Reykjavík is the world’s most northerly capital, a vibrant-yet-relaxed city with a diverse range of activities on offer. It’s historical, cosmopolitan, dynamic, and cultural, without the chaos of so many capital cities. Iceland’s capital is compact, ensuring you can squeeze a lot into a 48-hour fun-filled stopover or city break. Zoe Macfarlane warns: 48-hours is an Icelandic teaser; you’ll leave wanting more.
DAY ONE : Into the wild blue yonder
Most flights arrive early at Keflavik International Airport. Guess what bucket list attraction is close by? Yup, Iceland’s most famous, most visited, and definitely most Instagrammable destination – the Blue Lagoon. Luggage and all (there’s onsite storage) take a shuttle to the geothermal wonderland of the Blue Lagoon.
For a no-crowds experience, the milky-blue mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon are best experienced before noon. Soak, apply facemasks, and take selfies, before rounding out your visit with lunch at the Blue Lagoon’s Lava Restaurant. If you’re feeling splurgy, you could overnight at the fabulous and oh-so-worth-it Retreat Hotel & Spa. Alternatively, shuttle to central Reykjavik, drop off your luggage, and continue your adventures.
Walk the talk
One of the best ways to get your bearings in a new city is on a walking tour and Citywalk’s 3pm tour did not disappoint. The two hours of historical nuggets and engaging commentary shone a light on why Reykjavík is such an intriguing destination.
What’s the catch?
Dine early at the lively Snaps Brasserie. Why early? Because from 6:30pm onwards, they don’t take reservations and you don’t want to miss out on this local fave. Start with the mussels or onion soup, followed by the Arctic char. Or order the fish dish of the day to blend in like a local (it’s how they ensure they have the freshest catch).
Night light
Finish your first day in Reykjavik with a light show at the impressive Harpa, Iceland’s only concert hall. Hundreds of honeycomb glass shapes, inspired by the basalt columns seen in nature, light up to create a wow-worthy show that resembles aurora borealis.
DAY TWO: Kaffe kulture
Full immersion is in order today, which means starting with kaffe! Coffee has been an Icelandic tradition since 1703, so act like a Reykjavakían and grab your on-the-go brew from Reykjavik Roasters.
Mind the gap
Not all of Reykjavik’s best activities are found in the city centre; travel 45 minutes to reach Þingvellir National Park. Here you can snorkel the Silfra Fissure, the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It’s incredible!
Choice is everything, and Adventure Vikings are the only tour operator offering both dry and wet suit snorkelling of the Silfra Fissure. In a dry suit, you float above the basalt rocks and vibrant neon-green algae; for the more adventurous, a wet suit snorkel is chillier, but you can free dive the canyons of the fissure (better for pics, too).
Keep on truckin’
Return to central Reykjavik to experience the Icelandic take on the food truck phenomenon at the cool Grandi Mathöll. Proving you don’t need a mortgage to dine out in Iceland, you can sample local fare like lamb from Fjárhúsið, and dishes using the fish from the market next door.
Whale, whale, whale
Year-round, minke and humpback whales swim the waters off the coast of Reykjavik. Head out with Whale Safari to spy them, or between May and August book their combo trip to see adorable puffins, too!
The choppy-seas alternative to whales and puffins (it is Iceland) is a visit to the National Museum for immersion in Iceland’s somewhat isolating history.
I scream
No matter the weather, an Ísbúðir visit is a must. That’s an ice cream shop to you and me, and Icelanders love their soft serves covered in sauce. Go old-school at Isbuð Vesturbæjar, sample a modern twist at Valdis, and vegans head to Skúbb. Beware the liquorice toppings if you’re not a fan!
Watch this space
Round out your day with a 40-minute walk to Perlan for stunning 360-degree Reykjavik views. Aside from out-of-this-world vistas, the space-esque domes house a planetarium, cave, and aurora borealis show. Nautholsvik geothermal beach is on this side of town, too, with outdoor hot tubs and steam baths.
Honour thy elf
If your trip falls on a Friday, consider a more academic visit to… ahem… Elfschool! More a casual chat than a class, headmaster Magnus, regales with stories of how elves and hidden people interact with the Icelandic population. As 54% of Icelandic people are said to believe in elves, it’s an immersive way to explore this cultural characteristic.
Want more Icelandic teasers? Check out this South East Iceland adventure!