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Iceland

15 Iceland Photos that will Inspire Your Next Trip

by Sam Opp January 29, 2021

written by Sam Opp

15 Iceland Photos to Inspire Your Next Trip

Iceland has quickly become one of the most popular destinations to visit, and we totally get why! Iceland has something to offer all year round! Some of which are, out of this world landscapes, incredible wildlife, the northern lights, and 24-hour daylight. No wonder Iceland has become so popular! Below are 15 Iceland photos to show Iceland’s beauty and inspire your next trip to the country of fire and ice!

Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon to inspire you to visit Iceland

Outside the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon of Iceland and likely one of the most famous places to take Iceland photos. Located in a lava field, the Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur.

It’s the largest in the world and known for its 99-102°F (37–39 °C) stunning milky blue water and healing power from the rich mineral water. People from all around the world are now flocking to this healing spa and I can attest to an amazing experience here!

Inside the Blue Lagoon

Popular year-round, tourists visit the Blue Lagoon to take in its healing powers. It’s best to book your day when arriving in Iceland or leaving since it’s located right next to the international airport. For more tips and tricks on visiting the Blue Lagoon including getting your ticket, click here!

Waterfalls in Iceland

Do you love waterfalls? Iceland is known to have some of the most incredible waterfalls. Many of which, you can walk pretty close to or even under!

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Waterfall view

This waterfall is most famously known for allowing you to go behind the falls and get some amazing shots! Located right off the main highway in south Iceland, it’s a must-see on any traveler’s list!

If you plan to walk behind this waterfall, make sure you have waterproof clothing because it is extremely wet!

Kirkjufell Waterfall

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Kirkjufell is one of the most famous mountains in Iceland to take photos of since you can capture waterfalls and the mountain in the same frame! It stands 463 meters high and is located on the North coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Kirkjufell Mountain view

For any Game of Thrones fans out there, do you recognize this spot? Kirkjufell appeared in seasons 6 and 7! Right when you thought this spot couldn’t any better!?

Gullfoss Waterfall

Visit Gullfoss Waterfalls while driving the Golden Circle

Gullfoss Falls is a must-stop on the Golden Circle in Iceland! In good weather, rainbows are very common in the spray of the falls! Find more of Iceland’s top waterfalls here.

Icelandic Horses

Icelandic Horses can be found everywhere

Just about everywhere you go, you will get to see the spunky Icelandic horses! Close to ponies in size, these horses withstand brutal weather conditions throughout the year and have one of the best temperaments.

Because of these traits, foreign horses can’t be imported to the country! Additionally, if an Icelandic horse leaves the country it can not re-enter.

You might also enjoy a detailed 4 Day Itinerary in Iceland

Glaciers in Iceland

During a vacation to Iceland, be sure to see at least one glacier! If you plan your visit during the winter, you can even go into glacier tunnels or climb them with a glacier tour.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

This has to be one of my favorite spots to take photos in Iceland. You are now in the presence of the glaciers at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

One of the most amazing experiences in my life was getting to see glaciers first hand. This lagoon was actually created from a large glacier that has begun to melt.

View of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Iceland Beaches

Diamond Beach

Diamond beach in Iceland Across from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, view diamonds on Iceland’s black sand beach! This might be the favorite of my Iceland photos!

As the glacier melts from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, they break off and go into the sea to then wash up on the shore. The contrast of the black sand and ice creates a diamond looking effect.

There are also tons of awesome places to see during your road trip toJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon!

Vik Beach

Basalt Columns

Take a seat on the Basalt columns on Vik, Iceland's black sand beach

Vik Basalt Columns at the Black Sand Beach

A trip to Iceland would not be complete without visiting the town of Vik. Get ready to walk on stunning black sand beaches, intense waves crashing, and viewing the towering basalt columns!

The basalt columns are a creation of basaltic lava cools from the bottom up creating long columns in massive clear-cut hexagons!

Walk down the black sand beach in Vik, Iceland

Iceland Landscape Photos

Strokkur Geyser

Geysir in Iceland on the Golden Circle route

Next, the big geyser called Strokkur. It is the show stopper at the geothermal area in Iceland and shoots out water about every 10 minutes or so! Each spout can reach up to 30 meters (100 ft). You can find this bad baby on the Golden Circle!

