The beginning or culmination of any Icelandic exploration inevitably begins with a stay in its vibrant and cosmopolitan capital Reykjavik. Located in the south of the island, Reykjavik is small in size but mighty in spirit and offers a whole heap of activities to suit all types of traveller. Easily accessible from Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik exemplifies how all the excitement and amenities of a big city can be appreciated and adored in the confines of a smaller space. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie looking for your next outdoor venture or are simply looking to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture, Reykjavik provides the perfect city and adventure break all in one. And once you have exhausted all the delights of the world’s most northerly capital city, you are in a prime position to explore the rest of this magnificent country.
The historic origins of the city date back to the late 9th century, when Ingólfur Arnarson, believed to be the first Norse settler in Iceland called this area home, naming it Reykjavik, which rather aptly translates as ‘smoky bay’, reflecting the rising steam from the hot springs. As the name suggests, Iceland was never going to win over tourists with a promise of long sunny days and scorching temperatures, nonetheless when the mercury drops, the allure of bathing outdoors in soothing warm waters surrounded by picturesque scenery easily beats being parched on a beach. Along with burly Vikings and fiery volcanoes, thermal outdoor spas have become emblematic of Iceland. Reykjavik possesses its fair share of geothermic pools, boasting 17 public swimming pools with temperatures ranging from a toasty 29° and rising to as high as 43° in the hot tubs. The vivid colour of the renowned Blue Lagoon waters is almost too blue to be true and really needs to be seen to be believed. Laugardalur Valley is the principal recreational centre in Reykjavik and home to Laugardalslaug, the city’s largest outdoor pool, as well as a botanical garden and family park and zoo, making it both a fun and relaxing day out.
Culture is king in Reykjavik and it was the first non-native English-speaking city to receive the prestigious accolade of being a designated UNESCO City of Literature. The city’s literary heritage dates back centuries and literature lovers can immerse themselves into mythical medieval folklore or pick up a contemporary thriller guaranteed to send shivers down the spine. When it comes to channelling your inner culture vulture, Reykjavik spoils you for choice with a wealth of museums, art galleries and theatres, showcasing everything from the latest cutting-edge installations conceived by Icelandic artists to retelling the heroic tales of Viking warriors. Gain a sense of the past at the Árbær Open Air Museum, where over 20 buildings recreate traditional Icelandic life, or take a tour of the Harpa Concert and Conference Centre, the cultural epicentre of the city with award winning architecture that renders it as one of the city’s most distinguished landmarks.
From a sightseeing perspective, the star attraction is Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s huge concrete white church. Commanding a dominating presence in the Reykjavik skyline, Iceland’s largest church instantly captures the undivided attention of discerning travellers ambling the colourful streets. This impressive archaeological feat implores to be explored from all angles, and with a quick trip to the top you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panorama of the city and further afield. Take a stroll down to the waterfront at sunset to witness the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture by Jón Guunar Arnason, an intriguing display that at first glimpse appears to be a Viking ship when in fact it is a dream boat and ode to the sun.
Take a break from sightseeing and shop ‘til you drop on Laugavegur Street, the city’s principal shopping area that is bursting with hip shops, quirky cafés and trendy bars, perfect for grabbing a tasty bite to eat and embracing the prolific Icelandic coffee culture. And while on the subject of food, Reykjavik has cemented its status as a foodie’s paradise with an abundance of restaurants serving up authentic Icelandic cuisine as well as international favourites. Quality restaurants across the capital sees acclaimed chefs serving up traditional Icelandic cuisine that draws inspiration from the country’s natural resources and native animals, so don’t be too shocked if you see smoked puffin on the menu. While Reykjavik is delightful in the day time, it is really worth staying up late and experiencing first-hand the city’s illustrious nightlife. Its reputation for having an electrifying bar and club scene have seen tourists from across the globe flock there to party the Icelandic way. Believe it or not, beer was only made legal in the country since 1989, after prohibition laws banning it for a large part of the 20th century were revoked, and it certainly seems that the city is making up for it with a healthy selection of establishments open until the early hours of the morning and a designated Beer Day celebrated on 1 March each year. And if you’re wondering why you are the only person at a bar at 10pm, it may be that you are a bit too early for the party as Icelanders are known for going out later, usually after midnight.
Away from the buzzing streets and lively bars, there are plentiful green spaces in and around the city providing a welcome and relaxing relief to urban life. Just on the outskirts of the city is the exquisite Elliðaárdalur valley where a gorgeous river gushes through the luscious green valley while the neighbourhood of Nauthólsvík offers a sandy slice of paradise in the form of a geothermal beach. For those looking to raise their heartbeat, ascending to the summit of Mount Esja will leave hikers with a jaw dropping vista of Reykjavik and its fabulous surrounding areas. Even though downtown Reykjavik is most renowned for its high concentration of cultural institutions, adventure seekers can check out any of the many tour operators in the area offering an excitement assortment of activities ranging from thrilling 4×4 experiences to whale watching.