Our Adventurous Two-Day Layover in Reykjavik, Iceland – An Final Information
We have been lucky sufficient to experience an sudden two-day stopover within the charming town of Reykjavik, Iceland, on our approach to London. We took good thing about the chance to increase our temporary two-hour layover at Reykjavik airport to an extended stick with a two-day layover at no additional price from Icelandair. With it being our first time in Iceland, we expected an unforgettable enjoy in Reykjavik; we have been extremely joyful to discover the capital town of Iceland, a treasure trove of herbal wonders, wealthy historical past, colourful tradition, and Icelandic delicacies.
Reykjavik Harbour by means of Dynie Sanderson
48 Hours in Reykjavik – Iceland’s Largest Town
Right here’s how we made essentially the most of our 48-hour quick layover: eating on the Parliament Resort within the Curio Assortment by means of Hilton, a Reykjavik Meals Strolling Excursion with Wake Up Reykjavik, the long-lasting Golden Circle Excursion, a go to to the beautiful Sky Lagoon scorching springs, exploring waterfalls, the Silfra Crack, and finding the attraction of Reykjavik’s atmosphere.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Reykjavik
Morning: Checking into the Iceland Parliament Resort
Arriving at KEH Aiport Close to Reykjavik Iceland within the Crack of dawn Hours by means of Dynie Sanderson
We disembarked from my Keflavik World Airport (KEF) flight at 7 am after a red-eye from San Francisco by means of Montreal. It used to be time for the virtually hour-long taxi journey into the town of Reykjavik. We arrived slightly groggy after just about 14 hours of go back and forth however filled with anticipation for our 2-day journey.
Arriving at KEF firstly of our two-day journey by means of Dana Sanderson
After a 45-minute pressure from Keflavik Airport, our first prevent used to be the Iceland Parliament Resort, a hidden gem within the middle of Reykjavik close to Iceland’s Parliament construction. A part of the Curio Assortment by means of Hilton, this boutique lodge seamlessly blends fresh luxurious with conventional Icelandic attraction. From its central location, we have been inside of simple succeed in of Reykjavik’s best points of interest.
Iceland Parliament Resort In Reykjavik by means of Dynie Sanderson
Arriving on the lodge at 8:30 a.m., we have been greeted with open hands by means of their heat Icelandic hospitality. To our marvel, the entrance table supervisor introduced an early morning check-in and an attractive breakfast of their eating room. The Parliament Resort’s sublime design and relaxed lodging supplied the very best backdrop for our temporary Icelandic getaway. After a protracted day of go back and forth, we took a while to calm down and clean up in our room ahead of embarking on a complete day of discovery round Reykjavik.
Discover Reykjavik’s Town Middle – Tradition and Structure
After a two-hour relaxation, we didn’t need to spare some other second, so we started our day of exploration by means of walking throughout the town’s fascinating streets, in the hunt for out the most productive puts to peer in Reykjavik.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral by means of Dynie Sanderson
We walked throughout the colourful town streets to the long-lasting Hallgrimskirkja church, a Lutheran parish church that stands as considered one of Iceland’s tallest constructions and biggest church. If it’s to be had to excursion the interior, make sure you take the elevator to the highest of the tower for panoramic perspectives of the town and its atmosphere.
Harpa Live performance Corridor
Harpa Live performance Corridor at Austurbakki – iStock Picture
Subsequent, we headed to Harpa Live performance Corridor, an architectural masterpiece situated at the waterfront. Its shimmering glass facade and leading edge design make it a must-visit. You’ll be able to additionally verify the time table for any live shows or occasions going down all the way through your keep.
Perlan
Reykjavík, Iceland – Perlan, a herbal historical past museum in Reykjavík, positioned at the best of Öskjuhlíð hill by means of iStock Picture
Perlan is a glass-domed landmark that gives breathtaking perspectives of the town and surrounding nature. Within, you’ll discover a museum showcasing Iceland’s herbal wonders and historical past.
After a two-hour stroll round Reykjavik exploring the town attractions, it used to be time for considered one of Iceland’s regional beers at a neighborhood café ahead of starting my early afternoon Foodie Excursion, which is a must-do when visiting Reykjavik.
Reykjavik Meals Strolling Excursion: Culinary Delights Anticipate
Our Entertaining Foodie Excursion Information by means of Dynie Sanderson
Some of the very best techniques to immerse your self in Icelandic tradition is thru its native meals. Reykjavik boasts a burgeoning culinary scene, and what higher approach to uncover it than by means of becoming a member of the Reykjavik Meals and Drink Journey with Wake Up Reykjavik?
The Get up Reykjavik Meals Excursion Itinerary
- Seek advice from 5 other places and enjoy Iceland thru foods and drinks!
- Seek advice from a advantageous eating eating place, a gastro pub, the oldest eating place in Reykjavik, and most of the native hangouts.
