Guide To Reykjavik

One of the safest and cleanest cities of modern times, Reykjavik is located on the south-western coast of Iceland and it is also the world’s northernmost capital city.

With more than 100 pubs and clubs, many of them found on Laugavegur Street, a wide choice of beers, Iceland’s drink of choice since 1989, are available for sampling. An iconic landmark of the city, the looming Hallgrimskirkja Church offers visitors panoramic views of the city. Standing 15 metres high and weighing 25 tons, the church’s pipe organ is one of its key features, while the statue of Leifur Eiriksson, the first European to discover America, guards the entrance. The capital’s name translates to ‘Smoky Bay’, after the columns of steam that rise from the hot springs, which can still be visited today.

Reykjavik has a subpolar oceanic climate combined with temperate features due to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Global warming makes for a convenient climate, and although there are occasional droughts, visitors may benefit from 24 hours of daylight. Autumn is expected to be wet and cold, with temperatures under 10°C while the days are getting shorter and rainfall becomes frequent. During winter, the sky is cloudy with only four hours of daylight and the weather is cold with temperatures ranging from -3° to 2°C.

The Experience

Travellers are invited to take part in a choice of tours which serve as an opportunity to discover the quaint beauty of the Icelandic nature. All options include airport transfers to designated bus stops in Reykjavik (closer to hotel areas) and Northern Lights tour.

The Northern Lights Tour

Visitors take part in a unique experience which occurs at nighttime in the Northern Hemisphere. The interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole appears in the sky in the form of different shapes, proportions and patterns, known as the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

• Duration: approx. 3 hours
• Transfer and guide included
• Pick-up 30 minutes before departure
• This tour depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed
• Indicated return times can vary due to road and weather conditions
• If customers don’t see any lights on the tour they can re-book again for free
• Remember to dress warmly

Golden Circle Tour

Travellers are invited to see the display of Iceland’s natural forces, hot springs and waterfalls, as well as a greenhouse cultivation centre.

See the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and discover Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir area – hot springs erupting from below the Earth’s crust. Eruptions there can throw hot water up to 60 meters into the air but can be infrequent, while nearby Strokkur geyser which is a much more reliable source of eruptions, ejects a fountain of hot water once every 6-10 minutes. 

• Duration: 8 hours
• Departures: 9am (daily)
• Pick-up up to 30 minutes before departure
• Admission to Friðheimar cultivation centre

Blue Lagoon Transfers

Those who prefer thermal escapades can visit the famous Blue Lagoon. Take a leisurely stroll or spend a day idling in the natural hot springs and bathing in geothermal mud believed to revitalise the skin. Towels and robes are available to hire, and each alfresco pool also comes with views of the lava field surrounding the area. On-site geothermal sauna and spa offer a wide range of massages and treatments, while unique skin care products can be bought in the shop.

• Daily departures
• Pick-up up to 30 minutes before departure
• Drop off is included and is operated according to a predetermined drop off route
• Please note that the admission to the Blue Lagoon is not included; the admission should be booked in advance
• Bathing suits and towels can be rented on the spot 

Whale Watching Tour

This tour provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a boat ride in search of whales swimming close to the Icelandic coastline. Some of the whale types that can be spotted include white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, humpback whales, and the killer whales or orcas. During the trip, travellers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the seabirds and nature in the Faxafloi Bay.

Seeing all the species is not guaranteed, but the crew on board will do their best to ensure a unique journey. As the weather in Iceland can be quite unpredictable, sometimes boats have to take different routes to different locations for a more pleasant cruise.

• Duration: 3 hours, depending on weather conditions
• Tour includes: tour guide, floatable overalls or raincoats on board
• Pick-up 45 minutes before departure

Golden Circle and Snowmobiling

Visitors can see Iceland’s natural phenomena including hot springs, waterfalls, and to take a thrilling snowmobile tour on the white snowcap.

The tour takes travellers through the quaint scenery of Þingvellir National Park and along the mountains to a Geysir geothermal area and the imposing Gullfoss waterfall. At the end, travellers can enjoy the thrill of a snowmobile tour when speeding on Langjökull glacier area. 

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departures: 9am
• Pick up is up to 30 minutes before departure
• Valid driving license is required
• 2 people per vehicle
• 1-hour guided snowmobile ride, protective clothing and safety equipment included

Hotel Fron, Reykjavik - 3 Star Hotel

On a bustling street, this laid-back hotel is a 7-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja, an 8-minute walk from Harpa concert hall and 2 km from the National Museum of Iceland. 

Reykjavik Lights Hotel - 3 Star Hotel

This Northern Lights-inspired hotel in a modern building is less than 3 km from the Icelandic Phallological Museum and the Sun Voyager, a stainless-steel boat sculpture. 

• Price is based on two people sharing a room.
• Lowest price deals available for two-night stays with flights from London in January 2019.
• Valid for travel on selected dates from January 2019 to April 2019.
• No cancellations or changes once booked.
• Subject to availability.