If you have never been to Iceland, you may envision it as a cold, desolate place, fit only for the very hardiest of humans! Well, we recently returned from our first trip there and we can assure you that nothing could be further from the truth! Iceland is absolutely beautiful! The landscapes there are varied, consisting of everything from Mars-like landscapes to lush, green fjords and gorgeous seascapes.
Our visit to Reykjavik was a pre-trip before our ocean cruise that circled Iceland. Foe more on that trip, please se this article, Iceland’s Natural Beauty – A Viking Ocean Cruise. Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world, is a lovely, modern city and we enjoyed our time there immensely. There are many things to do both in and around the city. So, even if you only visit Reykjavik, you will have an opportunity to see many of Iceland’s most iconic sights.
History
Geologically speaking, Iceland is a very young island, being only about 20 million years old. Formed by many years of successive volcanic eruptions, geothermal and volcanic activity is still prolific today. The most recent activity, the eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano near Reykjavik, has been occurring all summer during 2021.
Iceland also sits at the intersection of two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and North American plates. These two plates are constantly in motion, moving apart at a rate of a couple of centimeters per year. As a result, seismic monitors throughout the country record earthquakes literally every day. Thankfully, most of these temblors are relatively minor and are not even noticeable.
All this volcanic and seismic activity is indicative of the geothermal action taking place just under the surface of the island. This geothermic energy has been harnessed all across the island, and today, most homes have hot water and heat compliments of geothermal wells.
Iceland is also lucky to have an enormous amount of fresh water. Waterfalls are everywhere, and not only is the water potable without treatment, but all those waterfalls produce a bounty of electrical energy. As a result of hydroelectric and geothermic power, Iceland boasts a 99.96% renewable energy supply.
In addition, Iceland is very connected, with 98% of the island’s residents connected to the Internet. Considering the remoteness of some of Iceland’s towns and villages, this statistic seems amazing.
What to Expect
For almost everyone arriving in Iceland, the first stop will be Keflavik Airport, located about a 45-minute drive from the city. Just to avoid confusion though, there is another airport, Reykjavik Airport, that is located just outside the city center and primarily handles domestic flights within Iceland.
Although Reykjavik was the site of Iceland’s first permanent settlement in 874 AD, today’s Reykjavik is a modern city with examples of some remarkable architecture. The population of the greater Reykjavik area is around 230,000 and represents about 2/3 of the island’s entire population.
You do not need to worry about a communication barrier. Most folks have studied English and speak it fluently, so you should have no problem communicating. Signage, at least important signage, is in both Icelandic and English, making navigation throughout the island quite easy.
By U.S. standards, there is very little traffic, even in Reykjavik. The main roads throughout Iceland are well-maintained, so renting a car and traveling throughout the island is relatively easy – at least during summer. Although we were not there during inclement weather, traveling during winter would probably be a bit too challenging for most visitors.
You will also likely not need to convert any currency while you are there. Credit cards are taken everywhere, even in the smallest of towns. Tipping servers, taxi drivers, etc. is not necessary, nor expected. In fact, there is no place to even add a tip on the receipts you will receive for your restaurant, bar and taxi bills. You can still feel free to offer a tip to tour guides, and tipping in Euros or American dollars is perfectly acceptable.
The Weather
The weather in Iceland is, shall we say, changeable. In summer (June through August) you can expect temperatures to typically range from the mid 40’s to the mid 60’s, with some days outside of this range. Wind and rain can be raging or non-existent. As a result, you really need to come prepared for anything.
The best advice we can provide is to bring along clothing that can be layered. A warm layer of fleece or even down may be needed on a cool, windy day. A good rainproof jacket and a pair of water-resistant shoes are a must. A knitted hat, gloves and some form of neck warmer would also be welcome on the worst of days.
If you are planning on venturing outside of the city to do some hiking, bring along a pair of water-resistant hiking shoes or boots. Consider bringing along a walking stick too, for traversing uneven landscapes.
You may hear that an umbrella is useless in Iceland, and that is true if the wind and rain is heavy. A rain jacket with a hood and/or a good waterproof hat will probably be more effective.
Hopefully, you will have really great weather during your visit. With the exception of our last full day in the country, we experienced cool, sunny days and virtually no rain. In fact, the only time we wore our rain jackets was during hikes near waterfalls. But come prepared, because you just never know what weather you may encounter.
Hotels and Restaurants
There is a plethora of both hotels and restaurants in Reykjavik. Familiar chains are located in the city, as well as some small boutique hotels. A few hotels that caught our eye included the Kvosin Downtown Hotel, Apotek Hotel, Canopy By Hilton Reykjavik City Centre and the Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel.
Restaurants of all types, including fine dining abound in Reykjavik. Traditional dishes include fresh fish such as salmon and artic char, lamb and dried fish. You will hear a lot of stories about fermented shark and lamb, and Icelanders do love these specialties. However, you will find plenty of other food options in Reykjavik, where many world class chefs prepare a variety of foods from gourmet selections to delicious hamburgers and pizza!
