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Ferry: Landeyjahöfn to Vestmannaeyjar (ETR-T4528540)
Sat 07.Jul 2018 @ 09:45 AM

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Visit Westman Islands - Ferry Herjólfur to Vestmannaeyjar

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Posted on January 3, 2018 at 11:04 AM

We get alot of question regarding Landeyjahöfn and the ferry, so we decided to put them in one good FAQ for you.

If you want to bring your car over you should always book in advance since it is very common that the ferry is fully booked for cars.
You can book ferry tickets here
Just as a precaution we advise that you take your valuables with you (passports and etc)

If the ferry needs to go from Þorlákshöfn (Thorlakshofn) then the ferry ride is 2h and 45m. Þorlákshöfn is very common between november and mars.

From Reykjavík: around 100-110 minutes
From Selfoss: around 60 minutes
From Hella: around 35 minutes
From Hvolsvöllur: around 25 minutes

If the car and camper is 6 - 10m then price one way is 4.440*
If the car and camper is 10 - 16m then price one way is 5.800*
> We would further more need to know if the car or camper is higher then 2.15m
It is of course no problem getting a refund if Landeyjahöfn is cancelled due to weather - just drop us an email and we will take care of it.

For how long should i stay on Westman Islands

A common mistake that visitors make when coming to Westman Islands is that they only stop for one day. We haven't met a tourist yet that didn't want to stay longer so our advise to you is, spend at least two days and then you might be able to experience many of the great things about Westman Islands/Vestmannaeyjar.

If you don't have the luxury of spending the night then of course you can come and enjoy Vestmannaeyjar/Westman Islands in one day. We just recommend spending more time if that is possible on your behalf.

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Ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Westman Islands FAQ

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Posted on January 3, 2018 at 11:04 AM We get alot of question regarding Landeyjahöfn and the ferry, so we decided to put them in one good FAQ for you. If you want to bring your car over you should always book in advance since it is very common that the ferry is fully booked for cars.

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Driving along Iceland's south coast from Reykjavik to Vik is something that you can do even if you don't have much time to spend in Iceland. This post covers the best stops from Reykjavik to Vik and includes a map so you can see exactly where everything is.

There's so much to see along this route, and the list of sights include some of Iceland's best known natural attractions. You can get a good look at some of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, beaches and volcanoes along this stretch of coastline. While we took a trip with our two kids, there's nothing specifically aimed at children along this route and I'll mention activities and other attractions that you can do if you don't have kids, or with older children as well.

We visited Iceland in August and spent 10 days exploring Reykjavik and driving around the ring road with our two small kids. On the first day of our ring road trip we made for the seaside town of Vik i Myrdal, about halfway along Iceland's south coast.

That old cliche is a good one for this trip - it was definitely all about the journey and not the destination! Not that there's anything wrong with Vik - there's just a lot to do along the way. Read on to see what there is to discover!
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Things to do between Reykjavik and Vik along the South Coast

Okay, so there are some major stops along this route - you'll find many of Iceland's best things to do between Reykjavik and Vik. The main thing to remember is that Iceland is so gorgeous that you're going to want to pull over all the time just to drink in the views. So take it easy, and if you see something that looks interesting, there's probably a lay-by or car park by the side of the ring road where you can stop safely.

As you leave Reykjavik, you'll drive on a road through an immense lava field covered in a carpet of bright green moss. As this comes to an end make sure you stop in the lay-by to take in the view before you descend the mountain and drive along the coast. Look out for some huge volcanoes on your right as you drive towards Seljalandsfoss. I'm guessing that the largest was Hekla but I could be wrong!

You can make a stop at Hvolsvollur, the last town before you hit the main attractions, to see its new Lava Centre. While we didn't visit the Lava Centre (we went to a different volcano museum, now closed), it looks really interesting and especially good for kids.

Seljalandsfoss

The first major stop along the route from Reykjavik to Vik is Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It's right by the main road - you won't miss it. Seljalandsfoss is a delicate waterfall fed by the glacier on Eyjafjalljokull - possibly Iceland's most famous volcano, whose eruption caused travel chaos back in 2010.

As well as being photogenic, you can walk behind Seljalandsfoss, a unique experience. The rocks are slippery and you have to do a bit of scrambling to get over them so we didn't take the kids and took it in turns to walk behind it. Instead, the kids had a great run around in front of the waterfall and found plenty of rocks to collect.

Bear in mind that you won't be able to walk behind Seljalandsfoss in the winter. Make sure you've got hiking boots and a waterproof raincoat on - you're going to get wet!

You can also walk further away from the ring road to see another nearby waterfall, Gljufrabui, which is partially hidden by a large rock. You can walk into a sort of cave to get closer to the waterfall. We didn't have wellies with us and didn't fancy wading through the icy water so we gave this one a miss this time, but it looks worth exploring!

Eyjafjallajokull

Between the two famous waterfalls, try to stop at the viewpoint for Eyjafjallajokull. Sitting at the bottom of the volcano is a pretty farmstead and opposite we found a museum which documented the eruption of 2010.

Inside the museum we watched a short film narrated by the family who still live in the farmhouse today. When Eyjafjallajokull finally blew its top, the farmstead was buried deep in ash and the roads nearby were swept away in the glacial meltwater. The family displayed extraordinary resilience and determination to get their farm up and running again. It was fascinating to see a real human story behind the eruption, rather than a documentary about volcanic eruptions in general. Our kids even sat through this film without a peep.

Unfortunately it now looks as though the museum has closed permanently. Even if the museum is closed, the view to the farm and the volcano looming above it is very pretty and worth a quick stop. The Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur is a good alternative.

Not far away from Eyjafjallajokull's farmstead is Skogafoss, the other very famous waterfall on this route. Much bigger than Seljalandsfoss, visiting Skogafoss is a very different experience. You can get really close to the bottom (again, make sure you're waterproofed) which is great fun.

If you want to punish your legs then walk up the 500 or so steps next to the waterfall to get a great view. It was hard going with two kids - the husband carried the Cub and I took Bee in the sling. But the views were worth the effort.

Nearby you'll find the Skogar museum which has rebuilt turf farmhouses where you can see how Icelanders lived in the past. There's also the folk museum where you'll find Viking artefacts and discover how Icelanders fished and farmed the land.

There were plenty of people camping outside Skogafoss and you'll find facilities, a restaurant and a convenience store to stock up if you're camping.

Solheimasandur plane wreckage

A few minutes past Skogafoss is access to Solheimasandur beach and the wreckage of a US Navy plane which crashed on the beach in 1973 (no fatalities, happily).

This spot is a real draw for the amazing photos that you can take of the silver plane against the black sand of the beach. We had planned to visit, but in the end we skipped the plane crash because of the difficulty in getting to it.

From the road there isn't a signpost so you'll have to go really slowly to see the small car park at the side of the ring road. You can't drive down to the beach - you'll have to walk and it will probably take you at least 45 minutes. This is why we didn't manage to get there - an hour and a half's worth of walking on top of our already busy day was too much for our kids.

You need to use co-ordinates to find the wreckage. Solheimasandur plane wreckage is at: 63°27'32.8″N 19°21'53.2″W

Good luck!

The next stop along the ring road is the rocky outcrop of Dyrholaey. This is a great place for views over Iceland's south coast. The sea has carved a huge archway in the cliffs which you can see from the nearby cliff edge or from the beaches either side. There's also a lighthouse for you to check out too.

Dyrholaey is especially good to visit in the summertime as the cliffs are home to hundreds of puffins. These gorgeous little guys make their fishing runs from the safety of the cliffs. You can get fairly close to them and they don't seem to be bothered by people taking photos of them. See if you can spot seals swimming in the water below.

You can get a great view over the black sand beach of Reynisfjara which is where you can stop next, especially if you don't go down to the beach at Dyrholaey.

Reynisfjara black sand beach

Reynisfjara black sand beach is where you can find a fantastic example of basalt columns created by volcanic eruptions. They stretch up the cliffside and form some caves where you can get a good look at the end of the columns. Out to sea you can't miss some spiky sea stacks, the Reynisdrangar. According to legend they were once trolls turned to stone by the sun.

On the cliffs in the summer you'll see hundreds of seabirds; puffins, guillemots and fulmars among others. Our kids had a lovely time playing with the black pebbles on the beach. You can get a superb view back to Dyrholaey from Reynisfjara beach.

Reynisfjara is a popular spot with tourists but you do need to be really careful about the waves here. Rogue waves, called sneaker waves, can surge up the beach unexpectedly and sweep you out to sea. There are plenty of warning signs. Keep a close eye on your kids just in case and don't turn your back to the sea.

Vik i Myrdal

And finally, just around the headland is the pretty little town of Vik i Myrdal, or Vik for short. Vik is one of the main stops along the south coast, and is much smaller than I thought it would be. Still, you'll find lots to do here, from hiking to paragliding and horse riding. There's a tourist information centre in the middle of the town.

Vik is where you'll find much of the accommodation in the area. Be sure to book as far ahead in advance as possible - we had to retrace our steps a long way to find budget accommodation. There are also several restaurants if you don't fancy self catering, and if you've got the energy to head out again after seeing all of the above!

Other things to see along Iceland's south coast

There are many adventures to be had along this stretch of Iceland between Reykjavik and Vik. Some of the more adventurous things aren't suitable for very small children though, so choose carefully. You'll need extra time for the activities and so we didn't get around to them.

You can take a side trip into the mountains towards Landmannalaugar where you can see some amazing scenery in Iceland's interior. Here you'll find geothermal pools and rainbow mountains. There is a 4 day hike from Landmannalaugar to Þorsmork that you can take in the summer but this is only suitable for older teens if you're travelling with kids. Taking a guided tour for this hike is recommended.