Kerið Crater Lake

Driving the Golden Circle to Kerið Crater Lake

Kerið Crater Lake is likely the most popular viewed crater in Iceland. It has rare red volcanic rock and you can walk fully around and to the bottom of the crater!

Roads in Iceland

Road to Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon

Last but not least, just driving around Iceland offers stunning scenery. We were just blown away!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my 15 Iceland photos as much as we loved taking them! Please remember when visiting any country to travel responsibly and leave no traces (such as garbage).

Many countries such as Iceland have very delicate environments and it’s important we help in keeping them preserved for future generations and travelers! Want more Iceland inspiration? Explore more Iceland Travel Guides!

Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik

The Vik Church on top of the hill in Iceland

Vik Church by Black Sand Beach

The Sun Voyager

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January 29, 2021 3 comments

Europe Iceland

Epic 4 Days in Iceland Itinerary

by Sam Opp February 11, 2021

written by Sam Opp

How to Spend a Perfect 4 Days in Iceland Itinerary

Iceland has become a top bucket list destination and I totally get why! As we self-drove countless hours through Iceland, we couldn’t stop thinking, “wow, it feels like we are on another planet!”. Below, I cover the best things to do in Iceland including visiting Vik’s black sand beach, glaciers, the blue lagoon, and more in this self-drive ultimate itinerary to 4 days in Iceland!

View of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with 4 days in Iceland Itinerary

Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with 4 days in Iceland

Disclaimer*Please note this post contains affiliate links which I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Is Iceland Expensive

The first thing everyone asks us about Iceland is if it’s an expensive destination. It’s true, Iceland is extremely expensive! We found great flight prices on Skyscanner, but once you land, your gas, food, and even your stay will cost a pretty penny.

For example, everything on the menu will cost you at least $20 USD from what we saw. It can be as simple as a bowl of soup, BAM $23 dollars. Even gas for our compact car cost around 70$ USD (in NYC costs about 30$USD).

It’s still definitely doable to visit Iceland on more of a budget but just be prepared. Some ways we were able to budget in Iceland was by staying at an Airbnb in Selfoss (outside the city) and we bought groceries so we didn’t have to eat out much.

How to Get Around Iceland

The best way to get around Iceland is by renting a car. Iceland is a country you will want to explore, especially with 4 days in your itinerary to spare. Along with flights, you can also look to rent cars through Skyscanner.

Depending on the time of year you visit, it might be required to have chains on the tires and 4 wheel drive. We visited Iceland in April and didn’t need chains, however, we did notice little metal studs in our tires!

We found it was very easy to self-drive in Iceland as long as you pay attention to their signs.

Getting a car with Wifi was a huge help for all of our road trips. Also, pay attention to speed limits since there are a ton of cameras for speeding tickets along the main highways!

Viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Depending on the time of year, you might have the chance to see the Northern Lights! The best time to see the aurora in Iceland is from November to the end of March.

It is not guaranteed to see them, but your best bet is to do a Northern lights tour since they will know the best places to spot them. You can even use this link to check the forecast for the lights!

Also, make note that the Northern lights might not appear the same as you have seen in photos or videos. Without getting too technical, cameras are able to capture more light than our eyes, making the photos appear way more vivid than our eyes can see.

Day 1: Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon

With 4 days in your itinerary, The Blue Lagoon is easily a must-do Iceland attraction! I mean did you even visit Iceland without seeing the turquoise water of this geothermal feature?

The best time to visit the Blue lagoon is upon arrival or departure since it is right next to the international airport (not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavik)!

So depending on your flight, this might be on your last day instead.

The Blue Lagoon is a must-see with 4 days Iceland Itinerary

Because the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular things to do, you should book your ticket in advance if you want to visit.

The tickets were around $100 USD each for the basic package, which I believe was more than enough. It included your towel, a free silica mask, and a free drink.

So, is the Blue Lagoon worth all the hype? I think so! It was pouring rain and extremely windy the day we went so we weren’t expecting much.

The tickets were nonrefundable, so we said, “let’s just jump in and jump out of the lagoon quick”, just to say we did it.

To our surprise; once we were inside the water, it was magical. The water was so warm making it the perfect relaxation after our 5-hour flight and arrival at 4 AM!

Tip: When driving there, make sure you drive the Blue Lagoon next to the International Airport, and not the resort Spa which is about 45 minutes away!

Additionally, I created this Beginners Guide to the Blue Lagoon, so you know exactly what to expect and important tips before going in the water!

