Reykjavik City Breaks

Reykjavik at a glance

A spellbinding city, Reykjavik is famous for its incredible volcanic surroundings, vibrant nightlife and relaxing geothermal pools. The Icelandic people bring a warmth and vibrancy to this city of extremes, a city that endures long, dark winters and 24-hour daylight in the summer. The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik is a unique experience of culture, historic sights and a rugged landscape that will leave you breathless.

While Reykjavik has so much to do for a standalone city break, no visit would be complete without a trip to see some of the natural beauty of Iceland. Outside of the summer months a Northern Lights trip is a must, there are whale watching opportunities and trips to glaciers and volcanoes too. Osprey Holidays can help pre-book these trips so that you can make a trip that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Things to do in Reykjavik

• The Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s top attraction - a huge warm blue natural spa fed by mineral-rich heated seawater (between Keflavik airport and city) 
• Perlan (The Pearl): this spectacular glass dome is home to a revolving restaurant, café and museum.  Set in the Öskjuhlíd woodland area in the heart of the city, The Pearl’s observation deck offers beautiful views of the city and beyond, and a man-made geyser imitates the real thing
• National Museum of Iceland: The place where Iceland’s present meets its past.
• Hallgrimskirkja Church: when he designed the church in 1937, architect Guðjón Samuel was inspired by Iceland’s rugged landscape.  Its tower rises high above the city and is one of Reykjavik’s main landmarks.  A notable feature is the massive 15m pipe organ which has been used in numerous recordings since its construction in 1992.
• Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach: cold sea and hot geothermal waters come together in this man-made lagoon in the city.  It is a popular area for sea swimming, even during the winter, when the hot tubs and steam baths are a draw.  Admission is free of charge during the summer and there is a small charge in winter. 

Getting around

Reykjavik is a great city to explore by foot with most of the popular sights of the city concentrated in its centre. 

An efficient bus network also operates throughout the city and the tours have pick-up points close to all the major hotels too.

Dining in Reykjavik

The Reykjavik food scene still embraces traditional Icelandic cookery, but the city has also experienced a culinary expansion in recent years making it a fantastic place to eat out. ROK, a restaurant in the heart of downtown, is a perfect example of modern Icelandic dining.

Must-try local dishes:

• Hangikjöt- lamb (or mutton) that has been pickled and smoked, served hot or cold, often with potatoes in a béchamel sauce (a festive staple in Iceland)
• Rúgbrauð – a sweet, dark rye bread often served with butter, smoked lamb or pickled herring
• Kleina – a sweet fried pastry similar to a donut

Osprey Holidays top tips

The Fjörukráin Viking Village in the picturesque harbour town of Hafnarfjördur, 10-15 minutes by taxi/bus from Reykjavik. There is a museum, handicraft centre and two restaurants - one offering a Viking Feast and the other a more intimate dining experience with West Nordic fayre and live music at weekends.