If that's a bit too adventurous or you don't have the time to spare, then you can go snowmobiling near Eyjafajallajokull. Younger children will enjoy the hikes and horse riding opportunities in the area.

If you want to do something totally different then you could try heading to the Westman Islands, just off the coast near Sejalandsfoss. You can fly or take a boat there independently, or join up with a tour. Heimaey island has a really interesting history; in 1973 one of the towns was almost destroyed by a lava flow. The locals used an ingenious idea to divert the lava and save their town and their important fishing port.

Reykjavik to Vik road trip: Know before you go

Can you drive from Reykjavik to Vik and back in a day?

If you set out really early and are prepared to get back late, then yes you can. The total Reykjavik to Vik driving time is about 2.5 hours but it will take you longer as you will be stopping often. This is a good option if you don't have much time in Iceland and won't be driving the ring road.

It's best to do this day trip in the summer as the winter daytime hours are short and you may not get to see as much as you'd like. Perhaps take a tour if you visit in the winter as then you don't have to worry about difficult driving conditions or driving in the dark.

Where to stay on Iceland's south coast

As this is a popular route to take, you'll find lots of accommodation options. However, if you're travelling on a budget make sure to book as far in advance as possible. If you're continuing along the ring road the next day, you might want to stay near Vik so you don't have to backtrack. We had to backtrack quite a long way, staying near Seljalandsfoss.

Booking.com has lots of options ranging from budget to more luxurious accommodation. Around Vik, the Black Beach Suites get great reviews and are family friendly. Take a look at the latest prices and availability here.

If you prefer to stay in an apartment try the Nausthamar Apartments which are in central Vik. Get more information and prices here.

You could also try Guesthouse Carina which is also recommended for families. They've got a wide range of room options, and a high rating. Check out the latest prices here.

In the town centre Icelandair Hotel is another great family-friendly option. See if it's free for your trip here.

If none of these places are available, try your luck with AirBnB as there are quite a few options on this site.

Getting around Iceland's south coast

If you are driving this route yourself then it's really easy to find all of the above sights. They're right by the side of the road and/or well signposted for the most part.

Always check the weather before you travel in Iceland. It's very changeable so you need to be prepared in case the weather closes in, even in the summer. Remember that you need to take extra care and allow more time for your journey in the winter. You can find more information on driving around Iceland here.

Make sure you know where you're going to refuel as there aren't that many petrol stations on this road. There are several options once you get to the coast but the towns and options quickly peter out. Of course you can refuel at Vik but after that it's a long drive to Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Check this map to see where you can refuel.

***

Have you been to Iceland's south coast? What was your favourite thing to see? If I've missed anything let me know in the comments!

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The best stops from Reykjavik to Vik: along the south coast of Iceland

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Driving along Iceland's south coast from Reykjavik to Vik is something that you can do even if you don't have much time to spend in Iceland. This post covers the best stops from Reykjavik to Vik and includes a map so you can see exactly where everything is.

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See a real live Puffin up close!

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SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary (Vestmannaeyjar) - 2019 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - TripAdvisor

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Things to do near SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary

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Thingvellir National Park - 2019 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - TripAdvisor

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TripAdvisor gives a Certificate of Excellence to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers.

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Vestmannaeyjar to Landeyjahöfn (ETR-T4528541)
Sun 08.Jul 2018 @ 11:00 AM

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A while ago I posted a Drive It Yourself guide to the Golden Circle. Obviously this was something that people needed, judging by the positive reaction to it, so I decided it would be the first post of a Drive-It-Yourself series where I will feature feasible day tours from Reykjavík.

Today we are going to focus on the south coast which is thought by many visitors one of the most beautiful areas in Iceland. And for a good reason: on this route you will see amazing waterfalls, majestic glaciers, black sand beaches and depending on the day some of the most gorgeous vistas you'll ever encounter. What is good about the south coast is that once you get over Hellisheiði (a mountain close to Reykjavík where the weather can be troublesome) the road is pretty comfortable and easy to drive. The area is known for heavy winds though so make sure your check the weather forecast and the road conditions before you head out (you should always do that anyway), especially in winter.

If you are a solo traveler or you don't feel comfortable with driving yourself you can always consider doing this bus tour of the south coast - it gets great reviews on Tripadvisor and is quite affordable. If you need a for your trip you can also book it here on the blog.

Reykjavík to Vík

When we talk about the south coast we usually mean the drive between Reykjavík and the village of Vík, with some pretty fantastic stops along the way. Because there is a lot to see most people leave the Golden Circle for another day or combine the two into a two or three day adventure around the south of the country. This post will assume you are doing this as a day tour but if you have time you should definitely consider expanding your trip and include a glacier walk in Sólheimajökull or similar activities along the way.

According to Google Maps the round trip to Vík and back is 391km which is about 5 hours and 10 minutes of driving. I'm pretty sure it takes me a little longer to drive that but I've never been good with distances. That of course excludes all the stops you will be doing on the way.

This is a full day tour so expect a long day. If you want to make a stop overnight in Vík I always enjoy the warm welcome at Vík hostel but there are also nice hotels in town that you might want to check out.

Adding Vestmannaeyjar (The Westman Islands)

It's possible to add the Westman Islands to your day tour during the time of the year where we have more daylight. but I wouldn't recommend this in winter. Both the south coast and the islands deserve a full day of their own but if you are pressed for time and you really want to check out the islands this is totally doable.

This summer the boyfriend and I, along with our good friends, did exactly this. We wanted to visit the Westman Islands and left Reykjavík early enough to catch the first ferry. We spent around 4 hours on the islands and then took the ferry back to land and carried on. We didn't go all the way to Vík but we visited Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Seljavallalaug. You can read all about it in this post I wrote about our trip.

The ferry to the Westman Islands leaves from Landeyjahöfn and it takes around half an hour to get there. Sometimes the conditions in Landeyjahöfn (like right now when this post is written) prevent the ferry from leaving there so it goes from Þorlákshöfn instead (which is nowhere close). Make sure you check this before you leave.

Adding Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

A lot of people ask me whether it's doable to get all the way to Jökulsárlón and back to Reykjavík in a day and although the answer is yes, you can do this, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. First of all you will feel pressed for time the whole way. If you do plan to do it all in a day I would prioritize the stops because you'll probably not be able to do everything you want to do. This is a much nicer trip if you stop somewhere along the way for the night but if you have limited time and you want to cram in as much as you can this is possible.

According to Google Maps the drive from Vík to Jökulsárlón and back adds 385km to your trip or 4 hours and 22 minutes making the total driving time 9 and a half hours from Reykjavík and back. I did this in April 2012 and we were 18 hours on the road. We skipped a lot of great stops because we simply didn't have time for them but we still had time for a zodiac boat tour on the lake and a hike to Svartifoss.

If the south shore is a full day tour then this is a fuller day tour - on steroids.

Instructions on how to use this map (viewing it larger is advised):
There are five layers on this map. To see all the layers click on the button in the top left corner. The first layers contains points of interest in the area. The second layer contains places, restaurants, pools and such that might be worth visiting in the area. The third layer iis points of interest further east.. The fourth layer is driving instructions for the south shore tour. The fifth and final layer is driving instructions from Vík to Jökulsárlón. To hide and show different layers click on the boxes next to the names of the layers (if they are visible there's a little check mark in the box). To make the map bigger click the bracket (next to your profile photo) in the top right corner of the map.
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Drive it yourself: A South Coast Adventure

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A while ago I posted a Drive It Yourself guide to the Golden Circle . Obviously this was something that people needed, judging by the positive reaction to it, so I decided it would be the first post of a Drive-It-Yourself series where I will feature feasible day tours from Reykjavík.

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Booking confirmation # - Video --- How to pick up your car.
How to pick up your car - https://www.icelandcarrental.is/keflavik-airport-car-rental

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Agency Record Locator  ZDNMQL

Hotel Name : Fosshotel Baron
Hotel Address : Baronsstigur 2-4 Reykjavik 101

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Downtown hotel in the heart of Reykjavík, within walking distance from the main shopping street in Reykjavík.

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ASKA HOSTEL $58 ($̶6̶9̶) - Prices & Reviews - Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland - TripAdvisor

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Now $58 (Was $̶6̶9̶) on TripAdvisor: Aska Hostel, Vestmannaeyjar. See 67 traveler reviews, 39 candid photos, and great deals for Aska Hostel, ranked #1 of 9 specialty lodging in Vestmannaeyjar and rated 4.5 of 5 at TripAdvisor.

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The Great Geysir is an erupting hot spring located in Iceland's hugely popular Golden Circle tour area which lends its name to describe this kind of spouting hot spring, giving us the English word 'geyser'. This geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley, situated to the east of Mount Laugafell, is particularly rich in hot springs and geyser activity. For many people, when they think of Iceland, they find the first thing that springs to mind is an image of a geyser spouting vast amounts of superheated water. These images are synonymous with Iceland as the country is renowned around the world for its impressive erupting geysers. After all, there are only a few of these in existence around the globe!

The Icelandic name of the Great Geysir is Stóri Geysir, which literally translates as 'the great gusher', a name which is quite apt if a little odd! The Great Geysir was legendary for its highly explosive eruptions, blasting enormous jets of scalding water to an impressive height of between 200 and 260 feet. It's hard to imagine the sheer volume of superheated water which would explode forth from Great Geyser´s vast 60 foot wide opening. The chamber beneath the visible spout descends to a depth of around 65 feet, providing spectacular photo opportunities.

In 1916, the Great Geyser stopped erupting all of a sudden, much to the display of Iceland's locals and tourists alike! It did briefly surge back into life in 1935, but by 1950, its activity had lessened considerably, and it became fully dormant not too long after. Various ideas have been put forward as to why the Great Geysir stopped spouting, but no one theory seems to fully explain the changing fortunes in the life of this Great Grandfather of erupting hot springs.

