Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik guide

If you can see natural beauty by walking in crisp white snow, hearing the thunder under the ground just before a geysir erupts or swimming in geothermal volcanic water; Iceland is the holiday for you. Iceland is much overlooked by many tourists probably because it sounds too cold; however it is not as cold as some might think. Iceland is bathed by the gulf stream and summertime can see temperatures of around 15 celsius. Iceland is a different place in both winter and summer; in winter the snow lays crisp and constant usually until March then when it thaws beautiful green grass and trees spring to life. There are different activities to do at both times but one thing is for sure Iceland is all about admiring natural organic beauty and not about man made theme parks and queues!

If you are traveling in winter the sun rises about 11.19 am and sets around 15.44 pm in January therefore tours and activities can be limited but if you are looking for a relaxing holiday there is still plenty to keep you occupied. When you first arrive in Reykjavik go to Tourist Information to find out which tours are available.

The Blue Lagoon should definately be on your list of adventures. Laying in this warm mineral-rich pool with its rejuvenating powers is very luxurious; the pool is surrounded by moss-covered lava rocks but in winter you will be surrounded by snow. The Blue Lagoon really does give a wonderful feeling of well-being.

Snowmobiles of course can only be done in winter and is a fantastic experience to get your adrenalin pumping. Dogsledding can be done in both winter and summer. They can be expensive but extremely worth while. Being pulled around by Greenland Huskies is a true arctic experience. An hour tour costs around 1kr7000; you can pre-book through dogsledding.is.

Iceland also has glaciers and geysirs. Some of the usual treks may not be open in winter due to the amount of snow however a tour around the golden circle east of Reykjavik will be like no other. This will take you to Icelands big three attractions; Gullfoss (ferocious waterfall), Geysirs and Pingvellir (original site of the Icelandic parliament). Tourist information will assist you with booking this tour.

In summertime new adventures open up to all tourists simply because access is better. White-water rafting and kayaking is fantastic; which will go down glacial rivers off Icelands ice-caps. You can pre-book through rafting.is.

In summer you will also experience an annual occurrence of midnight sun! A popular activity amongst Icelanders is midnight golf. If you feel you want to experience this Tourist Information is very helpful and will assist with all your tour needs.

Other activities are horse-riding, mountaineering, visiting hot springs, mud pots and hothouses amongst others.

Flights to Iceland

Innanlandsflug International Airport (KEF).

To and from Innanlandsflug airport

For journeys into Reykjavik from the airport there is a coach that meets all international flights and will take you to your hotel; for pickup arrange this with your hotel reception.

Activities and sightseeing in Iceland

Northern lights, geysirs, waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal swimming pools, geothermal beach, hot springs, mud pots. hot houses, national parks and nature reserves, walking tours, pony rides, horse riding, riding tours, Blue Lagoon, Whale watching (including dolphins), boat trips, snow mobiles, dogsledding, skiing, white water rafting and kayaking, mountaineering, super jeep tours, arts and museums, cinema, wildlife (puffins). Health and spa resort. Tours and Activities

Eating and drinking in Iceland

The mainstay of Icelandic food is fish and it is always fresh usually caught that day! There is a variety available such as cod, halibut, arctic char, haddock, catfish, turbot, skate, plaice and salmon amongst others.

Meat dishes are available and will be of a very high quality, you will find the meat is very tender.

Iceland grows all its vegetables in 'The Garden of Eden'. You will be able to visit the garden whilst on tours. This is a sheltered reserve; because the land is so arid they are unable to grow fruit and vegetables outside. Inside is a very special place and you will feel like your walking into a storybook! Amongst the usual vegetables and fruit they also grow bananas and pineapples!

Iceland is a very trendy place and is considered one of the hottest places to go out! Do not be surprised if you do not see any of the locals out until midnight as they usually stay at house parties until then. Iceland has fine dining and a varied cuisine. If you are looking for something special book a table at the Perlan. The restaurant is at the top in a glass dome and revolves offering an excellent view over Reykjavik whilst you eat. If your looking for something that is not so pricey venture into town where you will find Tapas, Mexican, vietnamese, Italian, Thai, Indian, chinese and Icelandic dishes.

Icelanders love to drink and if you are there on a Friday and Saturday night make sure you're involved in the 'Runtur'; this is the great Icelandic pub crawl!