Reykjavik, Iceland - Travel Guide

Reykjavik offers a unique blend of vibrant city life and breathtaking natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy geothermal spas, the Northern Lights (seasonal), and a rich Viking history alongside modern art, music, and cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days

Budget$80/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

ReykjavikIcelandEuropeNordicArcticCapital CityGeothermalBlue LagoonGolden CircleHallgrímskirkjaHarpa

🇮🇸 Country Information: Iceland

CapitalReykjavik

CurrencyIcelandic króna (ko)

Language Icelandic , English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German

Phone Code+354

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Iceland as service charges are usually included
If service is exceptional, a small tip might be appreciated, but it's not expected

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing a small amount of cash is advisable, but most transactions are cashless
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone's home
Punctuality is appreciated
Always respect the environment and stick to marked trails
Public nudity is not common, and public displays of affection are generally discreet

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Iceland is highly progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with legal same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 20
Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Off
roading is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile environment
Wild camping is generally not allowed outside designated campsites
Respect nature and avoid littering
Do not disturb or feed wildlife

Common Phrases

NoNei (NAY) Nei

YesJá (YOW) Já

HelloHalló (HAH-loh) Halló

Thank youTakk (TAHK) Takk

Climate

Climate Zone: Subarctic

Best Time to Visit

Extreme Cold: Dec
Feb
Floods: May
Jul (due to glacial melt)
Earthquakes: Year
round (geothermal activity)

Getting There

- Fly directly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) from major cities in Europe and North America (flight times and costs vary significantly by origin)

Getting Around

Public buses (Strætó) operate in Reykjavik and surrounding areas
Taxis are available, but ride
sharing apps like Uber or Bolt are not commonly used
Car rental is highly recommended for exploring outside the city

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines are typically required for entry into Iceland from most countries
It is advisable to consult a doctor for personalized recommendations
No concerns for altitude sickness, malaria, or specific food
related issues

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available
Major Icelandic mobile network operators like Síminn, Nova, and Vodafone support eSIMs
Providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly offer eSIMs for Iceland

Local Cuisine

Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dog) street_food

Icelandic hot dogs are typically made from a blend of lamb, beef, and pork, giving them a distinct flavor. They are often served with a variety of con

Skyr must_try

A cultured dairy product that has been a staple of Icelandic cuisine for over a thousand years. It is technically a soft cheese but is consumed like a

Fiskisúpa (Fish Soup) regional_speciality

A creamy, hearty seafood soup, often featuring fresh Icelandic white fish like cod or haddock, sometimes with shrimp or lobster, and a flavorful broth

Harðfiskur (Dried Fish) snack

A high-protein, nutrient-rich snack made from air-dried fish, typically haddock or cod. It is often served with a spread of salted butter, softening t

Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew) regional_speciality

A traditional Icelandic dish consisting of a mashed stew of boiled fish (usually cod or haddock), potatoes, and onions, often bound together with béch

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa Tickets Attraction

Book at least 2 weeks in advance, up to 3 months for peak times.

The Blue Lagoon is highly popular and requires pre-booking for entry, which often sells out, especially for specific time slots.

Ice Cave Tours (Winter) tour_or_activity

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance.

Ice cave access is strictly limited by tour operators and capacity is quickly filled for this highly seasonal, sought-after activity.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Northern Lights Tours (during winter season) tour_or_activity

Book 2–8 weeks in advance.

Tours, particularly smaller group and Super Jeep tours, have limited capacity and are very popular during the high-demand winter viewing season (September-April).

Accommodation in Reykjavik Accommodation

Book 1–6 months in advance, especially for summer.

Accommodation options can be limited and prices increase significantly when booking closer to the travel date, especially in the high season.

Multi-Day Tour Packages tour_or_activity

Book at least 3 weeks in advance, up to 6 months for complex itineraries.

Multi-day tours often include accommodation, transportation, and specialized activities like ice caving, all of which have limited availability and require advanced coordination.

Fun Facts

1. Reykjavík was the first non-native English-speaking city to be designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011, recognizing its rich literary heritage and abundance of literary treasures.
2. For 60 years, dogs were banned from living in Reykjavík, with the ban being issued in 1924, which led to cats becoming the city's preferred pet.
3. Reykjavík is the northernmost capital city of a sovereign state in the world.
4. It's possible to see both puffins and whales in the area during the summer months, though whales can be seen year-round.

Ready to explore Reykjavik?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip