Plan the Good 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 sizzling springs, and get a glimpse of the nation’s majestic volcanic panorama. Although there are countless unimaginable locations to see and issues to do in Iceland, guests ought to make it a degree to spend at the least a few days exploring the capital metropolis.

A hub of tradition and design, a UNESCO Metropolis of Literature, and a well-liked 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 crammed with “colourful homes, pleasant inhabitants, and nice meals.” Dan Petursson, the proprietor of Wake Up Reykjavik, additionally references town’s culinary scene as a most important draw, sharing that “there are such a lot of nice espresso outlets, bars, and eating places” — a couple of of which he highlights under.

Different objects so as to add to your Reykjavik journey schedule? Recognizing the northern lights and collaborating 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 a little bit later within the 12 months, right here’s all the pieces to know to plan a visit. 

Finest Motels

The Reykjavik Version

Vacationers looking for 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 buying and the Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Centre.

Lodge Borg

Historical past meets traditional luxurious at Lodge Borg. The property comes really helpful 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 inside the capital space,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir, e-book 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 looking for one thing budget-friendly however nonetheless centrally situated. The room classes present barely extra variation than your typical resort — you’ll be able to e-book 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 record for each Guðbjörnsdóttir and Petursson.  Based on Petursson, who based Reykjavik Meals Stroll, such a exercise means that you can “dive into Icelandic meals tradition” and meet some locals alongside the best way.

Spend a morning at a geothermal swimming pool.

Petursson says visiting a neighborhood geothermal swimming pool is “a real Icelandic expertise and a really native factor to do.” “You will discover at the least one geothermal pool in each city or village in Iceland, and within the capital space, there are at the least 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 sizzling pots.” Standard Reykjavik swimming swimming pools embrace Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, and Vesturbaejarlaug.

Go to Hallgrimskirkja, the biggest church in Iceland.

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

Stroll via the Elliðárdalur Valley.

“Elliðaárdalur is just a few minutes away from the center 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 journey,” FlyOver Iceland is among the most unusual — and heart-pumping — methods to get a glimpse of the nation’s pure variety. Lasting about 35 minutes, the expertise brings you on a journey “over the nation’s most attention-grabbing landscapes and geography from the consolation of your seat,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. Particular results like mist, wind, and completely different scents accompany the spherical display screen and suspended seats, leaving riders feeling as in the event that they’re truly within the air.

Finest Buying

66°North

Didn’t carry the correct jacket for the Icelandic climate? Petursson recommends 66°North “if you happen to want outerwear or good items.” Based in 1926, the model has been making heat, protecting clothes for almost 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 have to 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 buying road in Reykjavik is Skólavörðustígur, straight from Hallgrímskirkja, the place yow will discover every kind 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 option 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 a good time Reykjavik Pleasure.

Finest Eating places

Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar)

The Icelandic Bar, says Petursson, is “hands-down” the most effective eating places within the metropolis: “It is such an approachable place for each locals and guests who need an trustworthy Icelandic meal at worth.” Guðbjörnsdóttir shares it’s a great place for anybody fascinated about attempting shark, fish jerky, or Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb. “Locals and vacationers alike frequent the place, and their blissful hour is nice,” she provides.

Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Market)

“I additionally actually take pleasure in Grillmarkaðurinn after I need 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 components, providing dishes like grilled reindeer, smoked puffin, and arctic char. “I’d advocate 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 moderen one which has gained loads of momentum for its nice vibe, service, meals, and drinks,” says Petursson. The menu is tightly curated and takes inspiration from Icelandic components and Japanese and Italian flavors. Count on to dine on entrees akin to charcoaled eggplant, salmon sashimi with Icelandic wasabi, and Japanese milk bread.

Finest 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 respectable Iceland summer season climate but in addition since it’s going to 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 inexpensive.” 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 ignored. 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.”

Get There

Keflavík Worldwide Airport (KEF) is the primary worldwide airport in Iceland — however, like many main airports, it’s not essentially the most conveniently situated. “The airport isn’t 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 automobile or utilizing a taxi service, you’ll be able to e-book bus tickets to and from the airport and Reykjavik’s most important bus terminal (BSI) by way of Flybus; one-way grownup tickets begin at round $30 per individual.

Get Round

There are a selection of the way to discover Reykjavik, however strolling, taking public transportation, and hopping on a motorbike or scooter are typically essentially the most environment friendly. A Reykjavik Metropolis Card — accessible for both 24, 48, or 72 hours — begins at about $37 and is the right 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 inside 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 you need to do is obtain the Hopp app, discover an accessible scooter, and scan the QR to begin the journey. Prices will fluctuate by journey, as there may be an unlocking value in addition to a per-minute charge.