Experience The Blue Lagoon with this detailed itinerary on the best things to do during your trip to Iceland!

Day 2: Daytrip to Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

No Iceland itinerary is complete without some road trips and with 4 days, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are a must-see!

These two iconic Iceland attractions are situated directly across from each other! Seeing the Jökulsárlón Glacier was an incredible experience and the first glacier I’ve ever witnessed!

My favorite was hearing the ice all cling together as the water swished back and forth. As you make your way to Diamond beach across the street, you will see pieces of the glacier scattered along the beach literally glistening like diamonds!

From Selfoss, where we stayed is about 4 hours away. Reykjavik is approximately 5 hours away so you will want to start early!

This road trip will take the full day and include some awesome stops along the way. While driving you will pass epic waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall.

I also suggest driving through the town of Vik and visiting the black sand beach and basalt columns!

Find the full detailed Road Trip Guide to Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach with all the best stops along the way!

See the Diamond beach with 4 days in Iceland itinerary

Day 3: Self-drive the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle drive is another bucket list-worthy thing to do in Iceland. The Golden Circle is probably the largest tourist attraction in Iceland aside from the Blue Lagoon, and it’s totally worth diving with 4 days to spare.

This incredibly scenic road trip takes about 3 hours with no stops, so you will definitely want to give yourself an early start!

During your trip, you will have the opportunity to experience Iceland’s Geysers, interact with Icelandic Horses, visit Þingvellir National Park, more waterfalls, and even scuba between two continental plates.

I’ve included a full Road Trip Guide with a map and points in this Self Drive Golden Circle Road Trip.

If you don’t feel like having another day of driving, you can also do a Golden Circle tour. They usually will leave out of Reykjavik.

You will definitely see Iceland horses with 4 days

Visit Gullfoss Waterfalls while driving the Golden Circle

Gullfoss Waterfalls found on the Golden Circle Drive

Day 4: Kirkjufell and Reykjavik

Are you a Game of Thrones fan? If so, you will want to make sure you visit Kirkjufell which appeared in seasons 6 and 7! Even if you’re not a fan of GOT, it’s still worth a drive if you love scenic views and waterfalls!

I must admit since this Iceland itinerary is so jam-packed, you might want to have a more relaxing day on day 4. If this is the case, I’d suggest spending more time in Reyjavik or heading to one of the Iceland Lagoons.

Road Trip to Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell is a bit of a drive from Reykjavik (about 2 hours), but after being inspired by a fellow travel photographer and blogger friend of mine, Marielena from Epic 7 Travel, we decided to do the road trip.

These 2 hours consisted of numerous roundabouts, the longest underground tunnel we’ve ever driven through, and incredible landscapes!

Kirkjufell is known to be one of Iceland’s most famous mountains. It stands 463 meters high and is located on the North coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Behind Kirkjufell, you will also find 3 waterfalls and mountains.

Complete Iceland Itinerary including the best things to see in Iceland all within 4 days. Includes Kirkjufell falls, The Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and more!

View of Kirkjufell waterfalls in Iceland

Best Things to Do Reykjavík, Iceland

If you didn’t stay in the city of Reykjavik, you will want to make a point to stop here. We stayed in Selfoss since we knew we would be doing a lot of road trips. However, if I could do it over again, I would definitely stay in Reykjavik.

The city is so charming with tons to see and eat. I would recommend at least one full day here if you are not lodging here to check out the town and even get some Iceland souvenirs.

Parking is also free after 6 pm on Saturdays and free all day Sunday.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

First head to the famous church Hallgrímskirkja. This unique church is the tallest in Iceland and among one of the tallest buildings in the Country. You even have the opportunity to go to the very top and lookout. Just make sure you are there before 5 pm!

Address: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

reykjavik Church in Iceland Hallgrímskirkja

Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is a steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. The boat is meant to symbolize a dreamboat; a promise to itself seeing undiscovered lands, a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.

I truly admired this piece of art and all that stands behind it as so many of us can relate to this message! It especially hit home for me since we had just quit our jobs about 1 week before arriving in Iceland to pursue our dreams of travel.

The Sun Voyager

The Harpa

To the left of the sculpture, you will see the Harpa. This unique building is a concert hall. The Harpa is the perfect spot to run inside to warm up, serves food, have great views, and also have some gift shops. You can also get free wifi here!

