How to Visit the Blue Lagoon

You see milky turquoise water. You're swimming in the snow. Bobbing swimmers' heads nearly collide in the thick steam rising from the water's surface. Black lava rocks hover over you as you smear silica mud all over your skin. These are just a few of the weird, other-worldly images and sensations awaiting you at the Blue Lagoon, a man-made geothermal spa not far from Reykjavik, Iceland. It's not only a must-see for anyone passing through, it's also a worthwhile travel destination on its own--no matter what time of year. Read on for some of the basics on how to have this one-of-a-kind experience for yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plane ticket to Rekjavik
• Bathing cap
• Bathing suit

1. Get to Iceland. This is easier than you may think: Icelandair offers nonstop service from New York City during the summer and from Boston Logan during the winter, ensuring that your trip never involves more than one or two transfers, depending on where you begin your journey. The flight is around 4 hours long, which means that if you live on the East Coast, it's easier to get to Iceland than it is to London! Ticket prices vary but are generally cheaper in the winter months, when Iceland isn't at the top of very many travelers' lists.

2. Contact Reykjavik Excursions, a tour group, to arrange airport transfers if you're just stopping over. If you're stopping in Iceland en route to another destination, the Blue Lagoon is an easy bus ride away. It's just 8 miles from Keflavik Airport. You can arrange travel both to and from the airport; the ISK 4,400 ($70) fee includes lagoon admission.

3. Plan a day trip from Reykjavik. If you plan to head to the Blue Lagoon from the capital city, you can plan a day trip through Reykjavik Excursions or another tour group. Find information and help with booking at the Tourist information Center, Adalstraeti 2 (Tel: [phone]). Fees generally include transportation to and from the lagoon, as well as lagoon admission.

4. Come prepared, and take advantage of the lagoon's amenities. A locker is included with the admission price (ISK 1,800 from September 1 to May 1; ISK 2,300 from June 1 to August 31). Don't bother packing a towel. You can rent one for ISK 350. You can even rent robes (ISK 800) and bathing suits (ISK 400), if you're really traveling light. Do bring a bathing cap: the silica in the water can wreak havoc on your hair, turning it into straw.

5. Shower thoroughly. Since the lagoon's water isn't chlorinated, showering is required before you enter. Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are provided in the locker rooms.

6. Soak! The lagoon's water, heated by a geothermal power plant, is around 104 degrees F, though in some places it can be even hotter. Relax your muscles further in the lagoon's sauna and steam room, within the lagoon itself. Throughout the lagoon you'll find wooden troughs full of silica mud. You can create a face mask out of this; Icelanders believe it's great for the complexion. If you want to splurge, you can arrange to have a massage.

Resources

• Official Blue Lagoon Website
• Reykjavik Excursions Website
• City of Rekjavik Website