What a way to start this amazing trip. After 2 flights and waiting in the airport for 6 hours our first stop was the famous Blue Lagoon Spa. The Spa is only about a 15 minute drive from the airport, so people usually stop on their way into the city or before leaving Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland and it is considered to have notable regenerative qualities because the water is rich in silica and sulphur. I had dreamed about visiting the Blue Lagoon ever since I had seen breathtaking pictures of the creamy vibrant water. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Like at all. Even with only purchasing the lower end package I still feel like we had a very high end experience. From the electronic bracelets used to make any purchases and lock your personal locker, to the free silica face mask(very rejuvenating by the way) and smoothie(the strawberry was delicious) from the swim up bar. Although the Blue Lagoon is at the top of many tourists’ lists, I felt like the lagoon was not overcrowded and it is definitely big enough that you can find your own personal quite space. There are even a few caves to explore! If I had to use one word to describe the Blue Lagoon, it would be TRANQUILIZING. To paint a picture for you, leaving the locker room in your bathing suit and walking into 50 degree windy cold, only to then step into the warmest, hot-tub like water, except this time the water is being heated by runoff water from the geothermal plant next-door. The water is thicker than normal and its so relaxing, it looks as if everyone is moving in slow motion. The Blue Lagoon is definitely a place that you cannot miss and not to mention all the really cool pictures you can get as well!
On our way to the first AirBNB of the trip we stopped at the Seltún Geothermal Area. You had to be sure to stay on the path or there was a chance you could step in the boiling hot springs. The harsh sulfur smell was easily overlooked when seeing all of the beautiful colors of the rocks and hot springs. This was a quick stop but definitely not one to be overlooked. There are many trails to explore leading to the top of the hills to overlook the entire expanse.
After the geothermal area we continued on to our house for the night which was just outside the small city of Selfoss. Let me just tell you, this place was 5 stars! Not necessarily because of the house but the views made our stay over the top. We were basically staying in a little box that had 2 twin beds, a pull out couch, a mini kitchen, and a small table. It was perfect for the three of us. The wow factor of this place was that two sides of the box had windows and outside of the windows was a huge farm with horses. I felt like I was in a movie having the luxury to walk out our front door and be greeted with horses grazing on infinite rolling hills.
Day 1 of Iceland was quite the success but we are only getting started!! Stay tuned!
Fun Fact: You can get a lot accomplished in one day in Iceland because the sun barely sets in the summer. Today the sun set at 12am and rose at 3am! Thank goodness for the invention of dark shades!
