Iceland, AKA the Land of Fire and Ice, is blanketed in fiery volcanoes, sprawling glaciers, and steaming geothermal pools, all set against a backdrop of rugged, untouched beauty. I spent a long weekend in Reykjavik, which is a perfect blend of modern charm and rich Viking history. Whether wandering its colorful streets, soaking in mineral-rich hot springs, or hunting northern lights with fellow solo travelers, every moment felt like stepping into a dream. Memories made for life!
Flights to Europe are significantly cheaper going out of Baltimore or DC than Philly, so I chose to go from BWI. My flight to KEF (the main airport in Iceland) was about 6.5 hours and took off at 6pm. PLAY is a no-thrills airline that I tried for the first time; my experience was great! If you’re looking for a cheap flight to Europe and don’t mind it quite literally just being an airbus, it’s a fantastic option to travel on a budget.
I landed at 5am and chatted with some other travelers waiting for my 7:30 shuttle to Blue Lagoon. Bakad is the name of the cafe in the airport, selling various pastries and delicious coffee. The pour was so smooth and perked me right up for the long day ahead!
Blue Lagoon
Surrounded by geothermal baths and hot springs, taking a dip in one of mother nature’s spas is a must in Iceland. In America we usually visit cafes to unwind and chat, but in Iceland, public baths serve the same purpose. It’s a place to relax, socialize, and embrace the country’s geothermal wonders.
While I do believe the Blue Lagoon is a bit of a tourist trap, it’s one of those things you just have to experience while in Iceland. The other option closer to Reykjavik is the Sky Lagoon. Everyone I met who visited it had great things to say, and it’s a bit cheaper than the Blue Lagoon, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for an alternative.
One thing to note – Uber does not exist in Iceland. That means visitors must book separate shuttles or arrange other transportation to get to the lagoon. Get Your Guide is the best place to purchase tickets; it’s hassle-free and you can download the app on your phone. The Blue Lagoon is about a 45-minute drive from KEF airport, making it a popular stop for travelers either arriving or departing from Iceland. I booked an excursion that included round-trip transportation from KEF to the Blue Lagoon and then a ride into Reykjavik, which was a convenient way to experience it without the hassle of finding multiple transfers.
Beyond the main lagoon, the Blue Lagoon offers spa services to enhance the relaxation experience. It smells like sulfur, but you get used to the scent quickly. There’s a sauna and steam room, both of which are heated naturally by geothermal energy, allowing guests to continue unwinding in soothing warmth. There is a swim up bar within the lagoon, and a restaurant and café at the entrance. The Lava Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring fresh Icelandic ingredients, while the café provides lighter options like sandwiches and smoothies.
The Blue Lagoon offers different packages, depending on how much you want to splurge. I opted for the cheapest option (Iceland is VERY expensive and I don’t like to spend more than I have to), which included one silica face mask and one drink. Similar to Disney World, you’re given a wristband upon arrival that grants access to the pool and locker areas and allows you to charge drinks and additional masks to your account. If you didn’t bring a swimsuit, don’t worry, rentals are available. I was backpacking and trying to save space, so renting a one piece for around $5 USD was well worth it.
One of the most striking things about the Blue Lagoon is its color. The water gets its iconic milky blue hue from the silica, which also gives it a smooth, almost surreal texture. The lagoon is naturally heated by the surrounding volcanic activity, making it the perfect place to soak in warmth while surrounded by Iceland’s rugged landscape. I liked that you’re allowed to stay as long as you’d like, even though there are different entry times. While it’s not an “all natural” hot spring, the mineral rich water and geothermal heat are.
Guests are required to shower before taking a dip to make sure the lagoon is as clean as possible. It is also suggested to lather your hair in conditioner because the water is very drying; it’s recommended to tie it up in a bun. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap are in each stall. The lockers are activated by the wristbands and had the perfect amount of space for my jacket and backpack. If you’re coming from the airport and do have luggage, there is a free dropoff location near the parking lot.
For the face masks, the choices depend on which package you purchase. The basic Comfort package includes the standard silica mask, but the more expensive options give you access to additional masks, such as algae or mineral-rich variations. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you might want to upgrade, but I was content with the classic silica mask. The more expensive package options also allow multiple drinks and for robes instead of towels.
Overall, the Blue Lagoon was a once in a lifetime experience. It’s definitely a place where tourists flock, but if you time it right, like going early in the morning or later in the evening, you can enjoy a more peaceful soak. I met some incredible people who I actually ended up hanging out with throughout the trip! Watching a glorious sunrise with them with sparkling wine in our hands made for a “movie moment” I’ll never forget. At night, you may even catch the northern lights! Whether you choose the Blue Lagoon or opt for the Sky Lagoon, experiencing Iceland’s geothermal waters is something you won’t want to miss.
Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Standing tall in the heart of Reykjavik, Hallgrímskirkja is impossible to miss. This towering Lutheran church, inspired by Iceland’s volcanic basalt columns, stretches 244 feet into the sky, making it the tallest church in the country. Whether you’re admiring its dramatic exterior or riding the elevator to the top for sweeping views of the colorful city below, Hallgrímskirkja is a must-see during your trip. Fun fact: It took 41 years to complete! I was also there during the festival of lights, where the church lights up in dancing colors in the nighttime.
Visitors can pay a small fee to take an elevator to the top for stunning views of the city. Even with my fear of heights, it was totally worth it. I went with two of the guys I met at my hostel and had a great time gaping over the colorful houses and mountains surrounding Reykjavik!
Icelandic hostels were a bit more expensive than most I’ve stayed at, but the cost was well worth it. LOFT Hostel was very clean and secure. Guests are given a personal code to get in and out of the buildings, as well as the rooms. They reminded me a bit of my college days! Upstairs is a cozy lounge with a bar, comfortable seating areas, board games, and artwork. The location was perfect and in the heart of the city; you could walk to any of the main sight seeing spots and restaurants/bars!
LOFT was a lot “nicer” than other hostels I’ve stayed at, it was quiet but also quite social. Cozy would be the best word to describe it. Other solo travelers I met in my room were wonderful and I ended up hanging out with almost every one of them. They were from all over the world; Amsterdam, Lithuania, and Australia! The first night, the fellow 7 other solo travelers in my room stayed up late chatting about life, where we come from, stories of trials and tribulations spoken in varying accents. Appreciating the magic of chance and appreciating our fleeting time together. For whatever reason, all paths led us being together in that moment of laughs and lessons.
After exploring the city my first day, I ended up grabbing a cider (ended up being the best beer I’ve ever had) with one of my roommates for the weekend, Zac. Zac and I played connect four in the seating area upstairs among the florescent lights and eccentric artwork. I failed horribly, but it was so great getting to hear how different Australia is and talking to people from countries I’ve never been to.
Good Eats
One of my favorite meals in Reykjavik was at Monkey’s Restaurant, a funky little spot with Asian-South American fusion. I tried reindeer for the first time, which was rich, a little sweet, and delicious. Our waiter came back and entertained our circular table of solo travelers with shots of some mystery liquor… which turned out to be licorice-flavored. Icelanders really love their licorice. At first, I was a bit hesitant to try it because I’m not the biggest licorice person (or candy in general), but the motto our group kept repeating throughout the week was: “When In Iceland.” Those three words drove the narrative of our story! Trying everything, letting the wind take us where it wants to and appreciating the differences between our homes and this new place we had the pleasure of exploring.
Zac and I stopped at a corner shop before our Northern Lights tour (unfortunately we did not see them because it was cloudy.) I tried a Icelandic chocolate bar the day prior, which has two small pieces of licorice intertwined in its contents. I can’t say I was a fan, but it was worth trying. Ana and I had a spicy margarita from their bar which was absolutely divine, Honor tried their “Pink Drink” and said it was tasty as well! The staff was amazing and truly cared about making our experience memorable. It was one of the best meals of my life, the food was incredible and I celebrated the art and liberation of solo travel with lovely humans I met serendipitously.
Cafes Galore
One of the first things I noticed about Iceland was the evident love of all things coffee and pastries. Almost every day for breakfast, I ate at Braud and Co. Cinnamon rolls and danishes are placed in every glass shelf in Icelandic cafes. While the cinnamon roll is what Braud and Co is known for, I took the cashiers suggestion of trying the vanilla roll my first day and did find it tastier. The rolls were warm, delicious, and flaky! Perfect company to a warm cup of coffee.
South Coast Tour
Only having a long weekend in Iceland confines excursions to a minimum. The Golden Circle is the primary tour travelers choose to go on; a circular drive around massive waterfalls and geysers. I wanted to do something a little different. Get Your Guide is one of the main travel agencies to book with for tours in Iceland. I chose to book the Iceland: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour with GYG and had such an incredible time!
It was something from a dream and was quite affordable in terms of Iceland, I’ll be sharing these memories for the rest of my life and it was well worth the cost. It runs for a little over $100. Travelers can pay an extra $10 to have direct transport to the meeting spot, Bus Hostel. Public transportation was reliable and cheap, so it’s not a necessity. I just liked having the security of knowing I had a ride. The day tour is long and exhausting, but it was absolutely worth it and jam packed with activities.
