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Europe Golden Circle Iceland Thingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site Waterfall

Thingvellir National Park- The Epicenter of Icelandic History

Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is an absolute gem that should be on every traveler’s bucket list! This spectacular nature reserve is located in the southwest region of Iceland and has so much to offer. 

One of the main highlights of the park is its mesmerizing geological features that are unlike anything else you’ll see on this planet. Thingvellir National Park  (THING-VET-leer) is settled along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.  Here the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visible above ground. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness these plate boundaries in action.

But that’s not the only exhilarating feature that you can enjoy in this national park. Its historical significance is undeniable.  The history dates back to the establishment of Iceland’s national parliament, Alþingi in 930 AD. 

Apart from its historical and geological wonders, Thingvellir National Park boasts of great natural beauty. Its varied terrain offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and various water activities such as scuba diving, fishing, and birdwatching.

Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is protected to preserve its natural and historical importance. Overall, Thingvellir National Park is a treasure trove of unparalleled natural beauty, geological and historical phenomena, and is a must-visit on your Iceland itinerary!

Öxarárfoss waterfall situated within Þingvellir National Park

The Main Attractions of Thingvellir

  1.  Almannagja– a 7km long rift that marks the eastern boundary of the North-American tectonic plate.
  2. Logberg– In early Icelandic history, it was here that the Alþingi  assembly met and created the laws that shaped Iceland.
  3. Oxarafoss– A 13 m high waterfall that was believed to have been diverted to its current location during ancient times.
  4. Stekkjargja– A section of Almannagja that was used as a hanging site for convicted thieves.
  5. Flosagja– A deep fissure with cold, crystal clear groundwater that originates from the Langjokull glacier 45 km away.
  6. Thingbudir– The overgrown rectangular foundation of the old assembly meeting grounds.
Drekkingarhylur was once a drowning pool where at least 18 women were sentenced to their death.

Our Experience

On day 2 of our Ring Road Tour, we left Reykjavik and drove about 45 minutes to Thingvellir National Park where we booked an excursion to go snorkeling between the tectonic plates.  Our excursion wasn’t until noon, so we had some time to explore the park before we met up with our tour guide.

Our first stop in the park was Oxarafoss.  We parked in P3 (Parking Lot 3) and took the short hike to the falls.  Old sagas say that early settlers changed the course of the river to improve the water supply at Thingvellir.  

The falls have a small boardwalk area where you can snap photos from.  If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can hop across some of the rocks in the pool to get a closer look at the falls.

Me and Isabelle at Öxarárfoss
Oxarafoss River cutting through Almannagja

We decided to walk 1/2 mile from Oxarafoss to the Visitor’s Center.  We made stops along the river before ew got to Law Rock.  In 930 AD, local chieftans began to gather at an annual meeting called Alþingi  (“all-thing”).  These meetings took place here, at Law Rock.  It is because of these annual meetings that Thingvellir can be considered as Iceland’s first capital.  

Next, we passed through Almannagja (Everyman’s Gorge).  This path traces the boundaries of the continents- on one side is North America and on the other is Europe.

The walk from Law Rock to the Visitor’s Center was much steeper than I anticipated.  If you struggle with mobility or if you’re traveling with littles, you may want to skip the Viewing Platform and Visitor’s Center all together.  

The viewing platform overlooks the great fissure where you can see the two tectonic plates moving apart.  It’s kinda cool for a nerd like myself.

Here, we turned around and walked the 1/2 mile back to our parking lot.

Looking down on Thingvellir National Park
Elle snorkeling at Silfra

The highlight of our visit to Thingvellir was snorkeling between the tectonic plates– well, for me anyway.  Ashley didn’t love it.  It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a definite must if you’re into pushing your boundaries, snorkeling, and nerd stuff.

After our snorkel excursion, we drove to Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and much more!  It was a super thrilling, incredibly busy day!

Visiting Thingvellir National Park

The natural site is always open and free, although you did need to pay to park. 

Free one-hour guided tours in English depart from the Thingvellir church each day at 10:00 and 15:00.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post:  Thingvellir National Park.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, The Penis Museum, Gullfoss, and much more!  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Europe Golden Circle Iceland Thingvellir National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site

Snorkeling Silfra: The Ultimate Icelandic Adventure

Elle snorkeling at Silfra

When we first started mapping out our Icelandic Ring Road Trip, snorkeling Silfra was high on my list of things I wanted to do.  I’ve had a few friends who have done it said it was absolutely incredible…I just hoped I could work up the nerve to actually do it!

Located in Thingvellir National Park, Silfra is a unique snorkeling destination that promises a mesmerizing experience. The fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates offers a crystal-clear underwater view that is nothing short of breathtaking.

As you get ready for your snorkeling adventure, a wetsuit that is suitable for the chilly Icelandic waters is provided by your tour company.   Soon you will find yourself in the icy-cold waters, gliding through the frigid clearest waters you will ever see. The water is so transparent that you can see up to 100 meters ahead with endless shades of blue and green.

As you journey through the Silfra fissure, it is as if you are swimming in a living, breathing geology book. You will come across vibrant colors and textures etched into the rocks, giving you a profound sense of the power of nature. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of freshwater fish that inhabit the area.

