Mention Iceland to anyone and it’s one of those places that people will say, “I really want to go there!” Mention it to me and I’d say ‘I really want to go back there’. I’ve been to Iceland twice and I’d go back in a heartbeat. With its picture-perfect volcanic landscape contributing to its wealth of outdoor activities, it’s an adventurer’s dream. But before you head out to Iceland’s epic landscapes there’s plenty to see and do in the country’s capital. Read on for the best things to do in Reykjavik…
Reykjavik is such a cool city. It has a distinct design culture and artistic creativity that punches well above its weight in terms of population. There are the obvious design stars like Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrimskirkja Church and The Sea Voyager but amongst the brightly coloured corrugated homes that line the streets you’ll find another creative vibe when visiting Reykjavik. Shops crammed with design for the home, crafted from natural, sustainable Icelandic materials. The old harbour has become a design hub, brimming with workshops, galleries and artists. Here are some of my Reykjavik design favourites…
There’s a rye bread that’s been baked underground in geothermal springs in Iceland for generations. The Icelandic bread is dark, dense, deliciously sweet and it’s called Hverabrauð, Thunder Bread or Icelandic rye bread. Read on to find out about our day in Iceland and for the thunder bread recipe which I recommend you have a go at making at home (you don’t actually need a thermal lake in your garden to do this).
I went on a whirlwind, 24-hour visit, to Iceland to discover how Thunder Bread is made and to catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Celebrity Cruises and Waitrose ‘Taste of Travel’ food and travel series. The series is filmed with the lovely Rosie’s Deli Cafe owner and presenter Rosie Lovell.
I love Iceland! I’ve visited this amazing country twice; in February and August. Two different seasons with totally different weather conditions. Working out what to pack for Iceland needed some some serious thought as the weather is so unpredictable. Here’s what I’ve learned on my visits to this stunning country about what to wear in Iceland whatever time of year you visit – summer or winter. (more…)
The steaming milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland beckoned. Wearing just my swimming costume I took a deep breath and pegged-it through the biting chill of Iceland’s February weather. Wading into the hot, mineral-rich water felt all the better for the minus degree dash. I laid back and soaked blissfully as the piping hot water relaxed every muscle in my body. Heaven…
Reykjavik has a distinct vibe going on. It has a small-town feel; traditionally built wooden houses, shops packed with local design, café culture, restaurants serving amazing food, all built around a working harbour. But there’s a definite edge. Reykjavik is an intriguing capital full of creatives, culture, off-the-wall architecture, art and, of course, nature’s stunning backdrop over Faxaflói Bay to Mount Esja. So, what to see and do in Iceland’s capital city? Here are my tips for visiting Reykjavík, Iceland’s oh so cool capital.
On the road in Iceland
