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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This sleek and luxurious spa resort was built into Iceland’s volcanic frontier and offers exclusive access to the famous Blue Lagoon.
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.
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.
Commanding the top floor of an office building on the outskirts of central Reykjavik, Tower Suites is the most luxurious boutique hotel in town.
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.
Everyone has seen photographs of the Blue Lagoon, but it’s still jarring to arrive at the fabled geothermal baths for the first time and realize that the technicolor is real. After extensive renovations, the changing facilities reopened in 2007, and...
This route along the southwest coast passes a “best of” list of Icelandic attractions, including Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk from the North American to the Euroasian tectonic plate, Gullfoss waterfall and the valley of Haukadalur, where you...
It took thirty-eight years to complete the Hallgrímskirkja church, whose 244-foot tower is visible across Reykjavík. A prime example of Expressionist architecture, the church was inspired by the basalt columns found at such waterfalls as Svartifoss in Skaftafell National Park....
There are multiple ways to get out on the water, ranging from a group RIB speed boat tour or a private speed boat or sailing cruise. All options will allow you to see Iceland as the Vikings first spotted it...
One of the newest adventure offerings in Iceland involves descending into the world’s largest ice tunnel to walk 25 meters below Europe’s second largest glacier. The activity launched in the summer of 2015, and was originally going to operate only...
There are some 10,000 waterfalls on Iceland, but the most popular are in driving distance to Reykjavík: Gullfoss, one of Europe’s largest waterfalls; Skógafoss, one of the most scenic, with a perpetual single or double rainbow on sunny days; and...
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
Indagare’s Missy Weil recently traveled to the Iceland. Here are some of her photographs. For help planning your trip, contact our Bookings Team.
Visitors who are most interested in Reykjavík, with day trips along the Golden Circle, will be happiest based in the capital. There are no true five-star accommodations in Reykjavik yet, especially in terms of amenities and service, but the two...
In the past few years, Iceland—the slam-dunk adventure destination of the Atlantic—has become a sleeper hit for honeymooners and families alike. While the country once lacked the creature comforts of more established European destinations, in 2018 it has truly arrived...
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
Tucked away at the tip of the Oslofjord, Norway’s capital could aptly be described as both a large village and a small city. It is Europe’s fastest-growing capital, but just beyond the rapidly developing city center are miles of uninterrupted...
London cherishes its duality: it fully embraces history and stiff upper lip traditions alongside the cutting-edge and the new, whether through its clubby residential five star hotels, its dynamic art and architecture or its buzzy theater and restaurant scenes. This...
Formed during the Ice Age, the Norwegian fjords have a rare, raw, untouched beauty on par with Iceland, Patagonia and New Zealand. One of the world’s greatest off-the-beaten path adventure destinations, this region is defined by staggering peaks that are...
Become an Indagare Member Today!
You are about to check room availability as a guest. If you would like to take advantage of our member rates and benefits, please join Indagare now.
Sign in to be able to book the best rates and amenities available only to Indagare members. If you do not see the special Indagare plus rates, contact our Bookings Team.
Select your jacket size and a member of our team will reach out to you directly for shipping and payment information.
Submitting this form constitutes acceptance of our
terms of use and privacy policy.
Unlock access to 2,000+ first-hand hotel reviews, 300+ Destination Guides and the most up-to-date travel news and inspiration.
Already a member? Log in
Contact the Indagare team to see how we can help with your next adventure.
Submitting this form constitutes acceptance of our
terms of use and privacy policy.