Snorkeling Silfra is an unforgettable experience due to the combination of geology, clear waters, and fish sightings. This Iceland gem is ideal for anyone seeking adventure and a newfound appreciation for the natural world.

Our Experience Snorkeling Silfra

We woke up early and had a delicious breakfast at the Sand Hotel in Reykjavik and headed to Thingvellir National Park.  Thingvellir is about an hour outside of the city, making it the perfect day trip from Reykjavik.  We arrived at the park earlier enough to be able to do some hiking and visit a waterfall before we had to meet up with our tour company.  We were each given a bag to store all of our personal belongings. 

Our tour was about nearly 3 hours long.  The first hour was spent suiting up, going over safety information, and demonstrating a few basic moves in the water before we were able to continue snorkeling between the plates.

After checking in with our company (we used Troll Expeditions), we stripped down to our base layer and were fitted for our dry suits.  For our base layer, we were long underwear (link) and a t-shirt.  It was plenty warm enough for being in the water.  We were also given thick gloves, a snorkel, and flippers. 

The crew took a lot of care into making sure everyone was wearing the proper size suit, flippers, and making sure everyone’s hood was secure.  They even helped us put our dry suits and hoods on, which was helpful since they are so bulky and awkward.

Since the gloves were so large, it was pretty hard to manipulate my GoPro, so I ended up leaving it behind.  Fortunately, our guide snapped lots of photos of us, so that worked out.  He sent them to us that evening, which was a super quick turn around!

To keep our heads warm, we had to wear a hood, which was fastened with a choker. The choker was really uncomfortable, especially since I have claustrophobia.  Honestly, everyone was uncomfortable with it on, but ultimately its job was to prevent water from getting into our suits, so it was essential.  

We were handed our flippers and snorkels and we walked just down the road to the entry point.  We had to wait a bit while other groups finished getting suited up and getting info from their guides.

Once it was our turn, we had to make sure our masks were tight enough by putting our faces in the water.  Next, we had to demonstrate that we could get water out of our snorkel, if needed, and that we were able to roll over onto our sides under water.  It’s all pretty basic stuff and requires very little skill, at all.  

Elle snorkeling at Silfra

Alas, it was time for us to explore the fissure.  What an awesome, unique experience!  I mean, how many people can say that they snorkeled between tectonic plates?  That they swam between Europe and North America?  I thought it was a little cooler than Ashley did, but I’m also just a tad bit nerdier and into the science of things.

As a group, we explored the fissure.  We had about an hour to float in the frigid water.  Since there’s such a strong current in the fissure, you barely have to swim.  Swimming in the water was very effortless.  

One of the things I was worried about was being cold in the water.  With the suit and gloves, the only part of our body that was exposed was our face.  I watched several YouTube videos and read blog posts where people said their faces were freezing in the water, I didn’t notice the cold at all. 

Ashley’s suit leaked a bit around the neck area, so by the time we neared the end of the snorkeling run, she was over it.  We were given the option of exploring a little lagoon area, and instead she headed to the exit point and I swam around a bit alone.

Ashley snorkeling at Silfra

By the time we were done, our lips were swollen from the cold water and we were ready to get out of our suits.  We were especially ready to ditch the chokers!  Our guide wouldn’t let us remove the choker, hood, or any part of the suit until we were back at the meeting point.  

We stepped into a trailer with a heater to ditch our suits and get dressed.  They had heaters in the trailer which was super nice!  When we took our suits off, we realized just how wet Ashley was.  Her shirt was drenched, no wonder she was uncomfortable!  She was the only one in our group who had a leaky suit, the rest of us were perfectly dry- except for our hair.

We were offered cookies and cocoa or coffee to help warm us up.  We bid kveðja (farewell) to our guide and headed to our next stop.

Snorkeling between the tectonic plates was a super cool experience.  I’m really glad that we did it and that I didn’t chicken out.  I had worked myself up so much leading up to our trip that was convinced that I would have a panic attack in the water.  It was all for nothing, it was such an awesome experience.  Snorkeling the plates was one of my favorite things we did in Iceland.  Ashley, on the other hand, didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I did.  She hates being uncomfortable so she was miserable pretty much the entire time.

Would I do it again?  Yes…if I had time to spare.  We only had a week on our Ring Road Tour and our excursion took a big chunk of our day.  Our itinerary was jam packed and we didn’t get to spend as much time at some of the other sites on our list for that day.  For example, we barely spent any time at Gullfoss and we skipped the Kerid Crater all together.  At the same time, it’s a once in a lifetime experience, so I’m perfectly content with having done it just the one time.

How to Get to Thingvellir National Park

The best way to get anywhere in Iceland is to rent a car.  I honestly couldn’t picture doing Iceland without having a vehicle.  That being said, there are plenty of tour companies that offer transportation from Reykjavik to Thingvellir.  

There are plenty of rental car companies located in Reykjavik and Keflavik, near the airport.  If you’re traveling to Iceland during the summer, make sure you book your rental car well in advance!  Iceland is an extremely popular tourist destination at this time of the year.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post:  Snorkeling Silfra: The Ultimate Icelandic Adventure.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, the Penis Museum, Gullfoss, and much more! 

