Jan

10

Reykjavik Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Reykjavik
Reykjavik is full of natural wonders, including glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs. This is a great place to get away from it all while still enjoying the trappings of modern life. The summer days here are long with very little night-time, while the winters are the opposite, with very light daylight. This makes visiting Reykjavik in the summer wonderful, when you can spend long hours exploring the wilderness, riding Icelandic ponies or just enjoying the quaint downtown area. The island’s main airport is Keflavik International Airport, where all international flights arrive.

Flights to Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport is the international hub for the island. It is located about 30 miles outside the city centre. Serviced primarily by its own airline, Icelandair, and numerous European airlines, Reykjavik is a great stopover when flying to Europe from North America and vice versa. The city is only two to four hours from Europe and five to six hours from the east coast of the US by air. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Reykjavik try Thomas Cook.

Reykjavik is a compact city and is easy to explore on foot or by using the city’s public buses. For the journey to or from the airport, there are either buses or taxis to choose from. It is also possible to drive yourself in Iceland. There is very little traffic and hiring a car is a good way to explore the countryside beyond the capital city.

Reykjavik


Sightseeing in Reykjavik
The famous Blue Lagoon is a must visit. This geothermal spa is just outside Reykjavik and a favourite destination for locals. The waters here are rich in minerals and allegedly benefit those with skin conditions. It is a great way to relax and enjoy the views of the lava fields.

Reykjavik has some stunning architecture and the impressive Hallgrimskirkja church is just one of such structures. Rising out of the plains, the church is breathtaking and ranks as the largest in Iceland. Iceland is famous for having hosted the Reykjavik Summit between Gorbachev and Reagan, and it is possible to visit the house where the summit took place - Hofoi.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Many consider Iceland to be a party capital and Reykjavik attracts many party-goers from nearby Scandinavian countries. There are many trendy bars and clubs, most of which only open late at night. Liquor is heavily taxed in Iceland and thus expensive at bars and restaurants.

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Reykjavik including international restaurants, but Icelandic cuisine is also worth a try. Much of the cooking is centred on seafood, but there is excellent lamb to be had on the island as well.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Although many things are expensive in Iceland, as things that aren’t produced here are imported, there are a few items worth shopping for. Icelandic sweaters are a good buy; the local wool is thick and warm. Mixing traditional designs with a modern twist, these woolly souvenirs are well worth the price. There are two large shopping centres in Reykjavik, Smaralind and Kringlan. Both offer a variety of shops, including those selling local handicrafts and art.

Many equestrian enthusiasts travel to Iceland to ride the famous Icelandic pony, which is a so-called five-gaiter. This means that the horse use five different gaits, as opposed to the usual four. Smaller in stature, the Icelandic pony is a dream to ride and riding is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the island.


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