Known as the land of fire and ice, the capital of Iceland is a magical wonder waiting to be explored
Why go?
If you have a bucket list of places to visit, then Reykjavík should be right at the top; this impressive city is worth the hype. Not only will you be dazzled by the beauty of its natural wonders and the buzz of its nightlife, but you’ll be wowed by the warmth of the welcome. This is a small city with a big personality, and the epitome of the Nordic way of life. Home to two-thirds of Icelanders – around 123,000 people – it’s safe, clean, and promises surprises at every turn.
Explore the city
The city consists of narrow streets, with its main shopping street Laugavegur home to souvenir shops and clothing boutiques, as well as restaurants, bars, and cafés, all within a short walking distance of each other. At the end of Laugavegur, you will find Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church in Iceland, with its 244ft spire rising above the city like a giant rocket. For a small fee, you can take a lift to the top for panoramic views of the city’s brightly painted houses and the picturesque harbour beyond. Once back at ground level, take a short walk to the harbour area, with its fish restaurants, communal-style eating halls, and the must-see Harpa concert hall. Its award-winning architecture is stunning, and it’s worth trying to catch a live performance if you’re able to book tickets in advance. The National Museum of Iceland is also worth a visit, as you’ll learn more about the history of this fabulous country.
Take a tour
Depending on your budget, there’s a tour to suit you. Join a walking group to find out more about the history and culture of the city, and hear stories of Vikings and elves. We love the Magical Iceland Food and Wine Tour – four hours of food and fun with a local expert. Ymir, our guide, has entertained world-renowned chefs including Rick Stein, so knows his stuff – and his stories are legendary. The city is also a great base for a tour of the Golden Circle, taking in Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the geysers of Geysir and Strokkur. And at this time of year, don’t miss a chance to see the Northern Lights, which occur between October and March. Tour guides here know the best spots to catch this elusive natural wonder. You could even combine it with a husky sledge ride or a whale-watching experience.
Food glorious food
For a small city, Reykjavík offers a lot in terms of nightlife, which is centred around the main shopping street. There are lots of bars and pubs, as well as numerous restaurants. Iceland has some of the most delicious food we’ve ever tasted, including its very own signature schnapps Brennivin, better known as the “Black Death”. Typical Icelandic food involves fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a protein-rich yoghurt, which is delicious whipped with butter). Arctic charr, a melt-on-the-tongue trout, is also popular and tastes great. For something more casual, Reykjavík’s famous hot dog stand, Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, is worth a visit. It opened in 1937 and regularly has a queue.
Enjoy a dip
No visit to Iceland would be complete without a visit to one of its famous geothermal pools, The Sky Lagoon (Skylagoon.com) is a 15-minute taxi or bus ride from the city centre and is the perfect place to relax, indulge, and soak up the views from the oceanside infinity edge, all while sipping on a mimosa from the swim-up bar. Its seven-step ritual – which includes a plunge pool, sauna, mist shower and body scrub – is a must. We would also recommend a trip to FlyOver Iceland (Flyovericeland.com), a state-of-the-art simulation flying ride. You will be whisked away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland, giving the feeling of flight as you hang suspended in front of a 20-metre spherical screen. Special effects, inducing wind and mists, combine the ride’s motion to create a thrilling experience.
Need to know
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Stay at the Berjaya ReykjavÍk Marina Hotel, which is a short walk from downtown ReykjavÍk and all the action. The in-house Satt restaurant serves a breakfast buffet – a great way of fuelling up before your adventures start, and an evening menu, including delicious burgers. Berjaya ReykjavÍk Marina Hotel costs from £103 per night, Book online at Icelandhotelcollection byberjaya.com.
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Icelandair fly regularly from London Heathrow to Keflavik International Airport and flights start from as little as £190pp. All fares are bookable by visiting Icelandair.com/en-gb/
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There is no train network in Iceland, so taxis or car hire are the way to go. With everything being within walking distance there isn’t much call for transport, but you will have to book taxis when you need them.
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Food and drink are not cheap! Expect to pay anything from £7 for a pint of beer and from around £8 for a glass of wine.
Words: Hayley Merrick. Photos: Sky Lagoon. Credits: @visitreykjavik / facebook.com/visitreykjavik, @inspiredbyiceland / facebook.com/inspiredbyiceland