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Europe Iceland Reykjavik

The Icelandic Phallological Museum aka The Penis Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum (or the Penis Museum) houses the world’s largest collection of penises.  The collection holds well over 300 wieners from more than 100 different species of mammals….including a human schlong.

The Penis Museum, located in Reykjavik, was founded in 1997 by Sigurður Hjartarson and is now run by his son Hjörtur Gísli Sigurðsson.  Over the years, this unique museum has become a popular tourist.

...wait...this guy collects penises?

Yeah, so about that… the story goes that founder Sigurður Hjartarson was gifted a cattle whip made from a bull’s pizzle when he was a child.  Years later, after hearing about this story, a friend of his gave him 4 new dongs.

His generous friends over at the whaling stations began bringing him whale willies, and then his collection really began…growing.  Folks starting gifting him farm phalluses, dolphin dicks,  and even a polar bear pecker.

His hobby quickly became an obsession and when he retired from his teaching job in 1997, he opened the first Icelandic Phallological Museum in Husavik.  When his son took over the business, he moved the museum to the capital city of Reykjavik.

Our Visit to the Penis Museum

Believe it or not, the Penis Museum was our second stop in Iceland- after the Blue Lagoon.  It was still a little early to check into our hotel, so we found a nearby parking garage in Reykjavik and decided to check out the museum. …When in Rome, Iceland…right?

The museum is located right in the heart of downtown, near popular places like the Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, and the harbor.  As soon as we entered the museum, we were surrounded by penises…of all shapes, sizes, colors, and species.  

When I told Ashley about the Penis Museum, or the Icelandic Phallological Museum, if you’re feeling fancy, she was dead set on going.  I caved in because, it’s a cultural experience, right?  

Up until this visit, I could honestly say that I had never paid to peep a penis.  After paying our $20 to get in, we crossed the turnstiles to check out the Penis Museum. 

The first exhibit was Whale Phalluses…Whale Penises, the size of my arm.  Y’all.  We’re talking wrinkly, white, whale dicks crammed into a jar.  It was actually quite gross.

It was, however, quite informative.  I learned all about the mating habits and wieners of whales, seals, walruses, and even land animals like reindeer, bulls, elephants,  and a human dude.

I think the best part of our visit was watching a young boys reaction to the displays.  “Wow mom, look at this sperm whale penis!”  “Mom, look how small this hamster penis is!”  The kid must have said penis at least 155 times while he was in the museum.  It was quite comical, the kid was genuinely impressed.  

I can honestly say that this was the most unique museum either of us had ever been to.  Ashley thought it was pretty cool, but I was mostly grossed out the whole time.  The amount of penises, balls, and pubes was just…bleh.  

Visiting the Icelandic Penis Museum

The Penis Museum is located at:

 Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Ísland, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

It is open 7 days a week from 10 AM until 7 PM.  

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, save our post:  The Icelandic Phallological Museum.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Europe Hotel Review Iceland Reykjavik

Reykjavík’s Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels: An Honest Review

Outside of Sand Hotel Reykjavik

This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts and opinions are our own.

Imagine a sleek, modern, boutique hotel located in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland.  That, my friends, is the Sand Hotel Reykjavik.  On our recent trip to Iceland, we stayed at the Sand Hotel Reykjavik at both the start and end of our journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.  This hotel is perfectly located near all of the main tourist attractions in downtown Reykjavik, and about a 45 minute drive from the Keflavik International Airport.  It’s the idea spot to relax after a long flight, or serve as a base for the Golden Circle.

The Sand Hotel is owned by the pâtissiers that whip up some of the best pastries in Iceland over at Sandholt.  Lucky for you, the eatery is located right next door to the hotel!  The crew at the Sand Hotel whips up a pretty mean breakfast including some of the pastries you might find next door.  

Oh…and did I mention Sand Hotel has the absolute best beds in all of Iceland?  They are so incredibly comfortable!

Superior Room at Sand Hotel Reykjavik

Accommodation Options at Sand Hotel in Reykjavik

The Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels in Reykjavik is a 4 star boutique hotel with 78 rooms.  The rooms feature USB connections, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a Bluetooth speaker.

Small Double Room- These cozy rooms are perfect for 1 or 2 adults that are just looking for a place to rest their heads.  The rooms feature a comfortable Queen-size bed.

Standard Double Room- These double rooms are a little larger than the small double rooms and are suitable for 1 or 2 people.  The rooms feature a queen sized bed.

Superior Room- The Superior Rooms are perfect for those who want to stretch out a little bit.  The rooms have comfortable arm chairs, ample storage, and a lovely queen size bed.  The rooms can sleep up to 3 adults.

Family Room- Finding a family room in Europe can be tricky…but if you’re a family of 4 (or traveling with a few friends), you’re in luck!  The Sand Hotel has a Family Room.  The room features a Queen and a King bed.  

Junior Suite- Want to really relax on your vacation?  Check out the Junior Suites!  They sleep up to 3 and feature a luxurious King-sized bed, a seating area, ample storage space, and room to stretch your legs.

