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Reykjavik Travel Guide

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There’s little that can’t be done in and around Reykjavik. Urban scampering leads you from cosy cafes to wool-packed shops full of blankets and jumpers. Music venues foster an intriguing scene, and art fills the streets, galleries and shoreline. In winter, souped up 4x4s get you across snow and ice filled tundras to ice caves, lava tunnels and waterfalls that mesmerise. Though, accessing the open plains on a traditional Icelandic horse has a certain air of authenticity that a monster truck can never really muster. In the seas? Big whales are regular visitors and tour operators get you as close as ethically possible.

Puffins add a splash of colour to nearby islands and the Northern Lights cast ethereal glows over the skies. It may be a land of fire and ice – but Reykjavik’s streets hold as many wonders. A punk museum wedged into a disused public loo might not be for everyone, but it does give a hint at the city’s sense of humour. Elsewhere, the colourful streets deliver a dose of a very different kind of architecture. Ancient Euro/Roman/Baroque stylings have been cast aside in favour of functional buildings. That’s not to say it’s bland. Just different. Which is, after all what we’re all here for. A change of scene. And that’s available in Reykjavik at every turn.

Reykjavik Travel Guide

There’s little that can’t be done in and around Reykjavik. Urban scampering leads you from cosy cafes to wool-packed shops full of blankets and jumpers. Music venues foster an intriguing scene, and art fills the streets, galleries and shoreline. In winter, souped up 4x4s get you across snow and ice filled tundras to ice caves, lava tunnels and waterfalls that mesmerise. Though, accessing the open plains on a traditional Icelandic horse has a certain air of authenticity that a monster truck can never really muster. In the seas? Big whales are regular visitors and tour operators get you as close as ethically possible.

Puffins add a splash of colour to nearby islands and the Northern Lights cast ethereal glows over the skies. It may be a land of fire and ice – but Reykjavik’s streets hold as many wonders. A punk museum wedged into a disused public loo might not be for everyone, but it does give a hint at the city’s sense of humour. Elsewhere, the colourful streets deliver a dose of a very different kind of architecture. Ancient Euro/Roman/Baroque stylings have been cast aside in favour of functional buildings. That’s not to say it’s bland. Just different. Which is, after all what we’re all here for. A change of scene. And that’s available in Reykjavik at every turn.

   
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Soundtrack of the city

Spending in Reykjavik

  • Food

    3 course meal for 2: £86.17

  • Coffee

    A regular cappuccino: £3.28

  • Beer

    A medium beer: £6.68 

  • Taxi

    One-way (Local Transport): £2.67

Spending in Reykjavik

  • Food

    3 course meal for 2: £86.17

  • Coffee

    A regular cappuccino: £3.28

  • Beer

    A medium beer: £6.68

  • Taxi

    One-way (Local Transport):£2.67

Soundtrack of the city

Fire or ice?

Midnight sun or Northern Lights? Whale feeding frenzies or glacier hikes? These are the things that matter most when deciding the best time to visit Reykjavik. The almost 24 hours of daylight in summer – along with warm weather keeps the roads snow free and endlessly drivable. Winter’s harsh temperatures deliver the Aurora. A dilemma indeed.

Discover the real Reykjavik

Much is made of the fire and ice theme in Reykjavik. And as stunning as the geological wonders are, the culture here is more than worth a look. Music and art venues range from the classical to distinctly urban. On the coast, wildlife and whales are your must sees.

Accepting a certain degree of Reykjavik FOMO will stand you in good stead. There’s so much to see and do in and around the city that some hard choices will have to be made. That’s where time saving tips and insider info will give your visit an edge. Do take advantage of any snippets you can get your hands on.

Icelandic folk have had to make scant produce last long, long winters. Which has lead to some decidedly pickled and perhaps acquired tastes. Thankfully, times have changed and the food scene extends far beyond the days of mere meat and ale. Though, there’s plenty of that too.

See & do

Much is made of the fire and ice theme in Reykjavik. And as stunning as the geological wonders are, the culture here is more than worth a look. Music and art venues range from the classical to distinctly urban. On the coast, wildlife and whales are your must sees.

Guides & Tips

Accepting a certain degree of Reykjavik FOMO will stand you in good stead. There’s so much to see and do in and around the city that some hard choices will have to be made. That’s where time saving tips and insider info will give your visit an edge. Do take advantage of any snippets you can get your hands on.

Food & Drink

Icelandic folk have had to make scant produce last long, long winters. Which has lead to some decidedly pickled and perhaps acquired tastes. Thankfully, times have changed and the food scene extends far beyond the days of mere meat and ale. Though, there’s plenty of that too.

Map View

More of Iceland

A more craggy, wild and tousled land we’ve yet to discover. Winter or summer – it really makes no odds. Each season comes with its own beauty. Autumn and spring? We’ve done away with them – just as the vikings did. Snow or sun, the waterfalls are still glistening and the volcanoes are still as awe inspiring. And the whales? Well, they do favour the summer months – especially in the North.