Where to Stay in Iceland

During our time visiting Iceland, we decided to get an Airbnb in Selfoss. We chose Selfoss because of the location to the Golden Circle and Glacier Lagoon

. As I mentioned before, I think staying in Reykjavik is better since there is a lot more to do and places to eat.

If you decide to stay at an Airbnb, we were told to not mention it to locals, since they are not pro Airbnb. With this Airbnb link, if you sign up, you can receive up to $40 USD off your stay! This link only works for new accounts.

If you prefer the comforts of a hotel room, we always use booking (dot) com and you can view their best rates here.

4 Days in Iceland Itinerary Review

This sums up our 4 Days in Iceland Itinerary. Iceland really has so much to offer especially if you wanted to drive the Ring Road ( Iceland Perimeter). We found that 4 days in Iceland really gave us plenty of time to explore the lands, but there was still a lot we would have liked to see.

If you tend to travel and explore at a slower pace, you might want to extend your itinerary for 5-6 days in Iceland. If you plan on driving the Ring Road (perimeter of Iceland) I would suggest 8 to 10 days.

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February 11, 2021 40 comments

Europe Iceland

Driving the Golden Circle in Iceland – Perfect Self-Drive Guide With Map!

by Sam Opp October 24, 2020

written by Sam Opp

Your Guide to Driving the Golden Circle!

The Golden Circle is a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland. With dramatic landscapes, hot springs, and a giant crater, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. If you’ve made the decision of self-driving the Golden Circle, we have you covered!

Driving the Golden Circle takes about 3 hours with no stops. With that being said, this trip will take the full day! Since the Golden Circle is extremely popular, make sure to get an early start to avoid the crowds.

Below is our Google map route of the best stops along the Golden Circle.

Now all you need to do is just type them into your GPS and you are off! You can also find a screenshot of our Google Map route for driving the Golden Circle at the bottom of this post.

We drove Iceland’s Golden Circle in Spring, however, you can drive the route during any season as long as you have extra precautions in Winter.

Tip: If you are starting in Reykjavik, remove Selfoss from your list. Also, be prepared to pay for parking at some locations.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, where I might receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Kerið Crater Lake

We stayed in Selfoss, so we made Kerið Crater our first stop, however, from Reykjavik, Kerið Crater might be your last stop on your Golden Circle route. This 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake is quite impressive!

During your visit, you have the opportunity to walk fully around the crater, as well as, hike down to the pool of water (weather conditions permitting). We visited Iceland during the spring, therefore everything was open.

Kerið Crater Lake. Can you see the specs of people down below?

View looking down into Kerið Crater Lake on Icelands Golden Circle

Secret Lagoon

Next, we stopped to look at the Secret Lagoon. Thinking that the Secret lagoon would be similar to the Blue Lagoon, we only intended to be there a short time. However, the Secret Lagoon is a small hot spring minus the milky blue water.

If you plan on adding Secret Lagoon to your Golden Circle route, I would suggest getting here very early or making this a separate trip. Secret Lagoon offers a nice seating area and a place to order food, however, we walked in for about 5 minutes and then continued to the next stop on the Golden Circle.

Geothermal Area, Geysir

We continued on to what I consider the show stopper of the Golden Circle, the Geysir! There is free parking, can you believe it?! From the parking lot, you will walk across the street to the entrance. Just be warned the smell of rotten egg permeates the air all around you! What you are actually smelling is the sulfur in the Earth’s water.

The main attraction, Strokkur (giant Geysir) shoots out water about every 10 minutes or so! We stood and watched in anticipation while the water boiled.

Each bubble anxiously had my heart skipping while waiting for the ground to reach its exploding point. One last big bubble and you can see the water turning turquoise as it shoots out, hitting our faces with steam and showering us with water droplets. We watched for about 3 bursts…. Yup about 30 minutes more or less.

Geysir in Iceland on the Golden Circle route

Strokkur Geysir

Eating by the Geysers

Walking back across the street there is a gift shop, bathrooms, and food. One thing I learned is if you can find a free bathroom in Iceland, use it. Otherwise, you will probably have to pay to pee!

We went here to eat and believe it or not, the food was pretty reasonably priced for Iceland prices and being a major tourist attraction. You have your choice of fast food and/or soup or further down by the bathrooms, there is a nicer spot that has assorted sandwiches, beer, gelato, and other desserts.

