Iceland -Land of Fire & Ice


After staying one night in Reykjavík we 
 drove our rental car and headed towards 
Selfoss where we booked an airbnb for the next 4 nights. 
We booked this airbnb for a few reasons. First we wanted to explore more than Reykjavík. And we wanted a jacuzzi for the evening to relax and a washer/dryer for our dirty clothes. 
Also knowing by all the Blogs I've read Iceland is very expensive. (TRUE)
 We wanted to be able to make breakfast and dinner at home. Knowing we were going during the fall season and it gets dark early, we wanted a place with a home like feeling. 
After arriving to the house we were impressed by the location. It sits right on the backside of Selfoss waterfall. You can hear the water running down the river.  
We took advantage of the jacuzzi in the evenings and unwinded with a cocktail. 
Our home for the next few days and our rental car. 
Right behind our Airbnb

Sunrise view from our Airbnb

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
 Our first adventure in Iceland took us to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. This grand and massive waterfall is very popular. I now see why. Its absolutely breathtaking. 
The most distinguished feature of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall is the pathway stretches all the way around it. Be prepared to get wet, due to the mist of the waterfall. Bring good hiking shoes and a raincoat. Luckily the waterfall is only a few feet from the parking lot. To visit the waterfall is free, there is a small fee to park. 
700 Króna /$7 USD for the day.






Reynisfjara
Located on the coastal village of Vik-
The black sand was formed through a series of volcanic eruptions. There are over 200 volcanoes on the island of Iceland. Unique jet black pebbles and natural stacked towers make this beach a must stop on your trip to Iceland. 
The day we went Mother Nature was Super Windy- We had to cut our time here short. The little black pebbles were blowing on us. 




Valhalla Restaurant 
We loved Valhalla Restaurant. It has a fun Viking atmosphere. You can enjoy dinner, craft beer, a viking exhibition, axe throwing and darts. 
 We even took a few fun pictures while we were there. A place to go and relax after a day of hiking, and exploring or just to grab a quick bite. We stayed for awhile and enjoyed a few beers and grilled burgers.

Diamond Beach & Glacier Bay
Jökulsárlón is a large glacier lake located on the southern part of  Vatnajökull National Park.
The lake is filled with gigantic glaciers. 
With a short walk you are able to see glaciers floating in the lake.
The day we went it actually started to snow. Which added to the beauty. This part of your trip was breathtaking. My pictures do not do it justice. I will return to Iceland again just to see these glaciers again. 





Just across the way you will find Diamond Beach a black sand beach where the glaciers land and become unique ice sculptures. 


 
Icelandic Hotdog 
Yes, they are THAT good! Im not sure if its just because we did a lot of walking and were hungry, but they are special. We had hot dogs many different places, they were ALL tasty.  
We purchase most Hot Dogs at the gas stations-
Make sure to hit up different gas stations in Iceland. Once you get further out the city, gas station stops are more like convenience stores. They are one stop shops.
Road-tripping around Iceland has its advantages, we were able to stop when we wanted to and find little fun places along the highway. 
Geysir in Thingvellir National Park
Located at Thingvellir National Park. 
Icelands most famous Geyser. Erupts naturally every 4-10 minutes. Follow the path and you can experience the Geyser erupting up to 15-20 meters into the sky.
Make sure to leave some time out to go into the gift shop and cafe. 



Skógafoss Waterfall
I never dreamt I could ever get this close to a such a huge force of nature. Chasing waters is one thing but actually feeling the force of the water cascading down from the top is quite mesmerizing. Skogafoss Waterfall is friendly for the non avail hiker. You are able to park and easily access the waterfall. 



World Famous Blue Lagoon
We finally made it the this 
Iconic Icelandic Geothermal Blue Lagoon. We pre-booked our time and package selection prior to arriving. The Lagoon itself is absolutely beautiful! The grounds are amazing. Make sure to take some time and explore around the lagoon. There are some pretty cool hiking trails.  You will have a choice of 3 different packages.

 Comfort
59.00 USD
Entrance to the lagoon
Silica mud mask 
Use of towel
1st drink of choice
    Premium-
    79.00USD
    Entrance to the lagoon
    Silica mud mask 
    Plus two additional mask of your choice
    Use of towel
    1st drink of choice
    Use of Robe
    Glass of champagne if you dine at the Lava restaurant 
    Luxury
    409.ooUSD
    Five hours at the retreat spa
    Private changing room 
     and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.
We started our day with the Premium Package because we wanted the robe/slippers to relax in after lounging in the lagoon.  It was a total waste... you hang your robe on a open hook and its the honor system to grab YOUR robe so you have something to walk around it.
 There were so many people that someone took our robes/slippers  and left us with wet cold robes and I was left with size 11 mens slippers! I actually don't think you even need a robe unless you are planning on having a meal.  We spent most of our time in the thermal water.
If I had to do over I would save a few bucks and just go for the comfort package or REALLY splurge and purchase the luxury and have access to the Retreat Spa.
On the day we went to the Blue lagoon it was a  extremely crowded. 
I did not have a since of relaxation  and unwinding. Im sure it had to do with the amount of people who were there. 
I know it in my pictures it looks like it was just the two of us, I had to do a lot of editing and wait patiently for people to move out my way! Hahahaha 

Make sure to explore the grounds and trails before you start your day visit. The trails are beautiful and worth taking the time to explore.

Robe and slipper. There is a big changing room to put your coat and shoes. Your credit card is linked to a wristband that is assigned to you upon arrival. When you want to make a purchase you just tap your wristband. 




The silica mud mask are amazing. The 3 step process made my skin feel beautiful and soft. Especially in the harsh Icelandic weather. These mask really helped hydrate my skin. 
Our package came with one drink 
Of course we purchased a few more! 
Cheers!


On our last night in Iceland Mother Nature treated us to 
The Northern Lights!
 We drove out to the farthest place away from all light pollution.  Make sure to download the App "Aurora". The App will tell you how strong the aurora are in your area. I've used this App twice now and its very accurate. You will get a notification saying that Aurora should be showing in about an hour. 
We were in disbelief at how magical the moment was. Sitting in quite space in Iceland with a full moon and
 Northern Lights glowing in the sky. 
We are SO grateful we were able to experience Aurora on such a Magical trip! As far as pictures go, we did not take the best pictures the Aurora's were not extremely strong and we were not prepared. Only our cellphones. 
We're actually ok, with not having the greatest pictures because this moment will live with us forever. 
Im grateful for a husband who loves to adventure as much as I do and was up until 1:00am driving and searching for Aurora.

Thank you Mother Nature for creating such jaw dropping beauty for us to enjoy! A special thank you to the Icelandic people for their hospitality during our stay. 
Until Next Time Iceland.
Skál
Cheers in Icelandic 
                                      





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