No trip to Iceland is complete if you don’t stop in Reykjavik for at least one day to explore the capital’s “city life.” Take the lift to the Hallgrimskirkja church tower for beautiful city views and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Walk by the water past the Sun Voyager sculpture and visit the Harpa Concert Center with its unique architecture. Walk to the harbor or join a whale-watching excursion. Spend a cold or rainy day exploring Icelandic history at the Settlements Exhibition or the National Museum of Iceland. Snack on the famous local “pylsa” hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu or visit several cafes. In the evening, visit one of the many first-class restaurants in downtown and experience Reykjavik’s nightlife.
Most visitors set aside at least one day to travel out of town and start with the Golden Circle route. The attractions on this route are the most popular and populous in Iceland. Walkthrough Thingvellir National Park or go snorkeling in the fissure filled with the glacier water, where continental tectonic plates meet. Visit the historic Law Rock, where leaders from all over the country gather once a year to discuss laws and problems. Walk among the hot springs in the Geyser Valley, where Strokkur geyser erupts with short intervals, and marvel at Gullfoss, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country.
And, of course, one cannot fail to mention the Blue Lagoon, a large geothermal pool located in the middle of a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavik Airport. The warm pool is not a natural source; geothermal water comes from the nearby Svartsengi power plant. And the Blue Lagoon is definitely the place to visit if you’ve made it to Iceland. The Blue Lagoon originated in 1974 when it dumped excess water from the Svartsengi power plant. It quickly became a popular bathing spot, but until 1987 the lagoon had absolutely no amenities at all. The water in the lagoon is rich in minerals, especially sulfur and silica, which are supposedly good for your skin. It explains the popularity of the lagoon from the early years of its existence.
Highlights:
- Reykjavik, Capital Region
- Golden Circle, the most popular route in Iceland
- Blue Lagoon Geothermal SPA
How to get there:
- Reykjavik – 50 min drive from Keflavik International Airport (50 km/32 ml)
- Golden Circle – The loop route from Reykjavik. The driving distance is 250 km/160 ml, and the tour duration is about 8 hours.
- Blue Lagoon – 50 min drive from Reykjavik (50 km/32 ml) and 20 min drive from Keflavik airport (20 km/12 ml)