Reykjavik Bucket List
The world's northernmost capital is located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, a colorful place with geothermal hot pools, Viking history, and some of the most surreal landscapes in the world just beyond its doorstep. Reykjavik is a small city with a population of only 140,000, but it is a giant in terms of cultural offerings. And despite the freezing cold, the city is heated with geothermal hot water. And despite the remote location, Reykjavik is now a cosmopolitan city. However, the real magic is just beyond the doorstep. In a day's drive, you can literally walk between tectonic plates, stand behind a waterfall, hike on a glacier, and soak in a hot spring, all in a surreal environment that was used to train the Apollo astronauts. And in the meantime, Reykjavik is a hopping place with a thriving music scene, including the likes of Bjork and Sigur Ros, and a coffee culture to match. And at the weekends, the entire population seems to be out in the bars. And the best thing is, it is not cheap, but it is worth it. There are only two seasons in Iceland, and they are both good. In the summer, June to August, the midnight sun is in full bloom, with almost 24 hours of daylight and warm temperatures at about 10-15 degrees. In the winter, October to March, the Northern Lights can be seen, and the place takes on a surreal beauty in the sub-Arctic environment. However, it is cold, with temperatures around freezing. September and May make good shoulder seasons, with some daylight, some darkness, and prices lower than in the height of the season.
Why Reykjavik belongs on your bucket list
The church, modeled after the basalt columns found throughout Iceland, towers 74.5 meters over Reykjavik. Catch a ride to the top for a breathtaking view of Reykjavik's multicolored corrugated iron roofs stretching to the horizon. This church took a whopping 41 years to build (1945-1986) and boasts a fantastic pipe organ with 5,275 pipes that provides wonderful acoustics during concerts.
When to go
Aurora borealis can be viewed in Reykjavik and the surrounding areas from September to March when the skies are clear and dark. It is a mystery how this spectacular display is produced. Your best bet is to check the Icelandic Met Office's aurora forecast site, drive out of the city to a dark spot, and wait. Guided tours can be taken to optimal viewing locations with hot chocolate and blankets provided. It is a humbling experience to see this spectacular display dancing across the entire sky in rippling waves of green, purple, and white.
Must-visit places in Reykjavik
Hallgrimskirkja
This 300-kilometer route from Reykjavik visits three of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders in a single day. Thingvellir National Park is located on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Geysir is a geyser that shoots boiling water high into the air every few minutes. Gullfoss is a waterfall that plunges in two stages into a deep canyon with a rainbow dancing in the mist. This is Iceland's most popular day trip for a reason.
Northern Lights
The Blue Lagoon, set in a surreal black lava landscape 40 minutes outside Reykjavik, is the most popular attraction in Iceland. You float in the milky blue geothermal spa with a silica face mask and a cocktail from the in-water bar at 38 degrees Celsius. For a more intimate experience with fewer crowds, the newer Sky Lagoon on the outskirts of Reykjavik features an infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean with a seven-step spa ritual.
Golden Circle
Perlan Museum is located on the site of the old Reykjavik hot water storage tanks on top of Oskjuhlid Hill. Here you will find an indoor ice cave that is as realistic as the real thing. There is also a planetarium showing recreations of the Northern Lights, as well as interactive displays about the natural beauty of Iceland, including glaciers, volcanoes, and the sea life that inhabits the surrounding waters. There is also a revolving glass roof that rotates to give panoramic views of the city. The museum explaining the unique geology of the area is the best way to prepare for the natural beauty that is to come.
Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon
This striking waterfront concert hall is designed by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects. The building is made up of geometric glass panels that are inspired by the natural basalt rock that is so prevalent in the Icelandic landscape. The colors change with the weather so that the building is different at each hour of the day. Even if you don't have tickets for one of the many concerts featuring the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, the lobby is worth visiting. The cafe is one of the best in the city for viewing the mountain and sea landscapes.
