Travel advice for Iceland
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 7.11.2020
Reykjavík, a bustling port and the world’s most northerly capital, draws visitors from across the globe in record-breaking numbers – and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
This is a city with a reputation for hedonistic revelry, where highbrow museums mix with colourful streets and buzzing nightlife.
Ready to see what all the fuss is about? To celebrate the publication of the first Pocket Rough Guide to Reykjavík, we’re sharing a day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in the city.
Iceland: A Game of Thrones Road Trip
This themed road trip will take you around Iceland, home to many filming locations of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Travel around the country's coastline, past the many dramatic glaciers and cliffs, relax in geothermal spas, and spot whales in the rough seas. Warning: Spoiler alert!
customize ⤍Iceland's Wild West
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of western Iceland’s wildest and most remote spots. On this adventure, you will pay unforgettable visits to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, as well as the Barnafoss and Deildartunguhver hot springs, and much more!
customize ⤍Iceland's Highlights from East to West
Take a flight to the East where you get to enjoy the enchanting Eastfjords before you drive south. If you are looking to focus on a few regions with a mix of the most popular sights and something off the beaten path; and to avoid backtracking with a one-way domestic flight, this is the perfect trip.
customize ⤍Discover North Iceland and Snaefellses
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍Best of the West
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes peninsulas. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and thundering waterfalls.
customize ⤍East to West with the Westmand Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
customize ⤍All of Iceland in 13 days
In just under 2 weeks, explore the highlights Iceland has to offer. From the popular Golden Circle, follow the Ring Road and explore waterfalls and lagoons on your way around the island. This itinerary leads you all the way to the North and the Westfjords of Iceland.
customize ⤍Incredible Iceland in 12 days
This driving trip trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most incredible sights and natural wonders. Drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains as you gaze over stark landscapes of shining silver steaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss...
customize ⤍West & Arctic Coast Way Highlights
The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons. Visit the 'capital of the North' Akureyri before continuing to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍Exploring the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lagoons - Iceland offers stunning landscapes to explore. This itinerary allows you to discover the south in your own rental car. Drive the famous Golden Circle and discover waterfalls along the way.
customize ⤍Begin the day at this creative new museum checking out the life-size, silicone models of the whales found in Icelandic waters and learning all about these giants of the sea.
2. Whale watching
Head down to the harbour and go in search of the real thing on a whale-watching tour off the Reykjavík coast (tours leave throughout the year).
3. Lunch
Stop for lunch at Apótek, an easy walk from the harbour. Once Reykjavík’s main apothecary, this stylish restaurant serves a good-value fishy lunch, amid a beautifully appointed interior.
Þjóðminjasafn
Get to grips with Iceland’s stirring past at the National Museum, whose exhibitions on medieval church art and DNA testing are first class.
5. Tjörnin
From the National Museum, take a pleasant stroll back into the city centre along the banks of Tjörnin lake, for some great views of Reykjavík and its birdlife.
6. Hallgrímskirkja
Ride the lift to the top of the Hallgrímskirkja’s tower for superlative views of the city and coastline, then check out the huge church organ.
7. Sundhöllin
From the church, walk down to Sundhöllin swimming pool, where you can swim, bathe in the hot pots, or even sunbathe on the sun terraces if the weather allows.
8. Dinner
Splash out at Friðrik V, undoubtedly one of Reykjavík’s most creative restaurants. The tasting menu here lets you sample new Nordic cooking at its most inventive.
Inspect the remains of a Viking-age hall, still in its original location, and learn all about the days of the Settlement in this informative and engaging museum.
2. Saga Museum
Put faces to some of the names who featured prominently during the Settlement of Iceland – the wax models in this museum are startlingly lifelike.
3. Lunch
Sample some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste at Icelandic Fish & Chips, serving exactly what you’d expect from the name.
4. Volcano House
Watch the films of Icelandic eruptions in the Volcano House and witness the disruptive power Icelanders live with on a daily basis.
5. Laugavegur
Time for some retail therapy: go for a wander along the length of Laugavegur and you might just succumb to the range of goods on offer.
6. Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn
At the eastern end of Laugavegur, you’ll find Reykjavík’s most offbeat museum – and one of the world's most unusual exhibits – dedicated to the humble penis. Examples of animal and human members abound.
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 7.11.2020
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
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