Suite- The suites sleep up to 4 people and feature a King bed and a sofa bed.  Tuck the sofa bed away during the day for a comfortable living area for the whole family.  

Sand Suite- ….YOLO, right??? The Sand Suite features a dining room, small kitchen, living room and private bedroom.  It is the perfect romantic retreat for a couple!

Book a Room

Check In/Check out at the Sand Hotel

The Lobby of Sand Hotel Reykjavik

The Sand Hotel is located at Laugavegur 34, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.  You’ll find the entrance for the boutique hotel down an alley off of Laugavegur.

The hotel does not offer free parking however, there is inexpensive metered parking nearby.  We found parking off of Grettisgata and Frakkastigur, nearby.

To check in, enter the lobby and visit the desk on the left.  The staff is helpful, informative, and friendly!  Be prepared to have your passport or ID ready to confirm your reservation.

Sand Hotel Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the room just off the lobby.  The food was absolutely delicious!  You’ll find pastries, sliced meat and cheese, yogurt, fruit,  granola, an assortment of juices and more!

Outside of Sand Hotel Reykjavik

Our Honest Review

We stayed at the Sand Hotel twice during our stay in Iceland, on our first night and our last night.   We stayed in hotels ranging between $300 and $900 a night and honestly, this was our favorite hotel.  The bed was absolutely heavenly and the room was exceptionally comfortable. 

The room we were in the first night was located overlooking  Laugavegur, one of the main roads in downtown Reykjavik.  It got a little loud on the street when the bars closed down, but overall, the hotel was quiet.

During our second stay, our room was located on the alley side of the hotel.  Voices echoed up through the alley into our rooms, but it wasn’t as loud that evening.

We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast at the hotel, especially the pastries!  

We will absolutely be staying here when we return to Iceland!

Sand Hotel Location

The Sand Hotel is located at Laugavegur 34, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. 

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown.  It is just a quick walk to several eateries, the harbor, and sites like the Sun Voyager Statue, Penis Museum, Harpa Concert Hall, and more!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: Reykjavik’s Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels: An Honest Review.   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Blue Lagoon Europe Hofsos Pool Iceland

Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Icelanders take their lagoons and pools very seriously. Relaxing in geothermal water is a long standing tradition for the locals.  Over the years, a handful of rules, both written and unwritten, have developed.  Before you visit, here are 4 Things to Know Before Visiting a  Pool or Lagoon in Iceland.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

1. Showering Etiquette for a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland

Since relaxing in the lagoons or pools is such a sacred tradition for Icelanders, it is important that you follow their customs.  For instance, everyone is expected to shower prior to getting in the water.  It is expected that you shower naked and use soap to wash your face, underarms, private area, and feet.  

Once you have fully cleaned your body, put on your bathing suit and enjoy the warm water!

Okay, but do I really need to shower naked?

In short, yes.  Unlike other spas or pools where you typically shower with your swimsuit on, in Iceland you are expected to shower naked and then put your bathing suit on.  In fact, this is required by the Environment Agency of Iceland…aka, it’s the law!

Sure, it may sound uncomfortable, but literally everyone else will be naked.  It’s honestly not a big deal.  No one will be staring at you.

Are there private showers available?

If you’re visiting one of the more popular lagoons, geared towards tourists, you’ll most likely find a few private showers.  The Blue Lagoon, for instance, has several private showers…however, only a couple of private dressing rooms.  Nearly everyone changes in front of one another.

The local pools do not offer private showers.  There are designated areas where you’ll undress, store your belongings, shower, and dry off.  The areas are all clearly marked with signs in both Icelandic and English.

Hofsós Swimming Pool

2. Bathing Suit Requirements for a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland

Most pools and lagoons require bathing suits to be worn.  They do not permit shorts, sports bras, leggings, etc. to be worn instead of bathing suits.

What if I don't have a bathing suit or towel?

Sometimes space can be extremely limited in a suitcase, trust me, I get it.  If you do not have space for a bathing suit and towel in your suitcase, all pools have bathing suits and towels available for rent or purchase.  

Some lagoons even include the use of a towel or bathrobe in your entrance fee.  At the Blue Lagoon, for instance, our package included a towel and a bathrobe.

We did, however, pack quick dry microfiber towels, which came in handy at the local pools.  They didn’t take up a lot of space in our bag and were a great thing to have on hand!

One thing I noticed, at a local pool, is that Icelanders don’t take their towels with them to the pool.  Instead, they stash them on a shelf just before exiting for the pool area.  I didn’t realize this at first, and later saw that I was the only person with a towel by the pool.

Hofsós Swimming Pool

3. Do I need flip-flops of sandals?

The distance from the showers to the pool is typically pretty short and you can absolutely get away without wearing flip-flops or sandals.  In the interest of space in my suitcase, I chose not to pack any.  Like many other people, I walked barefoot from the showers to the pool or lagoon.

At the pools, the locals didn’t wear their shoes out.  At the lagoons, several tourists had their flip-flops, Crocs, or sandals with them.

Honestly, this is totally up to you.  Depending on the outside temperature, you may want them though as the walkways can be frozen or slippery.

