Reykjavik (Reykjavík) [1] is the capital and largest city of Iceland with a population of 114,000.

Reykjavík Old Town and Hallgrímskirkja

Understand

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. It is the center of culture and life of the Icelandic people. It is also the tourist capital of Iceland. Reykjavik is one of the few capital cities in Europe that isn't built up for tourism, so tourists can get a nice view of tourist things at the same time experiencing how Icelanders live their lives.

Get in

By plane

• Keflavík International Airport (Icelandic: Keflavíkurflugvöllur, IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), ☎ +354 425 0600 (fax: +354 425 0610), [2]. Keflavík International Airport is Iceland's only international airport, and is located 30 miles (50 KM) from Reykjavik in the town of Keflavík.

• Reykjavík Airport (Icelandic: Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, IATA: RKV, ICAO: BIRK).

Icelandair is the main international airliner of Iceland. Icelandair flies to a wide range of European cities as well as the American cities of New York, Boston, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Orlando and San Francisco (summer).

Iceland Express is another international airliner which serves Denmark, England, and Germany. Air Atlanta Icelandic is the main charter airline, and the biggest charter airline in the world.

The main domestic airline, Flugfélag Íslands (Air Iceland) also serves destinations to Faroe Islands, Kulusuk, Narsarsuaq, and Constable Point.

British Airways has direct service to Iceland from London Gatwick starting March 2006. SAS Braathens has also commenced flights to Iceland from Oslo starting March 2006.

By car

There are rental car services all over Iceland, and many in Reykjavík such as Hertz, Avis, and National Rent-a-car. They tend to be quite expensive. The cheapest car at the cheapest dealer you may find would average out to about 5500 ISK. ($86) each day. If you tend to just stay in Reykjavík, renting a car is not necessary as the bus system is great. But if you plan to leave Reykjavík to the countryside, then renting a car is the best way to experience Iceland.

By bus

Once you have landed at Keflavík, the most common way to get to Reykjavík is by the FlyBus (Coach). The coach takes you into the city to the major hotels and stops. In Reykjavík, the Strætó will then be the bus system taking you all over the city and even to Hafnarfjörður.

By boat

If you have an abundance of time, it is possible to take the Smyril Line (a cruise company based out of the Faroe Islands) between Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and mainland Europe. This service is on the expensive side, but it puts you on the other side of the country. If you intend to bring your car along, this is the only way to go.

Get around

Driving in Reykjavik is the preferred method for most residents there. As a tourist though, a bus card wouldn't go astray as you can take it almost anywhere in the capital area despite their latest change to routes. Driving is recommended though for travel outside of Reykjavik and its suburbs. Compared to most other modern European cities, Reykjavik actually manages to have a reasonable amount of parking spaces, especially for a city that boasts the most cars per capita in the world.

Reykjavik has a public bus system that is clean and reliable. Single rides, however, are expensive at 280 ISK (~$4). If you're staying outside the city served by a bus route (the hostel + campground) it's best to get a Reykjavik Tourist Card, which allows unlimited access to the buses, along with free museums and free internet at the hostel. The tourist cards are available at the Tourist Information Center near the main square, and also at some hotels. A one-day card costs 1200 ISK, two days costs 1700 ISK, and three days costs 2200 ISK.

Depending on the frequency you use the bus system, Strætó (http://www.straeto.is/english), you might want to buy a yellow card bus pass. Bus passes may be purchased at all Reykjavik bus stations (Lækjartorg, Hlemmur, Mjódd etc.). The bus system is very fast and very reliable. Most areas of interest in Reykjavik are accessible by bus.

Walking in Reykjavik is highly recommended. The city is very beautiful, and the sidewalk and pathway system is first-rate. Please use caution when crossing streets, though; Reykjavik drivers have very little regard for pedestrians.

See

• The Old City is very pleasant. Plan to spend at least a couple hours just wandering around.
• The fantastic view from Perlan, the rotating restaurant on top of the water towers. You don't need to dine there, just go up and out onto the viewing platforms. The view is fantastic.
• The National Cathedral is located next to Althingi and is a very small church. It has a very controversial pavement which layout resembles a heathen cross inside a circle (may be relain by now).
• The Reykjavik Pond. Where young and old gather to feed the ducks, don't forget to bring some bread.

• Althingi is located by Austurvöllur, a green spot in the middle of downtown Reykjavik close to the pond, it is a big stone building with a new extention (c.a. 2005).

