Reykjavik is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with vibrant cultural activities, modern museums, amazing restaurants and bars.
It's the perfect base for a number of Iceland's natural wonders such as the Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights tours.
It's also the home of the prestigious Harpa Concert Hall. This gleaming glass building has been winning awards for its stunning architecture and is well worth visiting.
1. The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon that take many people by surprise. They appear in the sky, swaying and shifting with the sun’s magnetic field and are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun smashing into Earth’s magnetic field.
The best time to see the Northern Lights is during September and March, when solar activity is highest and cloud cover is lowest. However, the lights can be seen at any time of year if the weather is right and there are no clouds in the sky.
One of the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland is the Snaefellsnes peninsula, which is a wild area with minimal light pollution. This area is a short drive from Reykjavik, and is a great wilderness accommodation option.
Another great place to view the Northern Lights is at Grotta, a land-tied island that’s popular among locals for birdwatching and northern lights hunting in the winter. There are several accommodations here, but the top choice is the luxury Budir Hotel and close by are a couple of excellent value hotels.
There are a number of tours that hunt for the northern lights, which are often organized around a particular region. These three-to-five-hour excursions will drive travelers deep into the countryside where it’s most likely to be dark enough for the lights to appear.
Alternatively, you can opt for an Aurora Cruise tour that sails out into the ocean and searches for the lights from the water. These tours typically leave from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and include complimentary overalls to keep you warm, as well as a bar on board.
Seeing the Northern Lights is not a guarantee, but with a little planning, it can be an unforgettable experience. Most tours offer a free reschedule if the aurora forecast is bad or you don’t get to see them on the first day.
For those who like to travel around Iceland by car, there is an opportunity to get a rental car in all popular locations: at the main railway stations, in the city center, at the nearest airports. Tariffs may vary depending on various factors: the duration of the rental, the class of the car, the place where the car was received. For example, at Keflavik Airport you can rent a compact class car from 18 euros per day, and at Akureyri Airport from 17 euros per day.
2. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist attraction and one of the main reasons visitors choose to come to Iceland. It combines the other-wordly landscape that defines this magical country with a luxurious bathing experience.
The water in the lagoon is coloured blue by silica, which reflects sunlight to create the hue. It also has a milky white colour due to the algae that thrives in this mineral-rich environment.
There are a number of different areas to soak in the lagoon, including secluded spots where you can relax with your toes in the water. You can also swim up to an in-water bar and order a glass of wine, beer or juice.
You can visit the Blue Lagoon in summer or winter, depending on your preference. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn when the weather is kinder and the crowds are smaller.
During these times you can avoid the higher prices of summer and avoid the swarms of tourists during peak season. You can also enjoy a more peaceful soaking in winter when snow falls around the lagoon and the Northern Lights are more visible.
In addition to the lagoon, there are a variety of other activities to choose from in and around Reykjavik. There are tours to the nearby Golden Circle and the Reykjanes Peninsula, which will help you take in the natural beauty of this island.
If you are looking for a more relaxing and calming experience, you can book an overnight retreat at the Blue Lagoon Retreat. This luxury hotel overlooks the lagoon and is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
3. The Harpa Concert Hall
The Harpa Concert Hall is the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Opera. The venue is one of the most impressive in Reykjavik and offers a variety of concerts and events each year. It also serves as a convention centre and a business hub.
The facade of the building is a masterpiece by artist Olafur Eliasson, who works with glass, water and light. The crystalline structure of the bayfront facade resembles basalt rocks, a natural feature in Reykjavik.
It’s a striking example of modern architecture and was awarded the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. It’s also one of Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks and a must-see attraction for any architecture lover.
For visitors looking to explore Harpa, guided tours typically take visitors behind the scenes and into the main stage. You can also get a glimpse of the hall from various Reykjavik sightseeing activities and whale-watching cruises.
Inside, the structure is designed by Danish architects Henning Larsen Architects. It’s a unique and innovative design that creates a dialogue between the environment and the visitors inside the building.
Rather than use traditional masonry, the building’s facade is made up of glass-and-steel quasi-bricks designed by the artist to respond to Reykjavik’s weather and sunlight. These transparent porous 'quasi-bricks' appear as kaleidoscopic reflections of coloured light and promote a conversation between the outside world and the building’s interior life.
In addition to the concert hall, Harpa has a conference centre and multiple venues that can seat different size audiences. It also hosts a variety of music festivals each year and is a popular spot for tourists. It is expected to become a focal point in Reykjavik’s vibrant musical scene and attract international music fans, as well as international business and trade conferences.
4. The Icelandic Food
Iceland has a very unique food culture due to the harsh winters and its remote location. This has led to a very diverse cuisine and has made it a must for foodies all over the world.
One of the most popular dishes in Iceland is lamb soup, which is a hearty bowl of comfort that will leave you feeling warm and cozy after a day out in the cold. Every restaurant will have this on the menu, and it is a great way to start off any meal.
Another dish to try while visiting Reykjavik is halkarl, which is a fermented shark consisting of Greenland shark or sleeper sharks that have been smoked. While it may not be the most tasty, halkarl is a traditional Icelandic food that has been around for centuries and is an interesting experience to try out.
This is a popular snack in Iceland and is often served with butter. It is a little like beef jerky, but it has a slightly different smell.
The national stew of Iceland is Plokkfiskur, which is a mixture of cooked and mashed Atlantic cod mixed with flour, milk, potatoes and onions. It is a simple but delicious recipe that has remained a part of the local culture.
There are also other meats that have been featured in the Icelandic diet such as moose, minke whale and horse. While these can be a little intimidating, they are also an interesting experience to try out and taste while you’re in Iceland.
The best way to get a real taste of Reykjavik food is to visit the various restaurants that serve it. Many of them offer a tasting menu that will give you an insight to the Icelandic cuisine and help you decide what foods are worth trying out while you’re there.
5. The People
Reykjavik is a city that values its people. It is a culturally rich place that thrives on festivals, music, theater, dance, and other forms of art. The city is also home to a national ballet company and a national orchestra, as well as many museums that preserve traditional arts.
The population is a mix of native Icelanders and immigrants from other countries, particularly those from former Yugoslavia and the former Soviet Union. This makes the cultural blending of people unique in Reykjavik.
There are a number of different festivals that take place in Reykjavik, such as the Winter Lights Festival and the International Children’s Literature Festival. These are some of the biggest events in the city, but there are also smaller ones that take place throughout the year.
One of the most popular festivals in Reykjavik is the Ingolfshatid Viking Festival, which brings together modern-day Vikings from around the world to celebrate their heritage. This is a fun event for all ages and a great way to get to know the local culture.
Another popular festival is the Icelandic Film Festival, which showcases classic films that have a significant connection to Iceland. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and enjoy a day out of the sun!
The weather is generally very nice in Reykjavik, although winters can be quite dark and cold. This is a result of its exposed west coast location and the maritime winds that blow in from the ocean. This can make summers warmer in Reykjavik than other parts of Scandinavia, and winters much colder. This can make it difficult to visit during the winter months, especially if you are from a warm climate.