Itinerary:
- Skógafoss Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way (45 minutes)
- Bus/coach(35 minutes)
Reynisfjara (Black sand beach) Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Walk, Safety briefing, Scenic views on the way (45 minutes)- Bus/coach(15 minutes) VikBreak time, Lunch, Free time, Shopping (1 hour)Optional, Extra fee
- Bus/coach(1 hour)
- Sólheimajökull Photo stop, Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic views on the way
- Bus/coach(45 minutes)
- Seljalandsfoss Visit, Free time, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic views on the way (35 minutes)
- Drive back to Reykjavik
Skógafoss Waterfall
My favorite part of the trip was visiting Iceland’s iconic and extraordinary waterfalls. I felt so tiny next to the loudly gushing waterfall and hopping around rocks for different vantage points. There is a large staircase leading up to the top of the waterfall, but because we were short on time, I didn’t want to rush it. Also, I think I’m still mentally and physically recovering from the Acatenango hike in Guatemala I did a few weeks ago.
I made some friends from Poland on the bus and we shared songs from our home countries to bring home. They taught me some words in Polish and suggested different foods to try if I ever end up visiting. The best part about traveling is meeting others from all over the world; people come together with vastly different worlds and sets of information that we can exchange to learn from one another.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
I’ve never seen a glacier before in real life, and I finally was able to during the tour! My jaw dropped after seeing just how massive and colorful these saw-toothed hunks of ice covered the surrounding verdant mountains. I bonded with two other solo travelers as we helped each other get photos!
Reynisfjara Beach & Vik
Visiting a black sand beach was one of the top adventures on my bucket list. I was mesmerized by the beautiful sand made from years of condensed volcanic ash. The black sediment originates from once boiling hot lava. This lava flows from nearby dormant volcanoes, which have remained inactive for a long time. As molten lava cascades down the beach, it eventually cools and solidifies. When extreme cold meets a blistering surface, it causes the hot material to fracture. This process results in the formation of small volcanic rocks, black beach sand, or tiny pebble fragments.
The rock formations surrounding the beach were spectacular and uniquely shaped! Our tour guide told us not to get too close to the shore because of the “sneaker waves,” which I learned are unpredictable, powerful waves that can suddenly surge much farther up the shore than expected. They are especially dangerous on this particular beach near Vik, which is known for its strong currents and deadly waves. As long as travelers keep their distance, it’s completely safe.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
The final stop of the tour was at Seljalandsfoss waterfall! The one thing I wish was different about this excursion was the very limited time at each spot; tourists only had about a half an hour in each location. However, I do understand that they do this to maximize the time on the coast and see as much as possible. My new friends from Poland and I heard there was a “secret waterfall” at the end, so we literally ran and chased that waterfall. We were out of breath when we finally found it, but it was magical. I felt like a little fairy frolicking through a damp, mossy forest.
Eagles Superbowl Win!
Unfortunately, I booked this trip before knowing the Birds were going to be playing in the 2025 Superbowl. I luckily found that most of my Iceland Tribe wanted to watch the game at Lebowski Bar, an American themed joint. That might be the most “American” thing I’ve ever done visiting a new country. Normally, I like to enjoy local spots exclusive to the culture and history of the country. But, if you’re from Philly, it’s practically illegal to not celebrate.
Wow, what a night that was. One of the best of my life. We met a couple across the bar from us that lived down the street from me. Once again, the farther I go, the smaller I perceive the world. With each touchdown, we screamed and cheered, grabbing each others hands rejoicing in anticipation. Dancing during Kendricks iconic and may I say, historic, performance and spinning the wheel in hopes of winning ten beers. Eagles and Chiefs fans alike celebrated life and American football culture. The food was great and I had such an amazing time chatting with others around me.
Concluding Thoughts
Iceland was my first trip to Europe in nearly a decade, and it felt like stepping into another world, one filled with mystery, beauty, and endless adventure. From the moment I arrived, I met incredible people from all walks of life, each with their own stories to share. I left not just with new friendships, but with a deeper understanding of the world and my place in it.
I navigated unfamiliar roads, embraced the unknown, and proved to myself that no matter what comes my way, I can figure it out. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with solo travel escapades in the first place. The initial discomfort, the freedom, the growth, the unforgettable moments that shape who I am. These memories will stay with me forever, and I know this is just the beginning of many more adventures to come. I’ll be able to tell my kids about how I saw the Eagles win their second Superbowl title in Iceland with strangers who felt like family. Iceland, you rock! Thank you for the special stories I will always hold in my heart ❤
Want to go on a similar trip?
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Where The Wind Takes Me. 