How many days should I stay in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a city full of rich culture and stunning landscapes – so you may feel undecided on how long to stay there! It is a difficult task to work out how many days are enough to explore the city and its surrounding areas. To answer the question “How many days should I stay in Reykjavik?” it’s important to consider what you want to see, what type of activity you like, and which landmarks you want to visit. Ultimately, the amount of time you spend there depends on your preferences and budget.

Determining How Many Days to Stay in Reykjavik

To determine how many days you should stay in Reykjavik, firstly decide what kind of activities you want to do while there. If you want to explore museums and shops, a minimum of three days is recommended. You could also add an extra day if you want to visit various neighborhoods and experience the culture of the area. Those who prefer outdoor activities can make the most of their time by going hiking, horseback riding, or whale watching.

When visiting Reykjavik, it is important to look up what each day might bring beforehand so you don’t end up with unexpected activities or missing out on something that was particularly special. Also, it helps to check the weather forecast for each day prior to planning the activities for each day, as some activities will be better done some days rather than others; for instance, a hike might be too difficult when it is raining and a beach day won’t be fun if there’s wind.

All in all, a stay of five to seven days is recommended in order to actually enjoy the city, its sites and its culture. It is best to spread out your activities over several days so that you can explore more places and take more exciting photographs. Of course, this will depend on your budget – some people may decide to stay for less or more if that’s possible according to their amount of money.

Things to Do During Your Stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a wide variety of activities that can be done during recommended stay. There are several world-renowned museums such as the Einar Jónsson Museum, one of the best sculpture museums in Europe located in the city’s quiet harbor area. Visitors can also enjoy the National Gallery and other interesting art galleries like the Safe Art Gallery, the Kjarvalsstadir Museum, and the Reykjavík Municipal Art Museum.

Other activities that can be done while staying in Reykjavik include outdoor hiking and trekking, visiting one or both of the geothermal bath houses (Gamla Laugin and Secret Lagoon), whale watching, horseback riding at Heidmork Nature Reserve and walking along the harbor and main streets. Additionally, visitors can check out the Hallgrímskirkja church with its interesting architecture or maybe even catch a performance at the city’s main performance venue Harpa. Visitors can also find audio walking tours online that could offer another engaging experience while exploring the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, visitors could decide to stay anywhere from three days up to seven or more depending on budget and interests but, generally speaking, a period of five to seven days is enough to explore Reykjavik and its surrounding areas and make the most out of your holiday. The key factor for deciding on a number of days is firstly to consider what kind of activities you want to do during your stay; if you are into exploring art galleries and churches, attend live performances or just want to take that special photograph, then five days should be just enough. However, if you enjoy the outdoors more and want to fit in other activities like whale watching or horseback riding then it is recommended that you stay for at least seven days. There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik so don’t forget to make time for travel within Iceland too! For more approximately calculate how many days you need in Reykjavik you can use this days calculator.

An Insider’s Guide to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a unique and beautiful destination that is overflowing with natural wonders, vibrant culture, and a rich history. Visitors to this cosmopolitan city often wonder how long to stay to soak in everything that this place has to offer. Here is an insider’s guide to help make the most of your time here.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Obvious

While the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the famous Aurora Borealis are the most popular tourist attractions in Reykjavik, there are several hidden gems that only locals would know. A walk through the tranquil Seltjarnarnes peninsula, where you can spot the local wildlife, or a visit to the unique Perlan Museum, which offers a 360-degree view of the city, are perfect ways to spend your day. The Reykjavik Harbour, where you can take a relaxing whale watching tour, is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Dining Spots: A Taste of Local Cuisine

Reykjavik is a foodie’s paradise, and it won’t disappoint you in terms of variety and flavor. Don’t miss the world-renowned hot dogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand or the hearty seafood soup from Sægreifinn, a quaint waterfront establishment. For a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere, visit Matarbærinn, a unique restaurant offering homemade Icelandic cuisine, or Grai Kotturinn, a cozy vegan diner. Make sure to try Hakarl, the traditional Icelandic lamb, and shark dish. It is a delicacy that is worth experiencing.

Cultural Experiences: Festivals and Customs

Reykjavik is known for its vibrant music festivals that attract visitors from across the globe. Don’t miss Iceland Airwaves, a five-day music festival in November that showcases Iceland’s vibrant music scene. The Reykjavik Art Festival, which takes place in May, is a celebration of contemporary art and culture from around the world. The locals, who take pride in their Viking heritage, celebrate the mid-winter festivals of Þorrablót in January and the summer solstice of Jónsmessa in June with traditional food and drinks, bonfires, and dancing.

Local History: Captivating and Intriguing Stories

Reykjavik’s history is full of rich and intriguing stories. One of them is the story of Egill Skallagrímsson, a legendary Viking warrior-poet from the 10th century, who was born and raised here. Another captivating tale is the story of the Hallgrímskirkja church, which took over 40 years to complete and was built as a tribute to Iceland’s most famous poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. You can also visit the Árbær Open Air Museum, which showcases the traditional Icelandic way of life and houses some of Iceland’s oldest houses and artifacts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

Reykjavik is renowned for its stunning natural wonders, but it’s the lesser-known spots that will make your trip unforgettable. Hiking up to mount Esja, situated to the north of the city, is a breathtaking experience, offering a panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The Grjótaþorp Viking village, close to Reykjavik, is a fascinating and interactive replica of a Viking village and allows you to experience firsthand how Icelandic Vikings lived. The Alþingi, Iceland’s oldest parliament, which has been in continuous operation since the year 930 AD, is another attraction which provides a glimpse into Viking history and modern Icelandic democracy.

In conclusion, Reykjavik is an incredible city that offers numerous attractive spots, a rich culture, fascinating history, and unforgettable experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. Use this insider’s guide to make the most of your time here, and explore this beautiful city to your heart’s content.