Iceland is a magical and mysterious land renowned for its dramatic landscape - from the cascading waterfalls thundering down the jagged mountain cliffs to the crystalline glaciers and the vibrant and colourful auroras that dance unpredictably in the Arctic sky. Iceland is a place that most people should visit at least once in their lives.
Whether it becomes a regular getaway or an enchanting experience you never forget, the place to begin during any excursion to Iceland must be the nation's capital, Reykjavik.
Routinely ranked as among the world's best cities for travellers, Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital. Nearly two-thirds of Iceland's population lives in the capital. Granted, that's only around 123,000 people, but what it lacks in terms of the populace, it more than makes up for in culture and excitement.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
WHALE WATCHING TOUR
Iceland is known to possess some of the richest marine habitats anywhere in the world, with twenty-three species of cetaceans calling the Icelandic waters home. White-beaked dolphins, killer whales and harbour porpoises are perfectly adapted to cold water temperatures and can be seen year-round on the Icelandic coast. Other species, such as blue and humpback whales, are known to take on a yearly migration during the winter, travelling towards their birthing grounds in warmer aquatic areas. Many marine areas around Iceland are marine protected areas, providing conservation measurements for these animals and making whale watching even more enjoyable year-round in Iceland.
Since Iceland offers a varying extent of marine ecosystems, going on a whale-watching tour can be an exciting adventure as you will likely observe different species depending on the area. In Reykjavik, the best whale-watching tour is Elding Whale Watching, a family company with over 20 years of experience. Enjoy a wonderful excursion aboard a luxurious yacht, deep into the natural habitats of Iceland's most beautiful creatures, all without disturbing the animals. The views of the bay are worth the trip alone. The crew are passionate and informative and even provide free sea sickness tablets should you need them.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ICELANDIC ART AND CULTURE
Iceland has a dynamic and unique cultural scene stemming from its diverse natural landscape, close-knit population, and an ambitious spirit. If you want to immerse yourself in Icelandic's art and cultural scene, the first place you must visit is Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. A dazzling modern landmark for Reykjavík, Harpa is an impressive building near the old harbour of Reykjavik with a distinctive coloured glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. It's worth visiting this remarkable building for its architecture alone, as you'll be able to admire it both from the outside and inside. Be sure to check out what's happening at the Harpa Concert Hall. You might be able to watch the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra during a rehearsal or attend a concert with some of Iceland's most popular bands. Several multicultural celebrations occur throughout the year, and at night, it's lit up with moving LED artwork by Olafur Eliasson.
It's not just at Harpa that you can explore Reykjavik's art scene. Choose any museum, gallery, outdoor sculpture, or street art, all widely available throughout Reykjavík. The statue, Sun Voyager, is a gleaming steel sculpture on Reykjavik's splendid waterfront that resembles a Viking long-ship. It's not too far of a walk from Harpa Concert Hall and has a fantastic view of Mt Esja. You will likely find other sculptures dotted throughout the city and the two largest sculpture museums, the Einar Jonsson Museumnd and Asmundur Museum in Laugardalur.
Fans of fine architecture will wish to visit Hallgrimskirkja Church. You shouldn't have any difficulty finding the church as it is visible from almost every angle of the city. Hallgrimskirkja is an operating church, so the tower is closed on Sundays and may be closed at other points during the year due to services or concerts taking place inside. At the top of this 244-foot tall expressionist-style building is a viewing platform boasting 360-degree views of the entire city, so make sure you don't forget your camera.
HIKING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
If there is one place on Earth that is a hiker's paradise, it's Iceland. Thanks to its unbelievably diverse landscapes, long daylight hours, and friendly locals, Iceland is one of the best places in the world for hiking. You will be constantly amazed by the beauty and ruggedness of Iceland's waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches. If you're visiting Iceland and plan on staying in the capital, Reykjavík, there are plenty of mountains to climb and areas to explore. However, it is important to note that the hiking season is pretty short, lasting from June to September. Beyond those months, you can only go on particular expeditions with experienced guides.
From atop these mountains, you will be able to admire the stunning views of Iceland. Kayaking, however, provides a wholly unique vantage point from which to appreciate these incredible landscapes. Guests crammed in a packed minibus will seethe with jealousy thinking about your maritime, sightseeing adventure. Kayaks are silent and stealthy, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of Iceland's most beautiful wildlife, such as Black Guillemots, Arctic Tern, Eider Ducks, Razorbills, and, of course, the Atlantic Puffin. If you are fortunate, you may also see any one of the seal species that call Icelandic coastal waters their home.
