REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
The first thing I noticed was how the vegetation looked like Mother Nature vomited, in the most inspiring way. There were lava rocks covered in moss, not a lot of trees, stunning purple lupines, volcanoes, hot springs, flowing waterfalls, and Icelandic horses running about.
Perlan Observatory
I stumbled upon Perlan, not knowing that it was a very popular landmark in Reykjavik. Perlan has a huge glass dome that sits upon heating tanks of 4 million liters of geothermal water. They have world renown exhibits featured on the forces of nature, a café with 360 view of Reykjavik, and more!
The Blue Lagoon
I personally think the hype of the blue lagoon is worth it. I reserved an early morning space right when it opened on an brisk October morning. I experienced the feeling of natural lava rocks on the bottom of the lagoon with the ice-blue water as the geothermal water naturally heats the lagoon.
The longest word in Icelandic language is over 60 letters! Only 340,000 speak Icelandic currently.
How to prep for the Blue Lagoon:
Upon arrival:
Prepare to take a shower before entering the lagoon, making sure your hair is caked in the special conditioner provided before entering the water.
Place your items in a locker and wear the bracelet given to you as it will open the locker. You receive a free drink with special admission that can be redeemed at the swim up bar inside of the lagoon!
PROTIP: If you’re looking to take photos inside the lagoon, remember to have your camera or phone in a waterproof case!
There is also a waterfall off to the side of the lagoon and near the waterfall is a sauna which is perfect to visit if you’re looking for a traditional Nordic sauna experience.
Also, if you’re looking to visit the Blue Lagoon during a short layover, make sure to give yourself enough time to visit the Mud Bath area towards the rear of the lagoon. The mud bath was one of my favorite parts as you could choose to use it solely on your face or all over your body. It’s cleansing properties does wonders for your skin!
ICELAND FUN FACTS:
Icelandic horses are the only horse breed in Iceland. They also haven’t been mixed with any other breed in over 1,000 years.
1 in 10 Icelanders will publish a book.
There isn’t a McDonald’s in the entire country.
Over 10% of Iceland is covered in glaciers.
Iceland doesn’t have any trains or railway systems!
Most Icelandic people believe in elves and folklore.
Icelanders live in or near Reykjavik because of the terrain and livability.
Iceland is home to the largest glacier in Europe.
The Gulf Stream makes the weather more mild even though Iceland is the northernmost inhabited country on earth.
The Golden Circle
I set off on a road trip adventure throughout Iceland, settling for the view of the Golden Circle. Geyser is an Icelandic word, meaning to gush, and it fit perfectly for our view. We visited the Haukadalur geothermal field, and watched Strokkur burst into the air. It’s bursts can reach up to 40 meters!
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Enlightening your senses, hearing the rush of the water crashing 60 meters below, feeling the mist, smelling the fresh Icelandic air… it’s an unforgettable journey!
The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular sites to see in Iceland! The Lagoon's temperature averages around 100 degrees. There are 6 million liters of geothermal seawater changed over every 48 hours and the lava rocks surrounding the Blue Lagoon are over 800 years old!
Gluggaveður means window weather. Have you experienced watching a rainy, snowy, or cold evening looking outside your window and you felt a sense of coziness as you watched the weather through the comfort of your window? Then you've experienced Gluggaveður!
