We set off from Reykjavik on a beautifully sunny, but chilly day in November. Having seen pictures showing the electric blue water, which surely were enhanced? As well as images of the strange lunar landscape, we were excited to see for ourselves – but nothing prepared us for the magic of the Blue Lagoon.
Before you can enter the Blue Lagoon it is necessary to shower as the water is pure and un-chlorinated, and you will notice the locals as they will be the ones walking around naked! Stow you gear in a locker and use the bracelet given to you at the reception as a key. You can also use this key to make any purchases which will be charged when you leave. So, showered and changed into our swimwear and clutching our towels, we ventured out to the spa.
The sharp contrast from the icy blast of air hitting your bare flesh as you dash from the changing rooms and step into the heat of the calming turquoise waters, is enough to take your breath away. Steam created from the water as it cools and condenses and the surrounding black rocks of the volcanic lava fields, gives the Blue Lagoon its surreal feel; you could be on another planet!
We were instantly relaxed and floated around to get our bearings trying to find the cooler spots as it was so hot in places, but through the mist we spotted the pool bar and were able to cool off with a refreshing cold beer. After cooling down we explored further locating a waterfall and a steam room in a lava cave!
As you drift in a dreamlike state exploring the far reaches of the Blue Lagoon you will come across other aliens, or fellow tourists, covered in mud. The mud is natural silica and is reputed to have healing properties, but be careful not to get it in your hair as it hardens like cement and is very difficult to get out needing several washes with the neutralising shampoo and conditioner provided in the showers.
You may be forgiven for thinking the Blue Lagoon is a natural phenomenon, it isn’t and was actually created from a pool that formed on the site of the geothermal power plant built there. Although manmade the lagoon water is rich in healing minerals, the naturally heated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow – and the water really is that incredible blue colour!
I would recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon as part of your transfer by coach, either when travelling to or from the airport at Keflavik, as this makes it cheaper. Take your own towels and water to drink; we were very dehydrated after our visit. We took an underwater camera for our shots taken in the Blue Lagoon itself and also took photographs from an area near the restaurant with a normal camera once we had finished. So is a visit to the Blue Lagoon worth it? There is no doubt that this is a touristic spot and it can get very busy, there are also other natural spas in Iceland worth visiting. But, if this is your first visit to Iceland, this is a very easy excursion to arrange and will leave you with lasting memories!
Read also:
Mums Going to Iceland Reykjavik Iceland Northern Lights
