10 Days in Reykjavik

What You Should Know Before Going On A Reykjavik Tour

Reykjavik Weather & Best Times to Visit

There are two main determining factors that control when is the best time to visit Reykjavik: when the weather is most pleasant, and when you can see the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

For weather and sunlight, the best time to visit Reykjavik is definitely from June to August, during the summer. Being so close to the North Pole, Iceland receives over 21 hours of sunlight, which in itself is an incredible thing to experience.

This is also the warmest time of the year, with temperatures averaging in the low-50’s. So while you may need to pack a sweater, light jacket, and rely on layering, it will be much more comfortable than the near-freezing temperatures during the winter.

Best Time to See Aurora Borealis in Iceland

On the flip side, the best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland (and Reykjavik) occurs when there are the most dark hours in the sky, increasing the probability that these magnetic lights will be visible. If your primary aim when touring Iceland is to see the Northern Lights, your best chances are by far during the month of November (and during 8pm-2am), so try to schedule your trip for then. If this is impossible, the Aurora can still be witnessed anytime between September to March.

Reykjavik Bike Tours

As in other Scandinavian countries, the Icelandic are proud of their environmentalism and green habits, including cycling. Because of this Reykjavik has an extensive system of bike paths, and the government intends to expand the system.

During the summer, one of the best ways to explore Iceland is to go on a bike tour. With almost unlimited sunlight, there is no need to worry about making it to a location before dark, and on a bike you will be able to see much more of Iceland’s infamous scenery than walking, but still getting a better feel for the land than in a car. One popular biking route is the famous Golden Circle.

A bike tour is also a great way to get a feel of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. One interesting facet of Reykjavik is that there are no sidewalks, which makes biking through the streets even easier. A bike is a great way to cover ground and appreciate the innovative Icelandic architecture  There are also some incredible scenic routes, such as the coastal path to Fossvogsdalur, that do not allow cars.

Things to Do in Reykjavik

There are dozens of attractions in Reykjavik, Iceland -- but if you only have a couple of days in this capital city before setting out to face Iceland’s hostile wilderness, here are some must-sees and not-to-be-missed things to do.

• The Hallgrímskirkja Church. This symbol of Reykjavik is a renowned and beloved architectural landmark in Reykjavik. The modern church is not only impressive and beautiful from the outside, but serene and stunning once inside as well. For a small fee, you can also climb to the top of the tallest tower in the church for an incredible panoramic view of the city.
• Visit a Museum. There are 11 incredible museums in Iceland, ranging from the all-encompassing history/culture museum (the National Museum of Iceland) and art (the three-building Reykjavik Art Museum) museums, to more specific and niche museums such as the Iceland Whale Museum and the small, but well-respected, Phallological Museum, which houses the largest collection of penises in the world. Take some time out of your day to enjoy these top tier institutions.
• Go Shopping. Pick up souvenirs and specialty foods at the open-air shopping center of Laugaveguar.
• The Settlement Exposition. If you’ve ever wondered just how a bunch of convicts made their home on one of the roughest environments on Earth, this exposition is the one for you. Get a better sense of Iceland and its people’s roots at this incredible museum, and if you can’t get enough, supplement this experience with a trip to the Árbaer Open Air Museum, which shows you what 19th century Icelandic life looked like.
• Take a soak in a thermal pool. Iceland is home to dozens of thermal pools, and while you will undoubtedly visit the Blue Lagoon, there are also many other thermal springs in the Reykjavik area have been made into public spas. Not only is it a relaxing way to start or end your day, but it’s also a great way to mix with the local population. It’s also one of the few things in Iceland that’s cheap! 

Food Tours In Reykjavik

In Reykjavik, it’s all about contrast -- futuristic modern architecture against an endless expanse of nature, volcanic activity and glaciers rolled into one, rough seas and rolling hills -- and the same applies to food.

Try hearty Icelandic classics with a modern spin, and treat yourself to an eating experience. One such restaurant is the famed modern Perlan, a glass dome restaurant in one of Reykjavik’s parks.

Some of the classic Iceland meals you may try on a food tour of Reykjavik include:

• Pylsur: This is Iceland’s version of the hot dog, made of beef, lamb and pork. Typical toppings include fried and raw onions, brown mustard, and remoulade (a spiced mayonnaise).
• Whale & Horse: The food list for adventurous eaters includes these two red meats (yes, whale is red meat!). Whale can be served anywhere from steak-style to raw as carpaccio, and horse is sometimes described as tasting a bit more gamey than pork.
• Rye bread: This dark brown bread is a staple in Iceland, and one of the country’s specialties. Whether served toast-style with toppings ranging from cheese to fish, or as a side with your stew, you will never be able to forget about Icelandic bread after having a taste.
• Seafood: This broad category speaks to just how well Iceland handles its fish -- fresh, delicious, and caught in an eco-friendly manner. Fish is also one of Iceland’s major exports, and local favorites include salmon, classic Icelandic langoustine (or lobster), cod, and haddock.