Learn how to Plan the Excellent Journey to Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is synonymous with journey and unforgettable views. Vacationers come from everywhere in the world to drive the Golden Circle, soak within the scorching springs, and get a glimpse of the nation’s majestic volcanic panorama. Although there are limitless unimaginable locations to see and issues to do in Iceland, guests ought to make it some extent to spend a minimum of a few days exploring the capital metropolis.

A hub of tradition and design, a UNESCO Metropolis of Literature, and a preferred layover cease for these touring between North America and Europe, Reykjavik has greater than a handful of causes to go to. “Reykjavik is a small metropolis in comparison with different capitals on this planet,” says Steinunn Guðbjörnsdóttir, Discover Worldwide’s Iceland tour director — however, she provides, it’s stuffed with “colourful homes, pleasant inhabitants, and nice meals.” Dan Petursson, the proprietor of Wake Up Reykjavik, additionally references town’s culinary scene as a foremost draw, sharing that “there are such a lot of nice espresso outlets, bars, and eating places” — just a few of which he highlights beneath.

Different gadgets so as to add to your Reykjavik journey schedule? Recognizing the northern lights and taking part within the well-known New Yr’s Eve celebrations. To ring within the new 12 months, Icelanders collect round neighborhood bonfires, set off fireworks, and take full benefit of the nightlife in Reykjavik (although there will likely be a second of calmness from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. as everybody watches the TV present Áramótaskaupið).

Whether or not you’re hoping to welcome 2025 in Reykjavik or go to slightly later within the 12 months, right here’s every little thing to know to plan a visit. 

Greatest Accommodations

The Reykjavik Version

Vacationers in search of a contemporary luxurious property will recognize The Reykjavik Version, which Petursson says has “nice service with superior views of the water.” Together with loads of five-star facilities — together with a full-service spa — the resort boasts an unbeatable location inside strolling distance of fantastic purchasing and the Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Centre.

Lodge Borg

Historical past meets basic luxurious at Lodge Borg. The property comes beneficial by Guðbjörnsdóttir, who notes the “historic artwork deco resort is situated in downtown Reykjavik subsequent to parliament and the cathedral.” Room classes vary from singles to the two-floor tower suite outfitted with panoramic views.

Lodge Kriunes

“When you desire to be out in nature however nonetheless throughout the capital space,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir, ebook a room at Lodge Kriunes. She describes it as a “stress-free, family-owned, and pleasant resort with a homely ambiance and distinctive mountain view overlooking the lake.”

Room With a View

Petursson says Room With a View is a good possibility if you happen to’re trying to find one thing budget-friendly however nonetheless centrally situated. The room classes present barely extra variation than your typical resort — you’ll be able to ebook a triple or perhaps a quadruple room — so it’s good for these touring in small teams.

Issues to Do

E-book a strolling meals tour.

A strolling meals tour is on the high of the must-do listing for each Guðbjörnsdóttir and Petursson.  In response to Petursson, who based Reykjavik Meals Stroll, the sort of exercise permits you to “dive into Icelandic meals tradition” and meet some locals alongside the way in which.

Spend a morning at a geothermal swimming pool.

Petursson says visiting an area geothermal swimming pool is “a real Icelandic expertise and a really native factor to do.” “Yow will discover a minimum of one geothermal pool in each city or village in Iceland, and within the capital space, there are a minimum of 15 outside swimming pools,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir, who recommends planning your go to for the early morning if you wish to meet the locals who “take pleasure in swimming and stress-free within the scorching pots.” In style Reykjavik swimming swimming pools embrace Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, and Vesturbaejarlaug.

Go to Hallgrimskirkja, the most important church in Iceland.

Due to its towering peak (244 toes) and Expressionist structure, Hallgrímskirkja is acknowledged as one in every of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks. The church itself is free to enter, however a payment of about $10 is required if you happen to plan to climb the tower. “The view from the highest is incredible on a transparent day. It’s the proper spot to get a way of town’s format and pure environment,” says Petursson.

Stroll via the Elliðárdalur Valley.

“Elliðaárdalur is only some minutes away from the guts of town however is an ideal place to go strolling or biking,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. “It has forests and woodlands, many wildflowers, rivers and waterfalls, wild rabbits, plentiful birdlife, and dozens of good picnic spots.” The Elliðaár River, which runs via the valley, additionally options a number of waterfalls; Guðbjörnsdóttir provides that that is “one of many few salmon rivers situated in a capital.”

Expertise FlyOver Iceland.

Billed because the “final flying trip,” FlyOver Iceland is likely one of the most unusual — and heart-pumping — methods to get a glimpse of the nation’s pure range. Lasting about 35 minutes, the expertise brings you on a journey “over the nation’s most fascinating landscapes and geography from the consolation of your seat,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. Particular results like mist, wind, and totally different scents accompany the spherical display and suspended seats, leaving riders feeling as in the event that they’re really within the air.

