Find the free area at the Blue Lagoon
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 (I’ve marked it in green on the map below).
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 (marked in red).
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. This is especially convenient during the summer months, where you can take advantage of the midnight sun while many tourists are 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
While you can take photos from inside the spa, the paths outside the entrance are actually the better spot. There was almost no-one out here, which means you’re much more likely to get a clear shot of the water without crowds getting in the way.
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 glad we did it – it had been on my bucket list for years. But if we ever make it back to Iceland, I wouldn’t spend the money to go again. While it’s a unique experience, the Blue Lagoon is essentially just a hot spring, and those can be found across Iceland for a fraction of the price. The amenities are luxurious and the surroundings are stunning, but it’s heavily commercialised, which makes it feel like a less authentic way to experience the country.
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 – 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.
