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Reykjavik Excursions

Blue Lagoon © Alicia Pettit

Blue Lagoon

A favourite and unique attraction close to Reykjavik, about 30 miles (50km) south west of the city, is the man-made geothermal 'Blue Lagoon', set in a lava field, filled with mineral-rich hot water pumped from about a mile below the surface. The lagoon is flanked by a luxurious health spa where visitors come to be pampered and treated for skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. The lagoon's surreal phosphorescent aquamarine colour is caused by the therapeutic ecosystem of algae, silica and minerals in the water.

Address: 240 Grindavik, Iceland; E-mail: bluelagoon@bluelagoon.com; Website: www.bluelagoon.com; Telephone: 420 8817; Transport: The Blueline bus company offers transport to and from the Blue Lagoon, other transport options are outlined on the official website; Opening time: Open daily from 8am to 9pm in summer (June 1st to August 31st), and 10am to 8pm in winter (September 1st to May 31st); Admission: Adults Kr2,300 and teenagers 12 to 15 years old Kr1,200. Children when accompanied by parents/guardian, free

Gullfoss © Hiroshi Ichikawa

Gullfoss Falls

Iceland's famed Gullfoss (Golden) Falls are justly rated among the most beautiful in the world and make for a popular day trip from Reykjavik. The falls, with their awesome double-cascade, are incredibly powerful which has meant they have come under threat of being utilised as a source of hydro-electricity. Currently, however, the fantastic vista of the falls, shrouded in mist and rainbows, gushing into a canyon on the Hvita River, are safely ensconced in a national park and remain one of the country's top tourist attractions.

Address: Gullfoss National Park; Transport: There is a bus that runs daily from Reykjavic to Gullfoss. It leaves Reykjavic at 12:30 and arrives in Gullfoss at 15:15. This route only operates in the summer months from 01/06 to 31/08. Refer to http://bsi.is/schedules/thingvallaleidsumar2007.htm for details

The Geyser about to erupt © David Blaikie

Geysir

The weird landscape of the Haukadalur valley in Iceland's southern lowlands, where hot springs spout and mud pots bubble, has been dominated for centuries by the 'granddaddy' of all geysers, the Great Geysir, from which all other such phenomena around the world have gained their name. The Geysir, once shooting boiling water hundreds of feet into the air, has reduced its performance levels somewhat in modern times, but is nevertheless still an impressive sight when it occasionally erupts. The rest of the thermal area, bathed in a sulphuric smell, is just as fascinating, featuring several other spouting vents and geysers which frequently display their prowess. The Geysir area has become a great tourist attraction and a centre has been opened containing a multi-media geology museum and folklore exhibits. There is also a hotel, souvenir shop and restaurant on site.

Address: Geysir Center, Geysir; E-mail: geysir@geysircenter.is; Website: www.geysircenter.is; Telephone: 480 6800; Transport: Thingvallaleid offers a bus service from Reykjavik to Geysir. Return buses can only be caught the following day. Buses leave Reykjavik at 08:30am and arrive in Geysir at 10:50/11:15am.

Thingvallavatn

Thingvellir National Park

The national park of Thingvellir, 30 miles (50km) east of Reykjavik, is not only Iceland's most important historic site, but also a place of natural and geological wonder. It was here that the world's first ever parliament, the Alting, first convened in AD930, and where Christianity was first introduced to Iceland. Even today people gather at Thingvellir to celebrate any major national event. Geologically this is the only site in the world where the American and European tectonic plates are visible; there is also the largest lake in Iceland, and stunning scenery including a lava gorge, the Oxararfoss waterfall, and the 'Money Chasm' filled with spring water where visitors drop coins into the water to witness the strange distorted reflections that result.

Address: 801 Selfoss; E-mail: thingvellir@thingvellir.is; Website: www.thingvellir.is; Telephone: 482 2660; Transport: BSI runs a daily bus service in Summer to Thingvellir from Reykjavik at 8:30am and a return service which leaves Thingvellir at 3:15pm. Consult www.bsi.is; Opening time: Thingvellir National Park is open all year round. The Visitor centre is open from the 1st of April to the 1st of November, everyday but only on weekends from the 1st of November to the 1st of April