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Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Taking the Plunge: Lagoons of Iceland

hot springs, landmannalaugar Iceland

October 12, 2018 //  by Five Family Adventurers//  34 Comments

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Iceland is dotted with  hot springs throughout the country. The Icelandic often refer to them as lagoons.  Virtually every village has its own pool,  heated by the geothermal energy. Many are simple (and free) and some are larger and more impressive.

Our visit to Iceland was short; four and half days. As part of our experience, each day we ventured to different hot springs with our kids to enjoy one of things that makes Iceland unique. We found each hot spring unique and memorable. These visits also shaped our experience in Iceland. We bonded together, relaxing in hot water, cold air, and beautiful scenery.


The most well-known hot spring in Iceland is–of course–the iconic Blue Lagoon. Go beyond this location and you will learn of how each hot spring is unique in design, nature and visit.

Blue Lagoon

We arrived in Keflavik airport at 5 AM, rented a car and headed straight to the Blue Lagoon.  The Blue Lagoon is located about 20 minutes from the airport. Both are west of Reykjavik. By going straight to the Lagoon, we simplified the transfer by driving our rental car. Prior to our trip, I pre-booked our reservation for the first available time, 8 AM. I strongly recommend reserving before you go, especially during high-season, as the Lagoon books up.

It was still dark out when we arrived and we were a bit early. The area is surrounded by otherworldly lava fields of black-pocked rocks. Since we were early, our kids wandered around the rocks, touching them, trying to climb them and marveling at the enormity of the surroundings.Blue Lagoon, Iceland

As our reservation drew closer, we headed towards the check-in. The sun was starting to rise, giving us our first glance of the blue, milky water. The smell of sulfur, of rotten eggs, immediately hit us, taking over our sense of smell, not allowing anything else to penetrate. Our kids, shocked by the smell, walked along the lagoon holding their noses while poking fun at each other.

Entrance to spa consists of a check in, receiving a wrist band that is connected to your credit card, and towels. It’s the same system as if we were going into Disney World receiving “Magic Bands. The wrist band allow you to purchase as many drinks as you want and you are charged at the end. We split up into the women’s and mens’ locker rooms, changed (they do have curtained changing rooms in the locker rooms for those a bit more modest), threw our stuff in a locker that locks, showered (it’s required), and headed to the cold outdoors.

It is strongly recommended that women wear their hair up and load it up with lots of conditioner. The water is pumped in from the sea, and heated by geothermal plant located next to it. The water content is high in silica and calcium. Getting the silica in your hair will result in stiff, tangled mess–one of your worst hair days ever.Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Hitting the cold was a complete shock, and shook us out of the sleep-deprived state we were in. It was a mere 38 degrees Fahrenheit, 3 degrees celsius. We scurried outside, hoping to spend as little time in the frigid as possible, hung our towels on numbered racks, and shot straight into the Blue Lagoon. The water was warm, 100 degrees F or more and steam rose as we waded into the pool. We explored the lagoon, enjoying as a family, our first visit to a hot spring in Iceland. Our kids loved the water and the experience as they swam exploring the entire lagoon.

It was somewhat empty, as summer season had ended over a month previous. So the lagoon was a bit empty.  We ventured over to the mud bar and received our handful of silica white mud to smear all over our faces. As we let it dry we headed to the bar. A drink is included in the price. A Gull beer was an especially delicious breakfast beverage.

We rinsed our faces, relaxed a while longer before heading back out into the cold. Our bodies were so warmed from the hot water that getting out wasn’t as bad as getting in.

There are two options when pre-booking. The Comfort package includes a towel, drink and mud mask. The Premium package also gives you a second mask, slippers, robe, a reservation at the Lava restaurant (food not included) and a bottle of sparkling wine with your meal. The Blue Lagoon is already a pricy destination (Comfort is $84 at prime times), and the Premium  tacks on another $16.

Truthfully, it’s unlikely you’ll visit Iceland and not visit the Blue Lagoon.  While it may not meet the experience/price ratio we desired, it’s still a unique and comforting visit. I strongly recommend going right after your arrival as it is a good start to a visit in Iceland. Want to know more about the Blue Lagoon? This comprehensive, everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon post, will indeed help you to become a Blue Lagoon genius.

Kids 2 and older are welcome into the lagoon. Those between 2 and 13 are free. Know your kids: some kids will get bored quickly, as it’s not a place to swim or float, while others will want to spend an eternity in the world’s largest hot bath.Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Landmannalaugar

Our journey to this off the beaten path lagoon took well over two hours from Vik. Landmannalaugar is located in the highlands of south Iceland, nestled among snow capped mountains and lava fields. For this visit, we hired a guide with a a highly capable four wheel drive vehicle. It was jacked-up Sprinter van, mounted on massive tires that could deflate and inflate depending on terrain while driving.

