Today was a day of warm waters, chilly winds, and geothermal spectacles. Bucky wore his tiny towel like a cape and declared himself “King of the Hot Springs.” We started early with a splash at Iceland’s most famous spa — the Blue Lagoon!
💙 Blue Lagoon: Bucky’s Spa Debut
From 8 to 11 AM, we soaked in the milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. The steam curled around us like sleepy dragons, and the silica mud masks made us look like marshmallow ghosts. Bucky tried to sneak into the swim-up bar but was denied service (he’s underage and stuffed). The water was warm, the views were surreal, and our fingers turned into raisins — a sure sign of success.
Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular attraction. Heated naturally by underground volcanic activity beneath the Reykjanes Peninsula, the lagoon is surrounded by otherworldly lava fields formed over 800 years ago – the perfect place to unplug and decompress.
The water stays a toasty 98–104°F (37–40°C) year-round, no matter the weather. The silica and algae in the water are said to hydrate the skin and improve elasticity – and the free silica mud masks along the pool’s edge made us look like spa-loving snowmen.
Rising pillars of steam curled around us, opening pores and releasing toxins while we soaked in the surreal volcanic scenery. It was magical, rejuvenating, and slightly slippery.
â›˝ Gas & Grub: Costco & Ikea Adventures
After our soak, we drove 1 hour and 20 minutes toward Thingvellir National Park, but not before refueling – both the car and ourselves!
- Gas at Costco: Cheapest on the island. When we were there it was 260 ISK/L (vs 312 ISK/L elsewhere in the country).
- Lunch at Ikea: Not Icelandic, but a Swedish smorgasbord! There’s a sandwich area, bakery, and hotdog/ice cream zone. But beware – Ikea makes you walk through the entire store to exit.
We skipped the famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, but it’s a popular spot if you’re craving Icelandic lamb dogs!
🏞️ Þingvellir National Park: History Beneath Our Feet
From 2 to 4:30 PM, we explored Þingvellir National Park, a place where Iceland’s heart beats loudest.
The park sits in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. As you enter, you descend a cliff – the edge of North America. Walk through, and you ascend the opposite wall – Eurasia. The valley in between is the literal divide between continents.
We luckily caught the Ranger tour and learned more about the history and nature there. Ăžingvellir – The name means “Assembly Plains,” and it’s where the AlĂľingi, Iceland’s parliament, was founded in the year 930 — making it the oldest operating parliament in the world. For nearly 900 years, Icelanders gathered here to make laws, settle disputes, and share stories under the open sky.
Some fissures are filled with crystal-clear groundwater, and the Silfra fissure is a world-famous diving site where visibility is so perfect, divers say it feels like floating in air. We stayed dry, but Bucky insisted he could hold his breath for 20 minutes. (He cannot.)
We hiked the Oxarárfoss Waterfall loop (4.4 km / 90 min), passing the Thingvellir Church and the Silfra Fissure — a world-famous diving site with crystal-clear water that makes divers feel like they’re floating in air. The spring-fed river Öxará flows through the Almannagjá gorge, creating a stunning waterfall as it enters the lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.
Parking was 1000 ISK – worth it for the views and the geological magic!
🌡️ Geysir Geothermal Park: Bubble, Burble, Boom!
Next stop: Geysir Geothermal Park, a 45-minute drive away. We wandered among steaming holes and bubbling puddles. The Great Geysir has been active for at least 10,000 years and was once so powerful it made the earth tremble. In the 19th century, it erupted up to 170 meters high!
These days, Geysir is quieter, but Strokkur steals the show – erupting every 5 to 10 minutes with bursts reaching over 40 meters (131 feet). We stayed for a few eruptions: the first was shy, the second was spectacular.
The area also features smaller geysers like SmiĂ°ur and Litli-Strokkur, plus fumaroles – steaming holes that hiss and bubble, giving you a peek into the earth’s belly. It’s like nature’s cauldron, and Bucky was mesmerized.
đź’¦ Gullfoss Falls: The Golden Cascade
Just 15 minutes away, we reached Gullfoss Falls. The name means “Golden Falls,” and it’s fed by the HvĂtá River, which originates from the Langjökull glacier. The waterfall plunges in two stages – first 11 meters, then 21 meters – into the dramatic Gullfossgjufur canyon.
The canyon walls tower up to 70 meters high, and the water makes a sharp 90-degree turn after the falls, disappearing into the ravine like a secret.
Gullfoss also has a heroic history. In the early 1900s, foreign investors tried to harness its power for a hydroelectric plant. But a farmer’s daughter, SigrĂĂ°ur TĂłmasdĂłttir, fought to protect it – even threatening to throw herself into the falls. Her efforts saved Gullfoss, and today it belongs to the Icelandic people.
🍲 Dinner at Efstidalur: Moo-licious Meals
We dined at Efstidalur, a charming cow farm restaurant that serves beef — a rarity in Iceland, where lamb reigns supreme.
- Soup buffet: Beef vegetable + cauliflower cream soup, with bread, butter & pesto (3000 ISK)
- Mom’s trout: 5400 ISK
- Dad’s steak: 7500 ISK
- Free soup refills: Bucky had three imaginary bowls
The farm atmosphere was cozy, and the cows were friendly (from a distance).
🛏️ Skyggnir Bed & Breakfast: Shoes Off, Slippers On
We checked in to Skyggnir B&B between 5–10 PM:
- Triple room (3 singles) + small double room (1 double)
- Shared bathrooms (2 for 5 rooms)
- Breakfast included!
The place was very clean, with a shared kitchen stocked with:
- Microwave, fridge, dishwasher
- Tea, coffee, plates, bowls, toaster
We had to take off our shoes at the door.
They also included free breakfast: bread, milk, cheese, coffee, and jam. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for starting your day.
No Northern Lights tonight — only a 15% chance. But see our guide for tracking them if you’re chasing the auroras yourself!
Tomorrow, we chase waterfalls and maybe a few sheep. Bucky’s already dreaming of soup refills and tectonic tales.
Note: We’re not affiliated with any of the places or services mentioned. No króna, cookies, or cuddles were exchanged for these reviews — just our honest, slightly soggy thoughts. 🌋🦫