The way 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 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 not less than 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 the 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 essential draw, sharing that “there are such a lot of nice espresso outlets, bars, and eating places” — just a few of which he highlights under.

Different objects 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 a little bit later within the 12 months, right here’s every little thing 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 lodge boasts an unbeatable location inside strolling distance of wonderful 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 lodge is positioned 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

“Should you favor 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 lodge with a homely environment 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 positioned. The room classes present barely extra variation than your typical lodge — you possibly can e-book a triple or perhaps a quadruple room — so it’s good for these touring in small teams.

Issues to Do

Ebook a strolling meals tour.

A strolling meals tour is on the prime of the must-do record for each Guðbjörnsdóttir and Petursson.  In accordance with Petursson, who based Reykjavik Meals Stroll, this sort of exercise permits you to “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.” “Yow will discover not less than one geothermal pool in each city or village in Iceland, and within the capital space, there are not less than 15 out of doors swimming pools,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir, who recommends planning your go to for the early morning if you wish to meet the locals who “get pleasure from swimming and stress-free within the sizzling pots.” Standard Reykjavik swimming swimming pools embrace Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, and Vesturbaejarlaug.

Go to Hallgrimskirkja, the most important church in Iceland.

Because of its towering peak (244 ft) and Expressionist structure, Hallgrímskirkja is acknowledged as considered one of 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 proper spot to get a way of town’s format and pure environment,” says Petursson.

Stroll by way of 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 by way of the valley, additionally options a number of waterfalls; Guðbjörnsdóttir provides that that is “one of many few salmon rivers positioned in a capital.”

Expertise FlyOver Iceland.

Billed because the “final flying trip,” FlyOver Iceland is without doubt one of the most original — 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 totally different scents accompany the spherical display and suspended seats, leaving riders feeling as in the event that they’re really within the air.

Finest Procuring

66°North

Didn’t deliver the best 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 practically 100 years and the flagship retailer is positioned within the coronary heart of town.

Kolaportið

To actually expertise a metropolis or a tradition, you typically have to cease by its native markets; in Reykjavik, that’s the Kolaportið, a large 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 avenue 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 might also make their option to Skólavörðustígur — typically referred to as the Reykjavik Rainbow Road — to snap a photograph of the painted rainbow street, which first appeared in 2015 to have fun Reykjavik Delight.

Finest Eating places

Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar)

The Icelandic Bar, says Petursson, is “hands-down” probably the greatest eating places within the metropolis: “It is such an approachable place for each locals and guests who need an trustworthy Icelandic meal at an excellent value.” Guðbjörnsdóttir shares it’s a great spot for anybody focused on 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 get pleasure from Grillmarkaðurinn once 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 substances, 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 chunk at a time,” suggests Guðbjörnsdóttir.

OTO

“OTO is a more recent one which has gained quite a lot of momentum for its nice vibe, service, meals, and drinks,” says Petursson. The menu is tightly curated and takes inspiration from Icelandic substances and Japanese and Italian flavors. Count on to dine on entrees reminiscent of 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 often get first rate Iceland summer season climate but additionally 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 subsequently inexpensive.” The season for northern lights recognizing runs by way of March — Reykjavik’s Winter Lights Pageant additionally takes place in February — though the hotter months shouldn’t be neglected. Should 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.”

The way 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 positioned. “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.” Should you aren’t planning on renting a automotive or utilizing a taxi service, you possibly can e-book bus tickets to and from the airport and Reykjavik’s essential bus terminal (BSI) through Flybus; one-way grownup tickets begin at round $30 per particular person.

The way to Get Round

There are a variety of how to discover Reykjavik, however strolling, taking public transportation, and hopping on a motorcycle or scooter are usually 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 will. 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 start out the trip. Prices will fluctuate by trip, as there may be an unlocking value in addition to a per-minute charge.