ENJOY A RELAXING DIP IN A GEOTHERMAL POOL
No visit to Iceland would be complete without a nice, soothing dip in a geothermal pool. Since settlers first discovered the glacier-capped island, the naturally-heated lagoons have offered bathing solutions and provided a place for rest and rejuvenation. The Blue Lagoon is by far the most famous, with its healing water and large silica mud-lined pools attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Slipping into the milky warm water when the air temperatures around you are biting cold is as brilliant as it is surreal and an experience we cannot recommend enough.
However, there is another lagoon, a Secret Lagoon, just an hour's drive from Reykjavik. Reaching the Secret Lagoon feels like an exciting adventure as you follow empty roads to the small village of Fludir, passing steaming geyser fields and crossing bridges over thundering turquoise waterfalls. Upon arriving, you'll be greeted by a small, modest building that blends into the remote landscape. Hot pools bubble around the central lagoon, producing steam that shrouds the bathers.
ENJOY THE CITY'S NIGHTLIFE
Iceland may be synonymous with serenity due to its remote landscape, sparse population, tranquil waters, and soothing lagoons. Yet, like any other European city, Reykjavik has a vibrant, pulsating nightlife that will have you dancing until the break of dawn.
The city is alive with all types of entertainment. Stand-up comedy, theatre, opera, jazz, drag shows, cabaret performances, musicals, and even poetry brothels, you name it, Reykjavik has it. Gaukurinn has a weekly stand-up comedy show on Monday nights and is the venue of choice for the local drag scene, Drag-Sugur.
The nightlife in Reykjavik can be found in the main shopping district, Laugavegur. You can choose between quiet cafes and jam-packed party venues, all within a bottle cap's throw of each other. Whatsmore, none of the bars charge entrance fees (unless they have scheduled a specific performance for that night). The lack of entry fees means you can casually stroll from one bar to another as you see fit. From Sunday to Thursday, most venues are open until 1 a.m., but on Friday and Saturday nights, many stay open until 5 a.m. Although opening times may differ during the winter.
Across Reykjavik, people party into the early hours, and after the bars and clubs close, drunken revellers, spill out onto the streets, trying to find their way home or an after-party.
EXPERIENCE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
We could not possibly detail a visit to Iceland without discussing Aurora Borealis, although more commonly known as the Northern Lights. Painting the night sky in dreamlike colours, these beautiful dancing waves of light have captivated people for millennia.
Catching the Northern Lights is a gift not granted to everyone who visits Iceland. It takes planning, patience, and, most of all, luck.
To see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you must consider quite a few things. First and foremost, the location and time. You need to be at the right place at the right time. Iceland is perfectly positioned in the Auroral Zone and offers the chance to see the Northern Lights seven to eight months per year. While Aurora viewing is possible through autumn and winter, which lasts from about mid-August until mid-April, the best months to see the Northern Lights are from October to March, as the nights are pitch black and last 10 to 20 hours.
Once you are in Iceland, remember to closely monitor the weather forecast. While you do not need a completely clear sky, a cohesive layer of clouds will make it impossible to see anything. The best place to get a clear view is to find a flat area or a higher viewpoint where no mountains or tall buildings are blocking the view. Sometimes, the Aurora appears very low, close to the horizon, so if you want a good idea, it is important to find a place to see the sky clearly.
Where should you go if you're lucky enough to have a favourable aurora forecast and a weather report that promises clear skies? Here are some recommendations near Reykjavik.
One of the most convenient places to wait for the Northern Lights is by Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes, just five minutes from downtown Reykjavik by car. If you are willing to travel further afield, we suggest you travel to Kirkjufell, or Church Mountain. The distinctive shape of this Snæfellsnes peninsula landmark is easy to focus on if you're trying to capture an image with your camera, making it well worth the two-hour journey for anyone passionate about photography. Unfortunately, it's also utterly Insta-worthy and so likely to be crowded on a night which promises a strong showing.
WHAT TO EAT
While everyone knows about Iceland's natural beauty, most people don't know what to expect when it comes to Icelandic food.
As with most Scandinavian countries, the cuisine is entirely inspired by the ingredients Icelanders have around them, from the free-roaming sheep to the cod, herring, and char that splash around the cold Arctic waters.
With tourists visiting the country in droves, Iceland's food scene is experiencing something of a renaissance. To help you enjoy the ultimate gastronomic pilgrimage across Iceland, we've compiled seven dishes you must try.
Pylsur (or hot dog)
Reykjavik's Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been in business for over 60 years, serving some of the best hot dogs - made up of a blend of beef, lamb and pork. Order it eina með öllu, or with everything, including crunchy deep-fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard, and a creamy remoulade. It is delicious.
Skyr
If you want to eat like a local, you need to eat Skyr, a thick and creamy dairy product that's best described as a marriage between yoghurt and cottage cheese. This thick and creamy delicacy is often served with cream and tart berry jam and tastes quite like Greek yoghurt and creme fraiche.
