Did you know that if you fly Icelandair across the Atlantic, you can stop over in Iceland for free? That’s how we found ourselves in Reykjavik a few years ago. I knew literally nothing about this part of the world beforehand and I’ll confess that it was never on my radar as a destination. Turns out, Iceland and New Zealand have a lot in common! We felt right at home there, thanks to the landscapes, the people, the food, and even the weather…

Getting there

There are more than 25 airlines that fly to Iceland. Icelandair and Wow Air are both Icelandic companies, but many others have regular flights to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik – including Easyjet, British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines and Delta. While it’s a relatively small airport, Keflavik has been named the best airport in Europe multiple times!

Getting around

The airport is about 45 minutes from Reykjavik; your options for making the trip are bus, taxi, private transfer, or rental car.

Once you reach Reykjavik itself, there’s a great bus network available and you may find the City Card a worthwhile investment! This gives you free use of the public bus system, plus free entry to tons of attractions.

Public transport not your style? There are numerous car rental companies that will hire you out a set of wheels; we used the amusingly named Sadcars.

You might also have good luck with carpooling. During our visit, we saw quite a few posts on Couchsurfing  with people offering or requesting rides around Reykjavik (in fact we picked up a couple of fellow travelers for our trip around the Golden Circle, who just chipped in for petrol) or you could try samferda.is – a website dedicated to carpooling in Iceland.

Things were a bit hairy initially, what with driving on the opposite side of the road, but the freedom of having our own rental car was well worth it.

Where to stay

You can find accommodation to match almost any budget in Reykjavik, from campgrounds to hostels, bed and breakfasts, apartments and hotels. Or hop on Airbnb to browse some seriously amazing listings.

We were lucky enough to find free accommodation through Couch surfing with a local family – a middle-aged biker type, his wife and young son! Admittedly our sample size was small (those three, the staff at Sadcars, the hitchhiker we picked up and a random guy who got chatting to us in a bar) but they all embodied a certain vibe that I’ll always associate with Iceland – laid-back but friendly, chatty and droll.

What to see and do

Reykjavik’s central core is super walkable and you can easily get around on foot; in fact it’d be crazy to do anything else. Wander around the narrow streets and soak in the colorful buildings – quaint old houses in pastel and primary hues – and stroll along Laugaveugr, the city’s main shopping strip.

Hallgrímskirkja

If you’re into amazing architecture…

You won’t be able to miss spotting some of these iconic buildings on your trip to Reykjavik. Top of the list has got to be Hallgrímskirkja Church, which towers over the skyline. If you take a trip to the top of the church, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the city. Another landmark is Harpa, a concert venue you’ll recognize by its distinctive glass facade. Then there’s the waterfront steel sculpture Sólfar, an impressive piece of art and a great backdrop for a photo or two.

If you want to immerse yourself in culture and history…

For anyone who wants to get a deeper understanding of Iceland, Reykjavik is home to several museums. The obvious starting point is the National Museum of Iceland, housing artifacts going back as far as the Viking age. The Maritime Museum pays homage to the country’s fishing industry, while the Museum of Photography boasts more than 6 million photographs. For a taste of something a little different, Punk Museum is dedicated to the local punk music scene – or else there’s always the Phallological Museum (the name says it all). And that’s just to name a few!

Icelandic Northern Lights (Aurora)

If you want to see the northern lights…

September to April is aurora season, with the long dark nights of winter offering your best chance of seeing the colorful lights dance across the sky. 

We got lucky and simply by driving away from town to find the darkest spot we could without actually going too far, we were able to see a few streaks of color in the distant sky. The further you get from civilization, the better your odds, obviously!

Or, if you’re serious about the aurora borealis, you could take a guided tour out into nature. Typically, if you don’t see the northern lights on your trip, you’ll get a second chance to go out again for free. Bus tours are the norm, but boat cruises are also available if you’re up for it!

If you want to see the full force of nature…

The Golden Circle makes for a fantastic day trip for anyone itching to get out and experience Iceland’s natural beauty. Three of Iceland’s top sights lie along this route: the gorgeous Þingvellir National Park, the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall, and the Haukadalur geothermal area (home to the Geysir and Strokkur geysers). You’ll be wowed by the landscapes – alternately rocky and volcanic, lush and green – and the dramatic shooting geysers. Plus, along the way you might spot some gorgeous Icelandic horses and catch a rainbow or two!

If you want to sit back and relax…

Then the Blue Lagoon, 15 minutes from the airport, should be your first or last stop on your way in or out. It’s one of Iceland’s most popular attractions and one of the top spas in the world – so be sure to book your entry ahead of time. The lagoon makes use of excess water from the nearby geothermal power plant – the incredible bright blue waters strike a stark contrast against the surrounding lava rocks.

What to eat

If you don’t eat meat, Icelandic cuisine might not be your cup of tea! Meat and seafood are local staples – here are some things you might like to try in Reykjavik.

Hot dogs

The cheapest thing we ate in Reykjavik was hot dogs from the famous hot dog stand in town, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsu – which has been going strong for over 50 years! Get all the toppings and order a couple, as you’ll definitely want a second.

Rye bread

Dense, dark and sweet, you can pick up Icelandic rye bread, or rúgbrauð, at any supermarket – just top with butter (or anything else that takes your fancy, really)! Traditionally, it’s cooked underground near a hot spring and you can experience that at the  Laugavautn Wellness Resort and geothermal bakery.

Seafood

Icelandic Fish and Chips

You can’t go to Iceland and not sample the local fish! Whether you opt for cheap and cheerful at Icelandic Fish and Chips or head to the iconic Seabaron restaurant (famous for its lobster soup) you can’t go wrong.

It’s a bit of a gimmick these days and not something locals actually tend to eat, but you can also try fermented shark in Reykjavik. Hákarl is a pungent traditional dish that harks back to olden times pre-refrigeration.

Lamb

You’ll find lamb served up in a range of ways in Iceland, from stews to roasts. Classic  Icelandic meat soup is made from lamb shank or shoulder, and hearty root vegetables and herbs. It’s rich and homely, a total comfort food on a cold night.

Ice cream

Be sure to stop in at Valdis, Skubb, or another of Reykjavik’s ice cream shops. From rich chocolates to seasonal fruit flavors or even something a little different like licorice, your sweet tooth will thank you.

It’s true…

Iceland isn’t cheap, with prices for everything from beer to bread guaranteed to raise an eyebrow. But Reykjavik is a seriously cool city – if you get the chance to visit, don’t miss it!