The Blue Lagoon in Iceland

After spending all day navigating The Golden Circle on our own by car, we still had enough time to make it to The Blue Lagoon before we boarded our flight at midnight to return home. Luckily, The Blue Lagoon Spa is open till 11pm in August so this was a nice relaxing way to end our trip in Iceland and it's only 12 miles from the Keflavik Airport so it would make sense to visit this spa either before or after leaving the airport.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited places in Iceland.  As you can see, the water is a milky pale blue color that is caused by silicate minerals in the water.  When we first drove up to the general area of The Blue Lagoon, B and I were in awe at how surreal this water looked.  It's practically glowing.  The Lagoon is a  manmade geothermal runoff of the visible adjacent power plant.  The water is delightfully warm with areas you can move to that are even warmer.  The water is renewed every two days.

Guests can float around the large spa and even apply some of the complimentary silica mud to their faces which will leave your skin feeling soft.  There is a swim up bar featuring drinks like beer and Skyr smoothies and a person walking around offering to take a free photo of you enjoying your time in the Lagoon for free!

The Blue Lagoon is not cheap.  In August, it costed us 40 euro just to enter The Lagoon.  We had to buy a towel and robe which was another 5 euro each and you can buy several other add ons.  You can also buy massages and spa masks, but like I mentioned earlier, you can use the silica mud for free in the actual lagoon.  

Guests use wrist bands to keep track of all of their purchases so that you don't have to worry about carrying around a wallet.  All guests must take a shower before entering the lagoon and Americans might be a little squeamish that most of the people are naked.  But trust me no is looking so relax. 

Though I think The Blue Lagoon is pricey overall, I really enjoyed my time at this spa.  I'd go again if I ever find myself in Iceland.  It's an experience of a lifetime and one I think not to be missed when visiting Iceland.  You can also walk around before you enter The Lagoon and take pictures of some of the other parts that are not made for swimming.  The terrain is absolutely unreal with the soil in this area being black with bright green moss. The last image is one of the sun setting before we hopped on our flight back to Germany.

If you'd like to visit The Blue Lagoon, you can visit their website here.
Would you visit The Blue Lagoon?
Stay tuned for the last post about my trip to Iceland, once I get my pictures developed from my underwater camera.  I went snorkeling in freezing cold water between the tectonic plates in Silfra. 
 Also, make sure you check out my other posts about Iceland here: A Scenic Morning in Gardur, Iceland | How Cute are Puffins? | Reykjavik, Iceland | How to Drive The Golden Circle in Iceland on Your Own
Linking up at:
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How to Drive the Golden Circle in Iceland on Your Own

During my three day trip to Iceland, I wanted to spend time in Reykjavik, time doing some guided tours, and also some time renting a car with B and traveling alone.  One of the top things to see in Iceland is The Golden Circle.  This is essentially the route you take that leads from Thingvellir National Park, to the Geysers, to Gullfoss Waterfall with various other stops you can make on the way.

This route is around 300 km and can be done in half a day, but you'll want to take the whole day if you want to stop off and take pictures of wildlife like the sheep and Icelandic horses.  That's really what this route is all about, taking in the scenery and exploring Iceland on your own. We rented Europcar for only a day because we were going to stop off at The Blue Lagoon and then drop off our car at the Keflavik Airport, but you can really use any rental agency and they are pretty much the same price.  They did charge us extra money to turn the car into the airport instead of where we originally got it from.  They also charged for the gas we used.

We began our trip at around 10 am and finished around 7 pm.  We did not go back to the beginning, but finished off our trip at The Blue Lagoon and then headed on a flight at midnight back home.  When I was doing research for how to do The Golden Circle, I saw a lot of great blog posts, but I really wanted to break it down and make it easier to understand.  Again, our route was Thingvellir National Park, Geyser, and Gullfoss.  Along the way, we made stops to capture the beautiful wildlife.

The easiest way to find your destinations are by using a car gps.  There are also plenty of signs everywhere guiding you in the right direction.  Iceland has had a boom of tourism in the past few years so don't be surprised to find loads of tourist either on buses or rentals stopping along on the same stops as you are.  I didn't realize how touristy The Golden Circle was until I noticed gift stores and cafes at nearly every major sight.  But even with how touristy it seemed, it still didn't deter from the amazing sights and moments we had cruising along the Icelandic countryside.  

The Sheep

There are many Icelandic Sheep on the The Golden Circle route as well as everywhere else.  Like the Icelandic horses, this domestic breed was brought over from the Vikings.  Their fur comes in multiple colors that create the beautiful Icelandic wool sweaters.

The Horses

I got to see and talk about these beautiful Icelandic Horses my first day in Iceland in my post A Scenic Morning in Gardur, Iceland, but I thought these horses were so lovely that I wanted to see more.  It's not hard to find these horses, they are everywhere.  They are also super friendly.  The last horse image is a picture I took as we were walking back to the car.  They were looking at us as if to say, "don't leave!"  or that was my perception anyway.