Ice cream and cheese
You will find plenty of good ice cream shops scattered around Reykjavik, like trendy Valdis or mainstay Ísbúðin Laugalæk, offering everything from traditional vanilla gelato to Turkish pepper and black liquorice. Why not enjoy a scoop of rye-bread ice cream at Cafe Loki, a quirky restaurant right in front of the Hallgrímskirkja, the city's church and most iconic landmark.
Rye bread
Icelandic rye bread, or rúgbrauð, is a staple of Icelandic cuisine. There are hundreds of ways to eat it: topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese, chopped and blended in ice cream, served with extra creamy butter and crunchy lava salt.
If you were to ask a local, however, they will tell you there's only one way to make it. It should be buried 30 centimetres in the ground next to a bubbling geyser. First made famous by Sigurður Rafn Hilmarsson, a national icon from the small town of Laugarvatn, the bread is soft and tastes more like cake thanks to the added sugar he sprinkles in the dough. It takes about a day to cook in a pot underground, but the end result brings thousands of visitors to the Laugavautn Wellness Resort and Geothermal bakery every year.
Seafood
Fish is found aplenty all throughout Reykjavik, from deep-fried cod at Icelandic Fish and Chips to salted cod flatbreads and mussel stews at Slippbarrin in the Marina Hotel.
Stewed, boiled, fried, roasted or grilled, fish has been a mainstay in Icelandic cuisine for as long as people have lived there. Delicacies like plokkfiskur, or "mashed fish stew," kept the locals satisfied during the painfully cold winters, and while times have changed, fish remains a huge staple. Lobster, in particular, is a popular choice. The small Icelandic langoustine is incredibly tender and delicious and an expensive favourite.
WHERE TO STAY
Fosshotel Reykjavík
With its 320 rooms, the slick four-star hotel is the largest in Iceland. The hotel offers an upscale experience that is quite unique in Reykjavic, which tends to favour smaller boutique hotels and apartments. From the wall of foliage in the lobby and the earthly colours and stylish décor of the hotel's restaurant, there is a welcoming aesthetic throughout that extends to the comfortable rooms.
The main hotel restaurant, Haust - the Icelandic word for autumn - is designed by local designer Leifur Welding, and serves up fresh Icelandic cuisine like smoked cod, grilled Chinese cabbage, lamb and horse. If it is drinks you are after, why not grab a drink at the Beer Garden, which serves up 22 beers on draft and over 200 types of bottled beer from all over the world.
CenterHotel Midgardur
One of several CenterHotels dotted around Reykjavik, Midgardur is one of the more stylish options within the brand's portfolio, offering hip rooms and a sleek spa and hot pool area.
Set inside a former bank, the hotel is fairly eye-catching from the outside. It is even slicker inside, with large windows letting in lots of light and contemporary design dotting the spacious public areas. On one side of the building is the Jörgenson restaurant. Rooms have a chic, Nordic-inspired aesthetic, stylish furnishings and attractively mellow colour schemes.
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
On the edge of downtown Reykjavik, this stylish, eco-friendly hotel offers stylish rooms, views across to Mount Esja and a chic bar and restaurant. Run by a local couple, Linda Jóhannsdóttir and Ellert Finnbogason, both highly experienced in hotel management. They have a good eye for interior design, and it shines through every nook and cranny of the hotel with carefully selected designer furnishings. Their passion for sustainability is on display, from the materials used throughout to the organic food served in the restaurant.
The hotel is located close to the main shopping district, Laugavegur, and close to the downtown action; there is plenty of things to entertain yourselves with during your stay. Tjörnin lake and the harbour area are around 30 minutes on foot, with plenty of designer shops, restaurants, cafés and bars for you stop off at on the way.
THE BEST BARS
Jacobsen Loftid
Prikid
THE BEST HIKING TRAILS
* It is worth reiterating that outside the months of June to September as conditions can be dangerous. You can only go on very specific expeditions with experienced guides.
REACH REYKJAVIK BY PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS
Astute Aviation has access to a broad range of business jets available for charter at affordable prices.
Our fleet of jets provides a variety of amenities, technology, and passenger seating choices. Whatever you are after, we can assist you in making the appropriate selection when selecting an aircraft at competitive prices with no hidden extras.
AIRPORTS IN REYKJAVIC FOR PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS
Reykjavic International Airport (RKV) is the most popular airport - for both scheduled airlines and private jet flights. The airport has a dedicated private jet terminal (FBO) for private jet flights to Reykjavic. Keflavik Airport (KEF) is located in the Southern Penisula of Iceland.
GET A QUICK REYKJAVIK AIR CHARTER QUOTE
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