Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, is unlike any other city on earth. Home to just 130,000 people, it sits on an island shaped by volcanic fire and glacial ice, where geothermal steam rises from the streets, the sky dances with the Aurora Borealis in winter, and the sun barely sets in summer. It is the perfect base for exploring one of the planet's last great wildernesses.

Why Visit Reykjavik?

Iceland is a land of stark, extraordinary contrasts: active volcanoes next to ancient glaciers, boiling geysers beside icy waterfalls, endless summer daylight followed by near-total winter darkness. Reykjavik itself is a surprisingly vibrant small city – compact and walkable, with an excellent restaurant scene, colourful street art, and a nightlife that punches well above its size. But the real reason to visit is the landscape that begins the moment you leave the city limits.

Top Attractions & Day Trips

1. The Golden Circle

Iceland's classic day trip covers three unmissable sites in a 300 km loop from Reykjavik. Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO) is where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge breaks the surface and where the world's first parliament met in 930 AD. Geysir is home to Strokkur, which erupts every 5–10 minutes to 30 metres. Gullfoss is a thundering double-tiered waterfall that drops into a dramatic canyon. Most visitors do the loop independently by rental car in a full day.

2. Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon – set in a lava field 40 km from Reykjavik near Keflavik Airport – is Iceland's most famous attraction: milky-blue geothermal waters at 37–40°C surrounded by black volcanic rock. It's expensive and must be booked weeks ahead, but is genuinely spectacular. The newer Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik itself offers a comparable experience with city views at slightly lower prices and shorter booking lead times.

3. Northern Lights

From September to March, when skies are dark enough, the Aurora Borealis can appear anywhere in Iceland. The key factors are darkness (no moon, no city lights), clear skies, and solar activity. Drive 30–45 minutes from Reykjavik to escape the light pollution. Download the Icelandic Met Office app (vedur.is) for aurora forecasts and cloud cover maps. A KP index of 3+ with clear skies is your signal to go.

4. South Coast

The South Coast is Iceland's most dramatic coastal drive. Key stops include the black sand beach at Reynisfjara (with its basalt column cave and dangerous sneaker waves), the abandoned DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur beach, the Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and the ethereal Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where icebergs drift out to sea.

5. Reykjavik City

The city itself deserves at least a day. The Hallgrímskirkja church dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic tower view. The Harpa Concert Hall on the harbour is an architectural gem. The old harbour area has excellent fish restaurants and whale-watching tours. The Laugavegur shopping street leads through the city's most colourful neighbourhood. And the National Museum provides essential context for Iceland's unique history.

Best Time to Visit Reykjavik

Practical Travel Tips

Getting There

Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is 50 km from Reykjavik and well connected to Europe and North America. The Flybus shuttle connects the airport to the BSI bus terminal in central Reykjavik (45 minutes, ~€25). A rental car is strongly recommended if you plan to explore beyond the city – pick it up directly at the airport.

Getting Around Iceland

• Rental car: By far the best option for flexibility – book well ahead for summer. A standard 2WD saloon handles the Ring Road and most popular routes; a 4WD is needed for highland F-roads (summer only)
• Guided tours: Day tours from Reykjavik cover all the main routes (Golden Circle, South Coast, Northern Lights) – good for those without a licence or who prefer not to drive in winter conditions
• City bus (Strætó): Covers Reykjavik itself adequately; app available for route planning
• Domestic flights: Connect Reykjavik to the Westfjords and East Iceland – useful for longer itineraries

What to Pack

Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable – "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" is a local saying. Layer up regardless of season: a waterproof and windproof outer layer is essential year-round. In winter, add thermal base layers, a warm hat, and waterproof boots. In summer, light layers and sun protection for long bright evenings are enough for most days.

Accommodation

Reykjavik has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The 101 Reykjavik postcode puts you in the heart of the city within walking distance of everything. For the Ring Road, guesthouses and farm stays book up fast in summer – plan and reserve months ahead. Budget travellers will find a well-developed network of HI hostels across the island.

Culinary Highlights

Reykjavik has developed a serious food scene that would surprise many visitors. Icelandic cuisine is rooted in fresh seafood, free-range lamb, and clean dairy – all exceptional quality:

• Skyr: Iceland's signature thick, high-protein dairy product – eaten as a yoghurt substitute or in desserts. Rich and delicious, available everywhere
• Lamb: Icelandic lamb roams free on highland grass all summer; the meat is exceptionally flavourful and found in everything from slow-roasted leg to tender soup (kjötsúpa)
• Fresh fish: Arctic char, cod, haddock, and langoustines (giant Icelandic prawns) – best at the harbour restaurants in the old port area
• Hot dog (pylsa): The famous Reykjavik hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu stand is an institution – served with crispy onion, remoulade, and sweet mustard
• Hákarl: Fermented Greenlandic shark with an intense ammonia smell – a traditional Icelandic delicacy, acquired taste only
• Icelandic craft beer: A booming microbrewery scene centred on the Reykjavik harbour area; try Borg Brewery or Bryggjan Brugghús

Frequently Asked Questions about Reykjavik

How many days do you need for Iceland?

A minimum of five days allows you to cover Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast at a relaxed pace. Seven days is ideal for adding the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or Westfjords. The full Ring Road – 1,300 km around the entire island – requires at least 10–14 days to do justice. A long weekend (3–4 days) from Europe works well for a city-focused trip with one or two day excursions.

Is Iceland as expensive as people say?

Yes – Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Expect to spend €180–300 per day including accommodation, meals, car rental, and activities. The main cost-saving strategies: self-catering (supermarkets like Bónus and Krónan are much cheaper than restaurants), camping in summer, visiting in shoulder season (April–May or September–October), and booking activities and accommodation well ahead to get the best prices.

Is Iceland good for a group trip?

Iceland is an excellent group destination – the landscape-driven itinerary means everyone is doing the same things, which avoids the "what does everyone want to do?" problem that plagues city group trips. Splitting a car rental and an Airbnb between four to six people dramatically reduces costs. The combination of dramatic scenery, outdoor activities, and Reykjavik's lively nightlife caters well to mixed groups.