Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik
The Blue Lagoon is probably Iceland’s most iconic landmark and while it is definitely gorgeous, but that wasn’t the main reason I was there.
The hot spring at the Blue Lagoon is supposed to be great for psoriasis and as I suffer from a very bad type of psoriasis, I was curious to see if it would help.
Tips for Visiting Iceland Blue Lagoon
How to Get to Blue Lagoon Hot Springs from Reykjavik?
Where is the blue lagoon in Iceland? When you book your tickets on the website you’ll be given an option to add the bus ticket. If you’re coming straight from the airport, don’t worry – there are plenty of lockers to store your suitcases.
There’s no best time to go to the blue lagoon, as you need to pre-book a timeslot of entry. When I went at 8 AM in the winter it was already full, but I heard that during the summer after 7 PM it’s less crowded.
How much time you should spend on the blue lagoon? You can stay as long as you want at the lagoon, just be there on time that your ticket indicates. You can purchase smoothies, beer, or wine during your visit with your key. It’s expensive (as it’s Iceland) but definitely affordable.
How Much Does the Blue Lagoon Cost?
I recommend bringing your own towel and paying just for the standard package (€35-40). You get your own locker and access to the Lagoon, saunas, and showers.
You’ll have to get naked for the shower before entering the lagoon. You can lock yourself in the shower, so you don’t have to get naked in public. Once you get out of the changing room and enter the lagoon you have to wear swimwear. Being nude at the blue lagoon isn’t allowed.
While the mud mask from the more expensive package can be tempting, there are many buckets with mud that you can use for free.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
Blue Lagoon isn’t a natural phenomenon. While the water comes from a natural source underground, the lagoon was actually created by a nearby power plant as a place to dump overspill water. So if you thought about a fully natural experience that might not be the right fit.
The geothermal water features three active ingredients: Silica, Algae & Minerals. It might slightly burn your skin if you open wounds. The water temperature stays toasty at 37-40°C (98-104°F), year-round, so don’t worry about water being cold in the winter.
The in-water massages, saunas, and treatments aren’t private, but you’ll be in your swimsuit in the Lagoon. You jump up on a foam mat and get wrapped in a hot towel with special creams.
However, before you hop into the water you’ll get to get naked (yes, including your swimwear) and hop in the shower which isn’t very private
The in-water massages, saunas, and treatments aren’t private, but you’ll be in your swimsuit in the Lagoon. You jump up on a foam mat and get wrapped in a hot towel with special creams.
However, before you hop into the water you’ll get to get naked (yes, including your swimwear) and hop in the shower which isn’t very private.
Some people might complain about getting naked, especially since the Blue Lagoon isn’t a nude spa in Iceland, but that’s something you have to do.
Does the Blue Lagoon Help for Psoriasis?
The recommended treatment takes a week, but technically you should see some improvement straight away due to the beneficial effects of mineral-rich geothermal seawater. However, the treatment is combined with UV treatment.
Honestly, I’ve tried the UV treatment and never saw any improvements, neither did my skin get even slightly better. If you’re planning on heading to the Blue Lagoon to help your psoriasis I’d not expect miracles and just go and enjoy myself.
But what I did find helpful and cleared me out of my psoriasis was a weird Chinese yellow cream that people recommended me on various forums. I normally don’t believe in miracles, but this cream really helped me.
Scalp Psoriasis & Damaged Hair After Visiting the Blue Lagoon
As I wanted to stay in the water as long as I could to treat my scalp psoriasis. While in my case Blue Lagoon in Iceland didn’t help me, I wouldn’t give it – it can help you!
But, as you might have probably heard the water from the lagoon can really damage your hair. While some girls would tell you that their hair wasn’t so bad, my hair was totally destroyed.
I wanted to make psoriasis on my scalp better so I dipped my head into the water a few times during my visit. After I got back to my hotel I took a long shower, washed my hair, and… that’s when my problem started. I couldn’t brush my hair at all!
There have been times in my life when my hair wasn’t easy to brush but this was a complete disaster. I quickly found out that no matter how eager I was to help my psoriasis, I shouldn’t have even dipped my hair into the water full of minerals. Oops!
How to Take Photos at the Blue Lagoon?
If you plan on taking photos inside the Lagoon, use protection. I saw people’s cameras falling into the water or phones getting damaged due to humidity.
Is the Blue Lagoon Worth Visiting?
Let’s ask the most important question: is it worth a visit? Of course! It’s a lovely place for both singles and couples, and I’ve already been there twice in the summer and winter. I’d say the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit place in Iceland!
Looks like you had a great time. I’ll be going to Iceland for the first time in June. I’ll have to make sure to avoid lamb poo sandwiches!
Hehe, just eat it – it’s pretty tasty 😀
I went to Iceland via Iceland air in 2012 and loved it. We knew the airline didn’t serve food so we brought snacks, but as a taller girl, I LOVED the leg room. Also a major fan of the skyr smoothies at Blue Lagoon. SO good. I loved Iceland and can’t wait to go back- maybe this year 🙂
I agree – it’s a beautiful country! I want to go back for sure & this time I’ll import some Skyr hehe 🙂