Iceland: Feel Some Healing in the World's Safest Country!

 

                                                         

Iceland is an expensive country but there are ways to enjoy it on a budget, such as staying in hostels and shopping for food at supermarkets like Bonus. Whatever your budget, you'll find Iceland to be full of natural wonders. The Icelandic people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. If you like traveling, add Iceland to your bucket list.

ICELAND, the land of ice and fire is a top tourist country destination and for good reason. ICELAND is currently the #1 safest country in the world. In Iceland you'll find plenty of pure air & water, and scenery that will take your breath away. From black beaches to glaciers & geysers, to beautiful healing lagoons and thermal pools, Northern lights, fjords, mountains, and a cosmopolitan city....these are just some of the things awaiting you in spectacular ICELAND, an island in the North Atlantic with a population of 375,881. Having spent a week in Iceland I have come up with the ideal way to enjoy this incredible country home to friendly residents, spectacular scenery, and attractions galore.

HOW TO ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO ICELAND!

Keflavik: Almost everyone who comes to ICELAND arrives at Keflavik International Airport located about 45 minutes from the city center of Reykjavik. Don't overlook Keflavik for an overnight stay. It's a quiet and relaxing town. Since my friend and I knew that we wouldn't land until about 23:00 (10:00 pm) we booked a room at Micro Suites which by the way is an awesome place to stay and so close to the airport. Keflavik means "Driftwood Bay." This town is located in southwest Iceland, along the Reykjanes coast and has some attractions worth seeing, Brimketill, Icelandic Museum of Rock & Roll, Keflavik Maritime Center, and Viking World. You'll also find some good eating establishments and shopping in Keflavik but the most famous nearby attraction is Blue Lagoon.  Yes, The Blue Lagoon is much closer to Keflavik than it is to Reykjavik. There are plenty of lodging options in Keflavik, so it's a really good place to begin your Iceland adventure.

Hotel Berg: A boutique hotel close to the airport. Located above a small marina. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool.

Hotel Keflavik is a short walk to the North Atlantic Ocean. Guests get access to the fitness center. Hotel Keflavik is known for serving a delicious breakfast.

Micro Suites, ultra clean and cozy place to stay. Spacious suites, and amazing rain showers in the bathrooms. Complimentary breakfast snacks are included with stay. 

REYKJAVIK: This international city has everything you need; attractions, bars, cafes, outdoor thermal pools, restaurants, shops, sightseeing tours....and more. Reykjavik has a pretty harbour. Lots of sightseeing tours originate on the harbour too; Northern Lights cruises, puffin and whale watching tours. You can also take a ferry to Videy Island, a lush island off the coast of Reykjavik. Videy Island is known for artwork, bird and plant species, and the famous Imagine Peace Tower, constructed by Yoko Ono as a tribute to her husband, superstar musician John Lennon, and their shared interest in world peace. Ferries to Videy Island from Reykjavik are more frequent during the summer months.

SPOTLIGHT ON THERMAL SWIMMING POOLS:

Entry Fee: Around 1,000 to 1,250 ISK per Adult, Often Free for Children

They are scattered all over Iceland, outstanding thermal pools which often feature a large swimming thermal pool (indoor and outdoor pool),  jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, cold plunge, changing room, showers, and locker and key, all for only about 1,200 Icelandic krona. This is an amazing deal for a relaxing morning, afternoon, or evening visit. Best of all you're surrounded by the local Icelandic people. This was one of the best experiences of my visit to Iceland. It was wonderful to mingle with the local Icelandic people and enjoy the healing water. My two recommendations in Reykjavik are "Sundhollin" which first opened as an indoor pool in 1937. It's right in the center of town in Midborg and quite unique. Vesturbaer, is a quiet residential district of Reykjavik and it is home to"Vesturbaejarlaug" featuring an outdoor swimming pool along with jacuzzis, steam room, and sauna. It's a pleasant walk from the Midborg district. No matter where you find yourself in Iceland, head to one of the amazing thermal baths.

LAGOONS:

Blue Lagoon: Almost everyone knows about the Blue Lagoon known for its turquoise waters and silica. Silica is a skincare ingredient that strengthens and protects skin and helps the skin retain moisture. The Blue Lagoon was recently recognized by National Geographic as one of the 25 wonders of the world.

Secret Lagoon: A bit off the beaten path and on the Golden Circle tour the Secret Lagoon also known as Gamla Laugin dates back to 1891 and is the oldest pool in Iceland There's an active geyser that spouts every few minutes. 

Sky Lagoon: A new lagoon that opened in 2021, Sky Lagoon is part of the Reykjavik region and gaining lots of popularity. Getting here is easy and it's a beautiful place. This is where the sea meets the sky. The Sky Lagoon is stunning and refreshing. It's adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and has lovely views. The seven step ritual is the most popular spa package which includes the lagoon, the cold plunge, sauna, cold mist, sky body scrub, steam, and shower. Truly an amazing spa experience.

GeoSea (North Iceland)

If you make it the stunning region of North Iceland, visit GeoSea. You'll be blessed with mineral rich seawater and heat from the Earth's core. GeoSea is perched along a western facing cliffside that overlooks the Arctic Circle. When you're soaking in the baths here you have the opportunity to see both the northern lights and some whales. A genuine Icelandic experience.

The average stay for tourists in ICELAND is about one week which allows for plenty of sightseeing.  The Golden Circle Tour is currently the most popular tour followed by the South Coast Tour. Although much further to reach, the Westfjords region will reward you with true Icelandic wilderness. The Westfjords are located in a remote region of Iceland but still accessible to those that wish to drive or fly to Isafjordur, the largest town in the Westfjords.

SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN?

Since ICELAND is surrounded by the ocean, it it possible to swim? Absolutely!! Despite the cold water there are people that actually swim in the Atlantic Ocean, at least for a few minutes. There are accessible beaches around the country but beware of dangerous waves, most notably Reynisfjara Beach (Black Sand Beach) near the village of Vik. The rip tides are known to be sneaky and powerful and there are warning signs about the dangers of going into the ocean at Reynisfjara Beach. Some deaths have occurred here, so beware!

Hungry? What to Eat in Iceland

Fish Stew: (Plokkfiskur) This is a traditional stew made from fish such as cod, potatoes, onion, and béchamel sauce.

Hakari: Shark?, yes shark. This meat is fermented for over a month and then dried.

Hardfiskur: Dried Fish, eaten with butter. Vacuum packed, Hardfiskur is found at supermarkets throughout Iceland.

Lamb: Because they roam freely in the Icelandic wilderness the sheep live on berries, grass, and seaweed and no antibiotics. This results in tender meat which locals and tourists praise as being extremely flavorful.

Pylsur: An Icelandic hot dog made of beef, lamb, and pork.

Skyr: An Icelandic dessert consisting of yogurt with a texture of fresh cheese. Skyr comes in a variety of mouthwatering flavors. My personal favorite brand of Skyr in Iceland is isey skyr. Skyr is high in protein and fat free. So creamy and delicious. I place Skyr as the best thing to eat in Iceland.

ICELANDERS really like licorice. When visiting Iceland give licorice a try, especially the chocolate covered licorice. Recommendation: Pristur Lakkris made of toffee, licorice, and chocolate. 

ICELAND, the safest country in the world, an island on the Atlantic Ocean, come here for amazing scenery and some good healing! I 💖💖💖Iceland! It was an incredible place to visit!

                                  

WISHING YOU A MAGNIFICENT TIME IN ICELAND! THE PUFFINS WILL BE WAITING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL!