After being invited to explore the ‘best bits’ of Southern Iceland, Patrick Coyle was so impressed by his visit to the Blue Lagoon that memories of it make him eager to to return. Read why here …
Looking back, the overriding memory is of the pearlescent, almost ethereal, blue of the lagoon’s water. Before visiting, I had often thought that the pictures I had seen must have been digitally enhanced to get that particular shade of blue; but seeing is believing. With shades of blue that you only see on Caribbean beach commercials, sharply contrasted by the region’s volcanic backdrop, the sight is breathtaking.
Photo c/o bluelagoon.com
Hiding beneath rising clouds of steam amid an eerie moonlike backdrop, the world-famous Blue Lagoon is just a 20 minute drive from Keflavik Airport and the same distance again from Reykjavik. The regular Flybus that runs between Reykjavik and Keflavik airport has a special detour route, which means a visit to the Blue Lagoon can easily be incorporated into a short break in Iceland either on arrival or departure (I did it on my final day as I returned to the airport). I was impressed by the convenient luggage storage and provision of towels, which made me think that there’s no excuse for not making this natural geothermal spa a priority port of call during a visit to Iceland.
I visited in February and the bracing race across the footpath outside was well rewarded by the plunge into the soothingly warm waters. I am told that, because of its geo-thermally heated waters, the Blue Lagoon is only too cold to bathe in during exceptionally high winter winds (they cool the waters as they blow across it). Open all year round a visit to the lagoon gives visitors opportunities to witness Iceland’s most spectacular phenomena, including the Aurora Borealis and the Midnight Sun.
Photo c/o bluelagoon.com
Everything about the Blue Lagoon is designed to make visitors feel pampered, from the electronically chipped wristbands that let you purchase drinks from the pool bar without worrying about waterproof money belts, to the small pool where you can relax with a short neck or shoulder massage. There are also pots of silica placed around the sides of the pool, and while these are supposed to have beneficial effects for the skin, in my opinion, the childish delight you get from having this smeared on your face is more than enough of a reason to do it. If, however, you find the spa treatments appealing, then there is the opportunity to enjoy these in the main spa area, using the Blue Lagoon’s own skincare range, which is made from a mixture of natural algae, minerals and silica. Further exploration of the lagoon reveals opportunities to rinse off under the waterfalls that feature around the waterside and unwind in the variety of saunas available. If you want to share your experiences with friends and family back home you can also seek out the live web cam.
Despite the overall feeling of peace and relaxation, it was with sadness that I left the lagoon. The next stop afterwards was the airport at Keflavik, where I continued my journey back to the hustle and bustle of normal life. Still, the memories of those calming, light blue waters are one of the highlights of my travels fascinating Iceland.
Photo c/o bluelagoon.com
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From Zoë Dawes:
You can almost feel the heat and smell the sulphur in this article … I didn’t get to have a dip in the Blue Lagoon on the Iceland trip but now really wish I had. Could certainly do with its supposed rejuvenating powers
From Martin:
On a trip to the Greek island of Kos last year, I enjoyed the soothing thermal springs that are found actually in the sea, just off the south coast. But the Blue Lagoon looks like a whole different experience again. Would absolutely love to have an opportunity to bathe there one day and those ‘facepacks’ look great fun too !
From Zoë Dawes:
I can highly recommend a visit to Iceland Martin – with or without the facepack
It’s a truly fascinating country and has a real ‘wilderness’ feel to it, with so much to see and do for all kinds of visitors.
From D.J. - The World of Deej:
Always tough when you end a trip with something so awesome..
From Zoë Dawes:
Certainly is DJ! Must admit I would love to visit again and see more of Iceland. It is without doubt one of the most exciting countries I have visited.