How to Spend 24 hours in Iceland
Experience the ultimate relaxation and adventure in Iceland! Discover how to spend 24 hours in Iceland, from geothermal spas to breathtaking landscapes.
Reykjavik, the coastal capital city of Iceland, is an incredible place. Before you explore the volcanoes or glaciers, the lagoons are popular tourist destinations to relax and unwind. I visited Sky Lagoon and spent the day relaxing and enjoying the scenic views.
If you like to travel on a budget, book your flights and excursions in advance to offset costs. Tourism is one of the main industries for the country's economy, so most of the food and activities will likely be costly. Admission to the Sky Lagoon varies, depending on which tier you choose. I got the Pure Lite package, which was about $93 USD. There are other packages to choose from, which include entry to the sauna and steam room. The Pure and Sky packages both include the 7-step ritual in the admission price.
My experience in the spa was pure Zen. Part of the lagoon experience includes the Seven Step Ritual, should you choose to add this to your entry ticket. By completing all seven steps of the ritual, your body and mind will be relaxed.
The Seven Step Ritual encourages you to:
Slow down relax in the lagoon
Cool down with a cold plunge
Relax in the sauna and enjoy the views
Refresh with a cold mist
Exfoliate with a body scrub
Chill out in the steam room
Shower and Relax in the lagoon
Before you enter the lagoon, you are required to shower. There are various changing rooms (the ones with more privacy are included in the Sky package).
Sky Lagoon is only 11 minutes from downtown Iceland, while the Blue Lagoon is closer to the airport (KEF). The Blue Lagoon is known for its crystal blue waters; face masks and drinks are included in admission. It's best to exchange currency before your trip or use a debit/credit card to be charged in Icelandic Króna.
Here's a list of more things to add to your Iceland Itinerary:
Volcano tours
Golden Circle/Glacier Tour
Whale Watching
Northern Lights Tour
Katla Ice Cave
Horseback Riding
If you have more than a single day to spend in Iceland, I suggest making time to discover the landscapes beyond Reykjavik. Places such as Akureyri (known as Iceland's Capital of the North) and Víkurbraut (located in South Iceland) offer valuable opportunities to immerse yourself in rural life and natural wonders. Iceland boasts black sand beaches, volcanic displays, and stunning glaciers that are definitely worth including in your itinerary if you have time.
Travel Tip: Consider getting travel protection for your next trip.
Global Rescue is a great option for your travel insurance needs. It is different from most travel insurance plans, as there are no claims to file and you will have access to 24/7 live support. Most excursions in Iceland involve hiking in or near glaciers, lava, or extreme terrain. In the event that you fall down or get hurt, a Global Rescue membership can be there to help you navigate any medical emergencies.
If Iceland is on your travel bucket list, summer is the perfect time to plan a trip. Temperatures range between 50-55 degress Fahrenheit during the day, and drop to the 40s at night. The sun doesn't set until around 11pm at night, so you will have a lot of daylight each day to enjoy plenty of activities. Iceland is great for solo travel or group travel. I felt safe and the locals were friendly during my stay.
Despite my initial assumption that the cold weather in Iceland would make it challenging to enjoy and explore, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the country. I look forward to returning for another visit in the future.
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