• National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands), Suðurgata 41 (Bus no. 1,3,4,5,6,12 and 14 stop in front of or near the museum.), ☎ +354 530-2200 (natmus@natmus.is, fax: +354 530-2201), [3]. Winter (September 16th - April 30th): Daily except Mondays 11-17. Summer (May 1st - September 15th): Daily 10-17.. The National Museum has a restaurant with a good view of the city. Admission: Adults: 600 ISK; Children (Under 18): Free; Seniors, Students, Groups (10+): 300 ISK; Wednesdays: Free.

• Hallgrímskirkja Church, Skólavörðuholti (hallgrimskirkja@hallgrimakirkja.is), [4]. Hours: Mass: Sunday 11:00; Church tower: Daily 09:00 - 20:00. This can't miss attraction towers over the city on top of a hill. In front is a statue of Leif Ericsson, the Viking explorer who sailed to North America in the 10th century. The United States gave this statue to Iceland in 1930, in honor of the 1,000th anniversary of the Althingi, the Iceland parliament. Admission to the tower: Adults: 350 ISK, Children (6 - 12) 50 ISK.

• Reykjavik Domestic Animal Zoo, Hafrafell v/ Engjaveg, ☎ +354 57 57 800 (postur@husdyragardur.is, fax: +354 57 57 801), [5]. Admission: Adults (12 years +): 450 Isk, Children (Under 4 years): Free, Children (4 - 12): 350 Isk.

Do

• Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Háskólabíó v/Hagatorg, ☎ +354 545 2500 (sinfonia@sinfonia.is, fax: +354-562-4475), [6].

Learn

• University of Iceland, Sudurgata 1, ☎ +354 525 4000 (hi@hi.is, fax: +354 552 1331), [7].

• Reykjavík University, ☎ +354 599 6200 (info@ru.is, fax: +354 599 6201), [8].

• Iceland University of Education, Address, [9].

Work

Buy

The main shopping street, Laugavegur has many funky boutiques, with both Icelandic and international designs. Skólavörðustígur, which runs up to Hallgrimskirkja has a range of souvenir and craft shops where you can find a perfect gift for the family.

If you yearn for international chains such as Zara and Debenhams, then head to one of 2 malls in the capital area; Kringlan in Reykjavik and the newer Smáralind in neighboring Kópavogur. Though keep in mind, everything in Iceland probably costs more than it does back home. Sometimes as much as 3-4 times the price as in neighboring countries, mainly because of taxes (24.5% sales tax), import duties and so on. Though there are exceptions to this rule.

Eat

Budget

Food in Iceland is expensive. In order not to break the bank, you'll need to be smart when eating. On the budget side, you're mostly looking at international-type fast food options common to what you'd find in Europe and America.

• 1011 is a chain of convience stores with plenty of ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches, wraps, and surprisingly enough, tacos.

• There's a little Indian restaurant packed into a tiny building just near the main square, which serves nice food. (It was at one point practically the only eating-out we could afford!)

• Even better, you can find a fish shop which will sell you some ridiculously fresh and absolutely delicious fish, at a very reasonable price, and cook it yourself with some potatoes and vegetables. It'll be really nice.

• Try one of the Hot-Dog places that are found everywhere. This German import has become throughly Iceland-ized. A dog should set you back 200ISK. Try the dogs that come wrapped in the bun with spicy mustard.

• There are tons of cafes everywhere in the city that are relatively inexpensive and a great place to sit, relax, warm up, or check your e-mail if you bring your computer.

• In addition to its restaurant, Perlan also has a cafe. You can eat with same view and a much cheaper price!

Mid-range

There are many fantastic fish restaurants in Reykjavik. The more expensive ones down by the harbour or in the centre, or if you're not so rich try heading towards the old town. Við Tjörnina is always a good choice and 3 Frakkar hjá Úlvari is known for having whale on its menu. Plan on at least 2,000 ISK for any meal not in a budget/fast-food restaurant. Seriously.

Splurge

Avoid eating at your hotel and instead experience one of the fabulous tiny restaurants in the city.

• Vegamot, Vegamótastíg 4, Reykjavik ph: (+354) 511-3040 (email: mailto:vegamot@vegamot.is) [10]The best bargain in all of Reykjavik, and considered to be one of the hottest restaurants downtown currently and after-hours boasts quite a happening nightclub though the age limit is somewhat of a buzzkill even for those of legal drinking age here.

• Humarhusid (The Lobster house) Amtmannsstig 1, Reykjavik 101 ph: (+354) 561 3303 (email: mailto:humarhusid@humarhusid.is) [11] On the expensive end, but has exquisite food that the prices reflect.

