I've always dreamt of visiting the Blue Lagoon, and it was the highlight of my short trip to Iceland last December. While researching about the Blue Lagoon, I found plenty of helpful information about taking care of my hair and the different packages available. However, there was very little about visiting in the winter. So, let me share my experience and what you can expect when visiting the Blue Lagoon during the winter season.
Visiting the Blue Lagoon in December
One of my concerns was the temperature and whether it would still be worth it on a bad weather day. All the pictures I had seen were taken on sunny days, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I also hadn't considered the limited daylight hours in December. Iceland experiences only four hours of daylight during this time, which meant that my only hours of daylight would be spent at the Blue Lagoon. While it was a win in some ways, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that I wouldn't see Reykjavik in daylight.
We booked our Blue Lagoon trip through Reykjavik Excursions, which included transportation from our hostel to the lagoon and then to the airport. The bus picked us up from just outside the hostel at 8.30am, and as we traveled through the dark landscape of Iceland, the snow started to worsen and the wind howled. When we finally arrived, we were dripping wet and freezing cold.
Snowstorm upon arrival
The queue to get in was long due to a whole coachload of people heading through together. However, the friendly staff handled the situation well by providing essential information while we waited. Once inside, we received a wristband and were free to enjoy ourselves. The changing rooms were split into male and female sections and were quite classy. The lockers were activated by the wristbands and were a good size for people traveling with hand luggage. Before entering the Blue Lagoon, you need to shower to remove all dirt, including the deodorant you used that morning.
From the changing room, we walked straight into an area for towels, and the entrance to the lagoon was on the left, with the cafe on the right. There is also an outside entrance, which I mistakenly thought was the only entrance and ran outside in the freezing cold to jump into the water. After learning my lesson, I used the pool entrance that connects outside through a door in the water.
The Blue Lagoon experience
For the first hour of our visit, we were in darkness (we arrived at 10 am). Slowly, daylight began to creep in and allowed us to see more than just the lagoon. Although the weather got worse as the day went on and the wind became bitter, we still enjoyed our time. Some parts of the lagoon were warmer than others, providing a respite from the cold. However, I was grateful to be wearing a rash vest. We alternated between being in the water and taking breaks inside, where we would warm up in the sauna or with a hot shower.
The cold weather did shorten our time in the Blue Lagoon, as after an hour and a half, I was too cold to enjoy myself any longer.
What to Expect from Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Winter
Here are some tips and insights to help you make the most of your winter visit to the Blue Lagoon:
- You will only experience daylight from approximately 11 am to 3 pm. Plan your visit between these hours if you want to capture the best photo opportunities.
- Beware of the bitter wind that accompanies bad weather. It can burn your ears, so I highly recommend wearing a hat that can get wet in the lagoon. It might not be fashionable, but you'll appreciate it.
- You don't need to hire a dressing gown to keep warm outside the water, as the entrance to the lagoon is indoors.
- If you're feeling too cold, head to the sauna or inside for a hot shower. It will warm you up and allow you to stay in the water for another half an hour.
- If the weather is bad, getting decent photos can be challenging. During our visit, the snow was constantly blowing, and within seconds, we were soaked. I didn't want to risk damaging my expensive camera.
- Consider using a GoPro or a waterproof camera to capture photos in wet and snowy conditions.
- The lagoon was not overcrowded during our visit, especially earlier on. However, it might be more crowded during the summer months.
A bad weather day will not ruin your trip to the Blue Lagoon. While you might not get those picture-perfect blue sky photos, you'll still have an unforgettable experience, even if it's mostly about braving the cold.
A few other tips
- Guard your wristband as if your life depends on it. If you lose it, you'll have to pay for it, and they aren't that secure around your wrist.
- Before entering the lagoon, cover your hair with leave-in conditioner and tie it up to keep it away from the water. They also provide conditioner for use afterward, which helps fix your hair. I didn't find the effects too damaging for my hair.
- The standard package is sufficient, and you can easily bring your own towel. They also have face masks available for use. If needed, you can rent additional items. As for drinks, we bought some in the water, but they were quite small and extremely cold to hold. It's better to wait until after your dip and enjoy a drink at the cafe.
Essentials
The Blue Lagoon is located approximately 40 minutes from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from Keflavik airport.
While at the Blue Lagoon, everything is operated through wristbands, and you can make payments using them. This eliminates the need for carrying cash near the water. Just remember to keep a close guard on your wristband because there is a fine for losing it.
They offer luggage storage for €3 per item, but if you're traveling with carry-on baggage only, it will likely fit in the lockers inside.
We booked our trip with Reykjavik Excursions, which included standard entry and transportation for 8.900isk (£45). The pick-up time was 30 minutes before departure.
Want to know more about Iceland?
Check out this video about my entire 24 hours in the country!
How to spend 24 hours in Iceland
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