The drive was entirely off-road, on dirt jeep paths, winding through moonscaped land. We crossed rivers, and drove over and between mountains capped in snow. We bounced around, went up steep hills, where I was convinced the car would not make it and roll backwards and stopped to see a couple of natural attractions on the way.

Upon arrival to Landmannalaugar’s park facilities, we parked next to only one other car. It was empty; just a couple of other visitors and some people who lived and worked in the area. There is a bathroom. There are showers, but they didn’t work. The building housing these amenities was as cold as the outside, 32 degrees fahrenheit, 0 degrees celsius.Landmannalaugar hot springs, Iceland

We could see the lagoon, a natural and steaming pool, with a river of steam cutting through the valley’s field. Steam rose from the water and it was a bit marshy. A long, wooden boardwalk led out to the pool, where a small, wooden dock  a place for clothes and towels. Wooden stairs lead down into the lagoon for easy access into the water.

Prior to our swim, we had hiked two hours with the kids through the area. We walked through meadows, snow capped mountains,  lava fields, and right next to a fast running stream in a deep valley. Some of the mountains had small pockets of steam coming out through the sides. They stunk of sulfur and were hot to the feel. Some of the surrounding mountains had magnificent colors due to the rhyolite rock that naturally creates different hues, blues, greens, pink.

Arriving back to the area of the lagoon, we went into the bathrooms and changed into our suits. The kids and my husband ran out the door, dressed only in their bathing suits, straight down the boardwalk and right into the pool. I, however, put my clothes back on and brought my pack and towel as I sauntered down the boardwalk slowly. The boardwalk seemed long in the freezing cold and I was not about to run down in a swimsuit and no shoes. I shed my clothing, left the bag and towel on the dock, and stepped into the water.Landmannalaugar hot springs, Iceland

I swam out the main pool area and sat in the hot, steaming water with the rest of my family. We were five and there were three other people in the lagoon with us. We dug our hands down into the pebbles and instantly we felt the ground get hotter. The lagoon is shallow and the floor is all pebbles, but it is inviting and soothing.

Sitting in the lagoon, we took in the beautiful landscape surrounding you. Snow-capped mountains on one side, moss covered lava rocks and meadows on the other. The lagoon is magical with its beauty. We moved around the pond, feeling the different temperatures. A stream brought glacial run-off from the mountains, where it met the scalding water of the springs. Moving around, we experienced all the different temperatures.  Being in the water was being part of nature. We sat together gazing at our surroundings while taking in the warmth of the water.Landmannalaugar hot springs, Iceland

The lagoon itself is free, but you will need a guide to bring you there. Even renting your own 4×4, you won’t be covered (or equipped) for the river crossings on your own. While the price of the day may be steep, you won’t regret it. The lagoon is the icing on the cap.

The Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon Iceland is not so secret anymore. Technically, its not really a lagoon either (none of these could be considered a lagoon except for the Blue Lagoon, which pumps in sea water). Located on the Golden Circle, the lagoon is a man-made pool, once used for swimming lessons. However, the pool’s bottom is made of pebbles, and you can see the adjacent springs that feed the lagoon, including a small geyser (geysir in Icelandic).Fludir , Iceland

We did make advanced reservations for our visit. When I say advanced, we booked about an hour upon arrival. Towels are not included and are an additional cost–and a steep one at around $5 each.

After checking in, the man working at the desk gave us explicit instructions of what to do before entering the lagoon. You must remove shoes before entering the locker rooms, shower naked before putting on your suit, and use the lockers with keys in them. You may not enter any water outside of the pool, as the natural small hot springs’  water is boiling and you will get burned. Oh, and no running.

If you are modest, this is not the place for you. There are no private showers and no private areas to change. After going through these procedures, you again exit into the cold and walk straight into the pool. There are small waterfalls of boiling water flowing into the pool and the pool itself is warm. They do have foam noodles, the long floating devices you see at your local pool, for patrons to use. Some people had four or five and used them to lay back and relax as they floated through the hot pool.

Our kids ventured around the pool, enjoying their visit.  I stayed with my husband luxuriating in a naturally heated pool of water in a distant land. We hung out near the small flows of water delivering boiling water and sought out pockets of hot water. Some pockets were too hot for me.Fludir, Iceland

It wasn’t crowded, and every 5 minutes, a small geysir would erupt behind the pool. Surprisingly, I got hot rather quickly, so my visit wasn’t as long as the rest of my family. However, the walk around the pool on a boardwalk to view the natural, boiling springs was fun and interesting.