The history of the Great Geysir over the last couple of centuries show a pattern of less frequent eruptions, although the explosive spouts would still sometimes soar to impressive heights. It is reputed to have erupted every three hours or so until the early 19th Century when the frequency of these eruptions became less and less. In 1871, William Morris, an English adventurer, illustrator, and writer, recorded in his diary that the Great Geysir erupted every five or six days. This frequency seems to have continued into the early 20th Century. Unfortunately, since then the Great Geysir´s eruptive nature has been steadily diminishing.

The Great Geysir could be jolted into action from time to time through people digging furrows into the rim to encourage activity, but this was short-lived, and the magnificent 200 to 260-foot-high scalding spouts of water remained a thing of the past. Many people have claimed that the amount of debris and rocks thrown into the Great Geysir by tourists caused the eruptions to cease. While it is well known that nothing should ever be thrown into a geyser or any other kind of hot spring for that matter, most people agree the actions of a few troublesome tourists alone could not solely be responsible for the Great Geysir´s grand demise! From time to time, there have been spurts of life, particularly between 1981 and 1983, after a large quantity of sinter was cleared out from a furrow in the rim. In the year 2000, the Great Geysir erupted its scalding cargo an astonishing 122 meters (400 feet) into the air! So, this Great Grandfather of geyser hot springs may not have totally left its glory days behind after all!

Today, Strokkur, located approximately 300 feet from the Great Geysir, is a highly active erupting hot spring, that spouts obligingly every 4 to 10 minutes. Strokkur means 'the churn´ and it certainly lives up to its name, churning out great torrents of water far more frequently than any other geyser in Iceland. You won't need to wait long to witness a Strokkur eruption. If you think you've missed a glorious photo opportunity, worry not, as another is right around the corner. This is in stark contrast to having to wait three hours, or even several days, for the Great Geysir to decide to erupt!

Standing before Strokkur´s sizzling opening is always exciting. The timespan between spouts varies, but most people get a gut feeling just before the moment arrives. So, what are the signs you should you watch out for? When you see the surface of the pool boiling a little more volatilely than usual, then swaying a little, this usually means that an eruption is imminent. Finally, the surface of the scalding pool will retract back a little - when this happens, Strokkur is well and truly primed for action. Set your camera to sports action mode and get ready to witness one of Mother Nature's show stoppers!

Strokkur is one of the most extraordinary places in Iceland. The sights, sounds and that tingly feeling you get when the most active geyser in Iceland erupts are all very hard to forget.

For tourists and locals alike, we're lucky to have a reliably erupting geyser so close to , sitting directly inside the hugely popular Golden Circle area . Various geological factors have to combine for a geyser to exist, making them very rare in nature. In order for a geyser to erupt, the following features must all be present:

The molten magma has to be sufficiently close to the surface of the earth make the rock hot enough to boil water. No hot rocks = no geyser!

A sufficient and continuous source of flowing underground water is an essential component of any erupting geyser. Drains from Langjökull Glacier pass close by on its journey to Haukadalur, and through porous lava, a constant water supply to Strokkur is achieved.

There must be a conduit to carry the water to the 'chamber' or reservoir which holds the water. This sits underground beneath the opening of the hot spring.

The vent and its plumbing system need to have a silica lining to prevent the water from draining away.

Very little is known about the early history of the Strokkur hot springs. It had been very quiet, or possibly even inactive, before an earthquake in 1789 kindled its activities quite dramatically. In the early days, Strokkur would regularly spout water up to 130 feet in the air. Nowadays though, the eruptions tend not to soar much more than 100 feet high but have been known on occasion to do so. Spouts regularly reach heights of 65 to 80 feet, which is still an impressive sight, particularly when you are stood beside it.

What of Strokkur´s changing fortunes? Not surprisingly, as with any natural phenomenon, they have ebbed and flowed a little over the last 230 years or so. By 1830, Strokkur was erupting very infrequently, but there are reports of people throwing rocks and stones into the bubbling aperture to encourage eruptions. These objects would then be exploded out when Strokkur erupted, flying about like unguided missiles and causing a severe safety hazard. Suffice to say, throwing stones into a geyser is not recommended, as super-heated rocks can kill on impact!

During this period, Strokkur´s eruptions were faltering, so some assistance was needed to nurture it back into life. In 1963, the Geysir Committee came up with a great solution; a 130-foot deep hole was bored beneath the Strokkur's basin. Since then, Strokkur has blasted a lot more regularly.

After watching Strokkur erupt, follow the pathways around the Geysir Geothermal Area, then come back to witness Strokkur perform for a second or third time! All eruptions are spellbinding but. like snowflakes, no two are ever exactly the same, so repeat viewings are highly recommended!

Take photos or film footage, as geysers are becoming increasingly rare in modern times, so for many people, this really is a once in a life-time opportunity.
Enjoy a walk or a hike among the hot springs
Pathways will take you around the hot spring area. All visitors are advised to keep to the designated areas for safety reasons. There are other tracks and pathways which will take you a little further afield. One particular track will take you to the top of Mount Bjarnafell. Here you can look down on Geysir from a height of 727 meters (1729 feet) and get fabulous views over the whole of Haukadalur. In the days before power was transferred to Skálholt, this valley was an important seat of power; the Lords or Chieftains of Haukadalur are known to have met besides the nearby 19th Century church. While the history books are a little short on detail, it is easy to imagine grand gatherings around a great table surrounded by stately high seats.

If hiking is your thing, Iceland is renowned worldwide for it hiking adventures and stunning scenery to suit every level. Check out our hiking tours here
Visit Haukadalur Church
Haukadalur Church can be reached by foot or by car, via the marked 3 km (1.9 miles) long gravel track leading to the forestry reserve. The story of the local giant, Bergþór of Bláfell, links to this church. The weighty brass doorknob is reputed to have been owned by this friendly giant who, it is said, gave it in gratitude for the right to be buried within the sound of the pealing church bells. There is known to have been a church on this site since the year 1030 AD/CE, with the old building being pulled down and the present church built in 1842/43. The new church is considerably larger and a more decorative building, an altarpiece carved by the popular and prolific Icelandic sculptor, Ásmundur Sveinsson, has been added.

Geysir is a great location to watch out for the winter northern lights or to witness the midnight sun. The special light of day-break or twilight will always add a surreal and dreamy quality to the Haukadalur landscapes around Strokkur. A winter Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour is also an incredible experience. Driving the Golden Circle late in the evening under the midnight sun is a special and unique experience that should be availed of if you're in the area around these times of year and the weather permits.

Enjoy the stores and shops, situated just across the road in the Geysir Center. Here you will find handcrafted souvenirs and designer goods including blankets, wool sweaters and other clothing fashioned from Icelandic wool. Top quality outdoor clothes and rainwear from the best Icelandic suppliers and manufacturers are also on sale here. If there is something you forgot to pack for your trip, you can buy it here.

You will find the famous Icelandic lopapeysa Icelandic wool sweaters, mittens, socks, hats and other practical every day Icelandic items of clothing. Stylish, top of the range designer wool dresses, jackets, shawls and hats suitable for the most elegant winter occasions can also be bought in stores and shopping centers in the locality.

Whether you just want a quick coffee, a snack or a full meal, you have plenty of choices:

The Glíma Bistro serves a wide range of meals, snacks, and drinks.

The Kantína Restaurant offers a different menu to the Glíma Bistro.

Súpa Restaurant serves soup and vegetarian food for those looking for a healthier option.

Most of the above are open daily from September to May, 10:00 am to 17:00 pm and June to August, 10:00 am to 20:00 pm.

The Geysir Hotel Restaurant is currently closed for renovation, it is due to reopen in June 2018.

For more on what delicacies this area has to offer to see our Best Food on the Golden Circle blog post .

There are display boards at the entrance to the Geysir Geothermal Area showing information about the geysers and other geothermal activities found in the valley.

Fuel is available at the NI-Gas Station which also sells refreshments.

Entry to the toilets in the Geysir Center is free of charge.

There are two car parks in the vicinity of the Geysir Geothermal Area. One is on the opposite side of the road at the Geysir Center - you only have to walk across the road to get to the entrance. There is also another car park on the same side of the road as the Geysir Geothermal Area. This car park is closer to the geysers and is a better option for those with small children, limited mobility or wheelchairs.

Litli Geysir Hotel is a 22-room hotel located just across the road from the Geysir Geothermal Area. This hotel offers comfortable accommodation throughout the year.

Hotel Geysir is currently closed for renovations. It is scheduled to re-open in 2018 as a luxury 4-star 77-room hotel with high-end spa and conference facilities.

The shortest route to the Great Geysir from is 99 km (61 miles), which will take you through the valley of Mosfellsdalur and the charming village of Laugarvatn.

The other route will take you south, through Hveragerði, and takes a little longer at 108 km (67 miles). Traveling from Þingvellir National Park , the shortest route following roads numbered 36, 365, 37 and 35 is 60 km (37 miles). From Gullfoss Waterfall , the distance is just 9.7 km (6 miles).

If you'd like to witness the Great Geysir Geothermal Area for yourself, you can do so as part of one of our many wonderful Golden Circle Tours

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The Great Geysir is an erupting hot spring located in Iceland's hugely popular Golden Circle tour area which lends its name to describe this kind of spouting hot spring, giving us the English word 'geyser'. This geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley, situated to the east of Mount Laugafell, is particularly rich in hot springs and geyser activity.

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A family adventure holiday to Iceland with kids really isn't complete without visiting the extremely popular Golden Circle. This is a 300 kilometre drive of natural geological formations and sites that takes in old volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers and even some Teutonic plates. To get a real sense of the landscape of Iceland (home to so many myths and legends) as well as to be able to spend some proper time at each stop, plan your own road trip with kids around the Golden Circle, instead of hopping on a tour bus. It's easy to do a road trip with kids in Iceland - here's all the family travel tips you need.

