Reykjavik City Breaks

As you traverse the lunar-like lava fields that characterise the landscape around Keflavik, Iceland’s main international airport, you may feel like you’ve arrived on another planet. A soak in the steaming, milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon may further solidify that impression. Once you arrive in Reykjavik, though, you’ll discover a city with a cool, cosmopolitan vibe, a flourishing food and drink scene, and a kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses that offer endless satisfying photo opportunities.

Founded by Vikings in 874 AD, it wasn’t until the 20th century that Reykjavik transformed from a small fishing town into the bustling cultural and economic hub it is today. As you stroll the streets of the world’s northernmost capital, you’ll notice an array of colourful murals, fascinating museums, lively bars and artisan bakeries serving irresistibly delicious pastries.

A rich variety of architectural styles

While Reykjavik is a fairly tiny city by European standards, it certainly packs a powerful punch when it comes to architectural splendour. The rocket-shaped Hallgrímskirkja church, and Harpa concert hall, with its futuristic glass honeycomb facade, are unmissable architectural highlights, while the array of traditional corrugated iron houses that come in all manner of shapes, sizes and colours give Reykjavik a totally unique aesthetic.

Venture down to the waterfront to marvel at the gleaming, stainless steel Sun Voyager monument – a modern representation of a Viking long-ship – or take a trip to Perlan, a glass-domed structure on Öskjuhlíð Hill, housing a revolving restaurant, a cocktail bar, a planetarium and an interactive exhibition which provides a fascinating insight into all aspects of Icelandic nature.

A gateway to spectacular Icelandic nature

A city break in Reykjavik is a fantastic way to experience Iceland’s stunning nature, especially if you don’t have the time or the budget for a longer road trip around the island. The Golden Circle is an ideal option for a day trip, taking you between three awe-inspiring landmarks (Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall) all linked by a 300km (186-mile) route.

Alternatively, you could embark on a whale watching voyage from the Old Harbour, go for a scenic hike in the Elliðaárdalur valley or Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, or, depending on the time of year, join a Northern Lights expedition, which will take you out of the city into a dark sky area to maximise your chances of witnessing the hauntingly beautiful phenomenon swirl through the night sky.