Get Up Close With Icelandic Horses

Want to see the Icelandic horses up close in personal? Then you will want to make sure to add this stop to your route! This is marked as Brú on the Google map above.

You will find a box full of “treats” for the horses with a cup to put money. The box is not regulated, but the owner trusts people will pay.

The second we walked up the horses came right up to us reaching for our hands. Clearly, they were only interested in their treats, but that was fine with me! We stood there a while gently petting the horses. Right as we got there a tour bus pulled in, so this is likely a popular stopping spot.

Gullfoss Waterfalls

Gullfoss waterfalls is a must-stop when driving the Golden Circle! When we arrived, the wind almost knocked me off my feet. It was incredibly cold, but also incredibly beautiful.

There are several theories on how Gullfoss (translated Golden Falls) acquired its name. One theory is because of the golden evening hue that often colors the glacial water. Another is from the rainbow that appears when the sun hits the spray.

The last theory is really a legend of a farmer named Gygur who owned a ton of gold and because he didn’t want anyone else to possess it, he put it in a coffer and threw it into the river. Thus the name Golden Falls.

Visit Gullfoss Waterfalls while driving the Golden Circle

Þingvellir National Park

Lastly, head to Þingvellir National Park. Rich in history and breathtaking scenery made it another popular location. You will find tons of hiking trails, waterfalls, and the largest natural lake in Iceland.

One of the most popular activities to do in Þingvellir National Park is diving between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. I also believe this is the only place in the world you can experience this.

Unfortunately, this was one of the mistakes made in Iceland since we did not plan ahead to set up a tour, however, I’ve heard from others that it is an amazing experience! Check tours here.

Þingvellir National Park in Iceland's Golden Circle

The Golden Circle Driving Guide Wrap-up

This summarizes my Iceland Golden Circle Drive. I hope you have the most amazing experience seeing all of Iceland’s beauty along the road and that you found this guide helpful! Find more guides including the Blue Lagoon, driving to Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon and Iceland tips here!

Map for driving the golden circle in Iceland

Map with points for driving the Golden Circle

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October 24, 2020 10 comments

Iceland

The Ultimate Road-trip Guide to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

by Sam Opp February 7, 2020

written by Sam Opp

The Ultimate Road-Trip Guide to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

If you plan on going to Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach are a must-do on anyone’s itinerary. Not only is the drive incredibly scenic, but you also get to see black sand beaches and a real glacier among other stops along the road. In this guide, we cover how to self-drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach along with other great stops along the way! Scroll down to see our mapped drive!

Road to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, where I might receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Preparing The Drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

We suggest planning this drive at the beginning of your trip after a solid night of sleep. The drive with no stops can be up to 5 hours, so here’s a checklist before you go.

Start the drive early! This is a full-day road trip that can take up to 5 hours with no stops to reach Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Fill up your gas before leaving. Gas stations are not easy to come by.
Bring your camera, extra batteries, and SD Cards! I shoot with the Canon Rebel 7ti.
Layer up in warm clothes and water-resistant outer layers. Iceland’s weather is very unpredictable.
Wear good snow or hiking boots. If there’s snow it could be very slippery and you might even want ice grippers for your boots if you visit Iceland during the winter. I wore my Ugg snow boots, but my Soloman hiking boots would have worked fine as well.
Take lots of snacks for the car ride.
Get a cigarette-lighter USB charging port and/or a portable charging power bank for your phone to use the maps.
Lastly, set up a nice music playlist!

Road Trip Guide to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Most people traveling to Iceland tend to stay in Reykjavik, which is… oh just about a 5-hour drive to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with no stops! Yup, you read that right, 5 HOURS! Of course, the best way to see Iceland is by renting a car, and better yet, one with WiFi and possibly 4-wheel drive, depending on the season.

We went in April, so there was rain but no snow. Also keep in mind that during the winter, not all attractions are open (depending on ice and snow).

Insider tip: Make sure you are not speeding on your way there. Speeding cameras and very expensive tickets will be your outcome!

Google Map to get to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

You have been driving for about 2 hours and it is finally time to stretch your legs at one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. The Seljalandsfoss waterfall is most famously known for being able to walk behind the waterfall. You have to pay (around $7 USD) for parking but it’s worth it. There are hiking trails and other smaller falls from what I could see.