Stacking Rocks

All over Iceland and big tourist sites around the world I've noticed these stacked rocks.  Many of the stacked rocks in Iceland are not to be messed with as they are land markers or apparently honoring Icelandic sagas.  These rocks below were allowed to be stacked by tourists passing by.  I'm still not exactly sure of the significance of this but people were all about it.  In the background you can see the large Thingvallavatn Lake.  

Thingvellir National Park and Tectonic Plates

Thingvellir National Park (spelled with what looks like a P), is pretty broad and there isn't just one thing to see here.  This area is known for it's tectonic plate rifts and volcanic environment.  You can see many large cracks in the ground marking the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates.  During our trip to Iceland we also went on a snorkeling tour between the tectonic plates in Silfra, but I'll talk more about that in my next post.  This is a great area to roam off the beaten path and explore some of the odd terrain.  The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The National Parliament of Iceland

The National Parliament of Iceland or Althing in English is also located in the Thingvellir National Park.  It was founded in 930 making it the oldest parliament area in the world.  Here you can find some paths to walk and you can go up to the top of the cliff seen below and surprise, at the top is a gift shop.  

At the top of the cliff you can also see the Thingvellir Church.  We walked down towards it and took a look around the premises.  The church dates back to the 11th century (it has obviously had some work done) and is said to be built shortly after the acceptance of Christianity in Iceland.  The church also has a cemetery.

The Geysers

You will know you are here because of yet another gift shop and cafe.  There are several active geyers in this area, the biggest being Geysir.  But Geysir is not currently active and luckily enought a smaller geyser in the same area called Strokkur erupts every 4-8 minutes.  

Gullfoss Waterfall

Moving on to the last main stop on The Golden Circle will take you to Gullfoss, or Golden Falls.  This waterfall is huge and beautiful.  I couldn't quite get a good picture of the falls or even stand near it long enough because on this particular day it was very windy and rainy.  The wind and drizzle were almost too much to bear so I snapped a few pictures and left the site.  As you can see from the image below, you can actually walk up the path to get a closer look.

For lunch you can either stop off at a village or at one of the cafes near each site.  B and I just went to the grocery store to buy lunch and snacks to bring along for the trip.  The Golden Circle is easy to do by car and it was one of the my favorite things that I did in Iceland. There are so many great photo opportunities and the scenery is really breathtaking.  I encourage that you drive it on your own unless you absolutely love crowded bus tours. Have you toured The  Golden Circle either by yourself or on a tour?  Tell me all about it in the comments.
Stay tuned for my next post about Iceland where I show you The Blue Lagoon
Also, take a look at my previous posts about Iceland: A Scenic Morning in Gardur, Iceland | How Cute are Puffins? | Reykjavik, Iceland Linking up at:
From My Front Porch To Yours Ivy and Elephants Rooted in Thyme Budget Traveler's Sandbox Nancherrow Treat Yo' Self Thursday The Brambleberry Cottage Serenity Now Travel Photo Discovery Plucky's Second Thought Kathe With An E A Stroll Thru Life The Dedicated House (Make it Pretty Monday) Coastal Charm We Call it Junkin' Savvy Southern Style Lavender Garden Cottage Tuesdays with a Twist

 

Reykjavik, Iceland

The biggest city in Iceland is Reykjavik so it was a no brainer that we made this the base for our travel in Iceland.  Iceland has a relatively small population as much of the earth is unsuitable for building upon.  Iceland's population is roughly 300,000 and the majority of those people reside in Reykjavik at about 100,000.  Even so, Reykjavik has a lot to offer and some of the most friendliest people in the world.  Also, I didn't meet one local that didn't speak English.

We happened to be in Reykjavik during Gay Pride Week.  They had a huge parade and every local we came across asked us if we were attending the parade.  They said that Gay Pride week was a big event and that the parade was something of a family affair.  It seemed like the community just came together to celebrate all different types of people.  Even the mayor himself, dressed in drag for the parade last year.  

I really loved the two days we spent in Reykjavik.  Here is a rundown of some of the things you can do.

Downtown Reykjavik

The main shopping street in Reykjavik is called Laugavegur.  Here you can find many shops, restaurants, and excursion centers.   During Gay Pride Week it was really busy and during the pride parade people filled the streets wearing costumes and flags and of course drinking and having a great time.  The fashion in Reykjavik reminds me of Portland or Seattle.  A lot of hipster style but the clothes are very expensive.  It seems like to offset the expensive costs of clothes, there are second hand or thrift stores around every corner, selling, still expensive clothes.  

Very close to Laugavegur street, you can see the Hallgrimskirkja Church.  It's one of the most notable landmarks in Reykjavik as it looks like a concrete rocket.  It's pretty interesting as far as architecture goes and it was a gift from the United States.  Near the church is a statue of Leif Eriksson that predates the church.  You can take a lift up to the top of the church or walk the stairs for a small fee.  From the top you can see views of the city.  Seeing views from the top you get to see just how colorful all the little Icelandic houses are.  The inside of the church is pretty plain.

