So that you’ve bought at some point in Reykjavik? How thrilling!
I’m going to indicate you find out how to spend at some point in Reykjavik and have essentially the most unbelievable day. I additionally wish to reassure you that at some point is a good period of time to spend in Iceland’s capital. Certain, just a few further days is likely to be good however we don’t all the time have that luxurious so let’s take advantage of the time we’ve!
Whether or not you’re visiting Iceland for at some point on a layover, visiting on a cruise, possibly you’re right here for a longer journey in Iceland and simply have at some point in Reykjavik or, like me, you’re doing an ‘Excessive Day Journey’ to Iceland (that is the place you’re taking the primary accessible flight in and the final flight out) I’m going to indicate you the proper approach to spend your day in Reykjavik Iceland.
Soar to:
Moving into Reykjavik from the airport or cruise terminal
For those who’re on a cruise
For those who’re visiting Reykjavik on a cruise then there could also be shuttle buses offered. If not, there are many taxis accessible to whisk you into town centre. It’s solely a ten minute drive so it shouldn’t be too costly.
For those who’re on the airport
For those who’re on the airport then I extremely suggest hiring a automotive. It’s essentially the most handy and price efficient approach to see Iceland, particularly if there are two or extra individuals in your celebration. Iceland can also be a simple nation to drive in due to the nice street situations and comparatively quiet roads.
I like to recommend getting a telephone holder so you should utilize Google Maps to direct you.
For those who don’t drive or don’t really feel comfy driving then you possibly can take the Flybus for £23. It takes 45 minutes and leaves each half hour.
1 day in Reykjavik – A fast video
For those who’d like a fast visible information to spending a day in Reykjavik then try my video right here…
Cease 1 – Hallgrímskirkja (parking right here is free) + climb to the highest for superb views
Our first cease is Hallgrímskirkja, partly as a result of it’s iconic, partly as a result of parking right here is free and straightforward and partly as a result of you possibly can go up the tower and get your bearings for the entire metropolis!
Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavik’s iconic Lutheran church. It’s the tallest church in Iceland at 74.5 meters (244 ft) and the sixth tallest architectural construction within the nation.
Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the development started in 1945 and was accomplished in 1986, taking up 40 years. Its putting design was impressed by Iceland’s pure geological formations, resembling basalt columns shaped by cooling lava. The outside incorporates a sequence of stepped concrete panels that evoke the rugged fantastic thing about Iceland’s landscapes.
The church will not be solely a spot of worship but additionally a cultural hub. Its spacious inside homes an impressive pipe organ with 5,275 pipes!
Guests can go up the tower (tickets price £8 and there’s a elevate to take you up) to take pleasure in breathtaking (though very chilly!) panoramic views of Reykjavík and its environment.
Cease 2 – Frakkastígur (get a snack at Brauð & Co Bakery) + road artwork
Have a stroll down Frakkastígur, admire the standard and vibrant buildings in addition to the road artwork and pop into Brauð & Co Bakery. We had ham and cheese croissants (£5.50) and so they have been scrumptious.
Cease 3 – Solar Voyager
Preserve strolling down Frakkastígur and ultimately you’ll come to the waterfront and the Solar Voyager sculpture.
Sólfar was designed by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. It was unveiled in 1990 as a tribute to the solar and the ocean, reflecting Iceland’s reference to nature, exploration, and historical past.
The sculpture resembles a Viking ship and is an ode to the spirit of discovery, symbolizing hope, progress, and freedom. Positioned in opposition to the backdrop of Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja, the Solar Voyager turns into particularly enchanting at dawn or sundown, when gentle performs off its polished floor.
Cease 4 – Harpa Live performance Corridor
From the Solar Voyager, stroll a couple of minutes to Harpa Live performance Corridor which is completely beautiful each inside and outside.
Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Centre was opened in 2011 and can also be on the waterfront. The constructing’s putting, fashionable design was a collaboration between Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson, Henning Larsen Architects, and Batteríið Architects. Its façade is made up of a lattice of geometric glass panels impressed by Iceland’s basalt landscapes, reflecting the encompassing sky, sea, and metropolis lights. By day, daylight dances throughout its floor, whereas at evening, the panels are illuminated by a blinding LED show.
There are a selection of performances taking place contained in the live performance corridor however should you’ve simply bought at some point in Reykjavik then it’s unlikely you’ll have time to take pleasure in one. However, be sure you go inside and luxuriate in the great thing about the constructing inside.
There’s a beautiful bar/restaurant on the bottom flooring the place we had a espresso (£5) and loved the gorgeous environment.
Cease 5 – Rainbow Road
Preserve strolling across the metropolis and make your approach to Reykjavik’s ‘Rainbow Road’. Often known as Skólavörðustígur, a part of Rainbow Road is painted with a shiny and daring rainbow design, an emblem of pleasure, help for the LGBTQ+ group and to rejoice variety.
There are many nice outlets, bars, cafes and eating places alongside this road so it’s a beautiful place for a wander.
Cease 6 – Fish and chips at Reykjavik Fish
For those who’re feeling peckish then cease for fish and chips at Reykjavik Fish. There are three areas across the metropolis however we visited the one on Rainbow Road and the fish was scrumptious. (Fish, chips and a comfortable drink price £21.50)
All in all, that first a part of our Reykjavik at some point itinerary took about 3.5 hours. This didn’t really feel rushed so you possibly can do it sooner should you’re brief on time.
Cease 7 – Sky Lagoon
We then hopped again within the automotive for the 11 minute drive to Iceland’s Sky Lagoon. For those who don’t have a automotive, you’d have to get in a taxi.
The Sky Lagoon was positively the spotlight of our day in Reykjavik. It’s an opulent geothermal spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It opened in 2021 so it’s comparatively new and competes with the Blue Lagoon which I’ve additionally visited and cherished. It was designed with sustainability and aesthetics in thoughts and has a extremely pure really feel with big rocks, moss-covered partitions and stone paths, making a harmonious reference to nature.
There’s an unbelievable infinity pool that appears to merge seamlessly with the ocean and the sky. With billowing steam and infrequently cloudy skies, it truly is troublesome to see the place one ends and one other begins and it makes the lagoon really feel even larger than it truly is. The water is heated by geothermal vitality, so it’s deliciously heat no matter Iceland’s often-chilly climate.
Sky Lagoon is thought for its Ritual, a seven-step wellness journey impressed by Icelandic bathing traditions. The journey features a chilly plunge (I positively didn’t do that step!), sauna, physique scrub, and steam bathtub, a contemporary juice after which ending with a heat rinse within the geothermal waters.
You can even take pleasure in a drink from the swim up bar and I extremely suggest visiting at sundown for essentially the most breathtaking views because the solar goes down. (I booked the 15:00 time slot in November and this was excellent to observe the sundown!)
When reserving your Sky Lagoon bundle, you possibly can e book both Saman or Ser. I by accident booked Ser which incorporates the personal altering rooms which, admittedly, have been beautiful, however I’m undecided I wanted to pay an additional £17 for it! It was good to have a protracted, personal bathe and house to prepare earlier than flying dwelling. You do have to e book your bundle upfront and if you wish to take pictures within the Sky Lagoon then you might be allowed.
Cease 8 – Icelandic Road Meals
In case you have supper time earlier than heading again then pop in to Icelandic Road Meals. Right here you’ll discover conventional Icelandic meals with a contemporary twist and a casual ‘quick meals’ vibe. It additionally isn’t fairly as costly because the extra conventional eating places!
