There’s a good chance that The Blue Lagoon is probably one of the first things you think of when you picture Iceland, or at least the first thing people always mention! The iconic milky blue geothermal pool is not only the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland, but also one of the 25 Wonders of the World!

There’s a also a good chance you might have just read, or previously heard about what a big tourist attraction The Blue Lagoon is, but trust me, do not let that deter you from going and experiencing this incredible place! I’m usually not the type of girl to go anywhere touristy, or even relax for that matter, but I literally spent almost three hours in the Blue Lagoon, and would 100% go back in a heart beat!

Here’s what I experienced at the infamous Blue Lagoon, and some facts about it that are pretty interesting!

What IS The Blue Lagoon?

Obviously it is a lagoon that is blue. Just kidding.  Well, it really is blue, but the reason why it’s that milky light blue color (and warm) is because it comes from geothermal seawater that originates 2,000 meters beneath the surface, which then travels through porous lava, and finally becomes a blend of sea and fresh water that undergoes mineral exchange near the surface where concentration occurs.

The concentration process includes sedimentation, which mixes in the active ingredients; silica, minerals, and algae, which is what gives the Blue Lagoon its healing effect. The active elements have been researched and proven to have anti-aging effects, and also to help treat people with psoriasis!

The Blue Lagoon is now not only a famous site to see, but also a luxury resort and spa that you can spend the day at relaxing, or getting a massage!

What To Do at The Blue Lagoon

Besides going there to take awesome pictures and relax my poor painful over-traveled muscles in a geothermal pool, I was delighted to discover several other things that you can do at the Blue Lagoon. First of all, the Blue Lagoon is huge, so even if there are a lot of people in it, there’s still a ton of space for you to swim around, or sit down on one of the many rock ledges.

Swim Up Bar and Wifi

When I started exploring, I first found the in-lagoon swim up bar, which was awesome, because I not only got my cold glass of Chardonnay (I had this dream to drink naturally chilled wine while sitting in a warm pool in Iceland), but also a souvenir waterproof case for my iPhone so I could take pictures and FaceTime people from the lagoon, which was possible because they even had Wifi!

Silica Mud Mask Stations

I ventured further away from the buildings to get a view of the surrounding landscape, and discovered wooden stations with buckets of silica in them that people were putting all over their face and body. I had a field day playing with the mooshy clay-like mud, and was especially intrigued that there were just buckets of it that you can put on your face like a mask!

When I washed it off I watched how it mixed with the water and realized how thickly concentrated the water was with minerals, and how good it really must be for your skin!

Spa Services

I didn’t get to do any spa treatments since I spend all my money on traveling, but one of the main highlights of the Blue Lagoon is that it’s a luxury spa with in-water massages and skin treatments using its very own natural skincare products and ingredients.

There’s even a special area of the Blue Lagoon that’s roped off for the massage area so you don’t have to worry about other people interrupting your session! Although I didn’t get to get a massage, I did get to try some of their Blue Lagoon products which made my face baby-butt soft, and hopefully anti-aged!

When To Go

As fore mentioned…yes, a lot of tourists visit the Blue Lagoon. But that’s because it’s awesome and if you’re thinking of skipping it to skip the tourist crowds, than you’re going to be the one missing out! If you’re staying a few days in Iceland, plan to go on a week day, and later in the evening around 5pm when most of the tour groups have left.

If you only have a layover or a day or two in Iceland you can either take a Blue Lagoon day tour that picks you up from the airport (45minutes from KEF), takes you there, then brings you back, or stay a night at a nearby hotel like Hotel Keilir in Keflavik, and either take a taxi there or rent a car for the day so you can also explore other places.

Either way, visiting the Blue Lagoon is an absolute MUST if you go to Iceland, so make sure to pencil it into your already awesome itinerary!