In recent years Iceland has developed into an incredibly popular tourist destination - and with good reason. The country known as The Land of Fire and Ice draws us in with its unique landscape. Formed out of volcanic eruptions over millions of years and melting glaciers that carved valleys and fjords it's a compilation of incredible terrain - black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. But before you set off on your journey you should take the time to pause in the capital - Iceland's largest city, Reykjavik.
Begin at The Blue Lagoon
You'll most likely be landing in the early morning hours at Keflavík Airport. It's the largest airport in Iceland and the country's main hub for international transportation. The airport is approximately 30 miles southwest of Reykjavík - about a 45 minute drive. Instead of going directly from the airport to your hotel I recommend taking the special Flybus to the nearby Blue Lagoon. It's only a twenty minute drive, and by visiting the Blue Lagoon first you'll save time by not driving to Reykjavík and then having to backtrack - just to then turn around and head back to Reykjavík when you're done. In addition, you'll have had an overnight flight, and relaxing in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is a great, low-key activity. Instead of sleeping, take advantage of the opportunity to re-set your system and deal with the jet lag by relaxing, and start off your Icelandic adventure by checking an iconic spot off of your Iceland bucket list.
In addition to bathing in the lagoon you'll have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon as well as a steam-bath carved into a lava cave. You can also stand beneath a small (man made) waterfall, and you'll have access to the famous white-silica mud in the lagoon - a can't miss part of the Blue Lagoon spa experience.
FYI that you will have to shower (sans bathing suit) before getting into the Blue Lagoon. Years ago the showers were one big room, but to make tourists more comfortable doors have been added. However, Icelanders are much more comfortable with nudity than the typical American is - so you'll want to prepare yourself (and your kids) for that relaxed atmosphere.
If you purchase one of the Blue Lagoon packages you'll also be able to relax with two separate masks, bathrobe, slippers, and you can add on a reservation at Lava Restaurant - so you can follow up your spa time with a relaxing lunch. The restaurant was built into an 800 year old lava cliff on the west bank of the Blue Lagoon. (If you're super early and won't be ready for lunch you can skip this part and plan on lunch in Reykjavik).
Once you're done experiencing all the Blue Lagoon has to offer you'll make your way to your hotel to check in and drop off your luggage. From there you can set out to explore the city.
The City of Reykjavik
Reykjavík's history goes back over a thousand years and has developed into a vibrant eclectic capital. Reykjavik has a large art scene, annual music and film festivals, lots of shops, museums, cafes and restaurants (the main shopping street is Laugavegur) in a compact city center - all amid a gorgeous natural landscape. Checking out the sites in Reykjavik will give you a great introduction to Icelandic culture before you set off exploring.
Hallgrimskirkja Church and The Perlan
Stop and take a quick look at Hallgrímskirkja - a Lutheran church in Reykjavik named after the Icelandic poet and clerygman Hallgrímur Pétursson that took 41 years to complete. It's one of the tallest structures in the country - its architecture inspired by the basalt columns of Svartifoss waterfall on the South Coast of Iceland. It sits in the center of Reykjavík, and it is one of the city's best-known landmarks - visible throughout the city. The church is still in use today, but you can go in and look around. There is a charge to go up to the observation deck.
The Perlan Museum is really a can't miss if it's your first trip to Iceland. It's a rotating glass dome perched on top of Öskjuhlíð Hill in Reykjavik. Surrounded by forest, it has become one of the country's most distinct landmarks. There is a 360 degree view of the capital area from its observation deck, and the museum holds terrific interactive exhibits like the Glaciers and Ice Cave exhibition that begins with a visit to an ice cave built inside a 328 for hot water tank.
After that be sure to check out the planetarium's interactive film. The planetarium also offers education as to what the Northern Lights actually are as well as the storytelling told over generations as people across the world attempted to explain the phenomenon.
The Wonders of Icelandic Nature exhibit also includes a virtual reality section where you'll get to view puffins on the cliffs in Látrabjarg - pretty cool - especially if you can't fit seeing puffins into your trip or if you're there at the wrong time of year for seeing them (which is likely if you're visiting especially for the Northern Lights).
Museums
If you're interested in learning about Iceland's fishing and seafaring history you can check out Reykjavík Maritime Museum. This museum is in the newly renovated part of the Reykjavík's harbor, known as the Grandi area and gives insight into the lives of Icelandic fisherman - including artifacts, and a look at what the signal rooms look like.
After that you can explore the underground Settlement Exhibition - built around an archaeological dig discovered where the oldest remains of human habitation in Reykjavík, including a tenth-century Viking longhouse, were discovered in 2001.
It is believed that the the longhouse was lived in around 930-1000 AD. There's also a boundary wall at the back of the museum circa 871 AD. Here you can walk around the longhouse and see artifacts that will give you insight into the life of the early Icelandic people. There's also a panoramic depicting how Reykjavík looked during the times the longhouse would have been used. Interactive exhibits include a small playhouse from the Viking Age - complete with furs and masks for dress-up. There's a small coloring table, and children are also welcome to learn about animals of Iceland and learn how to write their name in runes.
When you visit the Árbær Open Air Museum you’ll get to explore more than 20 buildings that were preserved and relocated to form a small town - including a town square with a General Store, a farm with sheep, cows and ducks, and ancient Icelandic houses. You'll get a great sense of how Icelanders lived prior to the country's industrialization. Hosts wear period clothing and stay in character - which makes touring the area all the more fun, and there are mid-century toys children are encouraged to play with.
(Note that this museum is in a suburb of the city of Reykjavík).
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Reykjavik you won't be at a loss for things to do!
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