Blue Lagoon Parkplatz: Lava-Ausbruch Island – My Iceland Adventure (and Parking Nightmare!)
Hey everyone! So, Iceland, right? The land of fire and ice. Sounds amazing, is amazing, but let me tell you about my little parking fiasco near the Blue Lagoon. It's a story that combines the breathtaking beauty of Iceland with the sheer frustration of…well, parking. And it all happened because of a lava eruption, believe it or not!
Finding Parking Near the Blue Lagoon: A Volcanic Saga
I'd planned this trip for months. Blue Lagoon? Check. Golden Circle tour? Double check. Pictures of puffins? Triple check! I was so excited. I envisioned myself, relaxed and rejuvenated, emerging from the geothermal waters, all zen and whatnot. The reality? A bit different.
The problem? Parking. Or rather, the lack of parking near the Blue Lagoon. I should have done more research into Blue Lagoon parking options beforehand. I mean, it's a HUGE tourist attraction, right? I shoulda known better.
I arrived, all hyped up, only to find a parking lot completely chock-a-block. Cars were parked haphazardly, people were milling around like ants, and the overall vibe was less “serene spa experience” and more “mad scramble for a parking spot.” It was nuts! I circled the lot for what felt like an eternity, my stress levels rising with each failed attempt.
Then, I saw it. A tiny, almost invisible, sign pointing towards a “overflow parking.” Hallelujah! I thought I’d found salvation. This overflow lot was further away, but hey, at least there was space, right?
The Unexpected Lava Eruption Twist
Wrong. Completely wrong.
The "overflow parking" turned out to be a bumpy, uneven field, miles from the actual Blue Lagoon entrance. And guess what? It was only after I parked and started my trek toward the lagoon that I noticed a massive plume of smoke in the distance. A lava eruption! Seriously! Turns out, a recent volcanic eruption had impacted the area, and the usual parking situation was completely bonkers. Construction and detours galore!
I ended up walking for what felt like hours, my nice spa sandals getting covered in dust. My zen was gone.
Pro-Tips to Avoid My Blue Lagoon Parking Blunder
So, what did I learn from this whole ordeal? A few things, actually:
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Book your Blue Lagoon tickets and parking in advance: This seems obvious now, but I really didn't think that far ahead. Many hotels offer shuttle services as well!
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Check for road closures and volcanic activity: Before you even think about heading to Iceland, check the local news and official websites for any disruptions. Volcanic eruptions are, unfortunately, a part of Icelandic life.
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Have a backup plan: If the main parking lot is full, have alternative transportation options in mind. Public transport, taxis, or even a ride-sharing service. Seriously, think about it. You don't want to be caught short.
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Wear comfortable shoes: Trust me on this one. You might be doing a lot more walking than you expect. Leave those fancy sandals at home.
Iceland: Beyond the Parking Lot
Despite my parking woes, Iceland was unbelievably beautiful. The Blue Lagoon itself was stunning, a surreal experience that justified the hassle (mostly). Seeing the power of nature firsthand was unforgettable. It just goes to show that even the best-laid plans can go awry. And that sometimes the best stories involve a little bit of chaos. So go to Iceland! But book your parking! You've been warned. 😉