An awed silence descended over the coach as we transferred from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik on the long road across lava fields. The landscape seemed other worldly, devoid of vegetation and trees; you could see how this would make ideal training ground for the American astronauts from NASA, who did indeed prepare for the first moon landing somewhere in Iceland during the 1960’s!
Having spent a great deal of time researching Iceland as a destination I almost felt as if I had been before I arrived, but seeing as we were there for only 5 days I wanted to ensure we made the most of our time. It was therefore essential I plan what we were going to do, see, eat…
We arrived at the tail end of the Airwaves Music Festival and Reykjavik was buzzing with bands playing in cafes and shops, people spilling out into the streets soaking up the atmosphere. There were gigs at other venues around town as well as at Kvosin Downtown Hotel, where we stayed! After an evening listen to live music and a few drinks to start the holiday, we retired to bed.
I knew Iceland was going to be expensive so making the most of breakfast would see us through the day. A small cafe round the corner was the venue and included in the price of our accommodation was the Iceland Breakfast Plate – local Skyr yoghurt with berry compote and granola, cheese, ham, egg, bread, fruit, salad, orange juice and unlimited coffee – well worth an early morning walk in the dark and freezing cold, set your alarm! This soon became a favourite part of the day for us!
So what does Reykjavik have to offer as a city? Maybe it does not immediately spring to mind as a European city destination but this lively, vibrant city certainly lived up to and exceeded our expectations. Plenty to see and do in and around the capital, plus organised excursions if you want to travel further afield. There was so much I wanted to see and do but was unable to fit it all in, plus you will need a degree of flexibility as the weather can be unpredictable, especially in November when we visited. Make sure you wrap up warm with plenty of layers, all the buildings are super heated and you will want to strip off as soon as you go indoors! Wind proof and water proof is also a good idea, as well as hat, scarf and gloves – I was glad we decided to check our luggage and make the most of our baggage allowance!
We had wanted to do the super jeep tour over the glaciers but, due to bad weather conditions inland, the trip was cancelled – we later heard that tourists had to be rescued after their cars became stuck in a severe storm, so it’s essential to check the local weather report if you’re hiring a car. However we were able to book the Golden Circle Tour with Reykjavik Excursions, a day long tour that took in the Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir and Parliament Fields where you can see where the two tectonic plates of America and Europe collide and hop between the two! From our tour guide we heard all about trolls and the elves that protect people from falling rock during volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. We saw the beautiful Icelandic horses that seem to outnumber the people, and learned how once exported the horses cannot return for fear of introducing disease into this pure breed.
The Blue Lagoon was also a highlight for us, this geothermal spa is located in a lava field in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is close to the airport and for this reason many people visit either on their way from or to the airport. Although man made, the lagoon is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant and is renewed every 48 hours. The heated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and is rich in minerals like silica & sulphur reputed to be helpful for skin conditions. You can hire towels & robes, but be warned you are expected to shower naked before entering any public pool in Iceland as they do not have high quantities of chlorine. The Blue Lagoon was like being in an alien movie, we could hardly see through the mist of the steam rising and some parts were actually too hot. We did manage to locate the bar however to partake of a glass of sparkling wine while our young son enjoyed a fluorescent blue raspberry drink called Krap, which I’m fairly certain was also full of it!
What is there to see and do in Reykjavik? Plenty. We spent a day wandering around the city taking in the sights. We walked to the cathedral and took the lift up to the viewing platform. From here you have a panoramic view of the city, colourful rooftops and the stark mountains in the background. Walking back towards the harbour we came across the World famous hotdog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, and then the concert hall building Harpa, which stands majestically over the sea front. There are galleries and museums where you can learn all about the first settlers, Vikings and Norsemen. We shopped hoping to buy the traditional Icelandic knits, but found then to be far too itchy. Tax is 25% in Iceland, so is definitely worth keeping your receipts to claim it back, which you can do at the airport.
What is the food like in Iceland? Having read about the national dish of puffin and fermented shark and reading various reviews, I had mixed thoughts on what the food would be like. Fear not though, you will find plenty of delicious treats in store for you from the traditional warming lamb soup, to the freshest of fresh fish & seafood. We tried a few restaurants, but saved for our last night Fiskmarkaðurinn or Fish Market serving fusion style dishes using locally sourced produce which we really enjoyed, especially the sashimi that came served on a bed of ice and steaming from the liquid nitrogen poured over at the table!
Unfortunately we did not get to see the Northern Lights, but this did not detract from our enjoyment of our holiday and will be a good excuse to return sometime very soon, Reykjavik Iceland is only 2.5 to 3 hours from London!
Top 5 things to do in Iceland:
1 Walk to the gothic cathedral Hallgrimskirkja (God’s House) take the lift up to the viewing platform to get your bearings, great photo opportunity.
2 Visit the World famous hotdog stand Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur once frequented by Bill Clinton!
3 Relax in the super heated milky blue spa, Blue Lagoon, cover yourself in mud whilst sipping your favourite drink!
4 Take the Golden Circle Tour
5 See the Northern Lights – best time from September to April.
Flights with Icelandair booked through The Travel Professionals call 019352 866565 or email for further information.
