Now I promise to keep this post relatively brief, but there are so many things I want to share with you about Iceland.
Firstly, since I was a child I have always wanted to visit two places, New York and Iceland!
I finally booked some very reasonably priced flights from London to Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport) and couldn’t wait to arrive.
I travelled to Iceland for five days and saw some amazing places to see. First off, I was lucky enough to stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.
Wow, I felt like I was in heaven, it was beautiful, the staff were so friendly and the setting was idyllic (as you can see from my pictures below).
To get the maximum experience out of my time, I also rented a car from Thrifty Iceland – Again, very reasonably priced.
Day 1 & 2, The Blue Lagoon
The great thing about staying at the Blue Lagoon (southwest of the island) is that your nightly rates include access to a private blue lagoon, alongside complimentary access to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.
For those not sure of what the Blue Lagoon is, it consists of a range of geothermally heated pools that are a very comfortable, warm temperature. Even when it’s cold outside, you can bathe for hours.
Also, the mountains of silica within the pools provide great health benefits and well-being, making this journey a must for those who want the most amazing escape, you can even swim when it’s dark, which makes the whole experience magical.
Day 3: Reykjavik
The Capital city of Iceland is beautiful.
Do not expect it to be on anywhere near the same scale as London, New York etc, but don’t let its size fool you. I loved how easy the city was a stroll around, it has a huge array of live music and gorgeous buildings, like the church that towers over the city.
Check the Iceland Airwaves Festival, which takes place with many different types of music once a year.
Oh, and try some of the famous Icelandic smoked fish at the best Reykjavik restaurants. Yummy!
Day 4, Natural Wonders & Northern Lights watching
A full-day trip out of the city and to explore some amazing natural wonders. If you can’t drive you can do all of these by local tours, but if, like me, you are looking for a cheaper way to get the most out of your vacation, rent a car.
Driving was great in Iceland. Drivers are patient, the roads are well-maintained and quiet.
Firstly I went to see the Geysir site (free entry), and wow this did not disappoint as you can see from my pictures.
A great way to witness the raw power of the world we live in! After this stop, I carried on driving about 10km or so to get to the Gullfoss Waterfall, the sheer force of the water was breathtaking (again free entry). An unmissable place to see if you are visiting Iceland.
In the evening, It was a relatively clear night, and we had heard from the Aurora Forecast (by the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska).
I recommend ALWAYS checking this website for when the Northern Lights will be active, it’s a great resource and I will forever be thankful for their forecast.
As you can probably guess, that night, after waiting a few hours sitting in my car, (30 mins from the city) at Thingvellir National Park I finally saw them.
The most wonderful streaks of green and sparkling lights, I could hardly speak in wonder!
I nearly even forgot to take photos! It truly is one of the most wonderful things you can witness! Now, a top tip is to stay patient and head to your spot with little light pollution by midnight.
Day 5, Glacier Walking
Finally, on my last day, I drove roughly 3 hours to the south of the island and witnessed some glaciers up close and personal.
We booked this ice cave tour from Vik and it was just breathtaking.
Try not to judge me too much, but I really had to try licking a bit of the ice! It was just too tempting as you can see.
I loved Iceland so much – the country is beautiful and the people, are some of the most friendly I have ever met! Really, if you can get to Iceland and you have the opportunity. Just go.
I will never forget my time there and I plan to go back next year to see so much more! I’m already planning my next itinerary. ha!
Read more: How to book an ice cave tour in Iceland
Top Tips for visiting Iceland
Rent a car: Cheaper than tours, good service and you have an amazing country to explore – just consider sharing the driving between two people if you are driving longer distances.
Stay at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon: A real treat and one you will not forget and considering you get entry to the Blue Lagoon itself, alongside breakfast and the most amazing setting and great staff, it is well worth the stay!
Yes, it can be pricey but it’s a real treat for a night or two.
How to spot the Northern Lights (aurora borealis): Rather than taking a scheduled bus tour, drive 30 minutes out of the city (Thingvellir NP is where I saw them) to patiently schedule how much time YOU want to spend looking.
It was something that I will never forget. Email me if you want some more advice on this.
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland
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