4. How do I pay for drinks?

While at the Blue Lagoon, you'll use your wristband to charge purchases to your account.

If you’re visiting one of the lagoons geared towards the tourists, you’ll be provided with a bracelet that you can use to charge items to your account.  These bracelets are also color coded, which indicate what level package you purchased for your visit.  

The front desk will store your credit care information.  Simply tap your bracelet at the device at the bar and it will be added to your bill.

You’ll need to settle your bill, and scan your bracelet, before you are permitted to exit the facilities.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, save our post:  Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!  If you haven’t already, read all about our visit to The Blue Lagoon.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience** 

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Blue Lagoon Europe Iceland

Is the Famous Blue Lagoon Worth the Visit?

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in the world.  The milky blue water of the lagoon is easily one of the most photographed things in Iceland.  The stunning, milky, turquoise water stands out in a stark contrast to the black basaltic moonscape. But…is a trip to the Blue Lagoon worth the visit?

Our visit to the geothermal spa is one of our favorite memories from our trip to Iceland.  In fact, it was our first stop since it is so close to the airport.  We purchased the Premium Package which included 3 facial masks, a beverage and the use of a bathrobe and towel.  As soon as we showered off, we headed to the lagoon for a soak and a bit of pampering.  

The water wasn’t nearly as warm as I thought it was going to be.  I imagined it would be like a hot tub, but the water wasn’t quite that warm.  It was a very serene experience.

Relaxing in the warm waters was an excellent way to kick off our trip.  If your return flight leaves a little later in the day, you could easily visit Blue Lagoon on on your last day in the land of Fire and Ice.

Pro-Tip:  Book your visit well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the summer.  This is one of the most popular sites on the island.

About the Blue Lagoon

The man-made Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field near the town of Grindavik, close to the Keflavik International Airport.  This area is known for being haven for geothermal activity. 

The Blue Lagoon’s geothermal water is comprised of 70% ocean water and 30% freshwater.   Some of the water is supplied from the Svartsengi geothermal power station.  The water is enriched with silica, algae, and revitalizing minerals.  This delightful combination helps to relax, heal, nourish, and rejuvenate the body.

The lagoon is fed by seawater 6,500 feet below the surface.  It captures silica and other minerals on its way to the surface.  When the water emerges from the ground, it is a comfortable 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38 degrees Celsius).

Blue Lagoon Packages

Comfort: Blue Lagoon

From USD 67

  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon

  • Silica mud mask

  • Use of towel

  • 1st drink of your choice

Premium: Blue Lagoon

From USD 86

  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon

  • Silica mud mask

  • Use of towel

  • 1st drink of your choice

  • Two additional masks of your choice

  • Use of bathrobe

  • 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant

Luxury: Retreat Spa

From USD 589

Five luxurious hours at the Retreat Spa. Includes a private changing suite and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

Plan Your Visit

During our visit, we booked the Premium Package simply because it included the use of a bathrobe.  Since we booked so far in advance, we weren’t sure what the weather would be and we wanted to ensure we would be warm in the event it was cool outside.  In retrospect, we would have been fine with the comfort package.

When you check in at the Blue Lagoon, the staff will give you a wrist band which identifies what level of package you have purchased.  This allows the various stations to know what to give you for example: a robe or a towel, or the 2 additional facial masks.  Everyone gets unlimited silica masks, so really the additional masks aren’t necessary- although I’ll never turn down an anti-aging mask!

Where is the Blue Lagoon Located?

The Blue Lagoon is located not too far from Reykjavik and the Keflavik International Airport near the town of Grindavik.  

Address:  Norðurljósavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland

Hours: 
 
Phone: +354 420 8800

Important Visiting Information

1. Age Requirements

  • Visitors must be 2 or older to visit the Blue Lagoon.
  • Visitors 8 and under are required to wear swim floaties.  These floaties are available at the entrance and are free of charge.
  • Visitors 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

2. Showering Requirements

  • All visitors are required to shower, naked, prior to entering the lagoon.
  • The dressing rooms are separated by gender.
  • There are individual shower stalls that are equipped with shampoo/body wash, and conditioner.
  • There are limited dressing rooms available. 

Pro-Tip:  Be sure to lather your hair with conditioner prior to entering the lagoon.  Otherwise, the lagoon will leave your hair feeling extremely dry and straw-like.

You’ll also want to check out our article, Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies, before your visit to learn all about etiquette and what to expect.

3. How to Pay for Purchases

When you enter the facility you’ll be given a bracelet to wear for the duration of your stay.  The bracelets are color coded to indicate which package you purchased.  The bracelets are linked with your debit or credit card.  

When you wish to purchase something, simply tap your bracelet on the card reader and your account will be charged.

Before you are able to exit the facility, you will have to settle your bill.  Once you have paid your tab, you will scan your bracelet to exit the building and discard the bracelet in a super cool machine.

While at the Blue Lagoon, you'll use your wristband to charge purchases to your account.

Our Visit to the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon was our very first stop as soon as we got off the plane in Keflavik.  The Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from the airport and about 50 minutes from Reykjavik.  