• Perlan ph:(+354) 562 0200 (email: mailto:perlan@perlan.is, fax:(+354) 562 0207) [12] A better bet would be to head to the top of the hill and dine at the revolving restaurant here (which also has wonderful gelato at the cafe below where you can walk outside the Pearl and see full 360 degree views of Reykjavik below). Perlan is an expensive place to dine but of course it's pretty unique and gives you a second-to-none view over Reykjavik so it's understandable how they can push the prices up. Plenty of Icelanders seem to like to dress up and go for a posh meal there so it's not just for tourists. (We only had a cup of tea there!) If you dine at the Perlan be sure to have the lamb, absolutly fantastic.

Drink

Considered to have some of the best nightlife in all of Europe, it can be almost guaranteed that you haven't really "partied" until you've done it here. That fact is proven by the amount of celebrities who come specifically for it (and because of the legendary beauty of Iceland's women).

Drinking is expensive - expect to pay at least 500ISK for a draft pint at a bar. Bottled beers and mixed drinks are more expensive, and sometimes outlandishly so. Despite the cost, going out in Reykjavik is a fun experience. Since alcohol is expensive at Reykjavik bars and clubs, Icelanders stay at home drinking until about midnight, then they will wander to the bars. Do not expect bars and clubs to become crowded until about 1AM. Some bars charge a cover of 500-2,000ISK after midnight on weekends.

Bars are open until 1AM on weeknights (at which point the mid-summer dawn will already be underway), but most will stay open until 7AM or 8AM on Friday and Saturday. During the weekends, expect live music at almost all bars in Reykjavik. If there is not a band playing, often Icelanders will bring their own instruments and will jam.

Clubs

When in Reykjavik, make sure to go clubbing. Reykjavik is home to an incredibly high proportion of beautiful people (as an example, there are three Miss Universes from Reykjavik's 190,000 inhabitants), and is a notable party hotspot.

• Club Pravda, Austurstræti 22, ☎ +354 552 9222, [13].

• Kaffibarinn, Bergstaðarstaeti 1, ☎ +354 551 1588.

• b5, Bankastraeti 5, ☎ +354 552 9600 (b5@b5.is), [14]. +354 580 8609.

Sleep

Budget

• Laugardalur Campsite Sundlaugavegur 34, 105, +354 568 6944 (email: info@reykjavikcampsite.is, fax: +354 588 9201) [15] open May 15th - Sep 15th. The cheapest place to stay in Reykjavik, and approx. 30 min walk from the city centre, or a short bus journey. The campsite is big and offers decent washing and cooking facilities and people often leave their leftover camping stove fuel for others after leaving Iceland! (Fuel is really expensive in Iceland!) On cold and rainy days, Iceland's biggest pool is situated right next door! Clothes can also be washed at the neighbouring youth hostel.
• Reykjavik City Hostel Sundlaugavegur 34, 104, +354 553 8110, (email: info@hostel.is, fax: +354 588 9201) [16] Open all year. The only youth hostel in the city, with excellent facilities. Dorm beds start at 1900ISK during the winter, rising in the summer.

Mid-range

• Gistihusid Isafold (Isafold Guesthouse), Barugata. [17] Very comfortable and accommodating
• Guesthouse Andrea Njardargata, +354 899 5597, (email: Siggi on sigurdur@danol.is) Great location in the city centre, relatively small, extremely nice and clean. Also offers low-budget accommodation in dorms.

Splurge

• 101 Hotel, Hverfisgata 10, 101 Reykjavík, +354 580 0101, (email: 101hotel@101hotel.is), [18]
• Hótel Borg, Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavik, +354 551 1440, (email: hotelborg@hotelborg.is),[19]
• Hotel Holt, Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavik, +354 552 5700 (email: holt@holt.is), [20]

Contact

Though Icelandic is the official language, English is spoken quite fluently by most everyone you will meet and you should have no problems when it comes to communication.

Stay safe

Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Just be sure to avoid the fights that break out amongst the most intoxicated partyers in bars and most often on the street on the weekends. The people are incredibly friendly and police are also friendly and very helpful.

DO NOT drink 'Landi', it is a moonshine created from Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) often drunk by Icelanders who can't afford the real thing. It causes numerous health problems, quite frequently permanent blindness (if you're lucky).

The homeless generally hang in the area around the Hlemmur bus station. They usually don't bother people except not even to ask for spare change, they do act in a bizarre manner sometimes, though.

Cope

If you can bear to be asked by almost every Icelander you meet "How do you like Iceland?", you´re set for the trip.

Get out

By booking a trans-Atlantic ticket on Icelandair with a free "stop-over" of up to a week in Reykjavik, you can follow a visit to Iceland with a visit to London, Paris, Glasgow, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or another city in Europe, or to Washington (D.C.), Boston, Orlando, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, or another U.S. city.