Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital, offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and luxurious experiences. This itinerary uncovers the best of Reykjavik and its close surroundings, ensuring a memorable five-day trip. Here’s how you can make the most of your time in the city with a mix of exploration, relaxation, and adventure activities.

Day 1: Discovering Reykjavik

Morning

Start your first day with breakfast at Braud & Co, a bakery renowned for its freshly baked sourdough bread and pastries. The vibrant storefront adds to the charm, making it a great spot to begin your day. If you prefer a sit down breakfast, then another excellent choice is Sandholt, offering an extensive menu of freshly baked bread and delicious pastries.

Afternoon

Explore Reykjavik’s character-filled streets. To start, visit to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church, one of Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks. Notably, its striking architecture is inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava flows. Additionally, take the elevator to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and its colorful rooftops. Cost to enter is 1400 ISK, which is around 10 USD / 8 GBP (see the Hallgrímskirkja Church website for the most up to date prices).

Afterward, stroll along Laugavegur, the main shopping street. This bustling street is filled with boutiques, cafes, and vibrant street art. Be sure to visit the famous Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur), a colorful pedestrian-friendly road that leads up to Hallgrímskirkja. The rainbow-painted pavement symbolizes diversity and inclusivity, making it a perfect spot for photos and people-watching.

Tip: While exploring, stop by The Handknitting Association of Iceland to browse traditional Icelandic wool products, including the iconic Lopapeysa sweaters.

To further your exploration, visit Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, a stunning glass building by the harbor. The geometric design of the façade reflects the surrounding sea and sky, creating a beautiful play of light. Inside, you can find exhibitions, a gift shop, and a cozy cafe.

Evening

For evening cocktails, head to Kokteilbarinn, one of Reykjavik’s premier cocktail bars known for its fantastic atmosphere and creative drink offerings. Moreover, the bar’s ambiance combines chic decor with a cozy, welcoming vibe, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. The cocktail menu features a diverse range of drinks crafted with precision and flair. From classic cocktails to innovative concoctions, each drink is presented with artistic elegance. Additionally, the bar staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate, often willing to create custom drinks based on your preferences.

Tip: On the way back to your accommodation, don’t miss the decadent Greek donuts at Loo.Koo.Mas. They are an indulgent treat to kickstart your Reykjavik adventure!

Day 2: Horseback Riding Adventure

Morning

Start your day with a horseback riding tour to experience the unique Icelandic horses. These small but sturdy horses are famous for their gentle nature and distinctive five gaits, including the smooth tölt. Even if you haven’t ridden in years, or ever, you’ll feel at ease with these friendly creatures. The tour takes you through stunning Icelandic landscapes, allowing you to appreciate the country’s natural beauty from a different perspective. This experience is not only about the ride itself but also about connecting with these remarkable animals and soaking in the serene surroundings. It’s a memorable and picturesque adventure that adds a special touch to your Icelandic journey.

Afternoon

After your ride, relax and enjoy the serene Icelandic countryside. You can also explore nearby trails on foot, taking in the natural beauty. Reykjavik offers several easily accessible hiking trails right from the town center. One popular option is the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, where you can walk along the coast to the tidal island of Grótta with its iconic lighthouse. This area is perfect for a relaxing stroll, offering stunning views of the city, mountains, and coastline.

For a more immersive nature experience, head to the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, located just outside the city. This conservation area features diverse landscapes including lava fields, woodlands, and lakes. The Brandskriki Loop is a popular 4 km route suitable for all fitness levels, providing a peaceful escape into nature. Another excellent trail is at Mount Esja, about 10 km from Reykjavik’s center. The hike offers various levels of difficulty, with the path to “Steinn” being moderate and suitable for most hikers. The panoramic views from Esja are a rewarding sight after the climb.

For a unique experience, consider the Reykjadalur Valley trail, located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. This trail leads to hot springs where you can bathe in a warm river surrounded by beautiful moss-covered landscapes. Moreover, this 8 km hike is moderately easy and offers a blend of geothermal activity and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Day 3: Snorkeling at Silfra

Morning

One of the highlights of your trip will be snorkeling at Silfra, located in Thingvellir National Park. Silfra is unique as it is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates—the Eurasian and North American plates. The crystal-clear water, with visibility up to 100 meters, offers a surreal sensation of floating between continents. Additionally, the water, which is glacial meltwater filtered through lava for decades, maintains a temperature of 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round, ensuring remarkable clarity and purity.

The snorkeling experience at Silfra is suitable for most people, including beginners, as long as you are comfortable in the water and can swim. You will be provided with a dry suit and snorkeling gear to protect against the cold. Experienced guides will lead you through the four main parts of Silfra: Big Crack, Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. Each section offers stunning underwater views of vibrant colors, rock formations, and unparalleled clarity.

