Spectacular Iceland Last Day: Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon Photos
Day 3 Iceland
After a terrible night’s sleep (see: previous post, aka “Why are we awake again?”), we rolled out early and pointed the car toward Kirkjufell Mountain—because if you’re going to be exhausted in Iceland, you might as well do it somewhere ridiculously beautiful. Our hotel overlooked the bay and had the best view of the whole trip. Unfortunately, it also came with the full “rustic charm” package: no sleep, questionable shower situation, and a toilet that was… unavailable. No water.
Kirkjufell Mountain: The Most Photographed Hill That Ever Humbled Me
Kirkjufell sits on the north coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula, near Grundarfjörður, and it’s often called the most photographed mountain in Iceland (possibly the world). It’s 463 meters high—tall enough to look epic, short enough to make you question your own cardio.
This was my second time visiting Kirkjufell, and it was just as stunning as I remembered. Bonus: the sun made one of its rare guest appearances, and Stacy survived the glare.
The “Closed for Construction” Photo Opportunity
We pulled into the parking lot and discovered the waterfall area was “closed” for construction. And yet—mysteriously—there was a very convenient section of fence that had been “dismantled,” and tourists were calmly strolling around it like this was part of the official visitor experience.
We were there early—no tour buses, no police officer politely reminding us to respect barricades—so we joined the great Icelandic tradition of “I guess we’re doing this now.”
Studio to Field: My Kirkjufell Watercolor
I painted Kirkjufell after my first trip using a watercolor pouring technique—pouring pigment on wet paper and protecting whites (and later values) with masking fluid. The original is 15×22″, mounted on a 2″ cradled wood board (ready to hang). Originals and prints are available.
Snæfellsnes Black Church: Tiny, Moody, and Photogenic on Purpose
Somewhere between “windswept coastal drama” and “Iceland is clearly showing off,” we made time for the black church on Snæfellsnes—that simple, cinematic little building that looks like it was designed specifically for photographers and watercolor artists with a weakness for minimalism.
It’s the perfect subject: clean shape, dark value, big sky, and the kind of weather that can change your entire mood in 30 seconds. Iceland doesn’t do “consistent lighting.” Iceland does “surprise atmosphere.”
Reykjavík: Hallgrímskirkja and a Quick Reminder That Cities Can Be Cozy
Next up: Reykjavík, to see the famous Hallgrímskirkja church—towering, dramatic, and basically impossible to photograph badly (even when the wind is trying to physically relocate you). Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran parish church and stands 74.5 meters tall, the largest church in Iceland and the country’s second-tallest building.
We also got the best part of travel: catching up with an old friend. Stacy and I met up with Andrea, who’s lived in Iceland for almost 20 years and has a shop downtown (Andrea Ellen Jewelry). The visit was way too short, which means I clearly need to go back.
(Also yes—there’s a painting of Hallgrímskirkja too, because I have a condition where I turn great trips into watercolor projects.)
The original painting and fine art prints are available:
Blue Lagoon: Tourist Trap, Yes. Worth It, Also Yes
Our final stop was the Blue Lagoon—the spa you’ll hear about roughly 700 times if you fly into Iceland. It’s touristy. It’s crowded. It’s also completely unforgettable: milky-blue geothermal water, steam rising into cold air, black lava rock everywhere… it feels like bathing on another planet.
What really hit me this time was the landscape getting there. Compared to my visit three years ago, the approach looked dramatically different—lava flows in late ’24 / early ’25 had threatened the area, and you could see black volcanic rock where parts of the “normal” world used to be. Iceland is gorgeous, but it also doesn’t let you forget who’s in charge (“Mother Nature”).
Northern Lights: The Sky Finally Cooperated (Briefly)
We booked a late Blue Lagoon appointment (7:30), and near the end of our soak we heard this ripple of excited voices—people pointing, turning, scanning the sky.
And then: Northern Lights.
Not the full-screen, neon-green, documentary-level show… but clearly there. Bright, distinct streaks in the partially clouded sky—enough to make your brain go quiet for a minute. My phone, however, did what phones do in moments like this: absolutely nothing useful. I have a really old phone and it doesn’t handle night scenes very well.
Afterward, Stacy and I drove around for hours hoping for round two. I got one truly terrible green-ish photo (a modern art masterpiece called “I Swear It Looked Better in Person”), then we finally called it—because we had a flight to Ireland early the next day. No perfect aurora shot, but a real memory. Bucket list item: checked
NEXT: Ireland Calls (or I can’t find me Lucky Charms!)
References:
Hotels
Storm Hotel– downtown Reykjavik
Alda Hotel– downtown Reykjavik
Sand Hotel by Keahotels– in downtown Reykjavik
Courtyard by Marriott Keflavik Airport– in Keflavik (45 minutes from downtown Reyjkavik)
Coffee
Unfortunately, most bakeries and coffee shops in don’t open until 8 a.m(if you are in a place with access to a coffee shop). However, since we were in Iceland in October the sunrise wasn’t too early- we slept in most mornings.
Most hotels have sort of a breakfast buffee where you can load up on coffee starting at 6:30.
Tours
Find things to do in – day trips (museums and public transport), and more:
https://expedia.com/affiliates/expedia-home.h5p5bhV
Travel Guides
Here is the recently published Lonely Planet Guide. This is what I used to plan the trip (in conjunction with the all-beloved internet):
Another travel guide available for :
Flights:
Most international flights fly into Keflavik, a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. You can either take a bus from the airport into the city center (easy registration on your airplane before you arrive or desk when you land).
Trains:
There are no trains in Iceland. Nor public transit (except Reykjavik and Keflavik). Instead, rent a car:
https://expedia.com/affiliates/expedia-home.h5p5bhV
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Ryan Fox AWS, NWS, TWSA
Ryan Fox Painting
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