Besides the food, we had two traditional yet classic Icelandic experiences. First up, a thermal pool.
Sky Lagoon
Opened in 2021, this oceanside geothermal lagoon demonstrated the commitment to sustainability as their water sources is fueled by the country’s 600 natural hot springs. Their building techniques and building supplies were sourced intentionally and sustainable. BTW – almost every home in Iceland is heated with geothermal power.
Soaking in the warm, mineral-rich geothermal water is a beloved Icelandic tradition. We made two separate visits to the Sky Lagoon during our stay. Coming into the reception area you begin to soak in the ambience and relax.
There is ‘spa etiquette’ that everyone should be aware of and follow.
>Remove your shoes before entering the changing facilities.
>Locate a locker, store personal items inside, locking with your wristband that also serves to purchase food and refreshments.
>Shower your body, sans clothing with soap and warm water to keep the pools clean. Yes, some places have private showers, others do not. We have done both types. First time showering in front of other females felt odd, after that, no big deal. Think high school gym class when you had to shower……… only these are MUCH, MUCH, MUCH nicer showers!
>Put on your bathing suit before leaving the changing room to head to the geothermal water.
Find your spot to enjoy the warm waters and peaceful surroundings.
At the back of the above photo you can see a waterfall. We both enjoyed the spray. Me, not quite as close as Eric. 🙂
Earlier I mentioned ‘oceanside’………..the 75 metre infinity edge of the lagoon was a gathering spot for all.
Did I also mention they have a walk up/swim up bar? Your wristband serves as your payment method.
With your entrance, you are able to participate in ‘The Ritual’. This is an opportunity to slow down, take your time and experience a deeper healing journey through all of your senses.
Not going to lie. The only part of me that ‘plunged’ into the cold pool was the few inches up to my ankle. The photo on the right you can slightly see the rounded edge of the cold plunge spot.
Walking into the turf house, the next step was the sauna.
I could not spend many minutes in this part before I felt like was cooking.
This was a ‘cool’ spot. Ha, Ha! Mist sprays were slowly occurring as you walked into and out of this area.
Totally loved the next step in the ritual
They didn’t mind being in my photo.
Take as much time as you want to exfoliate.
You’re all salty, oily and it’s time to walk into the steam chamber.
Not too much to see in the steam room…………………….
You’re almost finished with the ritual and yes, slightly dehydrated.
Alas, time to brave the chilly air and winds to head back out to the geothermal lagoon.
What’s left to do after all that? Enjoy the relaxing pool. We visited this place twice during our visit. Below is a short video of the second visit – it was VERY windy (and I was in a protected area – Yikes!).
Would we do it again? A.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y. Our first day in Iceland after arriving, we visited and our last full day in Iceland we went back again.
We exit the building and……………….
After some light refreshments to fuel and rehydrate, we drove the 15 minutes back to our apartment.
Oh man – wish I was back there now.
At the beginning I indicated we had 2 traditional Icelandic experiences. What was the other one?
Aurora Borealis – The Northern Lights
All our research indicated the best way to seeing the Northern Lights……booking a guided tour.
I follow several Instagrammers from Iceland and one company stood out – Artic Adventures. If your first foray with them doesn’t work out to see the Northern Lights, you can rebook another night, and another night, with your reservation good for 3 years (no refunds) until you see the lights.
Their reviews were fabulous. Rebooking did occur and still the reviews had positive things to say. We booked them. We also choose a day early in our vacation in case it didn’t work out. And it didn’t. If cloud cover or rain is forecast, the tour is canceled by 6:15pm (pick up was 8:30pm) and you can rebook. We looked at our remaining days in Iceland and the Friday night looked the best option – not great, but better than the other days of the week.
Here’s the radar that night. Our guide (also the driver) felt he could find us a window north of the city.
Our group of 18 was in an elongated super jeep. One couple on the tour had rebooked 2 other times that week and been canceled due to cloud cover. One criteria was to get away from the city and subsequent light pollution. We drove 40+ minutes before he stopped, talked with other guides and pulled off onto dirt roads. Yes, we needed the super jeep.
I had done my reading and truly did understand the lights tended to be ‘white fuzz’ to the naked eye. The camera on your smart phone could filter out that light and still give you a decent photo.
My first viewing, not really impressed.
Second photo I could faintly see pink and green.
Okay, things are getting a bit better. Definitely seeing streaks of green.
And then the money shot.
I will continue to be on the hunt for ‘dancing’ northern lights, but I’m good for now.
I plan to be back. Why? The unparalleled scenery, the abundant natural beauty, the thermal pools, the delicious food, the wide-open spaces and vast areas of untouched wilderness.
On my first visit in 2019, I found this street art on one of their buildings. I was hoping we could find it again. We did. This is why we travel:
We need to collect -great- moments. This is my last post for the 2024 Icelandic visit. Hope you enjoyed our activities and learned a bit more about the land of Fire & Ice.
Darden Travels 