Learn how to Plan the Highest Go back and forth to Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is synonymous with journey and unforgettable perspectives. Vacationers come from far and wide the arena to power the Yellowish Circle, soak within the sizzling springs, and get a glimpse of the rustic’s high volcanic soil. Even though there are unending implausible playgrounds to peer and issues to do in Iceland, guests must construct it some degree to spend no less than a few days exploring the capital town.

A hub of tradition and design, a UNESCO City of Literature, and a frequent layover ban for the ones touring between North The united states and Europe, Reykjavik has greater than a handful of causes to discuss with. “Reykjavik is a small city compared to other capitals in the world,” says Steinunn Guðbjörnsdóttir, Explore Worldwide’s Iceland excursion director — however, she provides, it’s stuffed with “colorful houses, friendly inhabitants, and great food.” Dan Petursson, the landlord of Wake Up Reykjavik, additionally references the town’s culinary scene as a chief draw, sharing that “there are so many great coffee shops, bars, and restaurants” — a couple of of which he highlights under.

Alternative pieces so as to add on your Reykjavik advance time table? Recognizing the northern lighting and collaborating within the well-known Unutilized Life’s Eve celebrations. To ring within the unused yr, Icelanders bind round community bonfires, spark off fireworks, and pluck complete benefit of the nightlife in Reykjavik (regardless that there shall be a presen of quiet from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. as everybody watches the TV display Áramótaskaupið).

Whether or not you’re hoping to welcome 2025 in Reykjavik or discuss with a modest after within the yr, right here’s the whole lot to understand to devise a commute. 

Easiest Resorts

The Reykjavik Version

Vacationers in search of a contemporary luxurious trait will admire The Reykjavik Edition, which Petursson says has “great service with awesome views of the water.” Together with plethora of five-star facilities — together with a full-service spa — the lodge boasts an unbeatable location inside strolling distance of finest buying groceries and the Harpa Live performance Corridor and Convention Centre.

Lodge Borg

Historical past meets vintage luxurious at Hotel Borg. The trait comes advisable via Guðbjörnsdóttir, who notes the “historic art deco hotel is located in downtown Reykjavik next to parliament and the cathedral.” Room divisions dimension from singles to the two-floor tower suite geared up with panoramic perspectives.

Lodge Kriunes

“If you prefer to be out in nature but still within the capital area,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir, conserve a room at Hotel Kriunes. She describes it as a “relaxing, family-owned, and friendly hotel with a homely atmosphere and exceptional mountain view overlooking the lake.”

Room With a View

Petursson says Room With a View is a splendid possibility if you happen to’re in search of one thing budget-friendly however nonetheless centrally situated. The room divisions lend somewhat extra variation than your conventional lodge — you’ll be able to conserve a triple or perhaps a quadruple room — so it’s best possible for the ones touring in little teams.

Issues to Do

Accumulation a strolling meals excursion.

A strolling meals excursion is on the manage of the must-do record for each Guðbjörnsdóttir and Petursson.  In keeping with Petursson, who based Reykjavik Food Walk, this sort of process lets you “dive into Icelandic food culture” and meet some locals alongside the way in which.

Spend a morning at a geothermal swimming lake.

Petursson says visiting a neighborhood geothermal swimming lake is “a true Icelandic experience and a very local thing to do.” “You can find at least one geothermal pool in every town or village in Iceland, and in the capital area, there are at least 15 outdoor pools,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir, who recommends making plans your discuss with for the early morning if you wish to meet the locals who “enjoy swimming and relaxing in the hot pots.” Widespread Reykjavik swimming swimming pools come with Sundhöllin, Laugardalslaug, and Vesturbaejarlaug.

Talk over with Hallgrimskirkja, the most important church in Iceland.

Due to its high peak (244 ft) and Expressionist structure, Hallgrímskirkja is known as one in all Reykjavik’s maximum iconic landmarks. The church itself is isolated to go into, however a rate of about $10 is needed if you happen to plan to climb the tower. “The view from the top is fantastic on a clear day. It’s the perfect spot to get a sense of the city’s layout and natural surroundings,” says Petursson.

Walk throughout the Elliðárdalur Valley.

“Elliðaárdalur is only a few minutes away from the heart of the city but is a perfect place to go walking or cycling,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. “It has forests and woodlands, many wildflowers, rivers and waterfalls, wild rabbits, abundant birdlife, and dozens of perfect picnic spots.” The Elliðaár River, which runs throughout the valley, additionally options a number of waterfalls; Guðbjörnsdóttir provides that that is “one of the few salmon rivers located in a capital.”

Revel in FlyOver Iceland.

