Top 3 Must-Visit Lagoons In Iceland

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice! Its unique landscape and volcanic activity are truly nature’s masterpieces! Because Iceland is located on a hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs right through it, it is geologically active! This means there is no lack of earthquakes, volcanoes, and geysers! Iceland uses this geological energy to its advantage. Many homes, farms, and businesses use geothermal power for hot water, heating, and electricity.

Geothermal power also means many natural hot springs! This guide will give you the top three you must visit while in Iceland! We were in Iceland when the weather was still around 40 degrees (7 degrees Celsius), so these hot springs were a great way to stay warm! It was fantastic to relax in a natural massive hot tub!

Blue Lagoon

Our first stop, and probably the most famous, was the Blue Lagoon! Sam did all the planning in Iceland and he made the awesome decision to visit the Blue Lagoon the day we landed. It was the perfect cure for jet lag! 

How To Get There:

The Blue Lagoon is about a 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport near Reykjavik. There are also tour buses available that go directly to the lagoon. I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you are there in the summer, as it does get crowded. We booked our time for 2 PM however, we arrived so early, they let us in at 10 AM.

Many think this lagoon is overrated and a disappointment, but I was in love the moment I saw it! There is a long walk to the entrance, but the landscape is so gorgeous I hardly noticed. Your ticket gives you unlimited time, and we took full advantage of that! Here are a few tips to know before going:

• Tickets are $55 (comfort package)
• When your ticket is scanned, you will get a towel and a wristband
• The wristband will unlock your locker, buy drinks, and a complimentary facial mask!
• There is a spa package available for $665, this gives you access to a restaurant and your own private lagoon
• If you are looking to rejuvenate, there are massages and accommodation packages available
• There are several dining options, including a café, Moss Restaurant, and Lava restaurant
• Keep in mind you must shower in the nude before entering the lagoon
• Steam rooms and saunas are located outside, to the left of the lagoon

Women’s Lockers:

• Hairdryers are available
• 1 private room to change
• 1 bathroom with toilet
• Open/ stalled showers, shampoo, and conditioner available (recommend to apply before you enter the lagoon, so your hair does not dry out)
• Plastic bags to use for your wet swimsuit
• Towel rack/robe hooks

Men’s Lockers:

• 1 private room to change
• 1 bathroom with toilet
• Open/ stalled showers, shampoo, and conditioner available
• Plastic bags to use for your wet swimsuit
• Towel rack/robe hooks

After you have changed into your swimsuit, there is a ‘meetup’ inside, before you make your way to the lagoon. There is also a room above the waiting area with a beach chair just to relax and enjoy the view!

The Blue Lagoon is not a natural spring, the resort is manmade. However, it does pump water from over 6,500 ft (2,000 meters) within the earth, making it a steaming 102 degrees (38 Celsius) all year long. The contrast of the black volcanic sand, mossy green rocks, and cool blue waters make it a photographer’s and explorer’s paradise!

Secret Lagoon

The next lagoon you must visit is the Secret Lagoon! Due to high rises in tourism, the lagoon is not so secret anymore, but still, a ‘must’ when visiting Iceland! It is more on the natural side of the lagoons in Iceland, the bottom is just rocks and sand.

How To Get There:

Located south on the Golden Circle, it is around a 30-minute drive from Gullfoss. Enjoy a calming dip in the lagoon, as you watch geysers explode around you. Here are a few things to know when visiting:

• Tickets $24
• Small café located in the back of the main building
• Remove your shoes and place them on a shoe rack, before breaking off into the men’s and women’s locker
• Floaties available for the lagoon

Women’s Lockers:

• Lockers with keys available
• 1 private room to change
• 1 bathroom with toilet
• Open showers
• Towel rack/robe hooks located outside

Men’s Lockers:

• Lockers with keys available
• 1 private room to change
• 1 bathroom with toilet
• Open showers
• Towel rack/robe hooks located outside

Fontana Geothermal Baths

Last, but not least is the Fontana Geothermal Baths. These hot pools are more for a relaxing bathing experience with a killer view!

How To Get There:

Right off the Golden Circle, drive 20 minutes west from Geysir and you are there! Coming here at the end of a full day of exploring is a perfect way to unwind! These baths felt less touristy and had the ‘live like a local’ feel. Here are a few more things to note:

• Tickets $30
• Small café located in front of the main building
• 3 main pools each with a higher temperature, the idea is to gradually get to the hottest one, then take a quick jump in the lake
• Steam rooms and saunas are also available

Women’s Lockers:

• Lockers with keys available
• Hairdryers available
• 1 bathroom with toilet
• Open showers/one with curtain
• Shampoo and body wash are available
• The towel rack is located inside

Men’s Lockers:

• Lockers with keys available
• 1 bathroom with toilet
• Open showers/one with curtain
• Shampoo and body wash are available
• The towel rack is located inside

Visiting these lagoons was probably my favorite thing about Iceland! There are many more wonderful ones to explore and if you have more time, I highly recommend you try them out! But if you are short on time, the three above are lagoons you cannot miss!

Until the next destination!

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