Greatest Buying

66°North

Didn’t deliver the fitting jacket for the Icelandic climate? Petursson recommends 66°North “if you happen to want outerwear or good presents.” Based in 1926, the model has been making heat, protecting clothes for practically 100 years and the flagship retailer is situated within the coronary heart of town.

Kolaportið

To really expertise a metropolis or a tradition, you typically must cease by its native markets; in Reykjavik, that’s the Kolaportið, an enormous flea market on the Outdated Harbour. “It may be nice to drop by the Kolaportið on the weekends to get the total scope of Icelandic tradition, from the wool clothes to the sweet and fermented shark,” says Petursson.

Skólavörðustígur

“My favourite purchasing avenue in Reykjavik is Skólavörðustígur, straight from Hallgrímskirkja, the place you will discover all types of cozy artwork and craft outlets, plus the Handknitting Affiliation of Iceland if you wish to purchase an actual lopapeysa (Icelandic woolen sweater),” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. Vacationers may make their strategy to Skólavörðustígur — typically referred to as the Reykjavik Rainbow Avenue — to snap a photograph of the painted rainbow street, which first appeared in 2015 to have fun Reykjavik Satisfaction.

Greatest Eating places

Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar)

The Icelandic Bar, says Petursson, is “hands-down” among the best eating places within the metropolis: “It is such an approachable place for each locals and guests who need an sincere Icelandic meal at a great value.” Guðbjörnsdóttir shares it’s a great place for anybody serious about making an attempt shark, fish jerky, or Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb. “Locals and vacationers alike frequent the place, and their completely satisfied hour is nice,” she provides.

Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)

“I additionally actually take pleasure in Grillmarkaðurinn after I wish to splurge on a pleasant steak and be in a fancier dinner setting,” says Petursson. The restaurant’s lunch and dinner menus are grounded in Icelandic elements, providing dishes like grilled reindeer, smoked puffin, and arctic char. “I’d suggest the tasting menu (served for the entire desk), because it takes you on a journey round Iceland one chew at a time,” suggests Guðbjörnsdóttir.

OTO

“OTO is a more recent one which has gained plenty of momentum for its nice vibe, service, meals, and drinks,” says Petursson. The menu is tightly curated and takes inspiration from Icelandic elements and Japanese and Italian flavors. Anticipate to dine on entrees equivalent to charcoaled eggplant, salmon sashimi with Icelandic wasabi, and Japanese milk bread.

Greatest Time to Go to

Each Petursson and Guðbjörnsdóttir agree that Reykjavik is a year-round vacation spot, however anybody hoping to see the northern lights ought to time their journey appropriately. “My favourite time is throughout September because you normally get first rate Iceland summer season climate but in addition since it will be darkish sufficient to see the northern lights,” says Petursson. “It is also much less crowded in comparison with our summer season months and due to this fact cheaper.” The season for northern lights recognizing runs via March — Reykjavik’s Winter Lights Pageant additionally takes place in February — though the hotter months shouldn’t be neglected. When you come in the summertime, says Guðbjörnsdóttir, you’ll get to expertise “the charming midnight solar and 24-hour daylight, festivals, occasions, and a hotter local weather.”

Learn how to Get There

Keflavík Worldwide Airport (KEF) is the principle worldwide airport in Iceland — however, like many main airports, it’s not probably the most conveniently situated. “The airport shouldn’t be right here,” warns Petursson, “and never even shut, actually. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to drive from the airport to town, so allocate that point in your journey plans.” When you aren’t planning on renting a automotive or utilizing a taxi service, you’ll be able to ebook bus tickets to and from the airport and Reykjavik’s foremost bus terminal (BSI) by way of Flybus; one-way grownup tickets begin at round $30 per particular person.

Learn how to Get Round

There are a selection of the way to discover Reykjavik, however strolling, taking public transportation, and hopping on a motorcycle or scooter are typically probably the most environment friendly. A Reykjavik Metropolis Card — accessible for both 24, 48, or 72 hours — begins at about $37 and is the proper journey companion for anybody hoping to see as a lot of Reykjavik as they’ll. With the cardboard, you’ll get free limitless bus journey throughout the Reykjavik capital space in addition to free entry to museums, galleries, and swimming swimming pools in Reykjavik. Hopp scooters are additionally broadly utilized by each vacationers and locals. All it’s a must to do is obtain the Hopp app, discover an accessible scooter, and scan the QR to begin the trip. Prices will fluctuate by trip, as there may be an unlocking value in addition to a per-minute payment.