Reykjavik Excursions
Blue Lagoon: Located in the lunar-like landscape of lava fields, the Blue Lagoon was accidentally created by the run-off water from the Svartsengi power station. The reputed health benefits (particularly for skin ailments) of its mineral-rich, geothermal seawater have made it one of the most visited locations in Iceland. Massages are also on offer and spa beauty products, including mud from the lake, are available too. The Blue Lagoon (tel: 420 8800; website: www.bluelagoon.is) is situated on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 50km (30 miles) southwest of the city. Bus 5 leaves Reykjavik's central bus station three times a day (journey time - 40 minutes). There are also half-day excursions available (see Bus Tours in Tours of the City). The spa is open daily 0800-2100 in the summer (Mid May-Aug), and 1000-2000 in winter.
For a Whole Day
Golden Circle: The waterfall of Gulfoss, together with the famous geothermal area at Geysir and Thingvellir (the site of the old Icelandic parliament), form the main attractions of a round tour that has become known as the ‘Golden Circle'. Considered to be Iceland's most beautiful waterfall, Gulfoss ('golden falls') is a two-tier waterfall in a huge gorge carved out by the mighty glacial River Hvítá. The spouting Geysir (the original that gave its name to the world's geysers) ceased to erupt earlier this century but fortunately its faithful stand-in, the nearby Strokker, spouts and sprays every five minutes or so. The site also includes hot springs that are coloured by mineral deposits, steaming vents and warm streams.
A host of operators offer day trips by coach or 4x4 vehicles. You can also add a snow scooter ride, white-water rafting or horseriding to the experience with Iceland Total (tel: 585 4300; website: www.icelandtotal.com). For those short of time the Golden Circle can be combined with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, although the combined tour makes for a very long day. It is possible to get to all these destinations by public bus, but not all in one day as services are infrequent. A tour or private transport is much more advisable.
Tours of Reykjavik
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Travel Deals for Reykjavik
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
-
Dominican Republic Family holidays The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity as a tropical hotspot for families seeking sun, sand and an affordable holiday in the Caribbean. The island's main attraction is magnificent golden sand
Quick links
