I woke up in my hostel to a beautiful, sunny day and made a breakfast alone in the kitchen. I left my extra food on the free food shelf that all these hostels have, as many travelers cook due to the expense of eating out. I repacked my stuff – which was kind of chaotic after being spread out in the car.

I was sad to leave Eyrarbakki and Iceland in general, but excited to spend time at the Blue Lagoon (once again booked with Chase points). I had about an hour drive to get to my 10:00 am time slot.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and enjoy the drive. Icelandic scenery is so diverse, from the green mountains to the rocky volcanic landscape.

I was excited when I pulled up to the Blue Lagoon. It is very different from the natural springs and more like a spa. It is not natural but wastewater from a power plant, to be blunt (see history in the link). The water is blue from the silica, which is supposedly good for your skin.

You walk towards to spa surrounded by dark volcanic rock.

There was a line that moved quickly and a check in process. A woman oriented us to how things work. You get a bracelet that you use to open and close your locker and also for any purchases you make, then settle the bill at checkout (and to ensure you are limited to 3 alcoholic drinks). My package included a free drink and mud mask, but some other packages included things like robes and slippers (which you could then wear into the restaurant!).

There is a locker room where you once again, are instructed to shower nude before putting on your swimsuit, but they have little stalls for privacy. During check-in, a woman had advised women with long hair to coat your hair in conditioner and don’t rinse it out before you go in, since the silica can dry out your hair. I’d read about this online too, so I followed that instruction and also rinsed with conditioner before I left (my hair still smelled like that conditioner for a couple days after the trip, which was lovely).

I first entered without my phone. I had a waterproof case that I’d bought for Costa Rica (but had been scared to test much while there!), and I wanted to see what the lagoon was like and get my mud mask on before I started taking photos.

The blue color is just incredible, and the sun out made it feel bright. The pool is pretty large and has a swim-up mud mask bar as well as a swim-up drinks bar. There’s a waterfall you can use to give yourself a nice back massage and various parts to find some quiet in the crowded space.

I got my mud mask first and swam around, exploring the lagoon. It’s once again, just a place of unreal beauty. I listened to people speak various languages and watched people take their Instagram photos.

I got prosecco for my free drink and enjoyed floating around the pool, which was the perfect hot temperature but not too hot. Is there anything better?

I decided to get my phone with its waterproof case. There were some ledges along the lagoon where you could put down your phone for a second if needed. I attempted to take some of my own Instagram photos.

I am admittedly not as good at visualizing these as many people, but the milky blue water with steam rising up makes it easy to take an amazing photo.

There is even a “relaxation room” outside of the pool. It’s a warm room with big windows overlooking the Blue Lagoon where you can lean back in a chair. It was amazing.

I got one more drink, a cider, and swam under a bridge to the far side of the lagoon, then swam back. Really more like slow walked and floated.

I had been considering what to do for food. I’d had a few snacks, and there was a cafe. But I knew the Lava Restaurant was very highly rated.

So, I decided to treat myself for my last meal in Iceland. I switched to tonic water since I had to drive, and ate the delicious bread with skyr butter. The I ordered the fish of the day called ling, a white fish served with lobster sauce. It was really delicious and a lovely experience being in a fancy restaurant overlooking the lagoon while people in robes dined all around.

As I left, I felt amazing and warm as I went into the chilly weather, passing one last pool of blue lagoon water outside.

I got gas and headed to the airport to return my rental car. Driving around Iceland overall was great. I typically avoid renting a car when traveling solo in other countries because it makes me nervous to drive (and it isn’t necessarily economical!). I had rented a WiFi unit as a safety backup, knowing I could use WiFi calling if I got into trouble. Navigating is very easy as you go one way around the Ring Road or the other and there are lots of signs. You use roundabouts and follow everyone else to the famous sites off of the Ring Road.

I’ll admit I’d cut it a bit close, but luckily the airport shuttle was pulling up and I got through checking my bag and passport control and my flight had just started boarding (of course, we would end up being delayed anyways for people on a connecting flight).

I was sad to say goodbye to Iceland. It was only an 8 hour flight home, and I landed around 7 Denver time. Then I grabbed my bag, took the train to the city, and hopped on the shuttle. Of course, the shuttle was not going all the way to the end due to an event, so I strapped on my pack for one more short trek. By the time I got home, it was 3 am Iceland time. A long day (maybe not my longest traveling, but still long).

Overall, Iceland was another great solo trip. It was my most challenging, trekking 33 miles by myself and camping, but also so rewarding. Iceland is an incredible country. Like all of my solo trips, I was not really alone as I connected with people along the way.