Read part 1 and 2 here.
On my last day in Iceland, I had only a few hours left before catching my plane back to Barcelona. The time-frame was perfect for my last stop: the Blue Lagoon, the majestic geothermal pools famous for its blue water and black volcanic rocks. Photos of that places looked so surreal, and believe me, when you’re there, it feels that way.
Checking in
My entrance time was 9 AM so by 8 AM I was already on my way. Since the sun comes out at around 11 AM, it was dark when I arrived to the Blue Lagoon. It’s important that you arrive on time since this place is usually sold out especially during the weekends. You really don’t want to miss it.Tip: Bring your own bathrobe and/or towel. You’ll save money. Also, it will be useful if you’re traveling with a carry-on bag because it will most likely fit the free lockers. At the immediate entrance, there’s a place to leave bigger luggage and they will tell you if yours fits the free lockers in the lagoon.
At the check-in desk they will give you an electronic bracelet that you will use to open and close your locker and to pay for anything you eat/drink at the lagoon. It’s a convenient method especially when you must leave your belongings at the locker.
About (almost) showering in public
The locker rooms are very comfortable, equipped with hair dryers, showers and toiletries. You have to shower without clothes before and after going into the lagoon. While some of the showers are equipped with doors -which don’t close that well anyway- it really isn’t too private so make peace with the idea that you might be walking around with your towel with a lot of other people around. For me it was not so much of a big deal but for some people it might be. Locals are very used to showering without doors. However, since this thermal spa is more aimed at tourists, they are a more accommodating for other cultures.Inside the lagoon
After the showering process was done, I went out to the lagoon. It was freezing cold and dark but after getting into the hot water I felt like I could stay there forever. I couldn’t wait for the sun to come out. At around 11, the sun came up. And I could see.
The lagoon has food and beverage kiosks inside so you don’t have to come out of the water to buy anything (and you wouldn’t want to come out with the temperature at nearly 0°C). I didn’t buy anything because, needless to say, the prices are pretty high.
With the basic entrance fee, priced at around 45 euros, you can also use the saunas [pictured above] and the part of the pool that is indoors. In addition, you can have a free try of the silica mud mask. It is made with organic ingredients and it’s amazing, even for sensitive skin.
Tip: About taking pictures – Bring a waterproof camera or a waterproof sleeve for your phone. If you don’t, you risk damage to your equipment even if you don’t take them inside of the pool. There’s a lot of steam from the water so they might get wet anyway. The steam also makes it very hard for taking pictures because the lens mist up fast.
This place is perfectly designed for the visitors and every detail is taking carefully into consideration. An example is the huge clock outside that you can see from the pool. It is very easy to lose track of time when you’re relaxing in the lagoon so that helped me not to miss my flight.
Leaving the lagoon
I had calculated that to catch my shuttle to the airport at 1 PM, I would need to get out of the pool by 12:20 PM. If you’re visiting, you have to keep in mind that you have to shower, pick up your belongings from the locker room, make a line to hand-in the wristband -and pay any balance- and then head out to the parking lot. You might even need to go pick up your luggage. Please, do not skip showering, especially if you got your hair wet (which is not advised). The minerals of the water are tough on the hair and will dry it.I successfully got in time to my shuttle bus and even ate a sandwich on my way to the airport, which is about 15 minutes away. As I was leaving I could see the beautiful volcanic rocks and the steam. “I have to be back some day”, I said to myself.
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This has been the third and last part of my Iceland travel diary. I still daydream about this country, the most peaceful place I have ever been to. On my next visit I want to see the Botanical Garden, some museums, the glacier, hike and hopefully see the Northern Lights *fingers crossed*.
