my wife will be adventurous enough to visit the water if we go in March, even if the water is warm. But this seems like a must-see spot in Iceland.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Puerto Rico Run: Condado to Old San Juan