Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is a city that boasts unbelievably beautiful surroundings. From its old-fashioned whitewashed buildings to its ever-expanding modern sector, Reykjavik is any travelers dream (travelers who enjoy cold weather, that is). The land that surrounds the airport is a testament to what surprises are in store for you at your arrival. Lava fields a great in number, and some are continually being altered by the magma rolling out of a few remaining active volcanoes. To get a sense of the islands layout, only about one-fifth of the land-mass that makes up Iceland is habitable, and a fraction of that percentage are its cities and towns. But this only adds to Reykjaviks mystique, and if youre up for an adventure, you can grab yourself some keys to a rental-car and you can be on your way to some of the most amazing sights in the world.

When to go

Summer is not exactly beach-going weather in Reykjavik, but it is the warmest, at an average daily temperature of 50F. Youll definitely have to pack some sweaters, but you can enjoy the sunny skies and fresh North Atlantic breezes to your hearts content. Spring and autumn are more closely aligned with Icelands winter season, when its not out of the ordinary to see snowfall, gray skies, and a lot of rain for extended periods of time. It is because of these conditions that most of the citys tourism-oriented businesses are either closed or boarded-up until the summer. However, if you happen to enjoy bundling up and carrying some hand-warmers, winter is the season to see the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis in its full splendor. Youll also get to see what its like to get two hours of sunlight each day!

Getting there and around

International flights to Reykjavik head over to Keflavik International Airport, a distant 48km (30mi) away. The airport receives almost-daily flights from just about every part of the globe, but though getting there may be easy, the ride to town can be a burden. Buses transport travelers to and from the city, and the fare is quite reasonable. Though taxis are much more comfortable alternatives, theyll also cost you at least 10x the price of a bus ticket.

Reykjavik has a great bus system known as the SVR. It runs most of the day, except for Sundays, when operating times start later in the morning. There are a number of terminals where you can obtain your tickets. If youd like a bit more freedom with travel, however, you can rent a vehicle, and wellits safe to say you wont be fighting for any parking spots, so there are no limitations as to where you can go.

Attractions

Reykjavik is known for its beauty, and a place that only enhances its image is the Botanical Garden. The Garden is laid out over a large expanse of land, and though there are species here with foreign origins, most (65%) are indeed Icelandic in nature. There are great walking trails, beautiful water displays, and the Gardens greenhouse doubles as a caf, which is known for its waffles. A small childrens park/zoo is also located on the grounds.

Icelands most famed sculptor got his due when Reykjavik commissioned a museum (Einar Jonsson Museum) dedicated to his work. Surprisingly enough, the buildings architecture was thought up by the artist himself, and inside youll find plenty of amazing 20-century pieces to awe you for a few hours.

Adults and children alike seem to find enjoyment in the citys chief zoo and amusement park, but most of that enjoyment is a result of the title of the complex, Fjolskyldugarourinn & Husdyragarourinn. Its whimsical name always gets pronunciation attempters tongue-tied, but youll soon become enveloped in the parks and zoos attractions and forget all about it (that is until you exit the center).

Icelands National Museum is located in the capital, and though it has an enormous collection of items from the ages of the Vikings, its chief display item will have you awestruck. The Valpjofsstadur church door was carved c.1200 AD, and while it may seem a bit ordinary from a distance, step closer and youll see a full Norse battle image carved into its surface.