Prices in Reykjavik are a bit high, but not when compared to other European capital cities. Keeping in mind that your dinner or bar bill already includes a tip, then the prices are more reasonable than they may first appear.
Getting Around
Reykjavik is a very walkable city, with many of the shops, restaurants and bars located in or near the old city center. Car rental and Ubers are readily available. However, if you rent a vehicle, you must make advanced reservations. Car rentals without advanced reservations can be very costly, especially during the summer months when the most tourists are present.
Public transportation in the form of local buses is also offered throughout the city. You may want to purchase a multi-day pass that allows unlimited travel and even includes admission to some of Reykjavik’s major attractions.
Things to Do
• Take a Walking Tour of Reykjavik
Since it is so easy to see a lot of Reykjavik on foot, we recommend beginning your visit with a walking tour of the city center. You can schedule a guided tour via a number of operators, or you can easily plan your own walking tour.
Here is an example itinerary that is based on what we did during our first day in Reykjavik. There is more to see, but we will highlight some of our favorite sights.
– Solfar Sculpture – You may want to start your walking tour near the city’s beautiful waterfront area at the Solfar Sculpture. Known in English as the Sun Voyager, this well-known landmark is located right along the water on Skulagata Street. The modern sculpture was created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, an Iceland native, and pays homage to the promise of discovery, progress and freedom.
– Harpa Concert Center – About ¼ mile away from the Solfar Sculpture is one of the most remarkable buildings in Reykjavik, the Harpa Concert Center. This building has won awards for its unique, modern architecture. The exterior of the building consists of honeycombed glass panels that shimmer like miniature rainbows. It’s an amazing sight, especially in bright sunshine.
– City Hall – After leaving the Harpa Center, follow Laekjargata Street to Reykjavik’s City Hall. This building was quite controversial when its was built in the late 1980’s. Apparently, it was thought to be too modern at the time. However, it is a lovely building constructed over the Tjornin Pond. In addition to the mayor’s office, the building also has a tourist’s office. So, you can feel free to stop in for all sorts of useful travel information.
– Laugavegur Street – From City Hall, backtrack a bit to Laugavegur Street. It so happens that Laugavegur Street is one of the oldest in the city, and is remembered for being the route that locals took to reach the hot springs for washing laundry. Things are a little different today! If you feel like doing a little shopping, be sure to walk the length of the Laugavegur. You will find all sorts of shops, including everything from typical tourist souvenir stores to upscale clothing stores and galleries.
Be sure to pick up some Omnom chocolate bars. The company is headquartered in Reykjavik, and while we did not make it to the actual factory where the chocolate is made, it is available all over town, especially in the tourist shops. Some of their chocolate combinations are quite unique, but we tried several and all of them were amazing!
You will also find a whole host of pubs and restaurants in this part of the city. For many years, brewing beer was not legal in Iceland. It was only in 1989 when the laws changed that beer became legal. It’s evident though that Icelanders have been quick to master beer making. We tried a couple of the local brews, including Gull and Viking and they were great!
We also tried what seems to be another local specialty – rye bread ice cream. Yes, I know it sounds a little bit strange, but it was really good. We stopped in this little shop, Cafe Loki, near the Hallgrimskirkja Church to give it a try. If you like ice cream, I think you will really enjoy it.
So, while you are out walking around the city, be sure to stop for a coffee, brew or a snack. It was great fun to sit outside and people watch. We also recommend keeping an eye out for a lot of friendly pups too. It seemed like everyone was out walking their dogs while we were there!
– Hallgrimskirkja Church – Perhaps Reykjavik’s best-known and certainly most visible landmark is the Hallbrimskirkja Church. The 245-foot church is one of the tallest buildings in Iceland, located on a hilltop near the center of the city. The church was constructed over a 42-year period and was completed in 1986, and is quite a departure from the typical churches and cathedrals found elsewhere in Europe. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson intended the church’s exterior to represent Iceland’s landscape of trap rocks, mountains and glaciers. The church is open to the public, so be sure to step inside to see the soaring ceilings and large pipe organ.
– Statue of Leif Erikson – The statue of Leif Erikson is located directly in front of the Hallgrimskirkja Church and was actually there long before the church. The statue was a gift from the United States in 1930 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of what is considered to be the world’s first parliament that was convened in Iceland in 930 AD.
– Skolavordustigur Street – For an interesting view of the Hallgrimskirkja Church, approach it from Skolavordustigur Street. Skolavordustigur is literally a very colorful street, with its rainbow pavement and brightly painted shops. This is a fantastic spot for some great photos!
• Museums of Reykjavik
There are more than a dozen museums in Reykjavik, covering topics such as art, history and culture. If the weather happens to be a bit rainy or windy, museums are a great alternative. Here are a few that we recommend.
– National Museum – The National Museum is located at Suðurgata 41, 101 Reykjavík. This museum is a great place to start your visit to Iceland. It has a comprehensive collection of artifacts that covers just about every aspect of the physical and cultural history of the island. Audio is available in multiple languages, including English. Personal tours in English are provided on some days of the week. Plan to spend several hours.
