Reykjavík is a small and walkable city with around 123,00 inhabitants.*My walking tour hits all of the main highlights in Reykjavík for a total distance of 3.7 miles (6km). I will also include extra points of interest on the map that I did not visit.
Contents
Can you walk around Reykjavik?
Reykjavik is an easy city to walk, and you can do it at a pace that is entirely your own. We took a full day and a half to explore all of these sights and areas below, stopping in at many of the cafes, food stores and coffee shops along the way.
Is it easy to get around Reykjavik?
The easiest (and most affordable) way to explore central Reykjavik is to walk. Downtown’s hotels and sights – including Hallgrímur’s Church, Harpa and Laugavegur – can be reached on foot from one another. However, you’ll often have to pay extra to stay in the heart of the action.
Is it easy to get around in Iceland?
Iceland’s small scale makes getting around fairly straightforward – at least during the warmer months. From Reykjavík, it’s possible to fly or catch a bus to all major centres, and in summer there are even scheduled buses through the Interior.
How many days in Reykjavik is enough?
Iceland is worth a longer trip than just a day or two and 4 days is an absolute minimum for Reykjavik and the South Coast. However, no matter whether you’re traveling – in summer or in winter – I recommend planning at least 5-7 days if you want to see some of the main highlights of Iceland.
Is Reykjavik a safe city?
Reykjavík is a friendly and very safe capital city, which is why it’s heralded as a great destination for families and solo travellers in Iceland. Crime rates are low and there are no “bad” neighbourhoods in Reykjavík, but petty theft and pickpocketing – though rare – can occur.
Is Reykjavik a big city?
273 km²
Can you visit Iceland without driving?
It’s actually completely possible to see Iceland without a car — and we’re not just talking about Reykjavík city. The gorgeous Golden Circle route, and the iconic sights along the South Coast are easily doable with day trips out of the city. You’ll even be able to walk on a glacier and pet adorable Icelandic horses!
Is tipping in Iceland an insult?
In Iceland, tipping is not expected; nearly all bills that you receive already include gratuity, and it is quite unnecessary—and uncommon—to add a tip. You will still get a smile and Icelanders will not think any worse of you if you tip. Of course, Icelanders will not decline a tip for good service.
Do I need a car in Reykjavik?
Reykjavík is easy to get around in without a car, and parking there can be a nuisance, so many visitors rent a car upon leaving the city. Route 1, usually referred to as “The Ring Road,” is 1,328km (825 miles) long and circles the entire island. Almost all of it is paved, and it’s plowed all winter.
Can you explore Iceland from Reykjavik?
Take Tours from Reykjavik
Another way to explore Iceland is to base yourself in Reykjavik and take day tours. You can get a shuttle bus from the airport into the city (which is very walkable).
How many days is enough for Iceland?
8-12 days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Iceland as it means you can explore different regions. You could drive around the Ring Road in a full circle to reach the diverse corners of Iceland, from the South Coast to eastern fjords, around North Iceland and over to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
How do I get from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon?
Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík. From either point of origin, simply take Reykjanesbraut (Highway 41) to Grindavíkurvegur (Highway 43) and follow the signs to Blue Lagoon.
What is the best month to visit Iceland?
Midnight sun and warmer temperatures make summer the best season to visit Iceland. Although hikers will want to consider July and August as the best time to visit Iceland whereas February, March, September and October are typically the best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights.
Is 2 weeks in Iceland too long?
With Less Time
To make this a 13-day itinerary, remove the one night stay in Egilsstaðir, in east Iceland (day 6). Now, on day 6, drive directly from Mývatn to Höfn. It’s a huge driving day, but it’s possible. I know, because this is what we did.
Is north or south Iceland better?
Most visitors prefer the south as it is more diverse and more accessible. Visitors can enjoy the Golden Circle, its geysers and its national park, the black sand of Vík and the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls all year round. It is therefore rare to find yourself alone at these sites, even in the winter.
What should you avoid in Iceland?
15 Things to Avoid as a Tourist in Iceland
- Don’t Leave Your Coat at Home.
- Don’t Underestimate the Weather.
- Don’t Get Caught in the Dark (or Light)
- Avoid Buying Bottled Water in Stores.
- Avoid Shopping at 10-11.
- Don’t Be Fooled by the Light “Beer” in the Supermarkets.
- Don’t Assume You Can Buy Alcohol Anywhere, Anytime.
Is Reykjavik worth visiting?
You’ll be glad to know that in recent years, Reykjavik has changed beyond recognition. It’s now a bustling city full of trendy cafes, cozy restaurants, nice shops, interesting museums, and lots of truly worthy tourist attractions…. There are now so many more reasons to visit Reykjavik than ever before!
Is Reykjavik safe at night?
Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in the world, just use common sense like not wonder alone late / in the middle of the night in side streets where no one is around.
Is Reykjavik pretty?
Iceland’s capital city is also a terrific base from which to experience some of the island’s breathtakingly beautiful natural wonders, such as the famous Blue Lagoon geothermic spa, The Northern Lights or The Golden Circle; where you’ll witness spouting geysers, waterfalls, rift valleys and more.
Do they speak English in Iceland?
But don’t worry! English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently. And more so, most Icelanders speak several other languages including Danish, German, Spanish and French and welcome the opportunity to practice their language skills.
