Highlights
Buildings of Interest
Our hotels are all conveniently close to many of Reykjavik’s main attractions. Don’t miss Althingi, the Icelandic House of Parliament, a classic 19th century structure built in 1881, the sparkling Harpa Concert Hall on the water’s edge and the Church of Hallgrímur (Hallgrímskirkja), a major symbol of Reykjavik city which stands proudly on top of a hill and offers panoramic views.
Whale-Watching
Spend a few hours taking in the majestic beauty of Icelandic wildlife as you set sail from the Old Harbour on a whale-watching tour. The ocean is a natural habitat for around 20 species of whales – the most common are the Minke Whales, White-Beaked dolphins and Harbour Porpoise, but occasionally you may see Humpback Whales, Killer/Orcas, Fin and Blue whales. Following your tour, head to the Grandi area to see the Whales of Iceland exhibition.
Videy Island
Just a few minutes away by boat, Videy Island is a unique site that combines history, culture and nature. Having been inhabited until the 1940s, it is here that you can find Videyjarstofa, the oldest stone building in Iceland, built for the High Sheriff in 1752. There are scenic hiking paths around the 1.7km2 island, which is renowned for its varied bird life, and you can visit the Imagine Peace Tower, conceived by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon.
Museums
Noteworthy landmarks are the Reykjavik Maritime Museum where you can learn about the country’s seafaring heritage, Arbaer Open Air Museum where live actors offer an insight into how Icelanders used to live before the country underwent its period of industrialisation, and the National Museum, which houses over 2,000 artefacts from Iceland’s rich history.
Day Trips - Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon
A must-see area just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik is the Golden Circle, where you can find three of Iceland’s most impressive natural sites. Start in the Geysir geothermal area, home to the most energetic spouting spring Strokkur, followed by a visit to the spectacular 150-foot Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-World Heritage Site and geological phenomenon. Then, after a long day of adventures, head to the world-famous Blue Lagoon also just 45-minutes away, a beautiful geothermal spa set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape, where you can bathe in healing, mineral-rich waters surrounded by pure Icelandic air.