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Iceland, particularly Reykjavik, has become the new hip spot to visit. It is the perfect en route destination from North America to continental Europe. Two or three days is enough time to see the capital, but visitors interested in Iceland’s natural wonders should stay at least a week to see some of the amazing landscapes and attractions the island offers.

Iceland is only about the size of Ohio, but this island in the North Atlantic is a force to be reckoned with. Where else can you find glaciers, hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, icecaps, tundra, waterfalls, snow crested mountains, craters, and cliffs? Plus there’s an unbelievable nightlife, sea-bird colonies, Viking history, and the famous Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik offers plenty of diversions, from hiking, trekking, mountaineering, skiing and whale-watching, to serious shopping, fine dining and intense partying.

Despite its name, Iceland is not as icy as you may think. Climatically similar to Hamburg, Germany, Reykjavik’s temperatures are cool and mild, but not frigid. One difference though, is the strong wind that makes hiking and biking difficult. From May through August, Iceland enjoys almost 24-hour daylight.

Reykjavik Pictures

Things to do in Reykjavik

To get a sense of Iceland’s rich history, go to the National Museum, which displays Viking relics and archaeological finds. The Natural History Museum is a must if you are heading outside of Reykjavik.

The Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum on the outskirts of the city is a living historical museum that features some of Iceland’s oldest architecture. The Einar Jonsson Sculpture Museum, The Kjarvalsstadir Municipal Gallery, and the Living Art Museum showcase Iceland’s modern art. Reykjavik also has plenty of lesser known museums and galleries to visit.

Mt. Esja is easily climbed, and late at night is an amazing time to do it. The path is well-marked, the trail is not steep, and the view of the city on a clear night is astounding from any height. The base of the mountain can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes from central Reykjavik by taking bus #7 or #9 from Laekartorg, then switching to bus #20 at Artun, which will get you to the Mogilsa trailhead.

With lava fields, icecaps, glaciers, hot springs, and geysers, Iceland is excellent for nature lovers or geologist-wannabes. Go bird watching around Lake Tjornin. Check out the Icelandic flora and thousands of imported plants and trees at the Botanic Garden. Go horseback riding – stables all over the country offer trips using the famously stubby and rugged Icelandic pony. This country was made for nature lovers.

Swimming in the milky, pastel blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, hidden in the light layer of fog that forms as the warm water meets the cold arctic air is an experience not to be missed. In fact, swimming at any of the thermal pools in and around Reykjavik is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable activities that both locals and tourists enjoy.

Nightlife in Reykjavik

The streets of Reykjavik might be quiet during the day, but at night they are bustling with people. Reykjavík is one of Europe’s hottest club towns these days. Bars and discos are open until the wee hours.

Dining in Reykjavik

It’s not all dried cod and whale guts – Reykjavik has plenty of international restaurants that serve Chinese, Italian, and American fare. Traditional foods include hakarl, cured shark, hrútspungur, ram’s *beep* pickled in whey and pressed into a cake, svið, sheep head (complete with eyes), boiled and eaten either fresh or pickled. More accessible Icelandic dishes include harðfiskur, (haddock); bleikja, (char); lundi (puffin), whale blubber, whale steaks, and seal meat. A unique Icelandic treat, skyr, a yogurt-like concoction, is delicious. While in Iceland, make sure to try some fish – it’s guaranteed to be fresh, and will probably be some of the best you’ve ever had.

Shopping in Reykjavik

Iceland has everything from stuffed puffins to haute couture. Austurstraeti, a pedestrian shopping mall, is one place to look for souvenirs. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Kolaportid Flea Market sells clothes, typical Icelandic food, books, and knickknacks.

Reykjavik Travel Tips

• If you prefer less precipitation, try to plan your trip during the late spring/early summer.
• If you love the winter, head to Reykjavik then, and hit up the Winter Lights Festival–designed to bring cheer and joy during the long, cold winter months.
• Plan ahead to get cheap student tickets, so you feel better spending more once you arrive in Reykjavik!