Skogafoss Waterfall view

Skógafoss Waterfall

The next waterfall you won’t want to miss Skógafoss. You have likely seen this waterfall on Instagram with people up close to the falls with rainbows. We had planned to stop at this waterfall on the way back, however, it was way too late, so stop here before getting to Glacier Lagoon,

Icelandic Horses

Along the way, you will be in Icelandic horse heaven as they are on all sides of the road. I couldn’t help but get excited each time I saw them and there was a lot, to say the least! What I especially loved about this drive was how varied the terrain is. There were huge mountains with waterfalls and then right next to it, snow-capped mountains, and after that lava rock flat lands followed by more mountains.

Icelandic horses gathered in a field in Iceland.

Dyrhólaey

The next stop, Dyrhólaey. When we arrived, the path said only 4×4 vehicles so, instead, we went straight where there were still nice views of a black sand beach and some hiking paths. This is the southernmost part of Iceland and where you can see the arch rock.

This is also a good place to stop if you need to use the restroom, however, be aware that you need to pay around $2 USD to use them. During the summer you might even see puffins here.

Dyrhólaey beach in Iceland

Vik, Iceland

About 10 minutes away from Dyrhólaey is the town of Vik. You have the opportunity to walk to the famous Iceland plane wreck from here, however, the weather was so bad we didn’t take the hike. If you do visit the plane, please respect all the signs.

Even if you don’t hike to the plane wreck, you should still stop in Vik to walk on the black sand beach and check out the towering basalt columns!

Skeiðará Bridge

Ready to stretch your legs? Skeiðará Bridge is the perfect place to take a break from driving. Here you will find snow-capped mountains and a glacier in the background along with a cool metal structure. This is a piece of a bridge that was destroyed by shards of icebergs that melted and flooded the area back in 1996.

Finally to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

It took us over 4 hours with our stops, but hey we finally made it to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon! This was our first time witnessing glaciers and it was a pretty amazing moment.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon has not always been here, however. A large glacier started receding and created a lake/lagoon. The glacier has continued to recede every year and now flows into the ocean creating the Diamond Beach.

View of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

You will find two sides of the bridge that were both offering panoramic views of the lagoon. I would recommend just sitting for a moment and taking in the surroundings while listening to the sound the ice and water make as they move back and forth. It really is quite beautiful.

There was a little store that offered food, coffee, and free bathrooms. We noticed they also had ice cave tours, however, you need to visit in the winter to try this.

Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon

Diamond Beach

Directly across is Diamond beach where you can see ice that washed ashore from the lagoon. Diamond Beach gets its name from the icebergs looking like diamonds spread across the black sand shore. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever witnessed!

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Overview

The entire adventure took about 12 hours with stops, but it was worth every second. We stayed in Selfoss, so we were about an hour closer than in Reykavik. Besides the trip being long, we actually enjoyed these stops more than the Golden Circle. Lastly, I wish you the best road trip around Iceland!

Find more Iceland tips and guides here, including the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon!

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February 7, 2020 11 comments

Iceland

Blue Lagoon Guide For Beginners – Everything You Need to Know!

by Sam Opp October 23, 2020

written by Sam Opp

Iceland Blue Lagoon Guide – Perfect for First-Timers

Did you even visit Iceland without stopping at the Blue Lagoon? Originally, learning about the Blue lagoon on social media was one of the reasons I was excited to visit Iceland, along with the Northern lights and beautiful landscapes. Below, I will cover everything you need to know for visiting the Blue Lagoon in this beginner’s guide!

Outside the Blue Lagoon

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, where I might receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

About The Blue Lagoon

Believe it or not, The Blue Lagoon is actually man-made. The water comes from a nearby geothermal plant that runs off into what we know as the Blue Lagoon. However, just because it is man-made, doesn’t mean the water doesn’t offer tons of benefits.

With average temperatures of 99–102 °F, you can soak in the water year-round! The geothermal seawater is 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater, enriched with silica, algae, and minerals, and has been known to heal and rejuvenate the skin.

Entrance of Blue Lagoon

Book the Blue Lagoon in Advance

One too many times, I’ve heard of people trying to get a ticket on arrival and got turned away. It’s best to book in advance. You can book a little over a month out and be able to pick the time slot you want to visit.

I would suggest making the time slot after arriving in Iceland or before leaving Iceland since the Blue Lagoon is right by the international airport.

Also, something good to note is that once you check-in, you can stay until closing so it is best to book as early in the day as possible! Here’s the link to book your ticket.

