Reykjavík, Iceland. It’s a place that most have heard of. The ‘Northernmost City in Europe‘ is so small and situated in the middle of nowhere, yet it is known for being one of the most expensive bucket list hot spots. Ask anyone who loves to travel, “to see the Northern Lights” will have been on their travel list at least once in their lifetime. But, while many people save their money, or wait years to visit, is Reykjavik worth the top spot on your list?
We have provided some insights, tips and itinerary ideas so you know what to expect and where to visit when in Reykjavík.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s must-visit attractions. Located in the southwest, the geothermal spa is a haven for visitors who wish to bathe or swim in the steamy waters or relax in one of its many lounge chairs.
The cloudy sky-blue tones of the waters are certainly breathtaking, and it’s hard to believe that it will be hot when you take that first dip. There are three types of lagoons: the main pool (ranging between 11°C-26°C), the silica mud bath (14°C-26°C) and the steam room (12°C-18°C). Depending on how long you’d like to spend your time, many choose to stay for around 3-5 hours relaxing and swimming in the thermal hot lagoons.
As well as a peaceful sanctuary, guests can swim up to the bar and experience a natural face mask while sipping on a cocktail – perfect for those who love a self-care spa day. The Blue Lagoon is a man-made pool of geothermal seawater, thus making it rich in minerals which creates a soothing effect on the skin. The water is believed to have healing properties for many skin conditions, providing guests with the opportunity to purchase some of the naturally made skincare products available at the Blue Lagoon store.
The Golden Circle
If you’re wanting to see the best of Reykjavík, the Golden Circle tour is a popular tourist route. This will take you to beautiful attractions in the area, such as the Gullfoss Waterfall, and the enchanting Geysir geothermal area, Haukadalur Valley – both named among the world’s top attractions on several occasions.
There are opportunities to visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the world’s largest lava field: Eldhraun, covered in the glistening snow in the winter or deep green, soft moss in the warmer months. But a firm highlight of the Golden Circle trip is the mesmerising geysers situated in the geothermal area of Haukadalur Valley.
Despite being inactive for many years, Strokkur is certainly the main event. Visitors gather to witness the jaw-dropping natural water display that occurs every few minutes. The surrounding crowds stare in amazement as the energetic showstopper blasts a column of boiling hot water flying up to 40m high.
The Golden Circle tour is perfect if you don’t have much time to spend in Iceland but hope to explore some of the spectacular highlights. It can be extremely cold during the winter. But, the heated buses and indoor rest areas make it much more tolerable.
Chase the Reykjavík Northern Lights
Iceland is an ideal destination for anyone looking to chase the mystical Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). People travel worldwide to visit the country’s capital and watch the majestic lights dancing in the night sky. But, you do need to know what you’re doing to gain the best chance of witnessing the phenomenon.
The best time of the year to visit Iceland to find the Northern Lights is between September to April. However, it has been possible to catch a glimmer of them between May and June.
If you’re looking to witness the lights alone, make sure to visit on a clear night. You will need a location with calm winds and no light pollution. It’s usually advised to try and travel at least 30 minutes away from any city life to have a good view of the clear, dark skies. When chasing the lights solo, travelling to Reykjavík’s coastline is a recommendation from many who have visited in the past. While the view may not be as spectacular due to more light pollution, it will still be an incredible experience if the lights perform.
The realities of the Northern Lights in many cases…
One factor to keep in mind with any trips that involve a natural phenomenon is that it is not guaranteed to happen. Many set off for a Northern Lights tour yet only see a glimmer of colour in the skies. Under the correct settings, cameras are usually better at capturing the performance than the human eye. It can be an underwhelming and anti-climatic, yet very cold experience. So, if you’re only visiting Reykjavík to see the lights, it’s worth looking into other experiences that the city has to offer to ensure that you still enjoy your time.
Is Reykjavík worth it?
Akin to a soft, white sheet covering the whole of the city, the snowy scenes in Reykjavík can be a reason in itself to visit. With incredible surroundings, and many beautiful, natural wonders, Reykjavik, Iceland is a great place to visit. But, it’s not without its downsides.
The freezing weather and icy paths can make it difficult for visitors to enjoy. Appropriate clothing is a must, and you need to be wary of potential disappointment while chasing the Aurora Borealis.
Is it worth it? Essentially, it depends on your preferences. If you’d much rather take a trip to relax on a sandy beach in hot weather, then maybe Iceland isn’t for you. However, Reykjavík does provide an exceptional experience, even if you just visit once.
