Iceland by Campervan: Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
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Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon
A Day in Iceland’s Capital
Arriving in Keflavik by air seems so unbelievably unassuming. At first, as your flight dips down to land along the coastline, all you will see is ocean, then fields, but as you look further, you start to get the sense you have arrived on another planet entirely.
I knew immediately upon arrival that this would be the adventure of a lifetime.
Keflavik is located in the southwest of Iceland, a mere 40 minute drive from the country’s capital, Reykjavik. As such, Reykjavik is arguably the best place to start an adventure in this amazing other-worldly country.
Below, I will give you an itinerary for a day spent in the Keflavik to Reykjavik area (including a short trip from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa) that will start out this adventurous vacation perfectly.
How to get to Reykjavik
If you are camping like we were, this is fairly simple. Your campervan company may offer an airport transfer. We used Go Campers, and they were absolutely fantastic. They picked us up promptly and we had our van ready to go in less than an hour.
If you are not camping, there is a bus from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik, known as the Flybus. Alternatively, you may hire a taxi.
Things to do in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital region of Iceland and the country’s biggest city. It is home to approximately 60% of the Icelandic population. The city itself is fairly spread out, with a harbour-front region made up of quaint little shops painted in bright, primary colours.
Hallgrimskirkja
The centre beacon overlooking the city is Hallgrimskirkja, a Lutheran Church with an architecture that resembles the columnar basalt rocks that are so commonly seen in Iceland’s landscape (we’ll get to these later). Hallgrimskirkja is an excellent place to park if you plan to spend some time downtown.
The inside is bright white, simple, with a gorgeous pipe organ mounted high above the entryway.
For a small fee, you can ride the elevator to the top of the tower and view the city.
Wandering Downtown
Downtown there are many shops selling woolen scarves, blankets, sweaters and handmade jewelry. I adored Aurum jeweller and have bought many of their nature-inspired pieces from them since.
We searched out a hotdog joint. As non-glamourous as a hotdog may sound, they are considered an Icelandic specialty. The condiments go on in a particular order and the hotdog itself is made mostly of lamb. We thought they were delicious!
The Blue Lagoon
Now this was a bucket list item for me. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located outside of Reykjavik in the small town of Grindavik. It is a man-made hot spring whose warm blue waters are rich in silica and sulfur, which the spa claims to be healing for the skin.
The facility offers spa services, and serves drinks and various mud masks within the lagoon itself. The steam from the lagoon can be seen for miles across the relatively flat, young volcanic landscape in this region.
A few tips
You must shower naked before entering the lagoon. This is the Icelandic standard for hygiene before entering any hot spring. There are many stalls in the shower room for those who are modest.
You will see conditioner in the shower room. Apply it generously to your hair, and ideally put your hair up and do not submerge it in the water, as the minerals can be harmful to your hair. Rinse out when you are done.
Book in advance! The Blue Lagoon is becoming a popular destination for vacationers to Iceland as well as those on short stopovers and there is a limit on reservations for each time slot.
Mid-week mornings and evenings are the slowest time. However, the lagoon itself is so large, I can confidently say you would be fine to go at a busier time. We chose to go at 6pm to catch the sunset.
Be sure to wander. Blue Lagoon is large, and has many hidden areas under bridges and through the steam.
Be sure to get your complimentary mud mask and don’t forget to search for the bar!
When we were finished at the Blue Lagoon, we parked our campervan at Reykjavik Campsite located downtown and were more than pleased with this campground and its facilities. Camping is very relaxed in Iceland. If an office is closed when you arrive, pay in the morning. Travelling by campervan is an excellent way to meet others doing the same.
I hope you have enjoyed my itinerary for Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. If so, please continue on to the Golden Circle!
Bless,
Hill XO
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