Iceland in Winter: Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon seems to me to be perhaps Iceland's best-known attraction when I talk to people who have traveled to Iceland or have thought about traveling to Iceland.

There are likely many reasons for this including its proximity to Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik and its incredibly warm water even on cold winter days.

There's a short walk from the large parking lot to the facility.

Iceland has numerous geothermal-heated pools and most are relatively simple, but Blue Lagoon is a modern facility with modern amenities and features.

Because of its proximity to the airport and to Reykjavik, it makes for an easy day trip or for a stop just after arriving at the airport or just before departing at the airport.

It is customary in Iceland to shower while naked before getting into the geothermal heated pools, including the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon provides separate men's and women's dressing rooms and individual showers.

Blue Lagoon participants have a wristband that the use to lock and unlock a safe in the dressing room to store personal items.

While the water is relatively warm everywhere in the massive Blue Lagoon, the temperature does vary widely. The water is especially warm near the spots where the water is being pumped from 2000 meters below the earth's surface.

It is important to stay hydrated while in the Blue Lagoon and there are water fountains under some of the bridges that span channels connecting larger pools together.

Besides the unique advantages of soaking in the geothermal-heated water, there are some interesting views of the surrounding terrain from within the lagoon that are intensified with the rising sun.

Our Gate 1 bus driver had recommended on the previous day that we wear something to cover our ears while in the Blue Lagoon and we were very glad that he had made that recommendation because we saw several people covering their ears while in the lagoon on that cold January morning.

There is an area outside of the Blue Lagoon facility (between the parking lot and the facility) that has some interesting views of its own to enjoy after getting out of the water.

The Blue Lagoon is a modern facility that is likely most frequented by tourists. There are numerous other smaller geothermal-heated pools in Iceland that are more popular with the locals, but the unique nature and beauty of Blue Lagoon and its easy access from Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik make it a highly recommended activity for people visiting Iceland for the first time no matter what time of year they visit.