Apart from flexibility, doing a self drive road trip with kids in Iceland allows everyone to have a good seat to take in the stunning lunar-like landscape of the country. More than just driving to each destination, some of the sights along the way are equally as spectacular and photo-worthy.

The Golden Circle in Iceland is a circuit that comprises four major tourist stops. Each has free entry, is very easy to find and within driving distance of Reykjavik.

Doing a big bus tour of the Golden Circle is very popular but, if you are in Iceland with kids, you won't be getting the best out of the experience. Apart from spending prolonged hours in the bus, potentially without good window seats, many of the bus tours will attempt to complete all the sites in one day which will make the kids tired and grumpy and the experience rushed and uncomfortable.

If you plan your own road trip with kids in Iceland you can comfortably do one or two attractions per day and this will allow a little extra time to really see what is at each site, explore off the main road, wait for the weather to pass if it's raining or snowing or budget in some extra for chill out time at the hotel for the kids.

Thingvellir National Park in Iceland With Kids

The UNESCO park claims to be home to the world's first parliament and is a striking, eerie and quite brilliant place. Despite the many other tourists you will see, Thingvellir is so magnificent it still retains its air of majesty and mystery.

From the carpark you walk along a steep wall face which is where two Teutonic plates meet. Keep going and there are waterfalls and gorges to be viewed including the site for snorkeling and diving right inside the rift valley (some of the best diving in Iceland). This is quite deep and extremely cold and only suitable for adults.

[ For more travel tips on SCUBA diving with kids, see the suitcases&strollers interview with aPADI consultant.]

There are also plenty of hiking trails around Thingvellir, even in the winter as they are cleared of snow daily. To find out which paths are clear to hike, check the official map here.

You can also camp in Thingvellir National Park - the camp site is open from June 1 to September 1. Kids under 13 can camp free.

[ For more travel tips on camping with kids, see the suitcases&strollers story here.]

Geysers - Geysir and Strokkur in Iceland With Kids

Kids will get a real kick out of visiting the geyser park. Take some time to walk around and look at the different steaming, bubbling pools because once they get to the Strokkur geyser (the most reliable and popular geyser in the area), they won't want to leave.

Strokkur shoots water up to around 30 metres in the air about every few minutes and is the most popular of the many formations and pools around the area. Visitors can stand quite close to the geyser and watch the waters pull back before every eruption.

There is a nearby visitor centre and hotel (see Family Friendly Accommodation below) with a shop and toilet facilities.

[ For more travel tips on Iceland in general, see the suitcases&strollers story here.]

Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland With Kids

This spectacular waterfall gets better and better the closer you get. You can view it from above but even more exciting is to follow the path down the stairs and walk right up to the waterfall and hear it's huge roar.

On a sunny day this is a pleasant spot but if the weather is cool it can be quite cold, especially as there is quite a lot of spray if you get close to the waterfall. The flip side is that in the winter the falls can sometimes freeze, another spectacular sight.

If you plan to get close to the waterfall - which is what is the most exciting for kids - it's a good idea to wear a waterproof shell (or otherwise be prepared to get wet). You cannot push a stroller right up to the waterfall (there are numerous stairs involved) so infants will need to be taken in baby carriers.

Beware of young toddlers as the ground is also quite slippery.

Kerid Crater in Iceland With Kids

If you have ever dreamed of visiting a volcano with kids, Kerid is quite a safe and pleasant way to do it. You can park your car very close to the crater lake and from there it is a very short stroll along a path (easily done with a hardy stroller) up to the edge of the magma chamber thought to have been formed post volcanic eruption about 6,000 years ago.

Although there are no barriers around the edge of the crater, you can get close enough to see right inside without actually it becoming dangerous which is perfect for young kids. You can also walk almost all the way around the crater on the path as well down near the water's edge inside the crater.

On the way back to Reykjavik look out for the quaint cairn (stacks of rocks) on the roadside that lend a magical, mythical feel to the landscape.

And make sure to stop in at the Fjorubordid Restaurant which specialises in delicious Icelandic lobster dishes. [ To read more about Fjorubordid, see the suitcases&strollers story aboutReykjavik with kids.]

Family Friendly Accommodation in the Golden Circle in Iceland With Kids

If you are planning a road trip with kids around the Golden Circle in Iceland, it's worth planning to stop and spend at least a couple of nights at the very trendy Ion boutique hotel.

The chic and modern design hotel is juxtaposed against the deserted moss covered surrounding landscape and - for those who like design and architecture - makes for a very memorable experience. Don't miss a visit to the Northern Lights Bar (which has a stunning view back over the valley) and the outdoor pool. [ For more family travel tips on how to spot the Northern Lights with kids, see the suitcases&strollers story here.]

Ion is conveniently located an easy drive to either Kerid Crater or Thingvellir and its location makes for a good base to view the rest of the Golden Circle with kids.

Ultimately Ion is a hotel that is designed for couples, not families, so while they have highchairs, cots, wifi in the rooms and will welcome children, don't expect lots of children's facilities such as playgrounds or toy boxes. The deluxe rooms (the largest room size) are pretty cosy for a family of four (with two small kids) - it is much more comfortable to get two rooms next door to each other.

Directly in front of the two geysers is Hotel Geysir which has a geothermal water swimming pool and boasts views of the geysers at night accented with the Northern Lights in winter. All rooms have wifi so if you wanted to stay a little further along the Golden Circle with kids, this makes sense.

The Practicalities of a Road Trip to the Golden Circle With Kids

It is possible to do the Golden Circle on a large bus tour in one day from Reykjavik, especially during the long days in the summer. Many tourists do this as a stopover on their way elsewhere. While you may physically get on and off the bus and tick the boxes on all the major sites, this doesn't really do the Golden Circle justice especially if weather is bad.

The best way to see the Golden Circle in Iceland with kids is to hire your own car and self drive the circle. This kind of road trip with kids means everyone will have a good view of the spectacular and ever changing scenery and will allow you to take leisurely lunch stops, rest breaks, take your time at each site and be at the dinner table by 6pm. Two to three days is a good amount of time to really experience the Golden Circle with kids without feeling rushed.

There are many car companies in Iceland that will allow you to pick up your car in Reykjavik. It is worth investing in a 4 wheel drive car in case you want to do any off road driving, but a small car will also suffice for the major sites. At the Europcar office you can also purchase a driving CD that, although clunky, talks you through fables and stories behind the major highlights.

If you are planning a road trip with kids in Iceland, there are several specific road rules you should take into account. There is a speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour, even on open roads, and you must drive with your headlights on at all times, even in the middle of the day in the summer. There are a lot of police patrols about, so keep these rules forefront of your mind.

[ When planning a road trip with kids, don't forget you will need kids car seats. For more travel tips on why you should pack car seats for kids, see the suitcases&strollers interview with acar safety expert.]

The weather is highly changeable in Iceland and what is sunny and clear can quickly turn to cold and rainy. As such, you will need to pack proper waterproof shoes (hiking boots are best), wind and waterproof jackets and outdoor gear that can cope with the sun, cold and rain. Bring a light backpack with you whenever you leave the car so you don't get caught out.

It may sound strange, but bring swimming gear with you too. Iceland is dotted with some fantastic outdoor public thermal pools (and many hotels have them too) which make a great place to stop and unwind with kids.

Food and toilet stops are readily available at most tourist sites along the Golden Circle in Iceland. In many service stations you can even Ella's Kitchen baby food pouches.

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Road Trips With Kids: The Golden Circle in Iceland

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A family adventure holiday to Iceland with kids really isn't complete without visiting the extremely popular Golden Circle. This is a 300 kilometre drive of natural geological formations and sites that takes in old volcanoes, waterfalls, geysers and even some Teutonic plates.

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Quadruple Room
Diane Lauer, 3 adults, 1 child age 8

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HOTEL LAEKUR $112 ($̶1̶7̶3̶) - Updated 2019 Prices & Reviews - Iceland/Hella - TripAdvisor

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Now $112 (Was $̶1̶7̶3̶) on TripAdvisor: Hotel Laekur, Iceland. See 405 traveler reviews, 277 candid photos, and great deals for Hotel Laekur, ranked #3 of 12 B&Bs / inns in Iceland and rated 4.5 of 5 at TripAdvisor.

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Home to one of 25 wonders of the world, Blue Lagoon Iceland is a place where the powers of geothermal seawater create transformational spa journeys. Unforgettable-experience the water, the accommodations, the cuisine, and the volcanic landscape.

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What and where is the Blue Lagoon? What makes this luxury spa so special, and how was the lagoon formed? Is the Blue Lagoon natural or man-made? How long do you need to maximise your experience here, and just how warm is it? Find out all you need to know about the Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland here.
What is the Blue Lagoon?

The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular attractions, and it's is little wonder as to why. The beautiful milky-blue water is unlike anything else found on earth, and makes a stark contrast to the surrounding black lava field and its creeping grey moss. It sits at 39°C (102°F) year-round, making it the perfect temperature for bathing.

The lagoon is situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, a region renowned for its barren landscapes and cone-shaped volcanoes. It is only a 15-minute drive from the Keflavík International Airport, and around a 30-minute drive from the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík. That makes it the perfect first stop when arriving in Iceland, or the last stop before you leave the country.

Due to its excellent location, its soothing waters and rich skin nourishment, the Blue Lagoon quickly became Iceland's most visited attraction, rivaled only by the Golden Circle sightseeing tour.

Aided by world-known media outlets-such as the National Geographic that named it one of the top 25 Wonders of the World, and Condé Nast Traveller awarding it one of the top 10 spas in the world-the Blue Lagoon is now internationally famous and on the top of many bucket-lists around the world.

