Europe

24 Nov '23

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Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is also the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state, with a latitude of 64°08′ N. Reykjavik is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a rich cultural and natural heritage, as well as a variety of attractions and activities for visitors.

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Some highlights of Reykjavik

The Hallgrímskirkja church

A striking landmark that dominates the skyline with its 74.5-meter-high tower. The church was designed by the architect Guðjón Samúelsson and is inspired by the basalt columns that form when lava cools. The church also houses a large pipe organ and a statue of Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer who is said to have discovered America before Columbus.

The Harpa concert hall and conference center

A stunning building that features a glass facade that reflects the light and colors of the sky and the sea. The Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, as well as various concerts, festivals, exhibitions and events throughout the year.

The Perlan museum

A futuristic structure that sits on top of six hot water tanks that supply Reykjavik with geothermal heating. The museum showcases the wonders of Icelandic nature, such as glaciers, volcanoes, northern lights and more. The museum also has a 360-degree observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

The Reykjavik Art Museum

The largest visual art institution in Iceland, which consists of three venues: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn. The museum displays works by Icelandic and international artists, ranging from modern and contemporary art to classical paintings and sculptures. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops and guided tours.

The National Museum of Iceland

The main repository of Iceland’s history and culture, which traces the country’s evolution from the settlement in the 9th century to the present day. The museum exhibits artifacts, documents, photographs and multimedia that illustrate various aspects of Icelandic life, such as religion, politics, education, economy, art and literature. The museum also has a children’s section where young visitors can learn about Iceland’s past through interactive games and activities.

Exploring the natural wonders of Iceland

Reykjavik is also a great base for exploring the natural wonders of Iceland, such as the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that covers three iconic attractions: Þingvellir National Park, where the oldest parliament in the world was founded; Geysir, where hot springs erupt every few minutes; and Gullfoss, where a majestic waterfall plunges into a canyon. Other nearby attractions include the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that offers relaxing baths in mineral-rich waters; Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where a glacier-capped volcano dominates the landscape; and Reykjanes Peninsula, where lava fields, geothermal areas and bird cliffs create a dramatic scenery.

Accommodation

Another thing you might be wondering about Reykjavik is where to stay. Well, there are many options to choose from, depending on your budget, preferences and needs. Here are some of the best hotels in Reykjavik, according to online reviews and ratings :

– **Reykjavik Natura – Berjaya Iceland Hotels**: This eco-friendly hotel is next to Öskjuhlíd Hill’s quiet woods and 1 km from Nauthólsvík geothermal beach. It offers free WiFi and gym access, as well as a spa and wellness center. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with modern amenities and views of the city or the sea. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar and a café.
– **Exeter Hotel**: This contemporary design hotel is set in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour area, 500 metres from Harpa Concert Hall & Conference Centre. It offers free WiFi throughout the property and a fitness center. The rooms are stylish and cozy, with wooden floors and industrial-chic decor. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar and a terrace.
– **201 Hotel**: This hotel in Kopavogur offers self-service check-in for convenience and rooms with free WiFi. It is a 9-minute walk from Smáralind Shopping Center. The rooms are bright and clean, with private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a shared lounge and a vending machine.
– **Center Hotels Plaza**: This hotel is centrally located on Ingólfstorg Square in Reykjavik’s Old Town. It offers free WiFi and a bright, cozy bar. The rooms are elegant and spacious, with wooden floors and satellite TVs. The hotel also has a popular breakfast buffet.
– **Room With a View Hotel**: This hotel is ideally located in the Reykjavík 101 district of Reykjavík, 500 metres from Hallgrímskirkja Church. It offers modern rooms with free WiFi and a private bathroom. Some rooms also have a kitchenette, a balcony or a hot tub. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace with a hot tub and views of the city.

Getting there

The last thing you might be wondering about Reykjavik is how to get there. Well, there are two ways of getting to Iceland; by airplane or by ferry. Around 20 airlines offer regular flights from destinations in Europe and North America to Keflavik airport all year round. Those who prefer to bring their own car can take the Norröna ferry instead from Denmark. From Keflavik airport, you can get to Reykjavik by renting a car, taking a private bus, taking a taxi, or catching the number 55 public bus.

The final thing you might be wondering about Reykjavik is what is the price of a flight. Well, this depends on many factors, such as your departure airport, your travel dates, your airline choice, and your booking time. However, here are some prices for flights to Reykjavik:

The cheapest round-trip tickets from London to Reykjavik

Departure at	Return at	Stops	Airline	Find tickets
1 May 2024	5 May 2024	Direct		Tickets from 127

The cheapest round-trip tickets from Amsterdam to Reykjavik

Departure at	Return at	Stops	Airline	Find tickets
10 June 2024	16 June 2024	Direct		Tickets from 192

The cheapest round-trip tickets from Sofia to Reykjavik

Departure at	Return at	Stops	Airline	Find tickets
25 June 2024	25 July 2024	Direct		Tickets from 367

The cheapest round-trip tickets from New York to Reykjavik

Departure at	Return at	Stops	Airline	Find tickets
24 June 2024	2 July 2024	Direct		Tickets from 319

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The weather in Reykjavik

One thing you might be wondering about Reykjavik is what is the weather like. Well, Reykjavik has a subpolar oceanic climate, which means that it has cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature in July is 11°C (52°F), while in January it is 0°C (32°F). However, due to the Gulf Stream, Reykjavik does not experience extreme cold or snowstorms like other places at similar latitudes. Reykjavik also has long daylight hours in summer (up to 21 hours) and short daylight hours in winter (as low as 4 hours). This creates a unique atmosphere that adds to the appeal of Reykjavik.

Best time to visit

Well, there is no definitive answer to this question, as different seasons offer different experiences and attractions. However, here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

– If you want to enjoy long days and mild temperatures, summer (June to August) is your best bet. This is also the peak season for tourism in Iceland, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. However, you can also enjoy many festivals and events in Reykjavik during this time, such as Secret Solstice (a music festival), Reykjavik Pride (a celebration of LGBTQ+ rights) and Culture Night (a city-wide party with music, art and fireworks).
– If you want to see the northern lights (aurora borealis), winter (November to March) is your best bet. This is also the low season for tourism in Iceland, so you can expect fewer crowds and lower prices. However, you can also expect shorter days and colder temperatures. You can also enjoy some winter activities in Reykjavik during this time, such as ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding.
– If you want to experience both seasons in one trip, spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October) are your best bets. These are also the shoulder seasons for tourism in Iceland, so you can expect moderate crowds and prices. However, you can also expect unpredictable weather and changing daylight hours. You can also enjoy some seasonal attractions in Reykjavik during this time, such as the Reykjavik International Film Festival (a showcase of independent cinema), the Reykjavik Fashion Festival (a display of local design) and the Reykjavik Marathon (a popular running event).

Conclusion

Reykjavik is a city that combines tradition and innovation, history and nature, culture and adventure. It is a city that will surprise and delight you with its charm and diversity. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an active holiday, Reykjavik has something for everyone.