Explore the Magical Blue Lagoon & Merdalir Volcano in Reykjavík

If you’re on the hunt for a truly memorable experience on your Reykjavík visit, then exploring the active volcano and Blue Lagoon Thermal Spa—both within a couple of hours drive from the city—is perfect. Combining these two popular attractions may require a little bit of extra effort and organization, but the rewards you will reap will be more than worth it. Here’s a complete guide to the Merdalir volcano and Blue Lagoon day trip in Reykjavík.

Why Visit the Volcano and Blue Lagoon on the Same Day?

Combining two of Iceland’s most revered attractions—the Merdlaír volcano and Blue Lagoon—into one day trip is a great way to make the most of your time. Visiting either one on its own can take up an entire day, but if you lack some time, then doing them together will ensure that you are able to experience two of the country’s highlights in one day.

The best part about this tour is that you can explore two completely different attractions in the same day. The eerie yet mesmerizing Merdlaír volcano—often referred to as the “fire mountain” – and the invigorating Blue Lagoon, an active geothermal spa with healing waters. It’s one of those trips that provide a little something for everyone in your party!

The Merdalir Volcano – Fire Mountain of Reykjavík

The name “Merdalir” means “fire mountain” and is quite fitting for this unique volcano in Iceland. It’s located about 20km from Reykjavík and is one of only two active volcanoes in the area. As you drive up to the volcano’s location, you will see its imposing presence up close. The plus side is, this volcano isn’t currently erupting so you don’t need to worry about getting too close.

Due to its proximity to Reykjavík, Merdlaír volcano is an incredibly popular tourist attraction and one which you should definitely not miss if you’re in town. You’ll often see tours visiting the area and there are plenty of nearby sights and activities to explore as well. Many tourists opt to go on a guided tour here, so you can learn everything you need to know about the volcano from an experienced guide.

What You Can See at the Volcano

At Merdalir volcano, you will mainly explore the area around it and observe its many wonderful rock formations from nearby. There are abundant lava fields nearby as well as hot springs, jagged cliffs, and craggy rocks galore. If you’re interested in geology and volcanoes, this is definitely the place for you!

You can also head down into the crater of the volcano, which is quite awe-inspiring when viewed up close. Exploring this area gives you a better understanding of how active volcanoes work and their potential impact on Iceland’s landscape. You’ll also see some incredible views while taking a walk around the area.

In terms of things to do, there are a few options here. Taking photos of the area is a must – particularly if you come here at sunset, when the light really takes on a beautiful hue. It’s also great if you want to take long hikes in nature – there are plenty of trails for those who want some fresh air and exercise.

Getting There and Safety Tips

As already mentioned, getting to Merdalir is relatively easy from Reykjavík – it only takes about 30 minutes by car – although it might be best to book a tour if you don’t have your own transportation. But there are certain risks associated with visiting this volcano that should be taken into consideration.

The most important safety tip is to stay on designated paths during your visit and avoid walking onto unmarked trails (or areas) unless you know exactly where they lead. Merdlaír volcano is an active volcano, so it’s important to be aware of potential hazards associated with sudden changes in nature or even dangerous wildlife encounters. Make sure to follow all instructions given by your guide or park ranger while exploring this amazing site.

Visiting this volcano can be an amazing experience as long as all necessary precautions are taken. It’s definitely worth checking out while you’re in Reykjavík!

The Grand Finale – Soaking in a Blue Lagoon Spa

After exploring Merdalir Volcano and all its wonders, it’s time for the grand finale: taking a dip in a Blue Lagoon spa! The Blue Lagoon is the most popular geothermal spa in Iceland, located about 40km from Reykjavík – just over an hour’s drive from the city center.

It’s a large outdoor lagoon filled with naturally heated geothermal water, surrounded by unique Icelandic scenery. The lagoon offers a variety of activities from swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the natural healing waters of Blue Lagoon’s incredible wellness facilities. There is also an on-site restaurant which serves freshly made meals made with locally-sourced ingredients — a great way to end your day trip!

At Blue Lagoon, visitors have access to amenities normally found at luxury resorts including towels, changing rooms, lockers, showers and saunas. Some people also claim that soaking in the lagoon helps improve skin conditions like psoriasis and acne due to its mineral-rich waters.

If you want to make your experience even more special, then you should consider booking one of their Luxury Experiences that include exclusive treatments and personalized service catered towards your needs. One option we highly recommend is the private spa cabana – this allows you and up to three friends to have an entire cabana balcony for yourself for the duration you book it for (90-minutes).

Tips for Visiting Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions so it can get quite crowded during peak hours – especially on weekends and holidays – so it’s best to plan ahead and book tickets in advance if possible (this will also guarantee you entry into the lagoon). We recommend booking your tickets online at GetYourGuide , so you don’t miss out due to overcrowding or fully booked facilities.

Aside from getting tickets ahead of time, there are some other things that should be taken into consideration before visiting the Blue Lagoon:

• The water can be cold during certain times, so it may be beneficial to wear insulated swimming gear (wet suits are available).
• Soap, shampoo and other items are not allowed in the lagoon, so make sure to use them before entering.
• It is important to note that all medical conditions have to be disclosed upon entry – any illnesses or disabilities must be declared prior to entering the spa.
• Be sure not to forget sunscreen! Even during nighttime or winter months, UV radiation can still be just as strong so it’s best to protect your skin.
• Lastly, make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early for your appointment.

After successfully ticking off all these tips, it’s time for you (and your group) to finally relax and enjoy some much-deserved R&R in this incredible Icelandic gem – the Blue Lagoon thermal spa!

Conclusion

Exploring Merdalir volcano and taking a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon thermal spa can be a great way for visitors looking to make the most out of their trip to Reykjavík. Not only can visitors take part in some adventurous activities like exploring natural wonders or relaxing in hot springs, but they can also enjoy meals crafted with locally-sourced ingredients – what more could you ask for?

The key takeaway here is that while both attractions are amazing separately, they offer a much grander experience when visited together on one day trip. So if you find yourself looking for a truly unique and memorable experience while visiting Reykjavík – don’t look any further than a day tour to Merdalir Volcano & Blue Lagoon! Before you go don’t forget to book your tickets at least weeks before your visit at GetYouGuide , which offers great availability and awesome deals for travelers!