The Secret Lagoon Iceland is rustic, and the facilities are basic. It’s not going to be a full day, but it’s a nice way to break up the sights (and crowds) of the Golden Circle.

Laugarvatn Fontana

This hot spring  was a bit more upscale than the Secret Lagoon, reflected in the cost, and well worth it. We did not pre-book and went during the evening.

The location is wonderful; the pools are nestled next to a vast lake (Laugarvatn) surrounded surrounded by hills. As we arrived, the sun was just setting which gave us a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Laugarvatn, IcelandLike the Secret Lagoon, towels are not included in the price. We got two towels for 5 of us as they are expensive to rent. You must also shower without your swim suit before entering the area. The showers are communal. Good soap and shower gel are provided.

We made a mad dash once again in the freezing cold and as we did we were surprised to see many different pools. All of these manmade. One shallow pool has sculptures designed to sit in or to cradle your head while you lie in the pool. Another is warmer and deeper, carved out of lava rock, while another also has jacuzzi jets. The lava pool’s water is nice and hot, and even too hot for me in spots.  A super-hot sauna is in the middle. Next to it are several steam rooms. These are unique, as their steam comes directly from the geothermal springs. This means that they are full of the (sulfurous) mineral smells of the earth, and their temperature varies with the amount of steam naturally emitted from the earth.

A dock has stairs leading down into it Laugvartn, giving visitors the option of taking a dip in the lake. While hot springs warm parts of the lake, most of it is fed by mountain streams. It’s Iceland, and that lake is cold. My husband and two boys left the hot pool, ventured over to the sauna, sat for a bit, then ran down to the lake and jumped in. They did this a couple of times. I was either too smart or too chicken, and decided not to subject my body to alternating bouts of 200 degree and 35 degree temperatures . I’m going to go with the former.

We sat together, kids floating around the hot pot, taking in the night sky and the shimmering lake behind us. This was our last night in Iceland, and our last chance to sit together in natural hot springs. We were quiet as we soaked in our last moments all the while creating wonderful memories.

Going to Iceland for the first time?  Here are 25 tips for a first time visit to Iceland , from Casual Travelistthat will help make your visit the ultimate visit.

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Lagoons of Iceland


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Category: Europe, Iceland, UncategorizedTag: Europe, Hot Springs, Iceland

About Five Family Adventurers

I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Doreen Pendgracs

    October 15, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    This trip is not for me as I hate the cold and therefore Iceland has never been on my radar. But my neighbour just got back from there and I will be hearing all about her trip tonite. I look forward to comparing her thoughts with yours.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 16, 2018 at 6:46 am

      I hate the cold as well, so although it was an amazing trip it didn’t go without my complaining.

      Reply
  2. Ben Zweber

    October 16, 2018 at 1:54 am

    This is what I need right now. Great photos! Love how they capture the beauty of the hot springs.

    Reply
  3. Shirley

    October 18, 2018 at 1:08 pm

    I totally want to go to Iceland! You’ve showcased it perfectly and now Im adding this to my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 18, 2018 at 2:20 pm

      Hope you get there soon!

      Reply
  4. Kristie

    October 18, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    This looks like a fun adventure in Iceland! We have not been yet, so knowing about these lagoons is super helpful for planning.

    Reply
  5. Kristie

    October 18, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    These lagoons sound like so much fun to explore! We haven’t been to Iceland yet, so this is super helpful information.

    Reply
  6. Junell DuBois

    October 18, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    Wow! That is for sure on my bucket list! What a beautiful place to visit.

    Reply
  7. Kristi @ Way Beyond The Norm

    October 18, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    This sounds like my cup of tea. My hubby makes fun of me that I like my baths scalding hot. So did the Blue Lagoon smell like sulfur when you got in it too? Not sure I could handle that.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 19, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      It wasn’t an overpowering smell of sulfur, just slight. However, that smell was forgotten once you go in as it is so relaxing.

      Reply
  8. Pam

    October 18, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    I have been hearing so much about Iceland lately. I spent a night there years ago on our way to Norway, but I was young and it was a short layover.

    Reply
  9. LavandaMichelle

    October 18, 2018 at 9:59 pm

    I never thought about visiting Iceland. You took me on a great adventure, I love how you captured your trip.

    Reply
  10. Stuart Forster

    October 19, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    It’s great to see that you explored beyond the obvious attraction of just the Blue Lagoon (which I featured recently). You’ve provided some good tips for travellers!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 21, 2018 at 9:20 am

      We felt as if we had to do the Blue Lagoon as I don’t know when we will get back, but yes it was important to explore beyond the obvious.