- Get to grasp Iceland thru native delicacies guided by means of a neighborhood foodie knowledgeable
- Style Icelandic beers and know about their unusual native beer trade
Our Wake Up Reykjavik Meals Excursion started within the town heart, the place our small team used to be led by means of a a professional and a laugh native information who shared insights into Iceland’s culinary traditions. We ready our style buds for an journey to pattern various dishes, from freshly stuck seafood to succulent Icelandic lamb and dairy merchandise. Our enlightened and witty information saved us entertained and knowledgeable all the way through our scrumptious four-hour excursion.
Our moment prevent used to be at my favourite eating place at the excursion, Forréttabarin. My standout dish used to be their model of Lobster Bisque constructed from Icelandic Lobster – Humarsúpa, the Langoustine Soup. It used to be sensible; I may have eaten a gallon of it.
We have been additionally served a number of different signature dishes – Grilled fillets of horse with caramelized onion, potato purée, bacon, and béarnaise; and herb-crusted ribeye of lamb, parsnip purée, sautéed mushrooms with a purple wine relief together with Icelandic Gin and Tonics. I extremely counsel eating at this eating place when you are in Reykjavik.
Icelandic Native Delicacies Alongside the Foodie Excursion with Wake Up Reykjavik by means of Dynie Sanderson
Well-known Sizzling Canine Stand and the Invoice Clinton Canine
The Well-known Hotdog by means of Dynie Sanderson
We additionally strolled over to the well-known Icelandic scorching canine stand all the way through the excursion, Bæjarins Beztu (translated to The Absolute best in The town!). Many global dignitaries have mentioned politics whilst noshing on one or two of those well-known canines, corresponding to Invoice Clinton; there may be in fact a hotdog named after him. What makes those scorching canines so particular is what they’re fabricated from and the particular toppings. Those canines are constructed from lamb meat and crowned with selfmade crispy onions, candy mustard, uncooked onion, ketchup, and remoulade. No marvel why the crowds have been lengthy and desperate to indulge.
This gastronomic adventure presented us to Icelandic cuisine like smoked puffin, rye bread ice cream, and the notorious fermented shark. Strolling thru Reykjavik’s fascinating streets, we additionally realized concerning the historical past and tradition that experience formed those culinary traditions.
Sky Lagoon: Leisure and Serenity
Toasting Veuve Clicquot at Sky Lagoon by means of Dana Sanderson
After a protracted day of exploring the town’s tradition and its regional delicacies, it used to be time to unwind and rejuvenate. The Sky Lagoon, a more moderen geothermal spa comfortably situated close to Reykjavik, introduced an inviting environment for leisure. With its oceanfront location and blue water swimming pools, the lagoon supplies breathtaking perspectives of the Icelandic beach and the North Atlantic.
View from the Sauna Room At Sky Lagoon by means of Dynie Sanderson
We fortuitously indulged in a relaxing soak within the heat, mineral-rich waters whilst savoring the serene environment. We additionally explored the more than a few leisure zones, saunas, and coverings to be had on the lagoon. It used to be an ideal alternative to pamper ourselves and replicate at the herbal good looks we encountered all the way through our first day.
Sky Lagoon’s Swim-Up Bar by means of Dynie Sanderson
What made for an much more distinctive enjoy used to be the Sky Lagoon’s swim-up bar, the place visitors can experience refreshments whilst soaking within the heat of the water. I used to be extremely joyful to regard myself to a couple of pretty flutes of Veuve Clicquot. How very best to toast whilst pampering within the healing heat blue waters of this man-made Icelandic lagoon.
Because the night time softly approached, the Sky Lagoon remodeled into an interesting environment for stargazing, and in case your timing is true, it’s possible you’ll even seize a glimpse of the Northern Lighting fixtures. The clean Icelandic skies and the heat of the lagoon make for a perfect spot to appreciate the celebrities or hunt for the elusive Aurora Borealis. Some guests were lucky sufficient to witness this enthralling herbal phenomenon from the relief of the Sky Lagoon.
Auroras over Eillidavatn just about Reykjavik in Iceland. calm water reflecting the northern lighting blazing within the sky. Getty Pictures
Dinner in Reykjavik: Night time Delights
Because the night time set in, we had the choice to go back to our lodge for dinner or proceed our culinary exploration of Reykjavik. Town gives numerous eating reports, from comfy Icelandic bistros to global delicacies.
With the day being a protracted one, we selected to dine at Hjá Jóni, the Parliament Resort’s eating place by means of the Austurvöllur the city sq., because it piqued our passion to savor some other spherical of Icelandic cuisine. Regardless of your selection, eating in Reykjavik is certainly a lovely enjoy. We had a scrumptious smoked salmon dish and some other model of Iceland’s lobster bisque, a standard dish served all the way through the area. Get right of entry to to contemporary seafood is far and wide across the island, and you are going to uncover many various creations from the ocean on each and every menu.
