Reykjavík Region Things to Do Tips by seamandrew Top 5 Page for this destination

Gullfoss Glaciers/ Geysers/ Waterfalls Review

About an hour's drive away from Reykjavik is Gullfoss (pronounced Gutl-foss). This majestic waterfall is quite humbling. The power that runs through it's falls really make you realize how powerless we are compared to nature. The beauty of the canyon it runs through, and the falls themselves, are hard to match in our world. It's a popular tourist site with a great history. An Icelandic woman fought to keep Gullfoss from being turned into a hydroelectric powerplant. She won her battle and thanks to her, we can still enjoy this marvel of nature. You can visit this on the same day you visit Þingvellir and Geysir. Please see my Travelogue for more pictures

Directions: Þingvellir is a town on the Þingvallavatn (a lake). Follow the road to Geysir and then to Gullfoss.

Whale Watching in Iceland. Whale Watching Review

Iceland is considered by various whale watching experts and tour operators as Europe's new 'Hot Spot', with astonishingly high sighting rates. The most common whales spotted are the friendly minke whales but also blue whales, humpback whales, sei and fin whales, killer whales and of course a number of dolphins including white beaks and harbor porpoises. Tours depart from several locations in Iceland such as Hafnarfjordur near Reykjavik, Breiddalsvik in the East, Olafsvik in the West, and the Westmann Islands in the South. But the most popular spot for whale watching is from Husavik, which is regarded by many as the 'Whale Watching Capital of Europe.' Cruises are made on a quiet, old-fashioned oaken boat and on shore there is an exhibition center dedicated to the many species of whales that sport in the bay. The season runs from May through September.

Address: North Sailing / Gamli Baukur / 640 Húsavík / IS

Other Contact: info@nordursigling.is

Phone: (+354) 464 2350

Website: http://www.nordursigling.is/

Blue Lagoon Blue Lagoon Review

The Blue Lagoon is a man-made hotspring that allows people to kick back and soak in some warm (mostly hot actually), soothing water. A geothermal water plant located nearby pumps water out from deep in the ground. This naturally heated water, rich in minerals, is collected in this lagoon. On a cold day, it's a great place to warm up.

The sediment that accumlates from all the mineral deposit is supposed to be good for people who suffer from conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. The only downside to it all was the smell of sulfur. It is otherwise a great way to spend your time. If your flight leaves in the afternoon, you can hit this spot on your way to the airport and relax before your flight. Many travelers stop here during their layover.

Directions: The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland only 15 minutes from Keflavik International Airport and 40 minutes from the capital, Reykjavik.

Phone: +354 420 8800

Website: http://www.bluelagoon.is

Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland is one of those great places where you can see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). We were fortunate enough to see the spectacle in Reykjavik amid all the city lights. It was faint and we could not capture the event on film. I borrowed this picture from a website. Try to make an effort to see them live. It's wild!

Address: Anywhere dark, at night, in Iceland should be good

Website: http://www.iww.is/art/shs/pages/thumbs.html

Öxaráfoss

The Öxaráfoss is a small but immensly beautiful waterfall at Þingvellir. Be sure to take the path right up to the base of the waterfall. The hike is well worth the trip. This waterfall sits at the fissure of the mid-Atlantic ridge. How cool is that!
There´s a parking lot right where the trail starts. Please see my travelogue for more pictures.

Directions: Þingvellir, Iceland

City Hall Buildings Review

The Reykjavik City Hall is worth seeing because it is located on the Tjörn and it´s design is quite unique to the majority of Icelandic architecture. It is a very modern building and I read that many residents of Reykjavik were displeased with it´s construction. I think it looks pretty cool to me! I suppose there is always some disagreement with change.

Directions: Right on the Tjörn.

Þingvellir

Þingvellir (pronounced Thingvetlir) is one of Iceland's most improtant historical sites. On this site, the first democracy was created back in the 10th century. Even after Iceland lost it's independence to Norway, and subsequently to Denmark, this site remained a meeting place for Icelanders to discuss issues, laws, and have a good duel. It's location is perfect. Perfectly placed on Þingvallavatn, and surrounded by mountains, and volcanic fissures (which have made either beautiful canyons or breathtaking pool filled canyons. You can include Þingvellir in your daytrip to this site, Geysir, and Gullfoss. It´s called the Golden Circle.
Don´t miss the Öxaráfoss at Þingvellir. Please see my travelogue for more pictures.

Directions: Þingvellir, Iceland.

The Hallgrímskirkja Hallgrimskirkja Review

This beautiful cathedral is one of the largest structures in Reykjavik. You can spot it as you approach the city from quite a distance. On the inside, the cathedral is quite modern and spacious and it is home to an immense organ. You can also take an elevetor to the top of the tower and have quite a view of the city. It's well worth a visit.

Address: Njarðargata

Other Contact: Open 10-6 daily

Geysir Glaciers/ Geysers/ Waterfalls Review

Geysir park is home to several Geysers. Geysir, the largest is of greatest fame. All of the geysers in the world get there name from Geysir. It no longer erupts that often, and at times, manmade eruptions are done using soap. Strokkur, a smaller geyser just a stone's throw from Geysir never fails to impress. It erupts every 10-15 minutes and shoots up about 20 meters. The picture shows Strokkur in all it's splendor. You can include Geysir park on your day trip of Þingvellir, and Gullfoss. Please see my travelogue for more pictures.

Directions: Up the road from Þingvellir

Tjörn Tjornin Review

The Tjörn is a lovely lake in the center of Reykjavik. It´s worth walking around for some nice views of the city. You can also take a look at the very modern City Hall right at the edge of the lake.