Our reserved time started at 8:00 AM.  The great thing about the Blue Lagoon is that once you’re in, you can stay all day!  Due to some delays in our flight, we were a little late arriving at the lagoon, but we didn’t have any problems getting in.

We checked in with the front desk, learned the process with the wrist bands and headed upstairs to the shower.  The showers were all individual, which granted some privacy for those apprehensive about showering in front of others.  I was told that it is Icelandic law that you HAVE to shower naked before getting in a pool or lagoon in Iceland.  There was staff in the shower area making sure everyone showered off.

Despite having several private showers, there was only a couple of private dressing rooms.  If you have qualms about showing your bits off to the world, you can wait for access to one of these. 

The wrist bands act as a way to open/close a locker for you to store your belongings.  It was nice to not have to worry about our stuff while we were relaxing.

The water was wonderful, not too hot, and very relaxing.  We enjoyed our 3 face masks, and a beer (at 9:30 am lol) from the bar.  In total, we spent probably an hour and a half or two hours at the Blue Lagoon.  At that point, we hadn’t slept in over 24 hours, so we were ready to head into town to explore the sites, and maybe take a nap.

All in all, it was a great experience.  We both enjoyed our time at the Blue Lagoon.  It was a great way to start off our trip.  I kind of wish our return flight was a little later in the day so that we could squeeze in a second visit.  Although the Blue Lagoon is definitely commercialized, it was a wonderful experience that we would both recommend!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

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You’ll also want to check out our article, Visiting a Pool or Lagoon in Iceland for Newbies, before your visit to learn all about etiquette and what to expect.  While we were in the area, we also visited Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!  

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Europe France Paris

5 Absolutely Must-See Sights in Paris

Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world. There is history and culture on literally every street of this city.  The city is jam-packed full of some of the best museums, theatres, restaurants, and monuments throughout the land.  It’s often hard to know what are the absolutely must-see sights in Paris.  We’ve visited the City of Romance a handful of times and these are our must-see sights in Paris.

5 Must-See Sights in Paris

The Louvre Museum

Obviously, if you’re heading to Paris you absolutely must stop by  the Musée du Louvre.  This world-renowned museum houses the largest collection of art in the world. It has approximately 380,000 objects ranging from pre-history to the 21st century. Don’t plan on seeing it all, thought. It would take you about 200 days to see each of the 35,000 works of art on display- if you only spent 30 seconds to see each piece!  

Before you head into the Louvre, you should have a game plan.  Know exactly what pieces of you want to see and where they are located.  Check out all of our tips on visiting this massive museum.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Jardin des Tuileries.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most-recognized structures in the world.  The tower is nearly 81 stories high and is the tallest structure in Paris. The upper platform is 906 feet above ground making it the highest observation deck (open to the public) in the European Union.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the daytime or during the nighttime will give you two totally different experiences.  Personally, I think visiting during the daytime gives you the best photos of the city.  You’re able to capture the skyline and make out what you’re seeing.  That being said, the views from the observation tower in the evening are breathtaking. 

While you’re in the area, check out the Statue of Liberty Paris on the Île aux Cygnes.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral that dates back to 1163.  Even if you aren’t a religious person, a visit to the cathedral is an absolute must!  The sculptures and the stained glass are stunning both inside and outside.  The interior has filled with remarkable artwork and ornate decor that will make your draw-drop.

The interior of the cathedral is currently closed after the 2019 fire.  The goal is to finish the restorations before the 2024 Olympics.  Even still, it is worth stopping by.

While you’re in the area, check out the Square Jean XXIII, Point Zero, and Sainte-Chapelle.

Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.  It stretches 1.2 miles long and is 230 feet wide running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle .  The avenue is known for its upscale shopping, cafes, theatres, and the annual Bastille Day military parade.

Even if you aren’t into upscale shopping, you  should definitely make a point to stop by.  This avenue is home to the Arc de Triomphe, the chaotic Charles de Gaulle roundabout, the Place de la Concorde, and  the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.

Pro-Tip:  The Champs-Élysées can easily be paired with the Louvre.  Start at the Louvre, walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, visit the Place de la Concorde, and stroll up the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe.  From there, grab the Metro or RER to head to your next destination.  

Musée d'Orsay

Across the Seine from the Jardins des Tuileries is the Musée d’Orsay.  Housed in a former railway station, this museum is known for its collection of impressionist works by French artists like Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, and many more.  As much as I love the Louvre, I have to admit, I prefer the Musée d’Orsay.  The museum is a lot less daunting and there are fewer crowds.

Pro-Tip:  Visit the museum’s upper balcony for impressive views of  the Sacré-Coeur Basilica through the museum’s massive transparent clock.

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Europe France Paris

The World-Famous Champs-Élysées

Did you know that the world-famous Champs-Élysées is visited by about 300,000 people each day?  People flock here from all over the world to admire the monuments, take in the sights, enjoy a shopping spree, grab a scrumptious meal, or participate in the special events that take place here.  The Champs-Élysées is an avenue in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.  It stretches 1.2 miles long and is 230 feet wide running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle .  The avenue is known for its upscale shopping, cafes, theatres, and the annual Bastille Day military parade.

