Reykjavik City Breaks

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Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital

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.

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Laugavegur
No trip to Reykjavik is complete without strolling up and down Laugavegur at least a few times – in fact, it’s almost impossible to avoid it. Here, on the liveliest street in Iceland, you’ll find everything from cosy craft beer bars and bookstores hosting live music performances to trendy fashion boutiques and fine-dining restaurants – including the only Michelin Star restaurant in Iceland. It’s also the place to go for all your souvenir shopping needs.
Hallgrímskirkja
In a city of low-rise buildings, the jagged, 74m-tall Hallgrímskirkja church dominates the Reykjavik skyline, and is arguably Iceland’s most iconic architectural landmark. Its stark, grey exterior was inspired by the volcanic basalt columns found throughout the country, concealing a minimalist, neo-Gothic interior. It’s well worth taking the lift up to the top for magnificent panoramas overlooking the city and looking out towards the mountains in the distance.
Sky Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon may be Iceland’s most popular attraction – and with good reason – but as of 2021, another geothermal spa has been luring locals and visitors alike to soak in its steaming, mineral rich waters and enjoy a range of rejuvenating, therapeutic rituals. Nestled on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Sky Lagoon is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, offering a beautifully serene spot in which to relax within easy reach of the city.

Authentic Eats
Besides the attractive architecture, intriguing museums and opportunities to experience Iceland’s natural wonders via excursions, one of the most enjoyable aspects of a city break in Reykjavik is being able to try authentic Icelandic food. Whether it be kjötsúpa (a hearty lamb soup with root vegetables), plokkfiskur (traditional white fish and potato stew), skyr (a thick, creamy, yoghurt-like product) or even a pylsur (hot dog) from a kiosk, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Icelandic culture by embracing the national cuisine.
Daring Dishes
Feeling brave? See how you get on with a cube of hákarl (fermented shark) alongside a shot of Brennivín (Icelandic spirit). But be warned – this pungent, ammonia-rich delicacy isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you have a sweet tooth, meanwhile, you’re in luck. Icelandic pastries and cakes are a real treat. Snúður, the Icelandic version of a cinnamon roll, come in all kinds of different varieties (Brauð & Co and Sandholt make some of the best). You’ll also find that Reykjavik has a thriving craft beer scene.
A haven for sightseeers
For such a small city, there’s a remarkable amount to see and do in Reykjavik. Besides ticking off the best-known landmarks including Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa and the Sun Voyager sculpture, be sure to take a leisurely walk around Lake Tjörnin and explore the Old Harbour area, keeping an eye out for vibrant street art installations as you go. If you’re keen to learn a little more about the history of this extraordinary country, the National Museum of Iceland and the Árbær Open Air Museum are both worth checking out. There are several more unusual museums, too, including the Icelandic Phallological Museum and Icelandic Punk Museum.
Day trips
If you have the time to incorporate a day trip into your Reykjavik city break, the Golden Circle offers a captivating snapshot of Iceland’s otherworldly nature. This 300km loop takes you to the Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and North American continental plates diverge along a breathtaking rift valley. Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, meanwhile, is an idyllic, forested area for hiking on the outskirts of the city.

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Your Reykjavik questions, answered

What’s the weather like?

Not as cold as you might expect for somewhere so close to the Arctic Circle. Summer temperatures tend to hover in the region of 10-15°C, and can even exceed 20°C. In winter, temperatures don’t usually get significantly colder or warmer than freezing. Compared to other places at a similar latitude, Iceland’s winters are relatively mild, especially in coastal areas, due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift.

How long does it take to fly to Reykjavik from the UK?

It takes around three hours to fly directly from London Luton to Keflavik International Airport. You can also fly directly from Manchester, which takes two hours and 50 minutes, or from Edinburgh, which takes just two-and-a-half hours.

How do I get from the airport to the city centre?

Keflavik Airport is around 50km outside of Reykjavik itself. It’s a straightforward 45-minute drive if you’re hiring a car; alternatively, you can book a private transfer or hop on one of the regular shuttle buses.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

It depends what kind of holiday you’re after. Between late May and early August, it doesn’t properly get dark in Reykjavik and the weather is at its most pleasant for eating, drinking and exploring outside. In the depths of winter, by contrast, there are only a few hours of sunlight per day – but the cold, dark days come with a certain cosiness that gives the city a very different feel, and the streets look especially beautiful when blanketed in snow. Spring and autumn, meanwhile, tend to be less extreme. Ultimately, there’s no bad time of year to visit Reykjavik.

When can I see the Northern Lights?

Several factors need to come together for you to see the Northern Lights. Most importantly, you need dark, clear skies – and then it depends on the intensity of the geomagnetic activity. It’s possible to see them from late August through to early May, but October to March is the prime window of opportunity due to the longer nights. Generally, avoiding light pollution makes it much easier to see the aurora, but during a strong display, you may be fortunate enough to see them in central Reykjavik. Consider booking a specialist tour which will take you out of town to an observation spot where you’ll have the best possible chance.

Is it family-friendly?

Very much so – Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Reykjavik’s city centre is also very compact, so you can easily explore it all on foot. If you’re visiting with children, the Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo is a great place to go, home to Arctic foxes, reindeer, seals and more. Lake Tjörnin is another lovely spot for a stroll, with lots of ducks and other birdlife.

What language is spoken in Reykjavik?

Icelandic is the official language, but you’ll find that English is spoken fluently in the vast majority of places. Still, it’s always handy to know a local phrase or two before you go.

How many days do I need in Reykjavik?

If you’re a fast walker, you could cover most of the city centre in a day – it really isn’t very big. However, Reykjavik is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, so ideally you’d want a couple of full days to get a proper feel for it. Also, you might want to go on an excursion one day, such as the Golden Circle, so be sure to factor that into your plan.

What’s the food like?

Traditional Icelandic cuisine features lots of fish, lamb and skyr (a thick, creamy dairy product, similar to yoghurt), but in Reykjavik, you’ll be able to find almost anything. Pizza, tacos, noodles, curries, burgers, New Nordic cuisine – you name it, Reykjavik has it. There’s such a varied choice that your main issue will be narrowing down the options for where to eat.

Can I combine a Reykjavik city break with a longer trip?

Absolutely. There’s so much to see and do in Iceland, so if you’re thinking of a longer trip, it’s a great idea to spend some time in Reykjavik at the start or end.