Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon and Seljalandsfoss: Day trip

Contrary to popular belief, the Blue Lagoon is not a natural formation, but the excess water from the nearby geothermal plant that opened in 1976. Like elsewhere in Iceland, the plant uses naturally heated seawater to heat fresh water, which is then used to heat people’s homes. When this seawater is no longer hot enough, it’s pumped out into the lava field to be reabsorbed by the earth. However, the waters at the Svartsengi geothermal power station were so rich in silicates that they coated the porous lava rocks with mud, thus forming the Blue Lagoon. After some brave locals found that the mineral-rich waters were good for their skin, it soon became a popular local retreat, and is now one of the best spas in the world. Aside from the therapeutic properties, the milky blue waters in the middle of a lava field (part of the Reykjanes Peninsula UNESCO Geopark) are just aesthetically pleasing - which is probably why everyone from Bjork to Beyonce has been spotted here. Please note: as Iceland’s most popular attraction, advance booking is required well in advance at www.bluelagoon.com

Fed by waters from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, Seljalandsfoss pours over a 60 meter cliff into a grassy basin, though centuries ago, this cliff once marked Iceland’s coast. Today, Seljalandsfoss is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland, thanks in large part to the hollow in the cliff face behind the falls. This cavern offers to view the falls from every angle, but be prepared to get wet by the constant mist Seljalandsfoss makes. With floodlights installed on either side of the falls, you’re sure to get an impressive few, even if you visit in the dark of winter. Less than a kilometer to the north is one of Iceland’s hidden gems: the Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Mostly obscured by a cliff, to reach the falls, you have to wade up-stream through a cleft in the rock face. But for those who get their feet wet, you’re rewarded with a stunning, albeit soaking, experience (seriously, you will get wet).