Reykjavik is the largest city in Iceland and the world’s most northerly capital. It is the perfect place for anyone looking to explore the surrounding geothermal hotspots, to take some scenic drives, eat some interesting food and generally see how life is lived in the Arctic.
Despite the relative coolness of the climate (highs of 13 degrees centigrade in summer and lows of -3 centigrade in winter), Reykjavik is hugely popular year round with tourists seeking a more unusual break within easy reach of the rest of Europe. There is a wide range of activities in and around the city, as well as plenty of shopping, culture and nightlife – if you are planning a trip to the frozen north, here are some of the highlights of Reykjavik that you just can’t miss.
Geothermal wonders
One of the most iconic images of Reykjavik is probably the geothermal pool in the middle of a lava field and this is certainly the experience that many travelers are focused on having when they book a trip to this part of the world. The Blue Lagoon is one of Reykjavik’s most famous geothermal spots, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lagoon’s water’s are mineral rich and said to have healing properties, which makes them a huge draw for tourists look for an immune boost in a fabulous location. It costs €30 for the baths and hire of robes and spa treatments are extra.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a 300km tourist route from Reykjavik that covers a number of Iceland’s most famous landmarks and is a great way to get to know the landscape of this stunning country. It takes only a day to complete the round trip although there are some hotels on the route for those who want to take longer. Some of the sights along the way include the geyser – literally the original geyser – which spews 200ft up into the air, the 105 ft Golden Falls (Gullfoss) waterfall and the Parliament Plains (Thingvellir), a stunning national park and ancient meeting place.
Eating out
Icelandic cuisine is something quite unusual and any visit to Reykjavik would not be complete without sampling some of the local dishes. Putrescent shark meat, dark rye breads, coconut covered chocolate cake, fried dough buns, smoked fish and strong cheese are all typical Icelandic treats. If you want to try a selection of the local delicacies (usually some of the more unusual ones), then opt for a þorramatur, a platter of traditional dishes that will give you a good flavor of old school Icelandic cuisine. Reykjavik has a huge number of restaurants offering a wide selection of food, from traditional to the latest experimental contemporary dishes. Við Tjörnina is a fantastic seafood restaurant that serves up mouthwatering Icelandic meals. Try Bæjarins Beztu for the local favourite snack – hot dogs – or Vox at the Hilton if you want to splash out.
Hafnarfjörður
10km south of Reykjavik is the town of Hafnarfjörður which makes for a great day trip if you are looking to learn about fascinating Icelandic history, such as the Vikings and volcanoes. The town sits on a 7000 year old lava flow and there are guided tours of elves houses to indulge in, as well as an annual Viking festival to get involved in. The town is also now considered to be Iceland’s capital of rock n roll as a large number of popular Icelandic rock bands hail from here.
There is plenty to see and do in Reykjavik, whatever your idea of fun. The town has some fantastic shops and flea markets that sell everything from high fashion to local products and there is a thriving music and nightlife scene to rival that of other European hotspots, with everything from live music to underground drum n bass on offer. If you prefer to take it easy with a coffee then Reykjavik has some fantastic coffee shops and bookworms will feel right at home as there are a huge number of bookshops to support even the heaviest reading habit. If all else fails, simply step outside and enjoy the stunning surroundings – it’s like nowhere else on earth.
About the author: Amy writes for Easyjet who are now taking bookings for flights to Reykjavik for their service operating from Luton’s Luton airport from March 2012.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Nic McPhee.