Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon and Reynisfjara: Private day trip

Contrary to popular belief, the Blue Lagoon is not a natural formation, but the excess water from the nearby geothermal plant that opened in 1976. Like elsewhere in Iceland, the plant uses naturally heated seawater to heat fresh water, which is then used to heat people’s homes. When this seawater is no longer hot enough, it’s pumped out into the lava field to be reabsorbed by the earth. However, the waters at the Svartsengi geothermal power station were so rich in silicates that they coated the porous lava rocks with mud, thus forming the Blue Lagoon. After some brave locals found that the mineral-rich waters were good for their skin, it soon became a popular local retreat, and is now one of the best spas in the world. Aside from the therapeutic properties, the milky blue waters in the middle of a lava field (part of the Reykjanes Peninsula UNESCO Geopark) are just aesthetically pleasing - which is probably why everyone from Bjork to Beyonce has been spotted here. Please note: as Iceland’s most popular attraction, advance booking is required well in advance at www.bluelagoon.com

On the southern shores of Iceland, Reynisfjara Beach is a black ribbon before the open sea. The towering black basalt columns, black sand, and tumultuous seas made this desolate-seeming stretch of coast the perfect location for filming Eastwatch by the Sea - perhaps one of the most remote locations in Game of Thrones. You also might recognize it as planet Eadu from Star Wars: Rogue One. The beach has long been catalyst for fantasy: it’s said the basalt sea stacks just off the coast are two trolls and a 3-masted ship that turned to stone. While the beach is undeniably beautiful, be sure to follow safety instructions regarding the waves. Because there is no land between here and Antarctica, waves have thousands of kilometers to form, and rogue ‘sneaker waves’ have been known to catch visitors by surprise.