
Iceland has some 360,000 inhabitants, and two-thirds of them live in the island nation’s capital, Reykjavik, located on the southwest coast. If Iceland is an adventure traveler’s dream destination, Reykjavik is the main point of access for most excursions—and it’s the country’s cultural and food hub.
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Perfect forAdventurers | Families | Ultimate Indulgers
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When to goYear-Round
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Ideal length of stay3-5 Nights
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
Essential Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a fascinating capital best explored with an itinerary that combines outdoor adventure with cultural immersion. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Day 1: Downtown Reykjavik
The city’s charming downtown is compact and easily navigated on foot. A good place to start is the permanent exhibition at National Museum of Iceland, which provides an introduction to the country’s history and culture. From here you can walk along streets lined with charming cafés, bars, and boutiques to Reykjavík’s tallest landmark, the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. Toast your first afternoon in the city with a cocktail at one of the city’s chic bars before tucking into a relaxing dinner of fresh seafood at a restaurant near the old port.
Day 2: Volcanos and Lagoons
The next morning drive with your guide to Thrihnukagigur volcano (about thirty minutes), which has been dormant for 4,000 years and has recently been made accessible to thrill seekers, who can suit up and descend 400 feet from the mouth of the volcano on a specially designed elevator platform. In the afternoon head to the famous Blue Lagoon (about a forty-five-minute drive), where you can relax and rejuvenate in the warm, turquoise geothermal baths. Dine at a cozy restaurant back in Reykjavík, followed by cocktail at one of Indagare’s favorite design hotels.
Day 3-5: Outdoor Adventure
From your base in Reykjavik, you can head into the countryside to hike through the beautiful landscape, dotted with waterfalls, of the hills of Hveragerdi and Reykjadalur, ending at a secluded natural hot spring, or ride one of the small, indigenous Icelandic horses across a spectacular lava field. Alternatively, you can explore the driving circuit along Iceland’s southwest coast known as the “Golden Circle,” which passes through a “best of” list of Icelandic attractions. (Indagare can arrange your stay at a chic eco-lodge or a luxe ranch-style hotel.) Take an easy hike through Thingvellir National Park (on the site where the Vikings established the first parliament), walking from the North American to the Eurasian tectonic plate. Visit Gullfoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, and the valley of Haukadalur, where you can see the active geysers Geysir and Strokkur.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
- Courtesy Blue Lagoon IcelandRead More
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
This sleek and luxurious spa resort was built into Iceland’s volcanic frontier and offers exclusive access to the famous Blue Lagoon.
- Canopy Hotel IcelandRead More
Canopy Hotel
The hip Canopy Hotel has a Brooklyn-meets-Scandinavia style with highly Instagrammable nooks and an airy restaurant, making it a favorite of trendy travelers.
- Courtesy Konsulat HotelRead More
Konsulat Hotel
At a Glance Tufted-leather furnishings, mid-century lighting and gallery walls of framed photos depicting scenes from the building’s history all contribute to the quirky appeal of the Konsulat Hotel.
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Tower Suites
Commanding the top floor of an office building on the outskirts of central Reykjavik, Tower Suites is the most luxurious boutique hotel in town.
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Apotek Hotel
In the heart of town, this sister hotel to the popular Hotel Borg is a good choice for individuals and families who want a sense of Icelandic history.