Iceland for the Uninitiated

Snowmobiling has been a means of getting around in Iceland since the 1930’s. So, when in Rome… This tour has the added bonus of starting with a transfer to the glacier base in a Super Truck – yes, a Super Truck! This is not something I’ve ever tried either or even heard of before and it was pretty exciting – the route to the glacier took us off-road through mountains and volcanoes. Once there, we changed into our winter suits and donned all the necessary safety gear (provided) before climbing onto our snowmobiles for the onwards journey. 20 minutes later, and mastering my skidoo like a pro, the views were stunning! Also a new experience for me, being surrounded by mountain peaks and endless snow was incredible, like being on the moon!

This is an experience of extremes and provides a wonderful sense of wellbeing. I arrived at the Secret Lagoon in the evening with the sun already setting, making it feel already super-peaceful. Compounded by its remote location, there is very little sound pollution and fewer visitors than the more famous Blue Lagoon. You change into swimwear in the warmth of the changing rooms and then step outside into the cold which will certainly wake you up! But this is only for a nano-second as you warm through the moment you step into the hot pool – the contrast on your skin is amazing – I kept getting out just so I could get back in!

It’s a natural spring surrounded by beautiful greenery, so easy to zone out. You can spend as long as you like in here. I spent about an hour in the pool and if I hadn’t had to leave because they were closing, I’d probably have stayed longer so my tip would be to give yourself plenty of time.

More off-roading with this glacier tour and yet it couldn’t be more different to the Langjökull tour. Starting from Vik, you transfer through the volcanic plains at the base of Katla volcano. It’s a striking, baron landscape, smothered with black sand and volcanic ash from multiple eruptions. Armed with helmets, headlights and crampons, we then hiked to the ice cave, which can be seen in the glacier from quite a distance away. Black sand edges right up to the glacier and not much grows here, so it felt to me like being on another planet!

The cave itself is hugely impressive, and fascinating as your guide will explain all about the history of the glacier and how caves like the one we were in are formed. On your return it’s well worth grabbing a pizza at the onsite pizza restaurant – these are very special and, even better, are discounted for tour-goers. A very satisfying way to end an awe-inspiring afternoon…

I couldn’t visit Iceland without a stop at the Blue Lagoon, and I’m so glad I did. My flight home was in the evening, so I booked myself in for a little relaxation en-route to the airport. After my Secret Lagoon experience, I wasn’t expecting to better it. The Blue Lagoon is much larger, more modern and with higher visitor volumes and at first I found the sensory overload a little overwhelming. However, the calm and spa-like changing rooms soon fixed that and I was ready to enjoy the bracing wake-up journey to the water. I wasn’t disappointed! This really is worth a visit, and though there were more people, it did not feel overcrowded at all. The water is a luxurious milky-blue and steams thickly into the cold air, just mesmerising…

Your entrance ticket will also include a facial mask and drink, and the best bit, you can indulge without getting out of the water! Don’t forget to use the sauna and steam rooms at the edge of the pools and learn about the way they were formed. This is a fabulous set up which allows you to enjoy each element on offer for maximum wellbeing. Just 30 minutes to the airport, it’s a fantastic way to start or end an Iceland holiday.