– Saga Museum – The Saga Museum is located at Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík. The museum is relatively small, but is quite popular. This museum is based on the Viking chronicles, with displays of all sorts of cultural and historical artifacts. Audio in English and other languages is available. Plan to spend an hour or two.
– Perlan Museum – The Perlan Museum is located at Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík. It is possible to get there by foot from the city center, but it will be a long walk. If you do not have your own vehicle, you may opt for an Uber or taxi. You can also take one of the city buses that stops in one of the stations near the museum. Situated on a hill overlooking Reykjavik, the view alone is worth the trip. However, inside the museum you will find exhibits about volcanoes, glaciers and other natural phenomena. The museum also houses a planetarium featuring the aurora borealis, the only place you are likely to see the Northern Lights during summer! Plan on spending a few hours at the museum.
– Whales of Iceland – Children might not enjoy some of our museum picks, but kids would most assuredly love the Whales of Iceland Museum. This museum is home to life-sized replicas of more than 20 species of whales, including the blue whale, the world’s largest animal. You will learn all about the history of whales, their habitats and what we can do to protect them. This museum would be a great place to visit in conjunction with a whale watching tour. The museum is located at Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík.
• Tours Outside of the City
Undoubtedly, there is a lot to do in Reykjavik, but there are tons of daytrips to sites outside of town. Here are a few examples of some of the more popular things you can do as part of your visit to Reykjavik. If you do not have your own vehicle, it is easy to find tour operators that will provide your transportation.
– Puffins – Although the national bird of Iceland is actually a raptor called the gyrfalcon, the puffin seems to have become the de facto national bird of Iceland. The puffin is everywhere in the form of logos, travel advertisements and tours! Tourists love the puffin and there are many places around Iceland where you can see them on your own or as part of a tour. We follow U.K. bloggers Jessica and Laurence at Independent Travel Cats, and they recently wrote a very comprehensive article titled Puffins in Iceland: A Guide to Where to See Puffins in Iceland. You can definitely see puffins close to Reykjavik, but their informative article will tell you everything you want to know about seeing the puffins anywhere on the island.
– Blue Lagoon – The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in an old lava field, about an hour from Reykjavik. The lagoon is an amazing shade of blue, thanks to all the silica and minerals found in the water. All these minerals, combined with the lagoon’s 100-degree temperatures, have been found to have actual health benefits, especially for folks with conditions like psoriasis. As a result, the lagoon has become a very popular spot. There are several packages available, from a basic visit all the way to a luxury experience. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to make a reservation before you arrive.
– Whale Watching – Whale watching tours are quite popular and there is no shortage of tour operators offering these trips. In fact, there are several that depart from the waterfront right in Reykjavik. Dolphins, minke and humpback whales are most frequently sighted on these tours. Of course, tour operators cannot absolutely guarantee sightings of cetaceans, but it’s likely you will see at least some on your trip and you will definitely learn a lot about the sea life around Iceland. Tours are conducted on everything from luxury yachts to rigid inflatables (RIB). If necessary, you will be provided appropriate garments to keep you warm and safe on your trip. A simple internet search will provide links to the many options available in Reykjavik.
– Golden Circle Tour – The Golden Circle is a circular route around the southern portions of Iceland that connects some of the most iconic scenery in the country. The Golden Circle is a must-do if you are in Reykjavik. Either with your own vehicle or a tour operator, you will spend most of the day following the route and seeing the sights. We are going to be blogging in more detail about the beautiful spots along the Golden Circle, but you can look forward to learning more about:
• Haukadalur geothermal area – Haukadalur is home to bubbling mud pots, as well as may geysers, a couple of which erupt every few minutes and rival Yellowstone’s Old Faithful.
• Gullfoss Falls – Enormous, gorgeous, and awe-inspiring are the words that come to mind when visiting Gullfoss Falls. Visitors can view the falls from multiple spots above, below and even right in the middle of the falls. You will likely want to wear a rain jacket to avoid getting soaked!
• Thingvellir National Park – Among other things, this park is the spot where you will be able to see the tectonic plates in action. The North American and Eurasian plates meet here and you can walk amongst the rock outcroppings on both sides of the rifts between the two plates. It’s absolutely amazing!
We hope this article has piqued your interest in a visit to Iceland. We highly recommend Iceland for any traveler that loves the great outdoors! We found Iceland to be an easy place to visit. There is virtually no language barrier, the country is extremely safe and it is relatively easy to get around the island. Everyone we encountered was very friendly, helpful and very interested in showcasing their beautiful country.
Be sure to check out our other blogs.
Until then, safe travels!
A well written and informative overview of Iceland. Sounds fascinating!
We love Iceland! ❤️
This was a great help. I will be leaving on 8/28 for an 8 day trip and I can’t wait.
Happy it helped. 8 days, is that a Viking cruise? We were on the July 17th cruise.
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