The Blue Lagoon spa, steaming in the middle of a vast and remote Icelandic lava field, is an unforgettable experience. But it’s expensive — you’ll pay at least $60, just to get through the door. Is it worth it? Not really. But for many people, it’s part of the Iceland experience.
The Blue Lagoon is a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík, but it’s only about 15 minutes from the international airport — making it well-designed for people coming or going by air. Parking is safe and easy, there are plenty of bus connections, and there’s a handy luggage storage facility on site. Give yourself a couple hours to soak and luxuriate, and don’t arrive without a reservation.
I scheduled my visit at the end of a busy week in Iceland, so I could take advantage of the proximity to the airport and enjoy a relaxing soak right before my long flight home. Still, as I stripped to my bathing suit and put my wallet, car keys, iPhone, and clothing into the locker, I felt a bit nervous. Shutting the door, I walked to the spa thinking how, if anyone broke into my locker and took my stuff, I’d be left nearly naked and stranded in Iceland, my flight taking off without me.
Two hours later, in a very relaxed state, I climbed out of the lagoon, returned to the locker room, and found the door to my locker wide open. It turns out that I had failed to touch my wristband to the sensor to lock the door, and it popped open after I thought I had closed it. But I had nothing to worry about — all my belongings were just sitting there, as I’d left them. And I was on my way.