BLUE LAGOON

Since locals began bathing here nearly 50 years ago, they noticed the mineral-rich water left their skin feeling soft and rejuvenated and even helped ease skin conditions like psoriasis. The silica content of the water not only acts as a natural beauty treatment, but it’s also what creates the milky-blue colour of the water that makes the Blue Lagoon so distinctive.

There is something dramatic about slipping into the constantly warm water of the Blue Lagoon as snow falls around you. Those that wish to see the landscape around the lagoon blanketed in white or perhaps catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead should visit in winter.

Alternatively, the heart of summer sees the best weather in Iceland, paired with almost 24 hours of sunlight, so the Blue Lagoon stays open longer in the summer months.

Blue Lagoon hours vary by season. Summer sees the longest opening hours, between 08.00 and 23.00 in July and August and between 08.00 and 22.00 in June. January to May sees the shortest opening hours, between 09.00 and 21.00 and with the lagoon open between 08.00 and 21.00 from October to December, you’ve got a chance of spotting the Northern Light before closing.

Booking in advance at the Blue Lagoon is not essential – you can buy entry tickets on arrival. However, this is Iceland’s number one attraction, so making a Blue Lagoon booking online in advance is advised to avoid disappointment as entry tickets can sell out, especially in peak season.

The deepest point is 1.4 metres (4.7 feet), swimming in the Blue Lagoon is possible. You can take a few leisurely breaststrokes in the middle of the lagoon, but as the water is so warm and the depth of a hot tub in most places, the idea is to sit back and soak rather than swim simply.

You do have to rinse off in the showers (without your bathing suit) before getting in the Blue Lagoon, but fully washing your hair beforehand is not a specific rule. However, washing your hair beforehand and leaving conditioner on it while soaking in the lagoon (but avoiding submerging it in the water while bathing) can help stop the silica from drying out your hair.

The effects of the Blue Lagoon’s silica on hair are not permanent – you may leave with slightly dry, stiff hair after a soak, but this can usually be fixed with a thorough shampoo and condition in the showers after.

If you want to avoid this from happening entirely, it is recommended that you use a leave-in conditioner while bathing in the lagoon, use a swim cap or tie your hair up.

The short answer is, yes, you must wear a bathing suit in the Blue Lagoon. If you forget to pack one, there are bathing suits for sale at the Blue Lagoon’s shop.

You are required to shower before and after using the Blue Lagoon and there are plenty of private, lockable showers and public showers in the changing rooms for this purpose. There are also complementary shampoos and soaps available.

People like to take pictures of the ethereal blue water of the Blue Lagoon, so you’ll see lots of people with their phones by the lagoon’s side. There are lockers in the changing rooms to store your belongings, and you can always snap a few photos and return your phone to your locker if you’re worried about dropping it in the water.

Some people even bring waterproof bags or cases to take photos while immersed in the milky-blue water. However, phones are not permitted at the Retreat Spa to ensure you’re fully immersed in the experience, away from the nag of the modern world.

Three hours is ideal at the Blue Lagoon. This gives you time to change, shower, enjoy a drink from the swim-up bar and sample a silica mask before showering and changing again.

You might even have time for a quick meal in the casual café. If you want a more indulgent lunch at Lava or Moss restaurants, you must allow another hour or so.

With a full spa, a Michelin-recommended restaurant with a full-tasting menu and shops to stock up on silica-enriched products, you can quite easily spend all day at the Blue Lagoon. If you only want to experience the lagoon's warm water, then a few hours is plenty of time.

The Blue Lagoon complex has been designed with disabled users in mind. There is disabled parking in the car park, a five-minute walk from the entrance.

Wheelchairs are available at reception, and the building is equipped with electronic door openers and lifts throughout. The lagoon itself can be directly accessed by special wheelchairs, and there are larger changing rooms available for those who require an assistant (assistants will not need to pay the entrance fee).

Even the most basic entrance package includes a free drink at the Blue Lagoon. Alongside entrance, use of a towel and a silica mud mask, the comfort package includes a free fruit smoothie, beer, wine, cider or glass of sparkling wine to enjoy as you soak.

There are plenty of dining options at the Blue Lagoon and a swim-up bar for drinks in the lagoon. For food, you can choose between the casual café for a quick bite or the more formal Lava and Moss restaurants, the latter being recommended in the Michelin guide.