With ash-streaked glaciers and thundering waterfalls, the land of ice and fire can feel remote and otherworldly. But in reality, this Nordic country has never been easier to reach. Direct flights from London (from £60pp) will take you there in just three hours. And it’s possible to stretch your pennies a little further once you land – all you need is some careful planning and a sense of adventure!
See the lights
With clear skies (and a bit of luck on your side) it’s possible to see the Northern Lights anywhere – even in downtown Reykjavík! The best spots do tend to be on the coast (such as along the Sculpture and Shore Walk) where you have a broad horizon without bright lights polluting the sky.
If you don’t get a chance to see this spellbinding spectacle, a visit to Reykjavík’s Aurora Museum is the next best thing. This multimedia centre uses a large high-definition projection and touch screens to bring that iconic green glow to life.
Exploring Reykjavik
Pay a visit to the world’s northernmost capital – a small city with a big soul
Start your trip with a free, two-hour City Walk tour which gives a glimpse into the history of Iceland, the evolution of Reykjavík as a town and Icelandic culture in general. The tour departs multiple times a day all year around and has no fixed price (but tips are welcomed).
Consider yourself a culture vulture? Then why not invest in a Reykjavík city card (approx £36 for 48 hours) which provides free entry to many museums, thermal pools and public transport. Highlights include:
Maritime Museum Explore exhibitions and artefacts that bring the country’s ocean history to life – from battling the waves, to the ‘Cod Wars’ and beyond. Plus, the chance to climb aboard the Óðinn – a 900-ton coastguard ship.
Arbaer Open Air Museum Take a journey through time, where costumed guides, exhibitions, demonstrations and tours reveal how Reykjavík became a vibrant capital city.
Videy Island – This short boat-ride will introduce you to stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces. From nesting birds and panoramic views, to Yoko Ono’s famous ‘Imagine Peace Tower’ and sculptor Richard Serra’s ‘Milestones’ artwork, it’s an oasis of peace, beauty and history.
The golden ticket
Want to freely roam the rugged landscape? Booking a hire car in advance gives you the best chance of nabbing a great-value deal, with prices starting from just £65 for a four-day rental.
If you’d prefer someone else to take the wheel, book a sightseeing tour on the Golden Circle route to witness the best spots:
Strokkur – an active geyser which continually blows about every five to ten minutes, shooting water more than 20m (65ft) into the sky
Gullfoss Waterfall – famous for its multi-step cascade along the bend of the Hvitá River, it produces a deafening rumble as the water plunges down into a deep gorge
Þingvellir National Park – a World UNESCO Heritage Site, filled with breathtaking natural vistas and jagged cliffs, home to the Alþing (Althing) – an ancient site established by The Vikings.
Cheap eats
Save money by opting for lunches over dinners, sampling the gourmet fast food and trying your hand at self-catering.
Hot dogs are a national obsession in Iceland and Bæjarins Beztu is especially adored by Reykjavík locals – plus they only cost around £5. Take advantage of reasonably priced lunch specials at Ostabúðin – a half-restaurant, half-gourmet deli.
Tap water is safe to drink, so don’t buy bottled water. Avoid expensive Danish hams and exotic fruits in supermarkets and choose locally produced dairy and fish, which is often cheaper.
You can find harðfiskur – a popular dried fish snack – at most supermarkets and market stalls.
TOP TIP: Some of the cheapest guided excursions in Iceland are run by a company called Bus Travel Iceland. Prices start from around £42 per person, including transport
Take a dip
Fancy a dip in the Blue Lagoon? These picturesque hot springs are breathtakingly beautiful, but there’s a £75 price tag to match. There are plenty of other thermal spots to soak in for free in Iceland. Landbrotalaug – located two hours north of Reykjavík – has a small deep spring and a second larger but shallower spring. While at Reykjadalu, hot water mixes together with colder streams, forming a warm river.
If you don’t want to venture too far down the beaten track, Reyjavik has numerous places to swim and they are all heated – thanks to the surrounding volcanoes generating geothermal energy in the earth. The largest and most popular pool is at Laugardalur Valley, boasting two 50m pools, seven hot tubs, a steam bath and cold tub.
Handy contacts
Iceland tourism board www.inspiredbyiceland.com
Reykjavík city card www.visitreykjavik.is
Bus Tours Iceland www.bustravel.is