In fact, the Blue Lagoon has now become so popular that in order to get there you will need to book your entry days or even weeks in advance.

And who knows, you might be rubbing shoulders with international celebrities when you do go. Celebrities such as Björk, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have all been spotted in the Blue Lagoon, much to the delight of other visitors.

But what is the history of this lagoon, why is it so blue and what makes it so special? Read on to find out all there is to know about the Blue Lagoon.

The History and Concept of the Blue Lagoon

Quick Facts About the Blue Lagoon

If you don't have time to read this whole article ahead of your trip, here are the most essential points about the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is a spa in Iceland and is open all year round.

Entry fee is from 6990 ISK for adults (14+).

You can choose between comfort level, premium entry or the retreat spa.

The age limit to the Blue Lagoon is 2 years old, entry is free for 2-13 year olds.

Pre-booking is required, days or up to weeks in advance.

Best time to visit is in the evening to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter.

The average temperature of the water is 39°C (102°F) all year round.

The Blue Lagoon is not natural and formed in 1976.

The warm seawater is rich with minerals such as silica that do wonders for your skin.

The Blue Lagoon offers Psoriasis treatments.

The water in the Blue Lagoon completely renews itself every 48 hours.

Is the Blue Lagoon Natural?

The Blue Lagoon history dates back to 1976 when it formed next to the geothermal power plant, Svartsengi. Contrary to many people's belief, the lagoon is not a natural hot spring but a pool created by a man-made structure. It is, in fact, waste-water from the power plant, that is drilling for steam and hot water.

Worry not, however; the water is completely clean and does not contain any chemicals, only natural minerals that have proven to be very good for people's skin. Since the water is continually streaming into the lagoon, all the water is renewed in 48 hours, making sure it stays clean.

How was the Blue Lagoon Formed?

Work on the geothermal plant of Svartsengi was started in 1971, and the geothermal plant was put to use in 1976. Iceland has a long history of utilising the country's geothermal energy, both for heating buildings and for cooking, such as baking bread by burying it in the ground.

For heating, Iceland's houses have radiators that are pumped with boiling hot water that comes directly from the ground. The Svartsengi plant drills for hot water for this purpose, and the water that it receives is around 200°C (392°F). However, this water is full of dissolved minerals mixed in with seawater and therefore not suitable for direct use to warm up houses (the minerals would damage the pipes). Instead, the water is used to heat up freshwater that is pumped to nearby urban areas.

After the use of the water, it is simply released into the nearby lava field. The lava field surrounding the geothermal plant is called Illahraun ("Evil Lava") and is fairly young in volcanic terms, believed to have come from a volcanic eruption in 1226.

Lava is very porous, so usually water just sinks into it and seemingly disappears. This water, however, is rich with silica, which separates as it cools down. The silica quickly formed a mud layer in the lava which stopped the water seeping through, forming the lagoon.

Why Did People Start Bathing in the Blue Lagoon?

When the first person decided to try to bathe in the Blue Lagoon, in 1981, people weren't all too sure about the idea. A young man called Valur Margeirsson, he had psoriasis and wanted to try anything that may help relieve the skin.

He got permission from the chairman of the geothermal plant and quickly saw that the water and the algae did wonders for his condition. He was the first one to name the site 'the Blue Lagoon' or 'Bláa Lónið' in Icelandic, and the name stuck.

The first public bathing facilities opened in 1987, first aimed for people with similar skin problems. The first bathing facilities were very basic, consisting of only a few showers and a little white sand beach, and they were located right next to the geothermal plant. This is now referred to as the 'old Blue Lagoon' as the whole area had a transformation in 1999.

There is a rich bathing culture in Iceland, with a number of swimming pools all over Iceland and in Reykjavík, and plenty of natural hot springs dotted across the country. Therefore it didn't take long for locals to start flocking here, especially as it was so conveniently located a short drive from the capital city. Many older Icelanders miss these days, when you could hop into the pools free of charge.

The Blue Lagoon quickly became one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, both frequented by locals and foreign guests. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and after constant developments and renewals, the Blue Lagoon is now a world-class spa, open for hundreds of thousands of guests each year.

In the transformation of 1999, the lagoon was moved further away from the geothermal plant and modern changing facilities were built, along with a café, hotel, restaurant and a shop where it is possible to buy specialist and luxury skin products. Massages can be had whilst floating in the lagoon itself and walking paths, small bridges and saunas were added to the site.

In fact, the Blue Lagoon is constantly getting larger and larger and was recently enlarged from 5,000 square metres to 8,700 square metres.

Newest Additions to the Blue Lagoon

In 2018, the Blue Lagoon opened Iceland's first five-star hotel, the Retreat Hotel. In the works since 2014, the 62-suite hotel boasts beautifully landscaped rooms, incredible views across the dramatic lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula through floor-to-ceiling windows, and a wealth of services available.

Most notable among these is the Retreat Spa. Designed to bring utmost luxury to its guests, it has its own pool, a steam room, a cold well, complimentary yoga and a list of treatments and therapies available, including in water massages.

Without a doubt Iceland's most luxurious hotel, the price of the rooms reflect the quality of the establishment; the cheapest are 162,000 ISK (well over €1,000) a night.

Why is the Water in the Blue Lagoon Good for People with Psoriasis?

It is not known exactly why the water is so good for the skin, but it is believed to be due to the mix of the dissolved minerals in the water, the blue-green algae that thrives in the water and a type of bacteria that has only been found in the Blue Lagoon. The algae is the reason for the blue, milky colour of the water, but when it's in bloom on sunny days it lends the lagoon a more greenish tinge.

Some of the dissolved minerals in the water include chloride and natron (that together form sea salt) and calcium. There are also some traces of sulphur, carbonate and magnesium.

The Blue Lagoon Skin Treatment

Since 1994 the Blue Lagoon has offered skin treatments for people suffering from psoriasis. The Blue Lagoon Skin Treatment is one of the few natural treatments available for those suffering from psoriasis, and the treatment can be continued at home.

In 2005, the Blue Lagoon Clinic opened for in-house treatments, in a private lagoon, supported by UV light therapy and special skin care products.

Architecture of the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is renowned for its simplistic, respectful architecture reflective of Icelandic Modernism. The parking lot is a few hundred metres away from the entrance to the lagoon, so you will need to walk through a carved out path through the lava before reaching it. As a result, you will never see a car or a bus, or hear the traffic noise, from the lagoon itself. The walk is a beautiful preparation for what there is to come.

The buildings are low and in harmony with the surrounding landscape, using mostly natural building materials, such as wood and lava. The restaurant on site, Lava Restaurant, is built around a lava cliff, so one wall is a solid rock and the outlines of the room follow the curves of the natural lava hill.

The buildings have tall windows so a view of the lagoon can be clearly seen as soon as you enter the building from the reception room.

How Does a Visit to the Blue Lagoon Work?

First of all, you will need to book your entry through the Blue Lagoon's website. You'll want to book your entry slot well in advance, as it is the most popular attraction in Iceland and it does sell out almost every day.

The prices fluctuate depending on availability and if you are booking last minute the price will rise, which is an even better motivation to make those bookings early. If you are trying to book your ticket with only a day or two in advance then it is likely that it will be fully booked, or only have one or two slots available, for a higher price.

Then you will need to arrange how you will get to the lagoon. If you are booking it just after you arrive, or just before you depart from Iceland then you can book a bus that takes you from the airport to the Blue Lagoon and then to Reykjavík afterwards or a bus from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon that takes you either back to Reykjavík or to the airport afterwards.

Perhaps you will be renting a car for your stay in Iceland, and then you can simply drive there yourself. The drive is about 35 minutes from the city centre of Reykjavík.

Alternatively, you can book a tour that takes you to the Blue Lagoon and on another activity, such as whale watching, horse riding or a Golden Circle sightseeing tour. Note that you will still need to book your entry ticket to the Blue Lagoon yourself for these tours.

You can also book a self-drive itinerary through Guide to Iceland for your whole stay in Iceland, or a guided summer package or winter package that includes a variety of interesting tours, accommodation and your Blue Lagoon visit arranged for you.

When you arrive at the parking lot by the Blue Lagoon, there is the aforementioned walking path that stretches a couple of hundred metres through the lava to the entrance. If you have large bags that need to be stored during your visit to then there is a luggage storage by the start of the path, next to the parking lot.

The route is suitable for people in wheelchairs. Make sure you dress warmly if you are coming in winter as even a few minutes outside can be very uncomfortable.

You will enter the main reception building where you may have to queue up before talking to a member of staff that will hand you your electronic wristband, and if you ordered a comfort, premium or luxury package, you will also be handed a towel, bathrobe and slippers here.

When you've gone through the reception you will need to take your shoes off and enter a changing room. There is one changing room for males and another one for females. There you can take your clothes off and lock them inside a locker, using your electronic wristband. You will then need to shower naked, before putting on your swimsuit and entering the lagoon.

For some people showering naked is not something they are used to, but it's mandatory at all public swimming pools in Iceland. The water in the lagoon doesn't have any chlorine in it and it is, therefore, essential that people enter it completely clean. There are shower curtains and cubicles for you to shower in if you find it uncomfortable to use the common showers. You will almost certainly be publicly called out if you try to sneak through.

Leave your towel inside by the showers instead of taking it out to the lagoon with you (it may be raining or snowing outside, and you can swim between the indoor and outdoor areas). When you've entered the lagoon itself, make sure you check out the built-in bar where you can purchase drinks using your electronic wristband if you wish.

There is also a mud bar, where you can get a Silica Mud Mask for your face - included for all those who are visiting the lagoon. Additional Algae Masks can also be purchased, using the electronic wristband; an additional one is included if you book the Premium package.

