Epic Travel → Europe → Iceland → Southwest Iceland → Blue Lagoon

Location: Reykjanes Peninsula, Southwest Iceland

Time Required: 2-5 hours

Red Tape/Notes: As of 2018, pricing starts at around 7000 ISK for the basic package which includes a towel, mud mask, and a drink at the bar; the premium package (10000 ISK) gets you an algae mask, bathrobe, and slippers – for current pricing and more information, visit the Blue Lagoon website. Reservations for a specific time are required (this is only your check-in time; there’s no limit on how long you stay in the pool).

What’s Nearby?: Reykjanes Nature Preserve, Kleifarvatn, Seltún, Grænavatn, Krýsuvíkurberg, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Valahnúkamöl, Gunnuhver

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s biggest tourist attraction and at $70 US for the basic package, they must be making a killing. The waters are nice, particularly when it’s cold outside (there’s an interior entrance to the pool so you never have to run through the freezing cold to jump in the water), and it’s fun to walk/swim/float around the various areas and find your favorite spot. There’s a little cave, a waterfall, a steam room, some areas with benches, and various little side peninsulas. It’s definitely relaxing, and we spent longer there than I thought we would, but I did feel kind of uncomfortable doing something so unapologetically over-priced and touristy. Even worse was that I actually enjoyed myself and would probably do it again under the right circumstances – I can’t believe I’m admitting that! It’s worth taking the long walk back to the parking area that skirts the lagoon to see it in its natural state (i.e. not altered for swimming purposes).

Epic Travel → Europe → Iceland → Southwest Iceland → Blue Lagoon