Late last night ended up being one of the most memorable moments of the trip. We were able to see the northern lights, which was something I had always hoped to experience. I originally thought they would be like shooting stars—something that appears quickly and disappears after a few seconds. Instead, the lights stayed in the sky much longer than I expected, slowly moving and changing shape. Watching them stretch across the sky was honestly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
Today started with a long drive toward the ON Power geothermal power plant. Along the way we stopped at an overlook along the coast. The waves crashing against the cliffs were incredibly powerful, easily the strongest ocean waves I’ve seen in person. There was also a large hole in the side of the cliff which was very unique. Standing there and watching the waves crash into the rocks really showed how powerful the ocean is.
Later we arrived at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant, where we learned how Iceland uses geothermal energy to produce electricity and heat. This is done as hot geothermal steam is brought through the production well through the steam separator, then put through a turbine where it spins generators to produce the electricity for heating homes and water.
To finish the day a few of us visited the Sky Lagoon, which was the perfect way to relax after a long day. The warm water felt amazing after being outside in the wind earlier. We went through their 7-step ritual, which included soaking in the warm lagoon, a cold plunge, a sauna with an ocean view, a refreshing mist, and a salt scrub that you rub on your skin before rinsing it off. We were able to see the view from the lagoon in daylight and after sunset. When it gets dark they turn on lights all throughout the pools and on the cliffs, which makes the space feel so relaxing. Sitting in the lagoon while looking out toward the ocean was a really peaceful way to end the day.
Swanson School of Engineering 