The fourth day of the trip was the windiest and the rainiest of them all. We had our South Coast tour with GeoIceland that day. They are a smaller tour company, and they took about 10 of us around the South Coast in a mini-bus. Our tour guide was a local named Oscar, who was very well versed and entertaining throughout the tour. We didn't get to hit all our stops, but we did see some of the main attractions!
Before the tour, we grabbed more TE & KAFFI. :)
On the way to the first stop, we stopped to see the strong winds blows smaller waterfalls sideways. It looked like smoke from afar.
First stop was Seljalandsfoss, one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland. It has an open cave right under the waterfall. To the right of it, you can actually climb stairs to the top. Since it was super rainy we just decided to walk underneath the fall.
The lighting was bad underneath the fall, so I didn't get too many good shots of there.
Afterwards we headed to the Black Sand Beach in Vik. It was sprinkling when we got there, but incredibly windy. There was also a fashion shoot going on up against the wall - odd day for a fashion shoot imo.
The coolest part about the beach was the basalt columns. They are all naturally formed and made for a cool photo op.
Behind the columns, there are basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. There is a legend behind these formations that involve trolls. We tried to get closer to the formations but the tide was high. The most notable fomation, my friend endearingly named one of them Penis rock due its interesting shape.
The windiness and the rain actually made the beach look cooler. The contrast of the sky and land was a stark black & white contrast.
Our third stop was Mýrdalsjökull glacier. It's the fourth largest glacier in Iceland. We walked the path that led to the edge of the glacier, and it was quite impressive to see in person. It was my first glacier and the enormity of it really surprised me. Before this, I never knew people tracked glaciers so closely before. Apparently this one covers one of their active volcanoes Katia.
We stopped at one more waterfall, but it wasn't memorable enough to blog about. Overall I would say the tour was great for what it was, but personally I would not go on a tour again. I think I prefer figuring out landmarks on my own, and visiting them at my own pace. We spent a max of 20 mins at one of our stops during this tour. However, if you do want to do tours, I would recommend checking out Geo Iceland as they are a more intimate tour company since they are smaller.
The next day, our final day :(, we decided to relax by checking the Blue Lagoon. It's a geothermal spa and is one of Iceland's most famous attractions. This was definitely the most touristy spot we went to - still worth it though!
For our last breakfast we decided to try Prikid, which claims to be Iceland's oldest restaurant. They had diner style food and I honestly wasn't impressed. The portions are huge but everything was very bland.
It was about an hour ride to the blue lagoon. Reykjavik Excursions has a roundtrip bus fare that you can book to and from your hostel. You also have the option to stop by before or after your flights.
Once we arrived, there is a small path that leads to the main entrance. You can see the thermal water along the pathway.
FYI, we brought our tickets ahead of time. It's recommended you do, as you may be denied entry if it gets too full! We got the comfort package, which came with an extra face mask, a drink, and a towel. Once inside they give you a key for your locker. You then go get changed and they have racks right outside the water to hang clothes and such.
The waters were super warm and you can go in towards the heart of the waters, where it gets super hot. The waters naturally contain sulfur and silica, and while it's good for your skin, it's very drying to your hair. I recommend putting your hair up and slathering it with conditioner.
Honestly speaking, you can spend a good half day here. It was just so relaxing and the perfect way to end the trip. There wasn't too many people when we were there which is perfect. If you're looking for less crowds, I have heard there are other natural springs in Iceland you can check out.
This ends my Iceland Travel Diary - I hope I gave some interesting tips and insight. Iceland truly became my favorite destination so far, and I can't wait to go back in the future.
Before the tour, we grabbed more TE & KAFFI. :)
A Reykjavik Street in the early morning
On the way to the first stop, we stopped to see the strong winds blows smaller waterfalls sideways. It looked like smoke from afar.
First stop was Seljalandsfoss, one of the best known waterfalls in Iceland. It has an open cave right under the waterfall. To the right of it, you can actually climb stairs to the top. Since it was super rainy we just decided to walk underneath the fall.
The lighting was bad underneath the fall, so I didn't get too many good shots of there.
Afterwards we headed to the Black Sand Beach in Vik. It was sprinkling when we got there, but incredibly windy. There was also a fashion shoot going on up against the wall - odd day for a fashion shoot imo.
The coolest part about the beach was the basalt columns. They are all naturally formed and made for a cool photo op.
Behind the columns, there are basalt sea stacks called Reynisdrangar. There is a legend behind these formations that involve trolls. We tried to get closer to the formations but the tide was high. The most notable fomation, my friend endearingly named one of them Penis rock due its interesting shape.
The windiness and the rain actually made the beach look cooler. The contrast of the sky and land was a stark black & white contrast.
Our third stop was Mýrdalsjökull glacier. It's the fourth largest glacier in Iceland. We walked the path that led to the edge of the glacier, and it was quite impressive to see in person. It was my first glacier and the enormity of it really surprised me. Before this, I never knew people tracked glaciers so closely before. Apparently this one covers one of their active volcanoes Katia.
We stopped at one more waterfall, but it wasn't memorable enough to blog about. Overall I would say the tour was great for what it was, but personally I would not go on a tour again. I think I prefer figuring out landmarks on my own, and visiting them at my own pace. We spent a max of 20 mins at one of our stops during this tour. However, if you do want to do tours, I would recommend checking out Geo Iceland as they are a more intimate tour company since they are smaller.
The next day, our final day :(, we decided to relax by checking the Blue Lagoon. It's a geothermal spa and is one of Iceland's most famous attractions. This was definitely the most touristy spot we went to - still worth it though!
For our last breakfast we decided to try Prikid, which claims to be Iceland's oldest restaurant. They had diner style food and I honestly wasn't impressed. The portions are huge but everything was very bland.
Funny sign on the way back
It was about an hour ride to the blue lagoon. Reykjavik Excursions has a roundtrip bus fare that you can book to and from your hostel. You also have the option to stop by before or after your flights.
Once we arrived, there is a small path that leads to the main entrance. You can see the thermal water along the pathway.
FYI, we brought our tickets ahead of time. It's recommended you do, as you may be denied entry if it gets too full! We got the comfort package, which came with an extra face mask, a drink, and a towel. Once inside they give you a key for your locker. You then go get changed and they have racks right outside the water to hang clothes and such.
The waters were super warm and you can go in towards the heart of the waters, where it gets super hot. The waters naturally contain sulfur and silica, and while it's good for your skin, it's very drying to your hair. I recommend putting your hair up and slathering it with conditioner.
Honestly speaking, you can spend a good half day here. It was just so relaxing and the perfect way to end the trip. There wasn't too many people when we were there which is perfect. If you're looking for less crowds, I have heard there are other natural springs in Iceland you can check out.
This ends my Iceland Travel Diary - I hope I gave some interesting tips and insight. Iceland truly became my favorite destination so far, and I can't wait to go back in the future.
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