I know, it doesn't have the same cachet as "April in Paris", but that is when and where we are going. We'll be there just shy of a week. Suggestions for "don't miss" or "don't waste your time" activities or sights? Or any other visit hints? We'll be staying in Reykjavik, but might do a day trip or two out and about.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
417 posts
With nearly a week, you should definitely do two day trips. Reykjavik is a nice city, but one full day would be enough to see pretty much everything there. Wikitravel.com has some good info on Reykjavik.
The Blue Lagoon, is, in my opinion, a must do. It is near the airport, so do it either on your way into the city or out. I thought that it was so unique, at least, I have never been anywhere like it!
I did a whale watching tour, which was a bust as we did not see any whales (even with the 100% guarantee of seeing them). Good news is when I go back one day, I have a free whale watching tour coming my way- if I can just find my receipt! It was a pretty sight though along the coast, so I still enjoyed myself.
Many tour operators do basically the same tours. Mine was 2 hours late, so I would not recommend them; though once the tour began, it was great. Unfortunately, I can not remember their name!
We did a day tour of the South Coast area and Thorsmark, which I really liked, it also took in some waterfalls. I would recommend that if you are interested in glaciers and waterfalls.
I did not do the "Golden Circle" but I hear it is impressive, and I will do that next time for sure. That trip goes to several spots, just google it and you will find it.
Check out my Youtube video for photos and a little video. http://www.youtube.com/user/mikeandjaclyn
Posted by
Moose Jaw, SK, Canada
149 posts
I would also put the Blue Lagoon at the top of the list. We liked it so much we went there twice.
We didn't do any of the day-trip packages as we had a rental car, but we visited the sights included in the Golden Circle tour and would recommend them. The geysirs, waterfall and Thingvellir give a good overview of some of the different landscapes of Iceland without venturing far from Reykjavik.
I also enjoyed the thermal area at Seltun. Stinky but unique.
Eat some Skyr. It's a local treat kind of like yogurt.
I can't help you with Reykjavik as we didn't spend any time there - just drove through.
Posted by
Baltimore, MD, USA
70 posts
Definitely don't miss the Blue Lagoon.
Also take advantage of the Golden Circle tour--it gets you out into the countryside and is well worth it.
The National Museum of Iceland is also spectacular--I found the history of the nation to be fascinating.
Make sure to eat some of the local fare including fresh fish and Skyr.
Posted by
Baltimore, MD, USA
70 posts
PS. I was there during the first week of May last year and it was very windy!! Temps were in the 40s, but the wind made it feel like it was in the teens. Definitely dress in layers :-)