Blue Lagoon Outside Guide

Blue Lagoon Packages

While doing research for Iceland, I read mixed reviews on the Blue Lagoon, but ultimately decided to spend $100 per person for the basic package.

The basic package includes your entry, a towel, 1 drink with your bracelet, and a silica mask. I’ve heard stories about people getting the robes and when they came back their robes were gone.

Everyone’s towels and robes get hung up in the same place, so you might not even get your original towel. Overall, It is totally worth the money and was an overall amazing experience for us.

How to Get to The Blue Lagoon

If you are coming from Keflavík Airport, the Blue lagoon is about 20 minutes and 50 minutes from Reykjavík. One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting the Blue Lagoon is actually driving to the wrong location.

When arriving in Iceland, we made the mistake of going to the Blue Lagoon Spa in Reykjavík instead of the REAL Blue Lagoon in Grindavík.

I was told it’s a common mistake and it’s about 45 minutes away from the true destination. If you are not renting your own car, you will want to look into a guide or shuttle to the Blue Lagoon.

This should be the correct address: Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík or use these coordinates: 63°52’49.3″N 22°26’58.1″W

Blue Lagoon View

Arriving At The Blue Lagoon

Once you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, you will walk straight back down the path about a quarter-mile, (not the small building to the left) where there will be lava rocks on either side.

Next, go to the reception and they will give you this plastic bracelet that controls your locker entry to the building along with anything else you buy while inside the Blue Lagoon.

Getting to the Bathing Area of the Blue Lagoon

Once you go through the check-in you will see locker room levels on both floors. When I got to the locker room, I was a little confused. I couldn’t find out how to get to the actual lagoon from the lockers.

I could imagine it was quite comical watching me try to figure it out. There were no signs or instructions so here’s what I learned.

For girls, you will go in and scan your watch to get a locker. Just pick anyone that is empty, scan your watch and close it. Make sure to do it with the locker empty to make sure it works before locking away your stuff!

Once you have your locker, change into your swimsuit, tie up your hair, get your camera and go to the back of the locker rooms by the shower. You are required to shower first before you are allowed in the pools and should see the entry from there.

For the guys’ locker room, you will go up the stairs into your locker room, get a locker, and go to the showers. After there will be stairs leading down to the lagoon. (Going off my husband’s memory).

Put Your Hair Up

If there is one important thing this Blue Lagoon guide taught you, it’s to put your hair up! Do not get your hair wet in the Blue Lagoon! The sulfur will turn your hair into straw.

Only a little bit of my hair got wet and I still felt the effects. I would definitely make sure you have a hair tie or something to clip it up. It’s not worth the Instagram picture, I promise!

Once You’re In The Blue Lagoon

You finally made it inside the warm relaxing water! Now head over to get your free drink (to the right) and the free mask (to the left). When we booked our tickets, it happened to be pouring rain and windy. We looked up canceling the tickets, but tickets are basically non-refundable.

Tired from the flight and slightly disappointed, we decided we would jump in and then jump out of the lagoon. To our surprise, once we got in, we stayed for a couple of hours.

So if there is bad weather, don’t be discouraged because it did not ruin our experience at all. So, have the absolute best time and soak it all in!

Dining at The Blue Lagoon

There is a restaurant inside, but we didn’t explore the dining options. I would imagine they are just as expensive as the rest of Iceland.

If you’re hungry while there, I would just eat there because it’s expensive everywhere. However, we did see many people with their own snacks. If you could hold out, it would be best to wait until you got back to Reykjavík.

What about the Secret Lagoon?

The Secret Lagoon is a stop on the Golden Circle. We stopped by to check it out, but it does not have that iconic blue water and it’s much smaller, so it was pretty crowded. We didn’t go inside the lagoon, so I can’t completely speak to it; this was just my observation.

They did have a nice little restaurant area where you could grab some food and a beer. If you do decide to do the Secret Lagoon as well, I would give it at least half a day. It would be hard doing the rest of the Golden Circle since you would need to shower and get re-dressed.

Blue Lagoon Guide Overview

This covers everything you need to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon. If for some reason, you are unable to get a ticket or make time for the Blue Lagoon, you can still drive there to see the water for free from the outside and take photos!

While visiting Iceland, some other guides you might be interested in is a Complete 4 Day Guide of Iceland, Self-Driving the Golden Circle, and taking an Epic Road Trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon!

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October 23, 2020 15 comments