Popular day trips
Blue Lagoon
Milky-blue geothermal water in a lava field, 37 km from the hostel.
The Blue Lagoon sits in a black lava field on the Reykjanes peninsula, roughly halfway between us and the airport — which makes it an easy stop on your first or last day.
The water sits around 38°C year round and is rich in silica, which is what gives it that opaque milky blue. A silica mud mask is included with entry.
Book ahead. Entry is by timed slot and it regularly sells out weeks in advance in summer. There is no walk-up availability to rely on.
Practical notes: you must shower without a swimsuit before entering — this is normal and non-negotiable in Iceland. Tie long hair up or expect the silica to leave it straw-like for a day. Leave silver jewellery in the locker; the minerals will tarnish it.
If the Blue Lagoon is sold out or over budget, Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur is closer, and Suðurbæjarlaug — our local thermal pool, 800 m from the door — costs a fraction of the price and is where actual Icelanders go.
