Reykjavik

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates

• Latitude: 64.135338
• Longitude: -21.89521

On Travellerspoint

• 4 Reykjavik Apartments
• 17 Reykjavik Guesthouses
• 4 Reykjavik Hostels
• 6 Reykjavik Hotels

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Introduction

Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik

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Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and, not without reason, has become more popular in recent years. Still more travellers find their way to one of the smallest capitals in Europe and although many combine a visit to the city with some sights inland, like the Golden Triangle (Gulfoss, Thingvellir and Geysir), other travellers choose to visit Reykjavik only as a weekend trip. It has numerous bars and restaurants, but especially the alcoholic drinks don't come cheap here, so be prepared! Apart from nightlife and shopping, the city has several cultural things to see as well, like the Hallgrimskirkja and the famous house where presidents Gorbatsjov of the Sovjetunion and Reagan of the USA met in 1986.
It's even a good place to visit in winter, as temperatures are surprisingly mild this time of year and you might enjoy the nordic lights (aurora borealis). In summer though, the sun shines 24 hours a day, and although still not warm, people enjoy being outside on the main shopping street or one of several squares in the centre of town.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

Events and Festivals

Weather

Temperatures in Reykjavik rarely drop below -12º C in winter and rarely rise above 15º C in summer. 20º C is almost a heatwave and if it gets this warm, it is mostly just a matter of days (or hours!). You can have literally 4 seasons in one day.

Getting There

By Plane

International
Keflavik Airport, about 50 km from the capital Reykjavik is where you will start your trip to the city.

The national carrier is Icelandair which has flights to most major destinations in the western half of Europe and the eastern half of North America. Note that off season (wintertime) some destinations might not be served or have a reduced schedule at least.

In addition, IcelandExpress has budget flights to and from several European destinations.

Domestic
Air Iceland operates regular scheduled flights from Reykjavík to major domestic airports in all parts of the country, like Akureyri and Egilsstaðir. Landsflug also has flights to smaller airstrips around the country, for example several daily flights from Reykjavík to Vestmannaeyjar.

By Train

There are no train services to and from Reykjavik.

By Car

By Bus

There is an extensive bus service to most parts of the country and seasonal to the highlands. The Flybus travels between the international airport in Keflavik and the capital Reykjavik. Note that bus services are limited from October to May. June to September is your best bet.
Check BSI for an overview on bus companies. Otherwise check the bus companies directly: Austurleid for South and East Iceand, SBK Travels for the Keflavik and Reykjanes area, Stjornubilar for the Westfjords and Trex for West and North Iceland.

By Boat

The Icelandic cargo ship Eimskip has two vessels, the Dettifoss and Goðafoss which travel the route Rotterdam-Hamburg-Göteborg-Århus-Fredrikstad-Tórshavn-Reykjavík. It takes 8 days in total and the return trip goes via eastern Iceland and Tórshavn only. The vessel can take a maximum of 3 passengers but only between mid-April and mid-October.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

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