For some time now, the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik has become a very popular and much-loved tourist destination. The city of ice and volcanoes, for a couple of years, has been on the top list of holiday destinations. Despite the high cost of living (really expensive here!) and the climate that is never really warm, Reykjavik has managed to enchant tourists from all over the world. And today it welcomes them with its colors, with its breathtaking views, with its incredible nightlife (under the sun in summer, inside trendy clubs in winter) and above all with that genuine and simple style that is a bit the style of all of Iceland.
Best period to visit Reykjavik
If you want to enjoy Reykjavik at its best, when colors, scents and flavors intertwine under the sun, book for the period June-August. In Iceland, summer is never muggy, temperatures remain at the spring average and rain and even cold windy days are not uncommon! Summer is perhaps the only time of year to admire the Icelandic capital without snow or ice.
Travel documents
Iceland is not part of the European Union but it is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. So, if you also come from a nation of the Schengen area, you will only need to show an ID paper to enter the nation. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Reykjavik
Initially, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between packing for winter and summer when you go to Iceland. Specifically, you’ll notice that the winter suitcase contains more coats and woolen items.
If you’re coming to Reykjavik in the summer, make sure you pack: comfortable clothes, possibly long-sleeved; comfortable shoes; jackets and windbreakers; a few scarves. Don’t forget your cameras, battery chargers and a power adapter. We suggest you also bring beachwear because, despite the climate, you can swim up here too. Elegant clothes are always useful… after all, Reykjavik is a capital and knows how to make itself culturally interesting.
How to get to Reykjavik
The best way to get to Reykjavik is by airplane. Though the city also has a port, the sea trip from Europe to Iceland is often very hard and dangerous. The gate to the capital city, and to Iceland itself, is Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) the nation’s main airport. You could also land at Reykjavik Airport (RKV).
Keflavik International Airport is the most important airport in Iceland. Set 50 km from the capital, it uses only 2 runways and has a single terminal, but equipped with very modern services and structures: duty-free shopping, a variety of dining options, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable lounges to relax before continuing their journey through the land of fire and ice.
Reykjavik Airport is Iceland’s oldest hub. Conveniently situated just about 2 kilometers from the heart of the capital, Reykjavik Airport provides passengers with a smooth transition between urban delights and awe-inspiring landscapes. Both airports are well connected to the city and the territory by public transportation services and private transfers.
How to move through Reykjavik
As a capital, Reykjavik has a small size and easy to tour. The very efficient public transportation net also helps a lot in doing this. Reykjavik’s public buses, known as Strætó, offer economical travel throughout the city. Tickets are available through an app or from the bus driver directly.
Chauffeur services (both cars and shuttles) in Reykjavik provide personalized itineraries and comfort to all those who want … and need … to enjoy a trip at their own rhythm. If you like to move by yourself, you can easily rent a car, or another vehicle.
Finally, Reykjavik is a compact city, making it wonderfully walkable. Additionally, bike rentals are available, and with dedicated bike lanes, it’s a healthy and eco-friendly way to meander through the city streets.
What to see
Reykjavik overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanoes alla round with the sophisticated quiet eye of a wise queen! This many-coloured capital is not only the beating heart of the nation, but also the ideal starting point for discovering the natural treasures of the island.
The symbol of the city is of course Hallgrimm Church, the famous concrete modern temple reminding of a missile launch base. You should visit especially the interior area, in order to appreciate the difference between the the spectacular exterior and the sober interior. Also worth the visit, as architectures: Parliament Building, Perlan Museum, Harpa Concert Hall, Traveler of the Sun, National Museum of Iceland.
Not far from Reykjavik, you will enjoy the visit to Borgarnes, Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Garđur Lighthouse, the beaches of Hafnir and Blue Lagoon, Selfoss. If you love the wild Icelandic nature, go explore Reykjanesfolkvangur Park and Thingvallavatn Lake.
What to do and NOT to do in Reykjavik
What you must absolutely do during a visit to the capital of Iceland is sit down and enjoy a lovely breakfast in one of the many cafés. These places look more like library living rooms decorated for the Christmas holidays, even when it is not Christmas …at all! Icelandic sweets and local coffee are experiences to try! Of course you must spend a whole night having fun, admiring the “midnight sun” and the long lasting sunset of the North!
When in Reykjavik you MUST NEVER:
• underestimate the rules, especially in the most isolated or wild places of the region (or city);
• underestimate the weather that changes suddenly for the worse even in summer;
• complain about the slow service in bars and restaurants; Icelanders like to take it easy and do not accept impositions;
• be picky as for food: the local recipes are strange indeed, sometimes they seem alien, but at least try to taste.