We are taking a day trip from Reykjavik and heading southwest to the Reykjanes Peninsula. It was still slightly dark as we made our way out of the city with a light snowfall glistening all around us. As we continued driving, the snow continued falling and the roads soon turned into a winter wonderland. Driving through the snow was fun as the roads were well-maintained, but always exercise caution in inclement conditions. The landscape looked even more magical with white drifts covering the lava fields and hills. There’s something peaceful about being in the car while snowflakes swirl across the windshield, with endless stretches of Icelandic scenery unfolding around you.

We decided to make a few scenic stops on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Our first stop Gardskagaviti Lighthouse, actually a pair of lighthouses standing near each other. The older, shorter one dates back to the late 1800s and is the second oldest lighthouse in Iceland. The newer, taller tower slightly more inland has been guiding ships since 1944 and is Iceland’s tallest lighthouse. This area is known as one of the best spots in Iceland for birdwatching and even for glimpsing the Northern Lights on clear nights. During our visit, the snow was falling steadily, and the wind howled viscously around us. Both lighthouses are a great photo opp.

From there, we continued on to Hvalsneskirkja Church, a striking stone church built in 1887. Its dark lava rock walls were constructed using local basalt and stand in sharp contrast to the grass and lichen-covered ground and the sea beyond. The interior was partially finished using driftwood from nearby shores. The church is still in use today, and the small cemetery nearby adds to the sense of history. Even though it’s simple in design, the location makes it unforgettable—quiet, stark, and undeniably Icelandic.

Our next stop was Stafnes Lighthouse, a small, square orange tower that stands at the edge of the windswept coast. Built of concrete in 1925, the lighthouse is automated today. The surrounding area is rugged, with black lava rocks and crashing waves, and it feels like a place where the land meets the sea in its most raw form. It’s not a big stop, but worth pulling over for the views and the feeling of standing on the edge of the Atlantic. I had a Taylor Swift moment at Stafnes Lighthouse as there was “snow on the beach, weird but it was beautiful”.

After enjoying these stops, we made our way to Iceland’s most famous experience: the Blue Lagoon. Reservations are a requirement and should be made well in advance. The drive itself felt like a journey through another world, endless stretches of dark, jagged lava fields softened by a building layer of fresh snow. The recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland have overtaken sections of the road that previously lead to the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik. A new road has been erected with lava flow controls in place. As you approach the Blue Lagoon, more lava flow control measures are visible around the power plant and you can see the steam plumes rising in the distance, hinting at the warmth that awaits.

When we arrived, the snow was still falling steadily which made the Blue Lagoon feel even more surreal. After checking in, we found the dressing rooms, slipped into swimsuits, and showered in. (The Blue Lagoon requires guests to shower before and after entering the lagoon. Technically they only require you to shower before entering but you will want to shower afterwards.) We then stepped outside into the freezing air for the short dash to the water. The contrast was instant, icy flakes landing on our shoulders as we sank into the steaming, mineral-rich water. The lagoon was shrouded in mist, the snow melting as it met the steam just inches above the surface. I imagine this is what it would feel like to sit in a giant outdoor hot spring in the middle of a snow globe.

We spent a few hours drifting from corner to corner of the lagoon, pausing to apply the silica masks, and finding quiet spots to simply sit back and relax. The steam made it seem like we were in our own private area, only seeing other people when we exited the lagoon to partake in the saunas. Back in the lagoon, we found a jetted area and let the hot water pound away any muscle tension while snow continued to fall around us. It was one of those rare travel experiences that feels both energizing and calming at the same time.

Eventually, we pulled ourselves out of the lagoon and made our way inside to shower and change. The warm, mineral-rich water leaves your skin soft but slightly chalky. My hair, despite applying a thick layer of conditioner before entering the lagoon, felt super dry and coarse. An intense shampoo and conditioning is an important step before moving on. Feeling refreshed, we headed to lunch at the Lava Restaurant, which is built right into the lava rock on the Blue Lagoon property. With large windows directly overlooking the milky blue water and dark lava fields beyond, it’s a dining experience that’s as much about the atmosphere as the food. The menu offered a mix of Icelandic-inspired dishes with fresh local ingredients, and it was the perfect way to refuel after a long soak.

Before leaving, we browsed the Blue Lagoon gift shop. It’s hard to resist their famous line of skincare products made with the lagoon’s unique silica and algae. The shelves were neatly lined with creams, masks, and serums, souvenirs designed to bring a little piece of the lagoon home. We picked up a few items, knowing they’d be a welcome reminder of the experience long after the trip ends and some great souvenirs for family and friends.

By the time we got back to the car, the snow had lightened, but the landscape still looked frosted and dreamlike. The combination of driving snowy roads, exploring lighthouses and a historic church, soaking in steaming blue water while flakes fell around us, and then lingering over a beautiful meal made this one of the most unforgettable days of the trip.

The 45 minute drive back to Reykjavik was an easy drive as we were so relaxed after the Blue Lagoon experience. We chose to have dinner at Fjallkonan in Reykjavík which offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere paired with modern Icelandic cuisine. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Each dish highlights fresh, local ingredients, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. The cocktail menu and presentation were some of the most fun I have seen. The attentive service and carefully curated menu make it a memorable dining experience in the heart of the city. It’s the kind of place that feels both special and authentically Icelandic.