Another things we happened upon while walking around the city was an elf rock.  Some people in Iceland still believe in elves.  You can take a look at the story of the elf rock below.  

The Harbour

Not too far from the main shopping area in Reykjavik is the harbour.  The harbour is beautiful and another place with a lot of booming activity.  From the harbour, you can find some of the best seafood restaurants and even book some excursions and tours.  The harbour is also where you can find some fun bars and the Kolaportid Flea Market.  Near the harbour you can find the most famous hotdog stand in Iceland, Baejarins Bestu.

The Food

Since Iceland is an island, it's no surprise that it's filled with amazing seafood.  I was excited to eat seafood here since Germany lacks in that area. All of the seafood I ate near the Reykjavik Harbour was great.  I had great fish and chips at the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant.  Compared to other restaurants nearby it was pretty affordable too.

Another more affordable and tasty place was the Seabaron, which is a relatively newer restaurant on the harbour that is known for their lobster soup.  The lobster in this soup was as soft as butter and you get a big basket of crusty bread.  We also ordered a side of scallops.  You can also order other random seafood like whale, but I had to pass on that.

Another thing I tried which was right on the harbour was a crab cake sandwich.  Not too expensive and pretty great.

Oddly enough, hotdogs are pretty popular in Iceland.  The most famous hotdog stand, as I mentioned earlier is called Baejarins Bestu.  There is usually a line, but we hit up the stand at an odd hour of the day and ordered "one with everything," which is what most people order.  The hotdog doesn't look like anything special but it tastes good.  After Googling what was in the hotdog so I could attempt to make it at home I found out that the meat was a mixture of pork, lamb, and beef.  The toppings are an Icelandic remoulade which you can buy at any of the Icelandic grocery markets, ketchup, mustard, and french fried onions along with fresh onions. It's also another affordable meal option.

The last food item that I want to mention which I was excited to try was Skyr.  It can be found at any supermarket and it's basically Iceland's version of yogurt that they use in a lot of their cooking.  It's actually technically a cheese and it's thicker than Greek yogurt.  It's very good.

The Shopping

I mentioned a bit about the shopping earlier, but the thing that I was most eager to buy was an Icelandic wool sweater, or Lopapeysa, as they are called in Iceland.  For some odd reason (maybe it's because my previous trip was in Spain) I didn't pack enough warm clothes and it was also a bit rainy.  I can see why the people here wear these warm (and itchy) wool sweaters.  I did not realize at first just how expensive these sweaters were. Even at the second hand stores these sweaters were insanely expensive.  I picked the one below which is black with white and  brown details.  It's very warm and I love it. When I looked at my bank statement, the sweater came out to be $160.  Ouch.

I wanted to head to the Kolaportid Flea Market which is only on the weekends from 10-5.  They had a ton of Lopapeysa there to chose from and I actually ended up buying mine from there.  Even at the flea market they are only a bit cheaper than in the stores.  The one I bought was brand new and handmade as they all are, but you can also find some second hand sweater's there as well.

The Night Life

I had heard great things about the night life in Reykjavik so I had to check it out for myself.  As I mentioned, the people are very friendly and I have honestly never felt more safe in a country, and I live in Germany, which I feel very safe in. There are a lot of cool dance clubs in Reykjavik.  B and I met a lot of fun people and although alcohol is expensive, we had a great night.  I found it interesting that beer was illegal in Iceland up until 1989. I guess they are making up for it.  There are so many good looking people in Iceland, but they don't really know how to dance that well ;) Maybe this is also because I'm just coming from my trip in Spain.

Branching Out and What you Need to Know

And don't forget that there is so much more to do outside of Reykjavik.  You can book several tours or branch out on your own by car.  I've spoken to several people about Iceland and they were like, "well what is there to do in Iceland?"  It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and partygoers alike.  It has a lot to offer.  I will say however, that after all is said and done, Iceland is very expensive.  The currency is a little weird in ISK. Everything is very expensive.  On a three day trip I am embarrassed to say that B and I spent around $4000 including airfare.  I'm sure you can do it for less but after airfare, car rentals, places to stay (even with Airbnb), food, souvenirs/wool, excursions, and drinks at night, it all adds up.  But it it was 100% worth it for us and the trip of a lifetime.  Icelanders are some of the nicest friendliest people I've met.  And though most of their winter is in darkness, they are also some of the happiest people in the world.  

Is Reykjavik, Iceland on your bucket list?

Stay tuned for the next stop on our trip where I tell you how to drive The Golden Circle on your own by car.  

Also, here are some other posts I've written about Iceland:

A Scenic Morning in Gardur, Iceland | How Cute are Puffins?

Linking up at:
Kathe With An E A Stroll Thru Life From My Front Porch To Yours Ivy and Elephants Rooted in Thyme Budget Traveler's Sandbox Nancherrow The Brambleberry Cottage Travel Photo Discovery The Dedicated House (Make it Pretty Monday) Coastal Charm Savvy Southern Style Lavender Garden Cottage Tuesdays with a Twist