Billed because the “ultimate flying ride,” FlyOver Iceland is among the most original — and heart-pumping — techniques to get a glimpse of the rustic’s herbal variety. Lasting about 35 mins, the revel in brings you on a progress “over the country’s most interesting landscapes and geography from the comfort of your seat,” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. Particular results like hail, air, and other scents accompany the round display screen and suspended seats, escape riders feeling as though they’re in fact within the breeze.

Easiest Buying groceries

66°North

Didn’t carry the suitable jacket for the Icelandic climate? Petursson recommends 66°North “if you need outerwear or nice gifts.” Based in 1926, the emblem has been making heat, protecting clothes for just about 100 years and the flagship bundle is situated within the coronary heart of the town.

Kolaportið

To really revel in a town or a tradition, you regularly wish to ban via its native markets; in Reykjavik, that’s the Kolaportið, a large flea marketplace on the Impaired Harbour. “It can be great to drop by the Kolaportið on the weekends to get the full scope of Icelandic culture, from the wool garments to the candy and fermented shark,” says Petursson.

Skólavörðustígur

“My favorite shopping street in Reykjavik is Skólavörðustígur, straight from Hallgrímskirkja, where you can find all kinds of cozy art and craft shops, plus the Handknitting Association of Iceland if you want to buy a real lopapeysa (Icelandic woolen sweater),” says Guðbjörnsdóttir. Vacationers might also construct their method to Skólavörðustígur — regularly referred to as the Reykjavik Rainbow Side road — to snap a photograph of the painted rainbow highway, which first gave the impression in 2015 to proclaim Reykjavik Delight.

Easiest Eating places

Íslenski Barinn (The Icelandic Bar)

The Icelandic Bar, says Petursson, is “hands-down” one of the vital very best eating places within the town: “It’s such an approachable place for both locals and visitors who want an honest Icelandic meal at a good price.” Guðbjörnsdóttir stocks it’s a great spot for somebody concerned about attempting shark, fish jerky, or Icelandic flatbread with smoked lamb. “Locals and tourists alike frequent the place, and their happy hour is great,” she provides.

Grillmarkaðurinn (The Grill Marketplace)

“I also really enjoy Grillmarkaðurinn when I want to splurge on a nice steak and be in a fancier dinner setting,” says Petursson. The eating place’s lunch and dinner menus are grounded in Icelandic substances, providing dishes like grilled reindeer, smoked puffin, and arctic char. “I would recommend the tasting menu (served for the whole table), as it takes you on a journey around Iceland one bite at a time,” suggests Guðbjörnsdóttir.

OTO

“OTO is a newer one that has gained a lot of momentum for its great vibe, service, food, and drinks,” says Petursson. The menu is tightly curated and takes inspiration from Icelandic substances and Jap and Italian flavors. Be expecting to dine on entrees corresponding to charcoaled eggplant, salmon sashimi with Icelandic wasabi, and Jap milk bread.

Easiest Year to Talk over with

Each Petursson and Guðbjörnsdóttir agree that Reykjavik is a year-round vacation spot, however somebody hoping to peer the northern lights must date their commute as it should be. “My favorite time is during September since you usually get decent Iceland summer weather but also since it’ll be dark enough to see the northern lights,” says Petursson. “It’s also less crowded compared to our summer months and therefore less expensive.” The season for northern lighting recognizing runs via March — Reykjavik’s Winter Lights Festival additionally takes park in February — even though the hotter months shouldn’t be lost sight of. In the event you come in the summertime, says Guðbjörnsdóttir, you’ll get to revel in “the charming midnight sun and 24-hour daylight, festivals, events, and a warmer climate.”

Learn how to Get There

Keflavík Global Airport (KEF) is the principle world airport in Iceland — however, like many primary airports, it’s now not probably the most very easily situated. “The airport is not here,” warns Petursson, “and not even close, really. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to drive from the airport to the city, so allocate that time in your travel plans.” In the event you aren’t making plans on renting a automobile or the use of a taxi provider, you’ll be able to conserve bus tickets to and from the airport and Reykjavik’s major bus terminal (BSI) by way of Flybus; one-way grownup tickets get started at round $30 according to individual.

Learn how to Get Round

There are a selection of the way to discover Reykjavik, however strolling, taking society transportation, and hopping on a motorbike or scooter have a tendency to be the best. A Reykjavik City Card — to be had for both 24, 48, or 72 hours — begins at about $37 and is the very best advance better half for somebody hoping to peer as a lot of Reykjavik as they may be able to. With the cardboard, you’ll get isolated limitless bus advance inside the Reykjavik capital branch in addition to isolated access to museums, galleries, and swimming swimming pools in Reykjavik. Hopp scooters also are extensively impaired via each vacationers and locals. All it’s a must to do is obtain the Hopp app, to find an to be had scooter, and scan the QR to begin the trip. Prices will range via trip, as there’s an unlocking value in addition to a per-minute rate.