      Reply
  11. An Indian Traveler

    October 20, 2018 at 3:57 am

    I enjoyed reading your post. I want to visit Iceland some day and your article works as a good reminder. Beautiful pictures.

    Reply
  12. Sandy N Vyjay

    October 22, 2018 at 1:06 am

    Iceland is a dream destination for us as its landscapes and sheer natural beauty is the stuff that dreams are made of. The lagoons, of course, are one aspect of the place’s allure. The Blue Lagoon, of course, is iconic, but the Landmannalaugar seems to appeal more to us because it is off the beaten track.

    Reply
  13. Abhinav Singh

    October 22, 2018 at 4:11 am

    Wow, I am imagining the hot springs all across Iceland. Good to know that some of them are free to use. The secret lagoon sounds exciting. I could spend all day here. I have seen hot springs in India and Nepal before but not a geyser. As you have mentioned it looks like a perfect getaway for family and even friends.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 22, 2018 at 10:20 am

      It’s a great get away, but be prepared for the cold.

      Reply
  14. neha

    October 22, 2018 at 4:31 am

    Although I love the cold climate, I am not sure if I would like to take a dip in the lagoons. But the overall landscape is so captivating that I will surely like to visit these lagoons of Iceland when I happen to go there.

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 22, 2018 at 10:19 am

      I didn’t think I would be able to bear the walk in the freezing, but it wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated it to be!

      Reply
  15. Missy Debnar

    October 22, 2018 at 10:04 am

    We have it on our list of places to go. The landscape looks wonderful.

    Reply
  16. GiGi Eats

    October 23, 2018 at 9:33 am

    Iceland is 10000% on the list for my husband and I. I think it’s #1 for him, however he can only really travel during the winter and that just seems like a FRIGGIN FREEEEEZING time to go – hahahah! I will suck it up though!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 23, 2018 at 12:18 pm

      I’m sure it will be cold, but beautiful. They all overheat their homes/buildings due to the geothermal energy they can use.

      Reply
  17. abby hewes

    October 23, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    I am super jealous! Those photos are so inviting- Iceland is on my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Five Family Adventurers

      October 23, 2018 at 7:24 pm

      A must see indeed.

      Reply
  18. Cara Cozy

    October 23, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    I don’t know if I’m brave enough to do this but it def looked fun!

    Reply
  19. Casey

    October 24, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    Wow… this is a paradise. This is def. on my bucket list. Iceland I heard is a must visit in a life-time. Thx

    Reply
  20. Jessica Hughes

    October 31, 2018 at 12:10 am

    Iceland is definitely on my bucket list, not because of the lagoons but because of the Northern Lights. However, I will definitely be hitting up the lagoons as well and they sound so wonderful!

    Reply
  21. Wanda Lopez

    October 31, 2018 at 11:17 am

    A trip for the books. I’m not sure if everyone in the family will be game for this trip, but I sure do want to give some of those lagoons a try.

    Reply
  22. Brittany Vantrease

    October 31, 2018 at 11:24 am

    I don’t know if I would love this or hate it. The views are spectacular, but the mix between hot and cold… I’m shivering just thinking about it! How awesome is it though that it can be so cold, with snow on the mountain tops, but the surrounding water is warm?

    Reply
  23. Sara Welch

    October 31, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    Oh my goodness that looks like the place to be to me. I love visiting the natural hot springs.

    Reply
  24. Anosa Malanga

    November 1, 2018 at 12:53 am

    Such an awesome place to visit. Iceland, I will see you again and next time, I will consider this places to visit.

    Reply
  25. David Elliott

    November 1, 2018 at 11:16 am

    That Blue Lagoon is so beautiful there. I know about getting out and trying to get into the hot water right away because the cold is crazy cold. Did that in the freezing cold of Michigan when getting into a hot tub. Was an amazing experience.

    Reply
  26. Kristen

    February 4, 2022 at 1:42 pm

    I liked the post, very interesting and well written, I really needed to know about Iceland, thanks for sharing :D! Feel free to read mine too if you like to: Best Tour Package in Morocco

    Reply

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I have been an avid traveler since a young child, exploring the world by myself and with my family. I am a mom, wife and individual. When not running after three little dependents and a fat Labrador, you can find me working on our next destination plans. Somehow I also manage to fit in a job. Life is short. Fill it with family travel and adventures. You will not regret it. Embrace what the world has to offer. Oh we are also baseball obsessed, not sure how that snuck into our lives. Read More…



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