Advice

Let’s take a break during your tour to highlight a few more points of interest that couldn’t fit into this itinerary. First, don’t miss the unforgettable Saga Museum, where key moments in Iceland’s past are brought to life through incredibly lifelike wax figures. Fierce Viking ancestors, natural disasters, and the plague all help explain the resilience and determination of the Icelandic people. Right next door, if you're in town on a weekend, wander through Kolaportið, the country’s only flea market. Somewhere among the knicks-knacks, you’re bound to find the perfect souvenir: maybe a classic Icelandic wool sweater to show off during the holidays, or some tasty local treats to bring home. For a broader artistic and historical journey, head to the National Museum. With over 2,000 artifacts, it showcases Iceland’s rich culture from the time of colonisation to the modern day: Viking drinking horns, ritual masks, stained glass, and photography all come together in one fascinating space. Now, how about venturing just beyond the city center? On land, one of its key landmarks is Perlan, literally “the Pearl.” Once used to store geothermal hot water, this 25-meter-high structure is now a modern museum and exhibition center. With interactive displays on Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal energy, and northern lights, it’s a hit with both adults and kids. Head to the fourth floor for a panoramic viewing platform, and check out the top level as it features a planetarium and restaurant. Out at sea lies Viðey Island. It’s reachable by boat daily in summer and only on weekends in winter. It offers a peaceful, scenic escape for history and culture lovers. There are no residents, but you’ll find ruins from the colonial era and historic buildings that have stood the test of time. Two major art installations can also be found here: Richard Serra’s “Milestone Project” and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine Peace Tower,” which beams bright light into the sky as a tribute to John Lennon’s message of peace. About an hour outside Reykjavik, tucked between moss-covered lava fields, you’ll find Iceland’s surreal natural wonders. Imagine black sand beaches, vividly colored lakes, and geothermal zones. Keep your eyes open and watch your step! Of these amazing sites, a few are must-sees. First is the Blue Lagoon, not a cocktail, but a dreamy geothermal spa with warm, milky-blue waters. Yes, Icelanders love bathing in hot springs, and once you experience it for yourself, soaking outdoors in the cold with skin-softening waters, you’ll understand why. Then there’s the famous Golden Circle. This iconic route includes three breathtaking sites: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible geology and deep historical roots. Geysir is home to two dramatic geysers, with unpredictable eruptions that always leave visitors in awe. And finally, Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, crashes down in two tiers, dropping 32 meters in total. The view (and the sound) are absolutely unforgettable. So, with all this in mind, if you decide to extend your stay in Reykjavik and its surroundings, you definitely won’t run out of things to see and do.