Night time Walk: A Glimpse of Reykjavik’s Nightlife
After dinner, we took a leisurely walk thru Reykjavik’s magnificently lit streets. That night time, we opted to retire early as I had some other complete day of journey looking forward to us within the morning. However for the ones tempted, the town comes alive after darkish. In the event you’re within the temper for some middle of the night leisure, believe visiting a neighborhood pub, are living track venue, or dance membership. The vigorous surroundings supplies the very best alternative to socialise with locals and fellow vacationers.
Parliament Resort Within the Night time by means of Dynie Sanderson
Day 2: Golden Circle Excursion and Reykjavik’s Herbal Wonders
Golden Circle Excursion: A Day of Herbal Wonders
An effective way to peer the encompassing area is to take a full-day excursion to go to the foremost vacationer points of interest, and this can be a must-do job. We began our second-day bus excursion early ahead of the solar used to be up, and we have been off to the GrayLines Bus Prevent #1. In this slightly cold morning, we launched into considered one of Iceland’s maximum iconic reports – the Golden Circle Excursion introduced by means of GrayLine Iceland. Some of the superb issues about taking excursions across the area is the informative excursion guides main the day-to-day expeditions, which I to find is the easiest way to immerse your self within the highlights of Iceland. Our full-day journey took us to 3 breathtaking herbal points of interest:
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) Nationwide Park – The Crown Jewel of Iceland
Picture by means of Dynie Sanderson
Our first prevent used to be Þingvellir Nationwide Park, a UNESCO International Heritage Web page and a geological marvel providing improbable rock formations. Right here, we witnessed the Silfra Crack, a visual rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. In hotter months, the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure invite you to snorkel or dive between those continental giants, providing a actually distinctive and awe-inspiring enjoy.
Geysir Geothermal House
Our moment prevent used to be the Geysir Geothermal House. We witnessed the robust Strokkur geyser erupting with spectacular power, taking pictures scorching water top into the air. We additionally explored the otherworldly landscapes and effervescent scorching springs that dot this geothermal wonderland. They’ve a ravishing present and clothes store at this location, the place we discovered it very best to seize a heat hat and neck shawl made in Iceland, comforting me in this slightly cold, windy day.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Our ultimate vacation spot at the Golden Circle Excursion used to be the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Lets really feel the thunderous energy of the Hvítá River because it plunges right into a dramatic two-tiered cascade. Make sure to seize the wonderful thing about Gullfoss from more than a few viewpoints alongside the strolling paths.
Lunch with a View: An Icelandic Deal with
Throughout our Golden Circle journey, we had lunch at one of the most fascinating eateries alongside the path. As we dined on a heat and comforting seafood chowder, we soaked within the surprising herbal good looks that surrounded us, with perspectives of Iceland’s rugged terrain and far away mountains.
Our Final Night time in Reykjavik: Artwork and Tradition
Because the day wound down, we returned to Reykjavik for a night of tradition and artwork. Town boasts a number of notable museums and galleries:
Nationwide Museum of Iceland
Discover Iceland’s wealthy historical past and cultural heritage thru interesting reveals and artifacts. Acquire insights into the rustic’s Viking previous, medieval manuscripts, and fashionable tendencies.
Reykjavik Artwork Museum
Uncover fresh Icelandic and global artwork on the Reykjavik Artwork Museum. The museum has a couple of places, each and every showcasing other facets of the artwork scene.
A Memorable Farewell
We indulged in some other pleasant eating enjoy for our ultimate night time in Reykjavik. We returned to one of the most native gastro pubs, Public Area Gastropub, for a gentle dinner as we have been leaving very early the following morning for our flight to London after which off to Nairobi for our much-awaited Kenyan Safari.
As our two-day layover in Reykjavik got here to an finish, we departed with lasting reminiscences of this captivating town and its breathtaking herbal wonders. Whether or not you select to discover Reykjavik’s atmosphere or just savor your ultimate moments within the town, as we did, you are going to elevate a work of Iceland’s good looks, tradition, and heat with you as you proceed your adventure.
Bucket Record Journey – Iceland
This bucket checklist journey gives a lot to discover, see, do, and style in this far flung island surrounded by means of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Each and every season is a smart time of yr to go to for a temporary Iceland Stopover or a longer keep, and it gives other adventures seasonally. There are lots of choices to profit from with the Icelandair stopover program with Icelandair, corresponding to going thru KEF Airport to your approach to different locations.
Throughout our 48 hours in Iceland, we simply tipped the iceberg, leaving us worried subsequent time to go back and enjoy extra of Iceland’s Viking historical past and wealthy terrain. Reykjavik is without doubt one of the global’s cleanest, greenest, and most secure towns and a perfect Iceland stopover vacation spot with Iceland Air when touring to different portions of the sector.
