The Free Alternative To The Blue Lagoon And A Hike

The Blue Lagoon has to be the most overhyped excursion on a trip ever. It costs a fortune and actually isn’t that amazing, plus you can do a similar thing for FREE. Yes it’s FREE. Hiking to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs which is the free alternative to the Blue Lagoon, is a great way to get active in Iceland whilst seeing some of the typical Icelandic scenery including some wild horses.

You can also smell some very unique smells including lots and lots of hydrogen sulfide which yes is the one that smells like rotten eggs. Albeit, not as “glamorous” as the Blue Lagoon but it is definitely more authentic and natural. If you don’t have the money for a ticket to the Blue Lagoon – which could set you back 11,490 ISK = 65.85 GBP, this is definitely the one for you. I’m going to share with you my top tips to the hot springs and when the best time to visit it.

HIKING TO THE REYKJADALUR HOT SPRINGS // THE FREE ALTERNATIVE TO THE BLUE LAGOON

You can get to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs from the Ring Road. There is a car park which you can park up in before starting your hike to the springs. You’ll see a red building (pictured above) which will be your indication that you are in the right place. There will also be a sign post for it (pictured below) as well which tells you it’s 3.0km’s to the springs. You can use my Google Map further down in this post to help navigate your way to the springs.

READ MORE: 6 Places To Eat In Iceland

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO THE REYKJADALUR HOT SPRINGS

You can use the map below on your phone whilst you are there to help you navigate your way to the hot springs. Hit the star so you can use it in the future…

TIPS FOR VISITING THE HOT SPRINGS:

• There will be some funky smells but the scenery and experience is totally worth it. If you can’t handle strong smells, then definitely sit this one out.
• The best time to visit the hot springs is during the summer and early Autumn.
• There is limited privacy in the changing booths as Icelanders aren’t afraid of being naked. If you are travelling with someone, ask them to hold a towel around you whilst you change if you’re not comfortable changing infront of people. If you are solo, try and hold the towel around you as you change in different stages. If you can, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and you can then undress easily when you get there.
• If you don’t like standing on stones or small pebbles, I’d bring a pair of water shoes with you as there are small stones on the bottom of the springs.
• Bring a dry bag with you for your wet swimwear or clothes.
• There is a little bit of a hike to the springs which takes about 45 minutes but the scenery on the hike is amazing and makes it feel so much quicker. Definitely wear walking boots or comfortable shoes.