An unmissable weekend in Iceland
Located on a peninsula between two fjords, Reykjavik blends raw nature with a vibrant culture. The Icelandic capital offers a unique experience between icy lands and a bustling city. Nordic simplicity, fascinating museums and hot springs make Reykjavik an essential base for exploring Iceland.
Exploring Reykjavik in the summer
In summer, the pace of life in Reykjavik is dictated by the midnight sun. Around the summer solstice in June, the Icelandic sun sets at midnight, only to emerge just three hours later. Soak up endless days in the city and take advantage of the twilight nights to explore nature.
During the day, Laugardalur valley and park is ideal for a stroll in the green outdoors. Breathe in some sea air thanks to the sporting activities available on the seafront, and admire the highly distinctive boat sculpture known as the Sun Voyager. In the evening, go for a night hike on Mount Esja or enjoy a wellness trip to a hot spring.
Take time out to relax
Enjoy a late dinner on a terrace in the city centre or at the Old Port. The Perlan Museum – an observatory with panoramic views over the city – is the perfect place to visit after your meal. Music lovers, meanwhile, should look up the various festivals and concerts scheduled to take place during your trip to Iceland.
What to do in Reykjavik in winter
In winter, Reykjavik is plunged into the polar night, making it an ideal destination for admiring the northern lights. Aim to visit between October and April, when the skies are illuminated in shades of green, purple and red. Another attraction is Grotta Lighthouse, which is less than an hour’s walk from the harbour. Alternatively, if you’ve hired a car, head slightly further afield to Thingvellir or the Reykjanes Peninsula to soak up the scenery away from the city lights.
Wrap up warm: even though Iceland’s climate is tempered by the Gulf Stream, the winds can be powerful. January and December are sometimes cloudy, so check the KP index before you set off in search of the spectacular lights. A KP 3 index (magnetic activity) or higher increases the chances of observing an aurora borealis.
Stop to enjoy some good food
Lose all sense of time in one of the many cafés and restaurants serving local produce in the heart of the city. Here, you can enjoy excellent Plokkfiskur (fish stew) or Lambakjöt (Icelandic lamb), or warm up with a Kaffi (coffee) or a good Súkkulaði (Icelandic hot chocolate with cream and spices).
A city steeped in culture and history
Reykjavik offers an immersion in Icelandic history. Visit the National Museum to discover the city’s Viking heritage, or take a trip to the Maritime Museum in the Old Port to gain insights into island life. The Perlan Museum is at once a museum, a planetarium and a 360° panoramic city viewing platform.
Take a detour to see the monumental Hallgrímskirkja church, whose architecture is inspired by basalt columns. Standing at 74.5 metres tall, it is Iceland’s tallest building! For a more original outing, try the Icelandic Phallological Museum or the Whale Museum.
Music lovers can take advantage of the Secret Solstice Festival around 21st June to celebrate the midnight sun in the company of a brass band! In November, you can dance the night away at Iceland Airwaves, a music festival featuring local and international artists.
Reykjavik: an open-air museum
Wander the streets of Reykjavik to discover the works of street artists, where mural frescoes and graffiti combine to decorate walls, alleyways and buildings. Stroll through the Grandi district (the Old Port), the roads around Skólavörðustígur Street and Viðey island. Visit the Reykjavik Arts Festival from May to June for a truly immersive experience.
Icelandic hot springs and spas
The Blue Lagoon, a famous turquoise lagoon located 40 minutes from the capital, attracts visitors with its warm, silica-rich water with soothing properties. The site is so vast that, despite the crowds, you’ll find peace, steam and serenity.
Closer to the centre, in Kársnes, is the Sky Lagoon, which offers a more intimate experience overlooking the ocean. In Nauthólsvík, try out the geothermal sauna before a swim in the cold sea for a guaranteed adrenaline rush and circulation boost!
The wonders around Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the starting point for the Golden Circle Tour, a 300 km loop of the island’s most spectacular scenery. In Thingvellir, you can walk between tectonic plates and visit the world’s oldest parliament.
Geysir, after which all other geysers are named, is less active today, but water still gushes out of Strokkur Geyser every 10 minutes. Finally, the impressive Gullfoss Waterfall is a 32-metre-high double waterfall that creates a striking curtain of water.
Observing wildlife
Iceland is a wonderful island for whale watching. Head off on a sea excursion from the Old Port to see humpback whales, fin whales (May to June), blue whales, porpoises, dolphins (July to August) and sperm whales. You can also spot puffins, fulmars, guillemots and gulls (from May to August).
Icelandic culinary specialities
It’s impossible to visit Reykjavik without trying Skyr. This thick, creamy dairy product, similar to yoghurt, is often flavoured with fruit or honey and served for breakfast or dessert in the capital’s restaurants.
Stroll through Kolaportid flea market to discover other specialities, including rye bread (rúgbrauð), dried fish (harðfiskur) or fermented shark (hákarl), and purchase a lopapeysa, the famous local woollen jumper, as a souvenir! But above all, take the time to appreciate the gentle, guttural melody of the sölumenn (merchants).
Practical tips: how to make the most of Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a friendly city that’s not too sprawling: you can explore it on foot to ensure you don’t miss a thing. In winter, buses are a practical alternative, and you can buy your tickets on the Klappið app. If you wish to visit the surrounding area, hire a car at the airport or in town. Golden Circle Tours or excursions to the south of the island are also possible. The Blue Lagoon is 45 minutes away, while the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is about a three-hour drive away.
Photos credits: ©iStock / ©StudioPONANT/ Damien Decaix / Servane Roy-Berton /Doriane Letexier
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