Perlan Museum
Reykjavik's principal shopping and eating street runs from the city center down toward Hlemmur Square, lined with wool shops selling the famous lopapeysa sweaters, independent bookstores (Icelanders are the biggest per-capita publishers of books), design boutiques, and restaurants offering everything from traditional lamb soup to New Nordic cuisine. Side streets off Laugavegur hide some of the city's best bars and cafes. On weekend nights, the street is the spine of Reykjavik's famous runtur, or pub crawl.
Harpa Concert Hall
This stainless steel sculpture on the Reykjavik waterfront, in the shape of a Viking ship with the dream of unexplored lands, is one of the city's most photographed landmarks. It was designed by Jon Gunnar Arnason, who described it as "a dream boat, an ode to the sun." It faces northward toward Mount Esja across the water, and at sunset, the light catches the stainless steel so the ship appears to glow. It is just a short walk from the city center down along the waterfront path.
Laugavegur
In the converted former fish-packing district of Grandi, this food hall brings together some of Reykjavik's best food vendors in one place. Try traditional Icelandic lamb soup, fresh fish and chips from the harbor, or more adventurous fare like fermented shark and dried fish with butter. Nearby, the Marshall House galleries and the Omnom chocolate factory round out the experience in the Grandi district, which has been transformed from the city's industrial waterfront to Reykjavik's hottest culinary and artistic destination.
Sun Voyager
Old Harbor in Reykjavik is the starting point for a whale-watching tour that goes deep into Faxafloi Bay to spot minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Summer (June to August) is the best time to see the greatest number of them. In the winter months, the tour is combined with a chance to see the Northern Lights on the return trip. Several tour operators offer daily whale-watching excursions. The three-hour tour with mountains rising directly out of the sea on all sides is breathtaking even if there is no spotting of the whales on this tour.
Grandi Food Hall (Matholl)
Budget Reality Iceland is a pricey destination. A meal in a restaurant costs between $30 and $50. A beer costs between $10 and $12. Gasoline is also expensive. However, you can save money by shopping at Bonus Supermarkets. It is a good idea to cook your own food in your accommodation. Tap water is free and some of the cleanest in the world.
Whale Watching
Driving If you want to see more than just Reykjavik, it is a good idea to rent a car. Ring Road (Route 1) goes around the entire island. In the winter months, it is a good idea to rent a 4WD car. It is a good idea to check road.is daily for road conditions. In the summer months, a normal car is sufficient.
Reykjavik insider tips
- Budget Reality: Iceland is a pricey destination. A meal in a restaurant costs between $30 and $50. A beer costs between $10 and $12. Gasoline is also expensive. However, you can save money by shopping at Bonus Supermarkets. It is a good idea to cook your own food in your accommodation. Tap water is free and some of the cleanest in the world.
- Driving: If you want to see more than just Reykjavik, it is a good idea to rent a car. Ring Road (Route 1) goes around the entire island. In the winter months, it is a good idea to rent a 4WD car. It is a good idea to check road.is daily for road conditions. In the summer months, a normal car is sufficient.
- Hot Pot Culture: Every neighborhood has a hot pot pool where people swim, relax, and meet friends. Vesturbaejarlaug and Sundholl Reykjavikur are two hot pot pools that people love to go to. It is cheap to enter a hot pot pool. However, it is a requirement to wash yourself before entering the hot pot pool. It is customary to be naked in the shower area.
- Layering: If you want to survive Reykjavik's unpredictable weather, it is a good idea to wear layers. Reykjavik's weather can change hourly. A waterproof and windproof outer shell is a must. "There is no such thing as bad weather in Iceland; only bad clothing."
- Tap Water: Hot water smells like sulfur. This is normal. It is geothermal water. Cold water is safe to drink. It is glacier water, some of the cleanest in the world.
- Cashless Society: Iceland is a cashless society. Cards can be used for even the smallest purchase. You won't need Icelandic Kronur in cash for anything.
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