What to do, see and eat when you're short on time in Reykjavik!
I despise the cold. And when I got caught in a one-day layover in Iceland while heading home from my semester abroad - in DECEMBER - I was dreading the weather.
Little did I know that the short time I'd spend in Reykjavik would put Iceland at the top of my list of places I'd love to revisit some day! The landscape is breathtaking, with soaring mountains, blue lagoons, and the cutest horses I’ve ever seen. I was left wishing I could extend my trip there, even though I got to do a ton of really cool stuff in just one day!
So here's a list of must-see spots to have on hand if you ever find yourself short on time in this majestic country. Let's make the most of it together:
KAFFIVAGNINN
☕️ Enjoy Reykjavik’s underrated coffee culture @kaffivagninn for sandwiches and coffee by the harbor. Or if you want a heartier meal, try their stews and delicious cakes! I spent a lovely chilly morning here.
SAGA MUSEUM
🎨 Tour Old Reykjavik for sights, museums and art galleries like @sagamuseum! History and art buffs alike will love this place, especially if you're into ancient history and lore...
HALLGRIMSKIRKJA
🛕 Visit the @hallgrimskirkja, the most famous church in Iceland. Go at night for a memorable view - and some pretty stellar photo opps! The building is looming and awe-inspiring, even from a distance. And if you happen to visit November - January (when nights are the darkest), you might catch the Northern Lights. Could you imagine the sight from Hallgrimskirkja? Whew!
GOLDEN CIRCLE
🗻 Hike through the Golden Circle and explore the thermals, dormant volcanoes and astounding waterfalls. I only walked a short portion of the hike while I was there, but people usually spend weeks traversing the landscape!
BLUE LAGOON
🧖🏽♀️ Some may call it a tourist trap, but no visit to Iceland is complete without @bluelagoonis. It's a surefire way to round out any trip to the country, and you can spend as much time there as you like! Book an entry slot early in the morning to catch the sunrise and beat the crowds.
MAGIC ICE REYKJAVIK
🍸 Reykjavik’s nightlife is centered in one place, within easy walking distance for bar-hoppers. For a unique experience, check out @magicicereykjavik! It's an ice-themed bar so wear something warm, and feel free to grab a cozy blanket from the staff.
Iceland has some of the wildest landscapes you can imagine - in just the one day I was there, I saw black sand beaches, dormant volcanoes, glassy lakes, mountains, and glaciers. It just goes to show how far you can stretch a layover!
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