HOT-SPRING HEAVEN THEN HOME
Make an early start on your last day in Iceland for the drive down to the Reykjanes Peninsula and the final stop on your itinerary: the Blue Lagoon. Head west from Húsafell on Route 518 and Route 50 before joining up with the Ring Road that cuts a scenic path along the West Coast and down to Reykjavík; Route 41 then takes you south west of the capital and Route 43 on to your destination. It’s just under 175km in total, about two and a quarter hours’ drive.
There are other, less developed hot pools in Iceland that will give you a wilder experience, but everyone visits THE BLUE LAGOON and for good reason. The setting is quite magical, clouds of steam rising from the water’s milky blue surface amidst a backdrop of moss-covered black lava rubble, and the water averages a blissful 38°C. Slap on a silica face pack, grab a drink from the bar (the first one’s included in the price) and enjoy a relaxingly surreal soak (from 6990 ISK, under 14s free, no under 2s) before your flight home – the Blue Lagoon is only 20 minutes from the airport.
TOP TIP Make sure you all put conditioner in your hair before you go into the lagoon, as the minerals in the water will dry it out.
THE LIJOMA LOWDOWN
Delve deeper with our tips on what to read and watch before you go, foods and drinks your kids must try, and some key cultural advice
NEED TO KNOW
A handy overview of Iceland’s weather and climate throughout the year, with recommendations for the best time to visit
