Luxury and boutique hotel destinations
Become a member

Boutique hotels in Reykjavík

Holidays in Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík Overview

Iceland

Coastline
A place apart
Coast life
Going to extremes

Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle and surrounded by a volcanic landscape, Reykjavík has developed its own fascinating and wonderfully idiosyncratic sense of style.

Far from being some remote and frozen outpost, visitors quickly discover that Reykjavík has nightlife every bit as hot as the city’s geothermally heated pools. The locals are also some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet. Many of them believe in the existence of elves and trolls, which we find weirdly charming. With a unique combination of glaciers, volcanoes, hip clubs and stylish bars, there's ample opportunity to explore the wild and untamed. If you're looking for something a little different, then Reykjavík is most definitely it.

Remarkably Reykjavík

How many other European capitals can offer both whale-watching and puffin safaris? The Whale Watching Centre (+354 533 2660; www.whalewatching.is) has a catamaran that leaves from the main harbour and heads out into Faxaflói Bay. There’s a very good chance of seeing minke whales and the occasional humpback. The trip also takes in tiny Lundey Island, which is home to some 20,000 puffins.

Local knowledge

Taxis
The city centre is comfortably walkable. Taxis are relatively inexpensive for short journeys though they can be scarce in the small hours. The main taxi ranks are located on Lækjargata and opposite Hallgrímskirkja church.

Tipping culture
Tipping is practically unheard of in Iceland; it could even be regarded as vaguely insulting. A service charge is automatically added to most bills.

Packing tips
Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable but you can always warm up in one of the many geothermally heated hot pools. Pack a thick jumper and some swimwear – although you’ll only need the latter when bathing. The smell of wet wool ain’t so sexy.

Recommended reads
101 Reykjavík by Hallgrímur Helgason; Independent People by Hallðór Laxness. The celebrated sagas are not just heroic tales of feuding Vikings, raiding parties and hidden gold; they are a living tradition and a cornerstone of Icelandic culture. Hermann Pálsson's translation of Égill’s Saga is one of the best.

Cuisine
The seafood is so good that Iceland fought the Cod War against Britain in the Seventies to protect its fishing grounds. The fresh langoustine, herring and salmon are delicious. The national delicacy of hákárl (putrefied shark meat) is strictly for gastro adventurers only.

Currency
Icelandic króna.

Dialing codes
354 is the country code.

Do go/don't go
In the height of summer the sun hardly slips below the horizon. If the mood takes you, the long hours of sunlight make it possible to play golf in the middle of the night. Winter is the complete opposite, with long hours of darkness, but perfect conditions for snowmobiling and dog-sledding.