Imagine how exciting it would be to explore Iceland’s South Coast and The Blue Lagoon with a Viking! Well, it’s time to get excited because you can, and not only will you love every single minute of it you will also spend time with Arni from Viking Trips who is one of the nicest people you will ever meet!
Iceland is one of the trendy places for travelers to visit and after spending three crazy days exploring the highlights around Reykjavik and Akarerryi I can tell you it’s not just trendy it’s incredible!
After looking at many different options we decided to book a two-day private tour so we could see everything we wanted. Our first-day trip was to Iceland’s South Coast and Blue Lagoon and day two was Iceland’s Golden Circle. This was a little costly but it was worth every cent and I would do it all again.
So, of course, I automatically thought that Iceland would be cold and Icy and although this is true we experienced every season and nearly every weather type known to man during our 2-day stop in Reykjavik and it was FABULOUS!
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss was an exciting way to start our tour, not only is this 65-meter-high waterfall picturesque to look at from the front but it is even more amazing to look at from the behind.
Yes, that’s right you can walk behind the waterfall. I have to tell you though it’s not for the faint-hearted, you will get wet (so make sure you wear your wet weather gear) and the pathway to behind the waterfall is rugged and a little slippery. During bad weather, the path behind the waterfall can be closed.
Cost: There is no fee to visit or walk behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Travel Time From Reykjavik: Approximately 1 hour & 45 minutes
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Wow, uniquely stunning doesn’t even begin to explain how amazing the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is to see. Living on the east coast of Australia all of the beaches I have been to have white sand so to see a beach that’s sand was created out of volcanic rock is beyond impressive! Funnily enough, the sand isn’t soft it’s black shiny rocks and pebbles.
The day we visited Reynisfjara Beach the weather was windy (blowing a gale actually), rainy, and cold but nothing could spoil this experience. The combination of the waves crashing on the shore, the wind howling and the dark gloomy sky made us appreciate how the look of Iceland’s extraordinary scenery and landscape can change with the weather. The good news is there is a naturally formed cave that you can stand under if it’s raining where you can admire the famous basalt columns and the beach.
It is extremely important to know that Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach can be very dangerous as the tides are unpredictable and large “sneaker” waves can appear out of nowhere so you are best not to get close to the water just admire this one from afar.
Cost: There is no fee to visit Reynisfjara black sand beach
Travel Time From Reykjavik: Approximately 2 ½ hours drive
Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss waterfall is located just outside the town of Skógar and is another great place to stop when touring Iceland’s South Coast. You can get pretty close to the waterfall but be prepared to get drenched and be very careful as it is extremely powerful!
If you are looking for something a little more challenging or different you can climb the stairs up the mountain which leads to an observation deck where you can admire this beauty from the top!
The waterfall has a drop of 60 meters and is around 25 meters wide making it one of Iceland’s biggest. By the time we reached Skógafoss, the weather had taken a turn for the worse so we didn’t get too close. We stood a little further back before taking cover in the Hotel Skógafoss Bistro and Bar.
Here we were able to stay warm and enjoy lunch while still getting a great view of Skógafoss waterfall. The Hotel Skógafoss Bistro and Bar is open for breakfast lunch and dinner and offers a variety of dishes that are traditionally Icelandic or your delicious bistro faves like burgers, pasta, sandwiches, and salads.
On our tour guide’s recommendation, we had the burgers (“Skógafoss” and “the local one”) and they were very tasty especially when paired with a local ale! When the weather is fine you can even sit out on the verandah and admire the perfect view of Skógafoss.
Cost: There is no fee to visit Skógafoss Waterfall
Travel Time From Reykjavik: Approximately 2 hours
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is possibly the most famous attraction to visit in Iceland and for good reason! The aqua blue water is perfectly heated by geothermal energy making it one gigantic relaxing spa that is around 37°C to 40°C (seriously it’s like hopping into a hot bath).
We visited the Blue Lagoon at 8 pm which worked out to be a perfect time to visit as it wasn’t crowded and we were able to enjoy the Lagoon in the day and night as the sun doesn’t set until after 10 pm in August.
Make sure you pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment as only a certain number of tickets are allocated for each time slot. We booked directly through the Blue Lagoon website and our tickets were emailed to us – easy peasy! There are three different ticket packages that you can book online:
Comfort – Entry, silica mud mask, towel, and one drink of your choice
Premium – Entry, silica mud mask, 2nd mask, towel, slippers, bathrobe, one drink of your choice, optional restaurant reservation and sparkling wine if dining in the restaurant
Retreat Spa – Entry, one drink free, blue lagoon ritual, retreat spa access for 4 hours, private change room, skin care products, access to spa restaurant
We booked the comfort package to secure the later time slot and were able to purchase extras when we checked in. I seriously recommend the bathrobe which comes in very handy for keeping warm when hopping in and out of the warm water. You will also be given a wristband at check-in which acts as your locker key and charge card for purchases while in the Blue Lagoon.
Ok, we need to talk about the changing rooms…. I had heard all of the stories about having to shower in front of everyone in your birthday suit, and that there were no private change rooms to use… as this isn’t that common in Australia I totally freaked out and even contemplated not going.
But let me put your mind at ease… Yes, this does happen and isn’t uncommon for this part of the world BUT the male and female areas are separate and there are private showers and change room cubicles that you can use. Lockers are also available to store all of your belongings. You will need to shower before getting into the Blue Lagoon which helps keep the water as clean as possible.
Once you have showered and changed and are enjoying the warm water of the Blue Lagoon you can swim around to the bar and get your free drink and your revitalization silica mud mask from the mask bar. If you want to purchase another simply swipe your wrist band and you will pay for this when you check out at the end of your visit. You will be limited to three beverages per wristband and can choose from wine, beer, smoothies, soft drinks, or juices.
The Blue Lagoon also has three restaurants, a café, a souvenir shop, and accommodation at the Silica Hotel or Retreat Hotel where you can stay and enjoy views over the Blue Lagoon and the phenomenal Icelandic scenery. Blue Lagoon we will be back!
Cost: The comfort package starts from ISK7990. The price will increase based on the time of day you visit and the package type you choose
Opening Hours: The opening and closing times of The Blue Lagoon do vary from season to season so make sure you check out the Blue Lagoon website for the most up-to-date information.
Travel Time From Reykjavik: Approximately 40 minutes
Good to Know
Month Visited: Late August (we didn’t get to see the Northern lights)
Sunrise: Approximately 5.50 am
Sunset: Approximately 9.00 pm
Average Daytime Temperature: 11°C
Currency: Icelandic Krona
Language: The official language of Iceland is Icelandic but English is widely spoken
Recommended: Book a private Tour of Iceland’s South Coast and Blue Lagoon – you won’t be disappointed!
Tour Companies: Viking Trips – Arni and Iceland Go Tours – Bjorn
We completed a 14-night Iceland and Ireland cruise with Celebrity Cruises and chose this particular cruise as it had a two-day stop in Reykjavik. Celebrity offers different cruise options for Iceland so be sure to check out the Celebrity Cruise website for all of the different itinerary options!
Want to know more about Iceland? Check out Iceland’s Golden Circle
*Prices shown are current in October 2019.
As prices can change from time to time be sure to check the Blue Lagoon website
Thoughts, opinions, and photos of Iceland’s South Coast and Blue Lagoon shared here are entirely my own.
