Complete Reykjavik Travel Guide: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle and Northern Lights

Why Visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and the gateway to Iceland's otherworldly landscapes. Geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and the Northern Lights are all within day-trip distance. The city itself is compact, colourful and culturally punching well above its weight for a city of 140,000 people.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June–August): Best for sightseeing. 10–15°C, midnight sun (nearly 24-hour daylight around the solstice). Hiking, whale watching, puffin season. Peak prices.
• Autumn (September–October): Northern Lights season begins. 3–10°C. Fewer tourists, autumn colours in the highlands.
• Winter (November–February): Northern Lights, ice caves, snowy landscapes. −3–3°C, only 4–6 hours of daylight. Blue Lagoon is magical in winter darkness.
• Spring (March–May): Days lengthen rapidly. 0–8°C. Northern Lights still visible into early April. Shoulder-season prices.

Top Attractions

In Reykjavik

• Hallgrímskirkja: Iceland's largest church with a striking basalt-column-inspired facade. Free to enter. Tower elevator for panoramic views: ISK 1,500 (~€10). Open 09:00–21:00 in summer.
• Harpa Concert Hall: Award-winning glass and steel concert hall on the harbour. Free to enter the building and admire the architecture. Guided tours ISK 2,500.
• Sun Voyager (Sólfar): Stainless steel sculpture on the waterfront resembling a Viking ship. Free, always accessible. Beautiful at sunset with mountain views.
• National Museum of Iceland: Viking Age artefacts to modern history. ISK 2,500 (~€16). Closed Mondays.
• Laugavegur: Reykjavik's main shopping street. Lopapeysa (Icelandic wool sweaters), bookshops, cafes and bars.

Day Trips

• Blue Lagoon: Geothermal spa in a lava field near Keflavík Airport. Comfort package from ISK 9,990 (~€65). Premium from ISK 13,990. Dynamic pricing means off-peak is cheapest. Book well in advance as it sells out. Silky blue milky water at 37–39°C.
• Golden Circle: Iceland's most popular route (300 km loop). Thingvellir National Park (tectonic plates, free), Geysir geothermal area (Strokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes, free), Gullfoss waterfall (free). Self-drive or guided tour from ISK 12,000 (~€80).
• South Coast: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vík village. Full-day tours from ISK 16,000 (~€105). Self-drive is 360 km return.
• Whale Watching: Departing from Reykjavik's Old Harbour. Elding and Special Tours offer 3-hour trips. ISK 12,900 (~€85). Minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins. Best June–August. Re-sail for free if no sightings.

Neighbourhoods

• Grandi (Old Harbour): The former fishing district, now home to whale watching departures, the Whales of Iceland exhibition (ISK 3,390), Mathöll food hall and the Marshall House art centre.
• Laugardalur: Slightly outside centre. Laugardalslaug, one of Reykjavik's best geothermal swimming pools (ISK 1,150/~€7.50), the botanical garden (free) and the zoo.

Getting Around

• Walking: Central Reykjavik is tiny. Hallgrímskirkja to the harbour is a 15-minute walk. You can cover the city centre in a few hours on foot.
• Strætó (City Bus): Single ride ISK 550 (~€3.60). Buy via the Strætó app. Limited routes outside the centre.
• Car rental: Essential for exploring beyond Reykjavik. From ISK 8,000/day (~€52) for a small car. 4WD needed for highland roads (F-roads). Book in advance in summer.

From Keflavík Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik (50 km):

• Flybus (BSÍ): ISK 3,499 (~€23) one way to BSÍ bus terminal. Hotel drop-off ISK 4,499. 45 minutes. Runs after every flight arrival.
• Airport Direct: ISK 3,190 one way, similar service.
• Taxi: ISK 17,000–20,000 (~€110–130). Expensive but convenient for groups.
• Car rental: Pick up at the airport. Often the best option if you plan day trips.

Icelandic Food

• Plokkfiskur: Traditional mashed fish stew with potatoes, onions and bechamel. ISK 2,500–3,500 at casual restaurants. Messinn restaurant (Lækjargata 6) serves an excellent version in a cast-iron skillet.
• Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa): Hearty lamb and root vegetable soup. ISK 2,000–3,000. Comfort food found in most traditional restaurants. Svarta Kaffið serves soup in a bread bowl.
• Hot Dog (Pylsur): The national street food. Lamb, pork and beef blend with raw and crispy onions, ketchup, sweet mustard and remoulade. ISK 590 at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (the famous harbourside stand since 1937). Order "eina með öllu" (one with everything).
• Skyr: Icelandic cultured dairy product (technically a cheese, eaten like yoghurt). ISK 300–500 from any supermarket.
• Seafood: Langoustine, Arctic char and cod. A seafood restaurant main course runs ISK 4,000–7,000. Grillið (fine dining), Fish Company, or Sægreifinn (the Sea Baron) for lobster soup (ISK 2,490).
• Brennivín: Iceland's signature spirit, a caraway-flavoured schnapps. Often paired with fermented shark (hákarl). Shot of Brennivín ISK 1,500–2,000 at bars.

Practical Tips

• Visa: Iceland is in the Schengen Area. UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). £1 ≈ ISK 175. Iceland is almost entirely cashless. Cards accepted everywhere, even at the most remote petrol stations.
• Tipping: Not expected. Service is included in prices.
• Weather: Icelandic weather changes rapidly. Layer clothing: base layer, fleece/down, waterproof/windproof outer. Pack for all four seasons in a single day.
• Water: Tap water is pure glacial water and excellent. Hot water from taps smells of sulphur (geothermal heating) but is perfectly safe.
• Swimming pools: Reykjavik has 7 geothermal pools. Locals swim year-round. Shower naked (without a swimsuit) before entering the pool; this is strictly enforced.
• Alcohol: Beer was only legalised in Iceland in 1989. Alcohol is sold only at Vínbúðin (state liquor stores). Bar prices are steep: ISK 1,500–2,000 for a beer.