So far we have loved everything about Iceland. I was in awe of the beautiful and ever-changing landscape. As we drove from Reykjavik to Glacier Lagoon and back to our hotel in Vik, I kept adding things to a list in my head that I wanted to research and learn about. Things like what are the purple flowers we saw all over, how do the lava fields develop and how old are they, what are the roads like in the winter, how many people live in Vik, do the people of Vik all work there or do they travel to their jobs, how old are the glaciers at Glacier Lagoon and why are the beaches black?
It's been nice writing these blog posts and reliving our trip. It has inspired me to get answers to all my questions and learn more about Iceland.
I hope you enjoy reading Days 3 and 4 of our trip. I know I enjoyed living them!
July 12, 2021: Day 3 - Vik, Road Trip back to Reykjavik, Waterfall, Puffins, and Blue Lagoon
I’m all about the view so having a great view this morning at breakfast and from the room was a great way to start the day!
Puffins are seabirds that live on coastal cliffs and can be seen on the South Coast of Iceland. We looked for them yesterday and didn’t see any. So today we went on a Puffin search. The weather was very foggy and drizzly that morning and the first place we stopped we weren’t able to see any.
But we were lucky at our next stop, Dyrholaey Viewpoint, and saw many Puffins flying around the cliffs. They are very cute and fly really fast. So fun to see! There were several lookout areas and we took our time exploring and taking pictures. I could have spent hours watching the puffins fly around but we had something fun scheduled for the evening and needed to get back to Reykjavik.
Skógafoss waterfall was the next step and it was larger than I expected. As we walked close we saw sheep walking on the hills. The spray was heavy as we got close and we were glad we had our waterproof shoes, pants, and jackets.
It’s hard to see in the pictures but there are lots and lots of steps we climbed to get to the top of the waterfall. It took 13 minutes to climb all the stairs but boy was it worth it. At the top was cascading water that runs off the edge. Standing at the top provided stunning views of the countryside.
Blue Lagoon was our evening activity and I was so excited. At first, the weather was rainy but it cleared up nicely. The water was perfect for me as I only like to get in the water when it feels like bathwater.
Our package included robes, slippers, one drink, and face masks.
There were large lockers to use and each person MUST shower without a swimsuit before entering the lagoon. I changed into my swimsuit and put everything in my locker and headed to meet my husband.
Hanging areas were located inside the building and outside. After we dropped off our robes and slippers we entered the very warm and calmy water. Before our trip, we purchased waterproof phone cases so we could take pictures in the lagoon.
We went around the entire lagoon trying out different spots. The weather started to clear up and we decided to use our free drink coupon at the swim-up bar.
The swim-up mask bar was next and it was a fun experience. Three different masks are available and they tell you which one to use and how long to leave it on. My face felt incredible after.
Blue Lagoon was a much-needed relaxing experience after a few busy days.
July 13, 2021: Day 4 - Golden Circle and Reykjavik
Today was the day we traveled around the Golden Circle. We left around 9 am and returned to our hotel around 5 pm.
The first stop was a lesser-known waterfall called Porufoss. We were the only people there which was so cool. It felt like we were alone in the world.
The next stop was Thingvellir National Park. On the way, we traveled next to Lake Thingvallavatn which was gorgeous. It reminded me of the Caribbean. We didn’t even scratch the surface of things to see and do here. The views from the main lookout we stunning. Highly recommend stopping here if you ever visit Iceland.
Our stop included a walk to the Oxararfoss Waterfall. We started our journey after visiting the gift shop. Along the way, we found several lookout areas which had more stunning views. To reach the waterfall we had to climb quite a few stairs but it was so worth it. This waterfall has rocks at the bottom where the water pools which added to the striking image.
While researching places to stop I found Efstidalur Farm which serves ice cream. I had the White Chocolate and Bob had the Strawberry. He said it was the best strawberry ice cream he ever had. Mine was also excellent. We found out that the strawberries are grown at the next farm which is why the ice cream tasted so fresh and good!
We had a little time before our lunch so we stopped at Geysir. The gift shop was fantastic and I left a lot of money there. Hahaha. I purchased a gorgeous black purse, a wool blanket, and wool socks. I wasn’t looking to buy a purse but I couldn’t resist it. I didn't take any pictures of the Geysir because it was raining.
Frioheimar Greenhouse, our lunch destination, grows tomatoes and has a restaurant. I made a reservation weeks before our trip for a late lunch. All the menus items include tomatoes.
We had the all-you-can-eat tomato soup & bread Bob had cheesecake with tomato jam and I had the tomato and apple pie. Each dessert was served with small terra cotta pots. So cute!
After our late lunch, we drove back to Reykjavik. We walked around the residential streets and ended up at the famous hot dog stand. I’m not a huge fan of hot dogs but Icelandic hot dogs are really good. They come with fried onions and two different sauces.
It was another INCREDIBLE day in Iceland! Days 5 & 6 coming soon.