Reykjavik
Iceland
Fire and ice — Northern Lights, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs
About Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland's otherworldly landscape — glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic beaches. The world's northernmost capital packs a creative punch with its colorful houses, craft beer scene, and midnight sun.
Quick Facts
Best Time
Jun – Aug (summer) or Sep – Mar (Northern Lights)
Language
Icelandic / English
Currency
ISK (kr)
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Avg Budget
$150–250/day
Top Things to Do
6 must-see experiences in Reykjavik
Northern Lights
Dance of green and purple across the Arctic sky (September–March)
Blue Lagoon
Iconic geothermal spa with milky-blue waters and silica face masks
Golden Circle
Classic day trip: Þingvellir, Geysir, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall
Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara's dramatic basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves
Glacier Hiking
Walk on a glacier with crampons and an expert guide
Whale Watching
Spot humpback whales, dolphins, and puffins from Reykjavik's harbor
3-Day Sample Itinerary
A taste of what TripGenie can create — fully customized to your preferences.
Day 1: Reykjavik & Blue Lagoon
- Explore Hallgrímskirkja and downtown Reykjavik
- Lunch at a local seafood restaurant
- Afternoon at the Blue Lagoon
- Northern Lights tour (winter only)
Day 2: Golden Circle
- Visit Þingvellir National Park
- Watch Strokkur geyser erupt
- Marvel at Gullfoss waterfall
- Tomato soup at Friðheimar greenhouse
Day 3: South Coast
- Drive the Ring Road south
- Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Black sand beach at Reynisfjara
- Optional glacier hike
Travel Tips for Reykjavik
Iceland is expensive. Budget travelers should cook at Bónus supermarket and stay at guesthouses.
Layer up! Weather changes every 15 minutes. A wind/waterproof outer layer is essential.
Rent a car for maximum freedom — public transport outside Reykjavik is very limited.
Never drive off marked roads. Iceland's fragile landscape takes decades to recover from tire tracks.
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