Iceland

The most unique country in the world.

The Blue Lagoon

Why is the water blue?

The geothermal water has three active ingredients: Silica, Algae & Minerals.

The blue colour comes from the silica and the way it reflects sunlight. During summer there can also be a hint of green in the water. This is the result of the algae, which multiplies quickly when exposed to direct sunlight.

However, and this might come as a surprise to you, the water is actually white. If you pour it into a transparent cup, it will always have a milky white colour. The sun simply makes it look blue!

Aurora Borealis

Preparation

Check the Aurora activity forecast

Go to a dark location around midnight

Hope for a clear sky (no clouds)

Put some Icelandic music on while you wait

Waterfalls

The Icelandic word FOSS means waterfall.

Jökulsárlón

Learn the words

Jökul = Glacier
Sarlon = Lagoon
Fjall = Mountain
Eyja = Island

Now you know the most infamous Icelandic volcano:

Eyjafjallajökull

The glacier on top of the mountains, from where you can see the islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Black Sand

Basalt

The pitch-black sand found everywhere across Iceland is formed when basaltic lava cools down to rock, which then turns into sand.

Crystal Caves inside a glacier

Never the same

Ice caves can only be visited during the wintertime, when the glacial rivers retract and the water freezes. This natural phenomenon occurs every year and that means each year new and unique caves are created and discovered.