Explore the lagoon, let the water drum on your shoulders at the small waterfall by the saunas, and cleanse your skin inside the three different saunas and steam rooms. If you've booked an in-water massage, then there's a special location for that by the saunas.

And if it's dark outside, remember to search the skies for the auroras!

How to Get the Most of Your Stay at the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Many people wonder when is the best time to visit, both in terms of the season and the time of day.

The opening hours of the Blue Lagoon are as follows:

*See below for Christmas Holiday opening hours.

The least popular slots to book are the ones in the morning and the latest ones in the day; there may be fewer people around at 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning, and you may be able to book a slot then with short notice.

Even though the last slot of the day is not so popular, the lagoon will be full at the end of the day since there is no limit on how long you can spend in the lagoon, and most people want to spend at least two hours in it.

Even when the lagoon is 'full', you will still have plenty of room around you as there is a limit on how many guests can enter.

To make the most of the lagoon, don't book a slot an hour before closing time, even though you can stay in the lagoon for 30 minutes after. Entering will take some time as you need to possibly queue for your key, then inside the changing rooms you'll have to undress and shower. After enjoying a soak in the lagoon itself you might want to take your time getting ready again stress-free.

The evening slots are probably the best time to visit. This is at the end of a day when you may have been sightseeing or doing some activity, such as horseback riding, ATV riding, snowmobiling or whale watching, and what better way to relax than to hit the spa for a couple of soothing hours?

At the height of summer, the opening hours are until 23:00 or midnight, so you might want to snatch a slot at 20:00 or at the latest at 21:00, which gives you time to sightsee, have dinner, then relax in the lagoon and enjoy the midnight sun.

In wintertime, however, the lagoon closes at either 20:00 or 22:00. Evenings are also popular in wintertime, especially because there's no better place to admire the Northern Lights than from a comfortable warm pool.

Look up what time the sun sets (since it varies a lot depending on which month you're visiting Iceland) and try to book a slot that will give you at least two hours in the lagoon, but up to four hours.

Iceland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Christmas holidays, as it turns into a winter wonderland. A surprise visit to the Blue Lagoon is the perfect gift even for those that are hard to find presents for.

Make sure you've booked your entry in advance, seeing as this is both a popular time to visit and the opening hours are more limited.

Blue Lagoon Spa Amenities

The Blue Lagoon has a number of spa amenities available to all guests. These include the silica mud mask, sauna and steam rooms, a man-made waterfall, a cave to relax inside, an in-water bar, the option to book an in-water massage and an indoor relaxation area with a view over the lagoon itself.

The silica mud mask can be obtained from the mud bars inside the lagoon. Cover your face with the white silica mask (be careful not to put it in your eyes), let it rest for a few minutes and then wash it off. You'll have incredible smooth and beautiful skin afterwards.

There is both a traditional Finnish wooden sauna and a steam bath with a window out to the lagoon. Right next to it is a man-made waterfall, and the strength of the hot water crashing down on your shoulders will relieve any tension you might have in your muscles.

Enter the cave to listen to an audio guide about the Blue Lagoon in several languages. It's also the perfect spot for photographic opportunities.

Blue Lagoon Bar

The bar is inside the lagoon and there you can purchase both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The purchase is made with your plastic bracelet that you receive on arrival and payment is made when you exit the premises.

There are refreshing smoothies and slushies available, as well as red, white and sparkling wine, beer, cider and sodas. There is a limit of three alcoholic beverages per person whilst in the lagoon itself.

Blue Lagoon In-Water Massages

You can book in-water massages that last from 30 minutes to two hours, or book an exclusive lounge that will only accommodate maximum of 12 people. These massages need to be booked well in advance as they tend to get fully booked.

The relaxation massage is the foundation of all the massages at the Blue Lagoon, and you can choose between a 30-minute session for 10,200 ISK or a 60-minute session for 16,300 ISK. Note that entry to the Blue Lagoon is not included in those prices and needs to be booked additionally. The massages are suitable for anyone of the age of five and up.

Extra treatments are available to add on top of the massage for 12,900 ISK for additional 30 minutes. Your options are a full body silica salt scrub, foot and leg silica wrap and an upper body scrub.

Or you can simply choose to do the two hour signature treatment for 31,200 ISK, that includes a salt scrub, silica or algae wrap and an in-water relaxation massage. Your skin is scrubbed and polished with minerals and salt to begin with as you float in the warm lagoon.

After the invigorating scrub, you can choose between being wrapped in either silica or algae whilst also enjoying a gentle massage on your face and your scalp. Finally, indulge in a full body massage for 50 minutes. It doesn't get more relaxing than that!

Blue Lagoon Skin Products

The Blue Lagoon is famous for its incredible skin treatment, and a big part of the skin treatment is the products. In the lagoon itself, all guests are treated to the silica mud mask, and the algae mask can be purchased for use in the water. Additionally, guests are treated to the Blue Lagoon hair conditioner in the showers.

But it's also possible to buy these skin products to take home with you, along with many others. Although the algae and silica mud masks are the bestsellers, along with shower gel and a foaming cleanser, there is an enormous selection of additional products for sale.

Bath salts, body lotion, foot balm, foot scrub, hand cream, home treatment sets, lava scrubs, mineral face exfoliators, day cream, night cream, moisturising cream, eye cream, lip balm, shampoo, bath oil, body oil - you name it, they've got it!

The first five products were released in 1993 and initially, they focused on treatment products. In the following decades, the skin care line expanded into cleansing, boosting, healing and nourishing products as well. The algae is anti-ageing, the silica is strengthening and the minerals are revitalising.

The skin care line adheres to an eco-friendly sustainability model and is harvested by way of a zero-waste process.

Blue Lagoon Lava Restaurant

The Blue Lagoon has its own top-notch restaurant with a view towards the lagoon. It provides the perfect stop for a romantic meal before or after soothing your muscles in the lagoon itself, and is also suitable for relaxed lunches or family dinners.

Although casual clothing is allowed, Lava restaurant is a little upscale, as to be expected at a spa resort, and the prices go along with that. Expect to pay a similar amount for your meal as you do for the entry to the lagoon. But the food is delicious, so for any food lovers out there, this gourmet treat is worth it.

The design surrounding Lava restaurant is gorgeous and within the theme of using the natural lava rocks as a decoration. The restaurant is actually built into the lava rock, so behind the floor to ceiling windows facing the blue waters is an entire lava cliff.

The menu consists mainly of traditional Icelandic ingredients, with emphasis on wild and flavourful ingredients. In the evening menu, all starters are priced the same (2,900 ISK), all mains are priced the same (5,900 ISK) and all desserts are priced the same (2,400 ISK). A highly recommended four course tasting menu is available for the whole table for 10,300 ISK, and a children's menu is available as well. Vegetarian options are of course on the menu.

You can get an accompanying wine menu, or buy drinks by the glass.

The lunch menu is somewhat cheaper, when the starters are priced at 2,700 ISK, the mains for 4,500-4,900 ISK and the desserts at 1,900 ISK each. A two-course meal goes for the price of 6,600 ISK, while a three-course meal will set you back 7,600 ISK.

The menu changes regularly, although some favourite dishes remain the same. You can expect to see Icelandic classics such as lamb, arctic charr, root vegetables, langoustine, cod and beef on it, along with Icelandic herbs, berries and of course the traditional Icelandic dairy product skyr.

Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel

Only a 10 minute walk from the Blue Lagoon itself lies the Silica Hotel. If you want your own private lagoon, then be sure to book a night's stay here, as the hotel has its own bathing lagoon that's only available to hotel guests. The Silica Hotel Lagoon is accessible between 9:00 and 22:00.

This is the ultimate romantic getaway, as the hotel is for adults only, 18 years and older, and has rave reviews from visitors.

Rates include breakfast, free Wi-Fi, access to the Silica Lagoon, access to gym facilities and complimentary Premium Admission to the Blue Lagoon that's valid during your stay.

Check availability and book your hotel stay here.

The Retreat Hotel at Blue Lagoon

In 2018 another hotel was opened at the Blue Lagoon, offering a spa within the spa. This is an exclusive luxury hotel, only offering private suites, 62 of them in total. The suites are either 40 square metres (431 square feet) or 60 square metres (646 square feet).

In addition to including access to the Blue Lagoon, all suites come inclusive with access to the exclusive and subterranean Retreat Spa, private Retreat Lagoon and Blue Lagoon Ritual.

Guests are welcomed by their private host and are offered daily group yoga sessions and group hikes. A la carte breakfast is included in the price for a night's stay, as well as a traditional Icelandic coffee with baked goods in the afternoon at the hotel's lounge.

There is, of course, wifi available, as well as 24 hours room service and unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon itself, but additionally, guests have a turndown service, concierge service and valet parking. The suites are aimed for an exclusive clientele, and all come with a hefty price tag, with prices up to 230,000 ISK per night. For the larger suites, the Lagoon Suite and Moss Suite, guests get their own private lagoon and a two-night minimum is required.

This is currently the only five-star hotel in the country.

The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon

The entire Retreat Spa is subterranean and very exclusive. A four-hour visit includes access to the Retreat Spa, Retreat Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon Ritual, as well as providing guests with skin care amenities and private changing rooms.

The Retreat Spa itself includes a steam cave, a terrace, a lava spring, and soothing lounges to relax in, one with a fireplace and another with suspended nets where you can gaze out onto the beautiful lava field surrounding the building.

The Retreat Lagoon is a private lagoon, only accessible to Retreat guests. The Blue Lagoon Ritual provides guests with silica, algae and minerals in a spacious chamber that is sure to be a healing sanctuary for all those that enter. And if you are feeling peckish, you can enjoy the spa's exclusive restaurant, offering breakfast and an all-day menu.

Guests have access to a butler, on-call masseuse, on-call chef and on-call yoga instructor. The four-hour visit doesn't come cheap, with entry from 59,000 ISK per person.

