If taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon isn’t your thing or you’re a bit short on time, don’t worry! You can still see the stunning milky-blue waters without paying a cent.
Our time at the Blue Lagoon marked the end of our nine-day Iceland road trip. However, it wasn’t until we had wrapped up our visit and were waiting for our bus that we stumbled upon a hidden gem: Just outside the main entrance lies an area open to everyone, no ticket required.
How to see the Blue Lagoon without paying
First, find a spot in the free carpark. From there, you’ve got two options:
Option 1: Head towards the entrance, but just before reaching it, turn down the path on your left.
Option 2: Another entryway is by the luggage storage building. From the carpark look to the left of this building and you’ll see a gravel path leading out into the lava field.
No matter which path you take, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the aqua-blue water winding around lava rocks. It truly feels like stepping onto another planet.
I would also say that the water’s colours seemed even more vibrant than those within the Lagoon.
The paths are flat and easy to walk along, and if you’re interested, there’s a 1.4-km loop you can follow, typically taking around 23 minutes.
The best part is that this area and carpark are open 24/7, giving you the freedom to visit anytime, even when the resort is closed. It’s especially convenient during the summer months, where you can take advantage of the midnight sun while many tourists are sound asleep.
Just remember, swimming in the water isn’t allowed, but it’s perfect for taking photos.
The best place to take photos of the Blue Lagoon
I would arguably say that the best spot to take photos of the Blue Lagoon is actually outside the entrance.
Why? Because there are no crowds. You won’t have to dodge tourists interrupting your shots as they enjoy the water. You’ll have the opportunity to capture beautiful photos of the blue water undisturbed.
During our visit, we also noticed very few people walking along these paths, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take some excellent photos alone.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
Getting to the Blue Lagoon is pretty straightforward. You can take a bus from Reykjavik or the airport, but if you’re just planning on a quick visit without paying to enter, it might not be worth the cost.
Seeing the Lagoon for free is something I would only add to my list if I had a hire car. It’s only a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, making it an easy addition to your Iceland itinerary.
Is the Blue Lagoon Resort worth the money?
My partner and I decided to treat ourselves to tickets for the Blue Lagoon Resort, and spent 4-hours there. It set us back 22,980 ISK, and since we had already returned our rental car, we also had to pay for transportation to the lagoon, which cost 15,980 ISK.
I’m pleased we had the opportunity to experience the Lagoon, as it had been on my bucket list for years. However, if we’re fortunate enough to visit Iceland again, I wouldn’t choose to spend the money to revisit.
While it’s a unique experience, the Blue Lagoon is essentially just a hot spring โ an experience that can be found across Iceland and for cheaper. The amenities at the lagoon are luxurious with stunning surroundings, and you can find moments of tranquility if you seek out the quieter spots. But it’s important to understand that it’s heavily commercialised, making it a less authentic Icelandic experience.
Ultimately, whether the Blue Lagoon is worth the cost depends on your individual preferences. If you have the time and budget to incorporate it into your trip, go for it. If not, don’t worry โ there’s plenty more of Iceland’s beauty to explore. And if your road trip brings you nearby, be sure to stop and explore the beautiful lagoons surrounding the retreat for free.
Feature Image courtesy ofย Unsplash
