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Iceland - Blue Lagoon vs. swimming pools

I will be in Reykjavik in June for a one day layover. I'd like to spend some time in town and either visit the Blue Lagoon or one of the local swimming pools. The photos of the Blue Lagoon are beautiful, but the price at the local swimming pools is just right. Is the Blue Lagoon worth the splurge? Which is the best and/or most convenient local pool?

Thanks for your insight.

Mel

Posted by
461 posts

Hi Mel,

Splurge on the Blue Lagoon for a stopover. The one we also visited (as we stayed in Iceand for 4 days) was a local one that had the feel of a high school pool recreation area...

The Blue Lagoon is very nice and worth the extra cost. It is close to the airport, has good food, beautiful shower facilities and you can even catch up on some sleep on a comfortable lounge chair.

Good Luck!

Posted by
7049 posts

While the Blue Lagoon is certainly an expensive (and somewhat to very overrated) tourist-geared experience, there's nothing like it so it's worth trying at least once if you have no budget constraints....but, it's also worth comparing to local pools. I would say try both if you can, or just go local. As far as convenience is concerned, it really depends where you're staying - nothing is really too hard to get to because pools are everywhere and Reykjavik is very compact. I went to a pool on the outskirts of town and it was a great experience (I was amazed at the quality and quantity of pools per capita, but it's such a cultural marker for Icelanders to recreate in pools). Maybe this list will help:
http://www.visitreykjavik.is/swimming-reykjavik-0

Posted by
110 posts

If you were there for longer than a day, I'd recommend one of the farther-afield spas. (We did a Golden Circle tour that included two hours at Fontana Wellness spa, which is halfway between Gullfoss and Thingvellier) But given the short time, may as well splurge on the Blue Lagoon. It's a bit touristy, but still a good soak.

Have fun!