Moss Restaurant at Blue Lagoon Retreat

The newest addition to the Blue Lagoon is Moss Restaurant. Their menu is seasonal and therefore ever-changing, but relies on Icelandic fresh ingredients. It's located on top of The Retreat, giving its customers beautiful views over the surrounding lava landscapes, through wall to wall windows.

The menu is created from the high-quality ingredients sourced straight from farmers across Iceland and is developed by a team of esteemed chefs dedicated to getting to know the producers as well as the product. Each dish is well conceptualised and meticulously delivered with a passion so characteristic of the Icelandic nature and volcanism.

Moss Restaurant is only open for dinner reservations, with the first seating at 18:30 and the last one at 21:30. It's recommended to reserve a table in advance.

What Attractions Are in the Area?

The Blue Lagoon is situated on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and besides the lagoon itself, this area is often overlooked by visitors coming to Iceland, who only see it on the journey to and from the airport. This is really a mistake travellers make because the peninsula has plenty of beautiful attractions to admire and there won't be hordes of tourists around.

Attractions in the area include countless craters, the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, Gunnuhver hot spring, lake Kleifarvatn, the Bridge Between Continents, the natural 'pool' Brimketill, and the town of Keflavík.

The Reykjanes Peninsula has its fair share of geothermal areas. The most well known geothermally activity ones are Seltún in Krýsuvík, by lake Kleifarvatn and Gunnuhver, closer to the Blue Lagoon and the town of Grindavík.

Seltún is a colourful area, the earth dyed with bright yellow, orange, red and green. It has a wooden path snaking its way past boiling mud pots, hot springs and hissing fumaroles, and many educational signs in the area.

Gunnuhver is a large hot spring area only consisting of fumaroles and mud pools that are way too hot to bathe in. This place has a haunted past, with the murderous ghost of a peasant woman said to be trapped in steam.

Lake Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on Reykjanes peninsula, and the 26th largest lake in Iceland, at about nine square kilometres. At its deepest it is around 90 metres, making it one of the deeper lakes in Iceland. However, after a couple of earthquakes in the year 2000, a crack opened that made the water level drop. As a result, the coastline of the lake is extremely interesting, with steam from hot springs rising around it and gorgeous lava flow rock formations that are well worth exploring.

Brimketill, or the Whitewater Cauldron, is a naturally shaped pool by the seaside. The water is, however, freezing cold seawater and shouldn't be entered, especially not during high tide or in windy weather as enormous waves continually crash on it. It is, however, a sight to see in rough weather. A viewing platform is close by, accessible for everyone.

Picture from the Icelandic Museum of Rock & Roll, from Ljósanótt

Keflavík, or Reykjanesbær, is the largest town on Reykjanes peninsula. It has some lovely cafés and shops, holds the annual Night of Lights festival at the end of summer, and the Icelandic Museum of Rock & Roll is well worth a visit.

Right by the town is the former US Navy Base, which has now been turned into university housing and apartment blocks. It's interesting to see street names in English here, however.

You can also choose to walk between continents on the Bridge Between Continents, hike up the cone-shaped Keilir mountain or visit the lava cave Leiðarendi by the Blue Mountains, Bláfjöll.

Check out this day tour, Reykjanes Peninsula | Blue Lagoon Tour with Lava Landscapes, which will take you to all the wonders in the surrounding area of the Blue Lagoon.

Similar Experiences in Iceland

Although the Blue Lagoon is by far the most popular bathing spot in Iceland, it is far from being the only one. Iceland is filled with water in every imaginable form; steaming, frozen, hissing, fresh, cool, scolding, bubbling or muddy. The hot water running underground is tapped and used in radiators to warm up people's houses, comes directly out of the showers and faucets, and is used in dozens of warm outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs.

Besides all those swimming pools that can be found in Reykjavík, and in Iceland's countryside, there are also multiple natural hot springs, man-made pools and pots and luxurious spas.

The Mývatn Nature Baths in North Iceland are a somewhat comparable attraction to the Blue Lagoon. These baths have the same opaque blue texture as the Blue Lagoon, modern shower and changing facilities, a sauna and a restaurant/café on site. The Mývatn Nature Baths are much smaller than the Blue Lagoon, receive fewer guests and are more modestly priced but there are also fewer spa amenities and no in-water massages.

The Secret Lagoon is found in South Iceland, not far off from the Golden Circle. The water here is nice and toasty but doesn't have the same opaque blue, milky waters as the Blue Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths have. It does have an adjacent geothermal area, however.

It is located inside a man-made rectangular concrete structure, although the water comes straight from the ground. There's a small, bubbling hot spring right next to the water to remind you of that which also trickles in

For the cheapest and most convenient alternative, head to Laugardalslaug in the capital. It may not have the natural surrounding beauty and mystical charm of those above, but it's the only pool with waterslides and many locals eager to get to know you.
Did you enjoy our article about the Blue Lagoon? Have you been to this spa in Iceland? If so, what did you think? Did we leave anything out? Leave your comments below.

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The Complete Guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon

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What and where is the Blue Lagoon? What makes this luxury spa so special, and how was the lagoon formed? Is the Blue Lagoon natural or man-made? How long do you need to maximise your experience here, and just how warm is it?

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Reservation Confirmation #82001292
445 Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Montreal (Vieux Montreal)  H2Y 2Z7 Canada
Suite, 2 Double, Sofa bed

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suite hotel in montreal (vieux montreal)

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montreal (vieux montreal) all suite hotel

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springhill suites hotel in montreal (vieux montreal)

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Book your room at SpringHill Suites Old Montreal, just steps from the Old Port of Montreal. Discover our hotel's spa, dining options and event services.

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Depart 10:35 a.m.

Tue., Jul. 10, 2018

Arrive 12:10 p.m.

Chicago

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Viking Boat Tour - Puffins, Whales, Islands

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Viking Boat Tour - Puffins, Whales, Islands

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Heimaey Circle

Dress warmly

Camera

Booked Tour - 4 Persons
4 PM (16:00)
Confirmed via email with Jana
Officelocated on Tangagata 7 – only two minutes from the ferry!

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We start our tour from the historic Heimaey harbor, which was almost lost during the volcanic eruption in 1973. The boat tour gives you a look at colorful ocean caves, the newly formed volcanic island of Surtsey and other islands of Westman Islands, and the lava coastline with its deep bird cliffs. You can observe variety of seabird and occasionally whales. Our trip ends by sailing into the Cliff Cave near the harbor, where you will hear the sound of an instrumental music and enjoy the unique acoustic in this cave. The tour ends in Heimaey harbor.

Duration: Approximately 1,5 hours
Departure: daily 11.00 (May 15th to May to September 15th); 16:00 (June 1st to 14th August)
Minimum requirements: 10 passengers
Price for 2019: adult: 8.200 ISK; children (9-14 years) and pensioners: 7.200 ISK; children under 9 years: free

Please consider that all trips are depending on weather conditions and wildlife sighting cannot be guaranteed. Sometimes it is not possible to circumnavigate, but we guaranty that you will experience of seeing the bird cliffs from as many different views as possible.

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Heimaey Circle Tour - Viking Tours Westman Islands

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We start our tour from the historic Heimaey harbor, which was almost lost during the volcanic eruption in 1973. The boat tour gives you a look at colorful ocean caves, the newly formed volcanic island of Surtsey and other islands of Westman Islands, and the lava coastline with its deep bird cliffs.

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Depart 5:50 p.m Tue., Jul. 3

Arrive 9:01 p.m. Tue., Jul. 3

Montreal, QC, CA (YUL)

Depart 11:40 p.m Tue., Jul. 3

Arrive 8:30 a.m. +1 Day Wed., Jul. 4 Reykjavik, IS (KEF)

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Options - Lyngfell Icelandic Horse Riding

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Options - Lyngfell Icelandic Horse Riding

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I think Kendall would LOVE this...

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Lyngfell Stables (Vestmannaeyjar) - 2019 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - TripAdvisor

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Open Daily

OPEN 11:00 - 18:00

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Best route, times and places to eat.

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The Golden Circle is the most popular route to take in Iceland. But instead of going on a Golden Circle tour, why not drive it yourself? As a result you have the option to stop at some extra sights along the way. Find out how to drive the Golden Circle like a local!
If you're coming to Iceland for the first time, then you'll be visiting the Golden Circle route without a doubt. Even if you've been on a tour before, you might want to drive it again by yourself and explore all the extra locations along the way that the tour buses often whizz by.

If you're asking yourself, 'what is the Golden Circle?' then the short answer is that it's a common route between 3 beautiful natural attractions in Iceland; Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Instead of driving back and forth the same way, people normally drive a short circle, that's just under 230km (140 miles).

There are hundreds of different Golden Circle tours to choose from, but in case you'd rather drive this route yourself instead of going on a tour, then here are a few very good reasons and tips on how to do it!

First up, find a rental car that suits you. A 4x4 is unnecessary unless you are going during wintertime, then you might feel more at ease in a 4x4 if there's heavy snow on the ground. The Golden Circle is the most popular route in the country, however, so if you would find yourself stuck in a pile of snow in wintertime, help wouldn't be far off.

During summertime, you might want to get a car with a tent on its roof, or a camper van, and spend a night in the campsite in Þingvellir National Park.

How Long Should You Spend on the Golden Circle?

One of the perks of driving the Golden Circle yourself is that you choose when to leave and how long you'll stay.

Since the Golden Circle is the most popular attraction in Iceland, there are hundreds of different tours going there all day, every day and you're spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the best tour for you.

However, with the flexibility of having your own car, you can choose exactly how long you spend exploring these attractions, and which route you take. There's not just one way to do it!