Note: there are specific fitness and health requirements – snorkelers must:

• Be comfortable in the water and able to swim.
• Be physically fit and healthy, with no recent surgeries.
• Not be pregnant
• Meet the weight (45-120 kg) and height (150-200 cm) limits.
• Be at least 12 years old; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

You will need to read, sign, and follow directions on the Snorkeling Silfra Medical Statement. So, if you have any medical conditions, you might need approval from a physician.

Tip: Book your snorkeling tour in advance, as spots fill up quickly due to the popularity of this unique experience.

Evening

Treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at Reykjavík Kitchen, a cozy and minimalist restaurant known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious Icelandic cuisine. This popular spot offers a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. Some of the most popular dishes are their Pan Fried Cod, Lamb Ribeye, and Lightly Cured Icelandic Arctic Char.

For dessert, don’t miss the Icelandic Vínarterta, a layered cake with cardamom-infused short crust, Icelandic berry jam, bourbon vanilla patisserie cream, and mandarin granita!

Day 4: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour

Morning

Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of Iceland’s Golden Circle on a full-day sightseeing tour from Reykjavik. You’ll travel by bus to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Here, you can walk through the rift valley and marvel at the stunning geological formations. Moreover, appreciate the historical significance as the site of the world’s oldest parliament.

Next, you’ll visit the geothermal area of Geysir, home to the lively Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. It sends hot water up to 30 meters into the air! You’ll then continue your adventure to Gullfoss waterfall, known as the “Golden Falls.” Here the glacial river Hvítá plunges into a deep canyon, creating a spectacular sight and one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

Evening

After spending the day exploring the iconic landmarks of Iceland’s Golden Circle, head over to OTO, a trendy restaurant located in the heart of Reykjavik. It’s known for its innovative creations and vibrant atmosphere. The menu is a unique fusion of Icelandic and international flavors, so highlights the high-quality produce of Iceland by using locally sourced ingredients.

Day 5: Whales, Puffins, and Relaxation

Morning

Start your day off with a whale watching tour. Head over to the old harbor of Reykjavik and suit up in waterproof overalls, life jacket, goggles, and scarf. Take a speedboat past the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture. As you venture into Faxaflói Bay, keep your eyes peeled for the 23 species of whales, dolphins, and seals that call this area home, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to see some adorable puffins nesting on the islands.

Afternoon

After four and a half full days exploring, you deserve some serious relaxation! The perfect spot to do that is the Sky Lagoon, just a short drive from downtown Reykjavik. You can get there by car, taxi, or even public transport; it’s about a 15-minute drive from the city center. Unlike the more famous Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon offers a stunning infinity-edge pool that seems to merge with the North Atlantic, providing jaw-dropping views.

Start with the seven-step ritual: soak in the warm waters, brave the cold plunge pool, sweat it out in the sauna with panoramic views, and enjoy the refreshing cold mist area. Each step is designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. While at the Sky Lagoon, you can also indulge in drinks from the lagoon bar. They offer a variety of beverages, including refreshing cocktails, local beers, and non-alcoholic options, which you can sip while soaking in the warm waters.

Evening

For a memorable final dinner in Reykjavik, head to Grillmarkaðurinn. This restaurant uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to highlight the best of Icelandic cuisine. The ambiance is a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action. It’s renowned for its grilled meats and fresh seafood, making it a fitting finale to your Icelandic adventure.

Accommodation Recommendations in Reykjavik

Budget Option: Kex Hostel

Kex Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation located in the heart of Reykjavik. The hostel has a variety of room types, from dorms to private rooms, and features an on-site bar and restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

• Highlights: Easy access to cultural sites, local markets, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Ideal For: Those seeking affordable accommodation in a central location and travelers who enjoy a lively, communal atmosphere.

Mid-Range Option: Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels

Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels is a stylish and modern hotel located in a convenient area of Reykjavik. The hotel has contemporary rooms with Nordic design elements and is known for its bright and welcoming atmosphere. Each room is themed around the ancient Icelandic calendar, creating a unique experience for guests.

• Highlights: Excellent location with easy access to public transport, and complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and has an on-site bar.
• Ideal For: Couples and families seeking a balance of comfort and affordability with a bit of Icelandic culture and modern amenities.

Luxury Option: The Reykjavik EDITION

The Reykjavik EDITION is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Reykjavik, with stunning views of the harbor and the city. The hotel has top-notch amenities, elegantly designed rooms, several on-site dining options, a rooftop bar, a spa, and fitness center.

• Highlights: Exceptional service, breathtaking views from the rooms and terraces, and high-quality facilities.
• Ideal For: Travelers looking for a high-end experience with luxurious accommodations, superb dining options, and an unbeatable location in the heart of Reykjavik.