Reykjavik is a pop of colour in Iceland’s predominant green, grey and white natural landscape.
A perfect break from Europe and North America, Reykjavik is home to just 120,000, giving the capital city a homely and comfortable feel.
TIME FRAME?
You only need two days to see this capital city as I did not find there to be much sightseeing in the capital. The surrounding countryside is breathtaking and I highly recommend hiring a car and exploring outside of the city.
You could easily spend one to three weeks meandering around this little island.
The peak tourist months are June to August when the days are the warmest and the midnight sun will mess with your body clock! I travelled to Iceland in October, on the edge of the popular tourism months from May to September.
The Northern Lights are visible from October to April. I saw them in early October – you don’t have to travel in the very depths of winter to tick the natural wonder off your bucket list.
Snow can arrive as early as September and usually melts from sea level by May.
WHERE TO STAY?
The entire country of Iceland is the size of Ohio, the city of Reykjavik is compact and walkable.
The main street is called Laugavegur and the most popular area is from the Hallgrímskirkja Church and further north towards the water.
I would suggest stay in a hotel, hostel or apartment in Reykjavik, there are also campgrounds on the outskirts of the city. I hired my car from the capital not the airport so I did not have to worry about parking in the city.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
MY TOP FIVE SIGHTS IN REYKJAVIK
Click here to visit the official website of Hallgrímskirkja Church
Located an hour from downtown Reykjavik, close to the International airport, the Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa.
Get ready to float in the rich turquoise silica, sulphur, and mineral waters. The facility offers a multitude of packages including in-water massages, award-winning restaurants, cafes and bars, a skin care shop, and stunning hotel with its own private lagoon.
Hopefully one day I will head back to stay in the luxurious Silica hotel!
Make sure you pre-book your entry ticket as I have read you can no longer buy on site and that they have now implemented a designated number of visitors per time slot.
It isn’t a budget day trip with the cheapest ticket into the main pools costing around $50. I bought the basic ticket and had a perfect time bobbing in the mineral waters. Unlike most mineral pools across the world, the Blue Lagoon complex remove the sulphur and therefore that rotten egg smell.
Click here to visit the official website of the Blue Lagoon.
Click here to visit the official website of the Silica Hotel.
There are endless adventure tours outside the city such as a trail ride on Icelandic horses, northern lights tours, whale watching tours, fishing tours, 4×4 Jeep tours and glacier hikes and climbs. Do some research and you’ll find there’s something for you!
I didn’t get a chance to visit this museum but it covers the maritime history of Iceland from early settlement to the twentieth century.
Did you get to enjoy this museum? Leave a comment at the bottom of the page and tell us what you thought!
MY BEST ADVICE…
Remember you must have a pre-booked ticket to visit the Blue Lagoon but once inside, do not put your hair in the water!
Though the mineral water does not permanently damage your hair, it will remove all the moisture for weeks. Leave-in conditioner is available in the change-rooms for before and after your swim, but it does not save it.
Even during the summer months, the temperature drops at night and the weather changes on a dime. It’s a ‘four seasons in one day’ experience, my policy is it’s better to be prepared and not use than wish you had proper gear.
Climb to the top of the Hallgrímskirkja Church tower for sweeping views over the city’s colourful rooftops.
Book your flights, accommodation, and a hire car early if you are travelling during July and August, the island gets busy and expensive!
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
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