History of the Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées dates back to 1667 when it was designed by a French landscape architect, André Le Nôtre, whom also designed the gardens of Versailles.  The original design was called the Grande Promenade and featured a wide promenade lined with elm trees and symmetrical flower beds.  

During the 1850s through 1870s, Napoleon III reconstructed the French capital.  He demolished the medieval city-center and replaced it with wide tree-lined boulevards.

Throughout history, the avenue has been the site for many military parades.  Every year on Bastille Day (July 14), the largest military parade in Europe  makes its way down the avenue.

The Avenue Today...

It is estimated that more than 3,000 vehicles per hour drive down the bustling avenue.  This has led to nitrogen dioxide levels twice as high as the recommended limit set by the World Health Organization.  

In 2021, the Mayor of Paris announced that the city would be transforming the avenue into “an extraordinary garden” that would add more green space, pedestrian space, and traffic in half.  There are also plans for a walkway that would stretch between the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Gardens.  The project will not begin until the 2021 Summer Olympics have taken place in Paris.  It is expected that the project will be completed by 2030.

In the meantime, cars are now banned from the avenue on the first Sunday of each month to help cut down on the air pollution.  The avenue is even more enjoyable when it is car free!

Highlights of the Champs-Élysées

Even if you aren’t into upscale shopping, a trip to this popular avenue is a must while you’re in Paris.  And honestly, there are several affordable shops and restaurants lining the street, as well.  In fact, there are more burger joints than I can count!

There are two schools of thoughts as to where you should start.  Some say you should start at the Place de la Concorde and walk towards the Arc de Triomphe so that you get the full view of the arch as you walk down the avenue (this involves walking uphill).  Others suggest that you start at the Arc and walk downhill to the Place de la Concorde.  Personally, I prefer walking towards the Arc.  I suggest starting at the Place de la Concorde, walking to the Arc and then taking the metro back.

 

  • Arc de Triomphe– an iconic triumphal arch built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories.  
  • Shopping
  • Dining
  • Jardins des Champs-Élysées– formal gardens landscaped by André Le Notre in 1667.

Where is the Champs-Élysées located?

The Champs-Élysées is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.

Metro Stops:

Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12)

Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (lines 1, 13)

Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9)

George V (line 1)

Charles de Gaulle Étoile (lines 1, 2, 6).

The nearest RER station is Charles de Gaulle Étoile.

What is There to do Nearby?

  • Musée de l’Orangerie- a 20th-century European art museum featuring 8 of Monet’s water lilies.

  • Tuileries Garden- a 17th century formal garden decorated with statues.

  • Statue of Joan of Arc Paris- a gilded statue of Joan of Arc.

  • Louvre- the world’s largest art collection.

  • Musee d’Orsay– an art museum featuring 19th and 20th century European art.
  • Sainte-Chapelle– a 13th century Gothic chapel.

  • Notre Dame Cathedral– 13th century cathedral with flying buttresses and gargoyles.

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Europe France Paris UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Magnificent Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the most recognizable structures in the world.  Can you believe that when it was constructed it was meant to be temporary?  This wrought-iron lattice tower on the Camp de Mars in Paris was built for the 1889 World’s Fair.  The original plan was to tear it down after the grand event- but clearly that never happened.  Today, it is the most-visited paid monument in entire world!  In 2015, more than 6.91 million people ascended to the top.  More than 250 million people have visited the tower since it was completed in 1889.

The Eiffel Tower

The tower is nearly 81 stories high and is the tallest structure in Paris.  During its construction (between 1887 and 1889) it surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest man-made structure in the world.  It held that title for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building was constructed in New York City.

The tower has three levels that are accessible to visitors.  There are restaurants on the first and second levels and an observation deck on the upper level.  The upper platform is 906 feet above ground making it the highest observation deck (open to the public) in the European Union.

Visitors can climb from the ground level to the first level (300 steps), and then climb the stairs to the second level (an additional 300 steps).   Although there is a staircase to the top level, it’s usually only accessible by elevator.

One of my favorite memories from Paris is racing from the top observation deck to the ground floor via the staircase (we went downwards because I’m no fool!).

Every evening, as the sun sets on the  city, the Eiffel Tower illuminates and gives off a romantic golden glow.   There is also a beacon located at the top of the tower that lights up, drawing visitors towards this iconic structure.  

At the top of the hour, the Eiffel Tower puts on an impressive twinkling light display.  There two versions of this nightly show.  Every hour leading up to 1 AM, you’ll see the twinkling lights and the beacon lit up for five minutes.  At 1 AM, the beacon gets turned off the and sparkling lights dance for 10 minutes.  The final light show has always been my favorite!

Should I Visit During the Day or Night?

Visiting the Eiffel Tower during the daytime or during the nighttime will give you two totally different experiences.  Personally, I think visiting during the daytime gives you the best photos of the city.  You’re able to capture the skyline and make out what you’re seeing.  That being said, the views from the observation tower in the evening are breathtaking.  Honestly, when we visit Paris we make an effort to visit the Eiffel Tower both during the day and at night.  You can never visit the Eiffel Tower too many times!