If you want to have a lay-in, you can do the circle in the afternoon, or even in the evening. During summertime the nights don't get dark, so you could even go during nighttime and visit the attractions under the midnight sun. The drive itself is just under 3 hours with the shortest route, so you could do the whole circle in as little as 5 hours with stops - or obviously, you could also spend days doing it.

If you want to beat the crowds, you can get up at the crack of dawn and leave then, spending the full day exploring and relaxing along the way.

Perhaps you'd like to visit these attractions like the locals, and then spend a night or two in the area. Þingvellir National Park has a great campsite, as well as a modern and stylish hotel, and the Geysir geothermal area also has a luxurious hotel and a campsite.

By Gullfoss you can find yet another hotel as well as multiple summer cabins along the way that can be rented for some privacy - and nothing beats being out in the clean and quiet countryside sitting in your own private hot tub on a summer cabin's veranda.

You could also decide to add a hike to the warm river in Reykjadalur to your Golden Circle route, and then choose to stay at a lovely hotel in the village Hveragerði or its beautiful campsite.

How to See the Golden Circle in Privacy

If you're driving the Golden Circle yourself, it's more likely that you can find privacy on the way.

Most Golden Circle tours leave in the morning from Reykjavík, between 8-10 and with afternoon departures around 12 and 14. Most of them are back in Reykjavík by 20:00. In summertime some midnight sun tours are available, but not many. There are hardly any overnight tours available of the Golden Circle (I think there are none, but perhaps there's 1 or 2 I haven't heard about!)

So the busiest times of the day are between 9:00 and 19:00 at all locations: Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir.

With the exception of October-February, daylight hours in Iceland exceed those times. So in summertime if you leave early (or spend the night in the area) you can see the attractions in broad daylight before 9:00, or after 19:00. In spring or fall these would be the perfect timings to capture those sunrise and sunset photos - or for admiring the Northern Lights during wintertime.

I once spent a night at the hotel by Geysir and went for a walk to Strokkur area in the middle of the night under a starry bright sky - and then there was absolutely no-one else around.

If you spend a night there in summertime, the night doesn't even get dark, so you can enjoy the natural attraction completely on your own without herds of tourists around you.

Get off the Beaten Path

Not only can you choose to visit multiple other attractions along the Golden Circle (such as Reykjadalur's hot river, the Secret Lagoon, the Nesjavellir geothermal plant and the Kerið volcanic crater) - you can also explore each area in more detail.

I often spend several nights in a summer cabin right by Þingvellir National Park that my family owns, and it's a joy to explore new corners of this park. Every time I go I see something new (and I've been there hundreds of times!).

There's so much more to Þingvellir than just Almannagjá, Peningagjá (the Money Rift), Silfra and Öxarárfoss. My favourite season to explore the park is in autumn, as the park is covered with low shrubs that turn multi-coloured and the red, yellow and green colour of the ground is in contrast with a fresh layer of snow.

On tours, you're given ample time at each location to see the main sights, but with your own car, you could choose to go for a 1-2 hour hike within the National Park, perhaps bring a pic-nic and settle down in some mossy clearing with a view over the lake.

Most people just go to the same paths in only one section of the park, right next to the information centre. But the park is much larger than that and encompasses the entire lake of Þingvellir, which would take about an hour to drive around, or an entire day or two to hike (it's about 60km, or 37 miles, but almost flat).

Where to Eat on the Golden Circle?

Photo credit: Breathe Iceland

By driving yourself you can do some research beforehand and find the best places to stop for a bite to eat along the way. If you're a foodie, like me, then you might want to stop at some exciting dining locations along the way and skip the overpriced sandwiches and road burgers that can be found in gas stations along the way.

Interesting options include the greenhouse Friðheimar where you can have some tomato soup with homemade bread and cucumber salsa, and all the tomatoes and cucumbers come from the premises.

The Ethiopian restaurant Minilik in Flúðir is also a fun find in the middle of the Icelandic countryside, and a great example of how international the countryside has become.

If you head to Sólheimar Eco Village then you can get some homemade cakes and delicious coffee at Græna Kannan café. The 'grandma style' cooking at Kaffi Klettur in Reykholt also gets great reviews if you're looking for traditional comfort food with local ingredients.

Or if you want to find some local art or do some yoga, then check out the ceramic studio and café Bragginn Clay & Coffee which is a 10-minute drive from Flúðir. They're only open during summertime. On weekends they offer yoga classes and on Thursdays, they have Irish Coffee evenings.

The traditional Icelandic meat soup that is served in Gullfoss café is also delicious, and there's a free refill of it. And then there's the ice-cream barn Efstidalur that's not to be missed.

If you make a stop in Hveragerði, then be sure to check out Kjöt & Kúnst for lunch or dinner.

Photo credit: Varmá at Frost & Fire Hotel

There are also some hotels along the way that have restaurants offering fine dining, such as the Geysir Hotel, Silfra restaurant in the Ion Hotel, the more homely Hotel Borealis or Varmá restaurant in the Frost & Fire Hotel.

If you do an even more extended Golden Circle, you could drive down to Stokkseyri and enjoy some fine langoustine at Fjöruborðið or go to Rauða Húsið in Eyrarbakki.

Drive the Golden Circle like a Local

Above is a suggested alternative 1-day drive of the Golden Circle, as a local might do it. Note that this suggestion is mainly for spring, summer and autumn when the weather is nice and the days are long. If you want to make this a 2-day trip, then I suggest camping in Þingvellir National Park - although of course, you can also choose to spend the night in a hotel somewhere along the way.

First up, have some breakfast in Reykjavík and maybe grab some snacks for the road. My suggestion would be to go to Brauð & Co and get some fresh sourdough bread - or a couple of their cinnamon buns if they have them ready.

If you plan on making this a 2-day trip then also buy some food for breakfast the next day, or even get something to put on a barbeque for the evening (if you like - you can also decide to do that later on in the trip). Grab a tent ( or rent a tent) and leave Reykjavík around 09:00 am.

Head towards Hveragerði, but turn left onto road 431 that turns into road 435. Parts of this road are gravel, so just take your time and go slowly, the route is beautiful and you won't meet many others on the way. When you get to Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant you might want to check out their geothermal exhibition, or just continue on your way.

Continue along road 360, a stunning gravel road that goes through the less visited Grafningur area of Þingvellir. The road is twisted and winding with plenty of cute picnic clearings and great views out to the lake, in case you want to park your car at the side of the road somewhere to take some pictures or breathe in the fresh countryside air.

A lot of summer cabins are in this area. If you are driving in autumn (late August, or even early September) then you can also look out for berries to pick.

At the end of road 360, there's another geothermal power station, Ljósafossstöð, that has a fun and interactive exhibition going on every day, free of charge. I thoroughly recommend checking it out for half an hour or so.

Then head towards Skálholt on road 36 and then 35. On the way make a stop by the crater Kerið, it takes about half an hour to walk all the way around it. You can also stop by Skálholt if you like and visit its historical church, and learn about this important location in Iceland's history.

Then it's time for lunch, so stop at either Bragginn, Friðheimar, Kaffi Klettur or Minilik for a delicious lunch. After lunch, you can head to the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir and relax for a couple of hours in the hot water and check out the small hot springs by the pool. Aim to be at the Secret Lagoon before 14:00 at the latest for some privacy, as large tour groups arrive there between 15:00 and 17:00.

After a soak in the Secret Lagoon head towards Gullfoss waterfall. You should be arriving in the afternoon when most tour groups should've left the area.

After admiring the powerful waterfall and walking down the hiking path to its rim, then it's time to head towards Geysir, that should also be relatively quiet in the late afternoon/early evening. If you've become hungry for dinner already, you could check out the menu at Hotel Geysir.

Photo credit: Beint frá Býli

For dessert (or an appetiser in case you'll have your dinner later) I suggest having some locally made ice-cream in Efstidalur.

If you only want to make this a one day trip, then simply head to Þingvellir and go for a stroll there in the evening sun before making your way back to Reykjavík.

If on the other hand you want to camp for the night and you haven't had dinner yet, then shop for coals and something to put on a barbeque in the small village of Laugarvatn (I recommend some Icelandic lamb!). Continue to the campsite of Þingvellir National Park (where there are barbeques available), erect your tent and make your own dinner feast there.

Photo credit: Mats Wibe Lund

After dinner, you should go for a stroll in the evening and listen to the singing of the local birds, amongst only a few other travellers. The above picture is taken around midnight in June, to give you an idea of how bright it is throughout the night.

The next day, you can get up early and catch the quiet morning before most people arrive, or sleep in and go for an extended walk around the area in the afternoon. You could be back in Reykjavík in the early afternoon (from Þingvellir it's only about a 45-minute drive to Reykjavík) or spend the whole day exploring Þingvellir National Park.

If you long for some more activity, then you could book a snorkelling tour in Silfra by Þingvellir or horseback riding tour on the outskirts of Reykjavík get back to the city in the late afternoon or early evening.

Find and compare rental cars here and be on your way to explore the Golden Circle in detail!

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How to Drive the Golden Circle | Guide to Iceland

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The Golden Circle is the most popular route to take in Iceland. But instead of going on a Golden Circle tour, why not drive it yourself? As a result you have the option to stop at some extra sights along the way. Find out how to drive the Golden Circle like a local!

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In between Pingliver and Geysir

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Locals spend their time at Laugardalslaug, a naturally hot swimming pool located right in the city. In addition to the huge outdoor pool, you’ll find saltwater hot tubs and steam rooms.

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Almennar upplýsingar um Laugardalslaug Forstöðumaður: Logi Sigurfinnsson. Rekstrarstjóri: Bjarni Kjartansson.Hafðu samband Strandblak Búið er að setja upp glæsilega nýja strandblakvelli sem sundlaugargestir geta nýtt sér endurgjaldslaust.