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online or at the tower itself.  We strongly suggest buying your tickets online to avoid the long lines.  On average around 20,000 people visit this site each day!

Where is the Eiffel Tower Located?

The nearest metro station is Bir-Hakeim and the nearest RER station is Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.

The tower itself is located at the intersection of the quai Branly and the Pont d’Iéna.  The 15th arrondissement, known as Vaugirard, is situated on the left bank of the River Seine. 

What is There to Do Nearby?

The Eiffel Tower is located in the 15th arrondissement.    Other points of interest in this neighborhood include:

  • Tour Montparnasse
  • Carousel of the Eiffel Tower
  • Statue of Liberty by Bartholdi in the Île aux Cygnes
  • André Citroën Park with the Ballon de Paris
  • Bir-Hakeim bridge spanning the Seine

Outside of the 15h arrondissement you’ll find:

  • Arc de Triomphe 
  • Champs-Élysées
  • Place de la Concorde 
  • Hôtel des Invalides
  • Rodin Museum
  • Notre Dame
  • Luxembourg Gardens

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Europe France UNESCO World Heritage Site Versailles

The Stunning Palace of Versailles

Versailles is known for being one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.  It is a harmonious mixture of architecture, history, art, and perfectly designed gardens. 

Each year, more than 10 million people flock from all around the world to gaze at its grandeur.  In fact,  is the second-most visited monument in the  Île-de-France just behind the Louvre, and amazingly ahead of the Eiffel Tower.  

The History of Versailles

Future King Louis XIII grew up hunting in the forest and meadows of Versailles. He, and other royals, would hunt for deer, pheasants, boar, and other game. In 1623, the king decided to build a small hunting lodge so he could comfortably rest after a long day of hunting. For years, Versailles served as a retreat for the royals.

Over the years, there were several additions to the hunting chateau. In 1682, Louis XIV decided to leave Paris and his Palace at the Louvre behind and make Versailles his permanent residence.

The palace has been the venue for many historical events including the Peace of Paris (1783), the Proclamation of the German Empire, and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

Today, Versailles is a historical monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most known for its opulent decor, extravagant Hall of Mirrors, Royal Opera, ornate royal apartments, and lavish gardens.

Palace Highlights

Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments

Seven rooms make up Louis XIV’s Grand Apartments.  Considering this guy was known as the Sun King, it’s probably no surprise that his chambers are full of glitz, glam, and, of course, gold.  

The rooms include The Room of Abundance and the Hercules, Venus, Diana Mars, Mercury, and Apollo Rooms. 

The DIana Salon once held a billiard table and seating so that spectators could watch the Sun King play.  There were even two platforms next to the table for women to stand on and cheer him on.  

The Room of Abundance led to the Cabinet of Curios where Louis XIV displayed his collection of precious jewels and rare objects.

The Salon of Mercury was where the king rested his head at night.  The bed that is currently in the room is a replicat of the original commissioned by King Louis-Philippe when he turned the palace into a museum.

Hall of Mirrors

Of course, no visit to the palace would be complete without a glimpse at the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces).  The Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the entire palace.  It is just over 245 feet long and features 357 mirrors. It was built to replace a large terrace that once opened up onto the gardens.  The terrace connected the King and Queens apartments which was exposed to the elements.  Just think, this fancy schmancy hall was built just to keep the king’s wig dry on a rainy night!

The room pays tribute to the political, economic, and artistic success of France.  The political successes are showcased via 30 painted compositions on the vaulted ceiling.  The economic success  is flaunted by the sheer number and size of the 357 mirrors n the hall.  Mirrors were the ultimate status symbol back in the day.  The artistic success is shown in more ways than just the ceiling.  It is also highlighted by the gilded bronze statues.

The Gardens

Louis XIV was quite the outdoor enthusiast and considered the gardens of Versailles equally as important as the palace.  This man literally moved mountains (well hills) to create the garden of his dreams.  Hills were flattened, forests were relocated, entire marshes were drained, and thousands of men labored for 40 years to create the gardens we see today.

The gardens are well-known for their fountains which in retrospect is probably a good thing considering supplying water for these fountains was once a huge problem for the government.  The palace sits 490 ft above sea level and the nearest body of water is the Seine River, 6 miles away.  Engineers had to construct a series of paddle wheels, 259 pumps, and reservoirs just to make these things work.

 

Where is the Palace of Versailles Located?

Versaille is only about 9 miles outside of Paris, making it a perfect option for a day trip.  The easiest way to get from Paris to Versailles is by train.  Take the RER (Line C) train, which departs from Metro stations in the center of Paris and arrives at the Versailles  Château Rive Gauche station.  The ride takes about an hour.

Another option is the SNCF Train from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to the Versailles Chantiers station.  The ride takes about 20 minutes.  From here, it’s about a 25 minute walk to the palace.

Address: 

Place d’Armes
78000 Versailles
France

Ticket Information

Versailles has a tendency of getting extremely crowded.  Around 10 million people visit the site each year- over 27,000 a day!  If you purchase your ticket in advance, it helps cut down on the wait time to get in.

Visiting Information

Palace Hours 9 am to 5:30 pm (closed on Mondays)

Gardens 8 am to 6 pm

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