Weekend winter break
A short 3-hour flight from Luton was a serene experience without my little people in tow and the calm, tranquil vibe continued upon arrival. We were greeted with a modern and immaculate airport that operated with extreme efficiency. Outside more modern architecture and sculptures, with a hint of snow - yet the most well salted/shovelled pavements I have ever seen - we seriously need to learn from the Icelandic people.
Reykjavik makes a great base to explore Iceland's wonders, with excellent excursion availability and pickups, plus a good selection of hotels, shops, bars and restaurants. It is about a 45-minute taxi ride from Keflavik airport, which will cost you around £100. You can get a fly-bus for around £42 return ticket and this has various bus-stops throughout Reykjavik.
The landscape was a blanket of white as we drove to Reykjavik. The buildings in Iceland are no different in the city, a Scandinavian design is throughout. Some buildings are more picturesque than others, some more modern. The snow seems to make everything look beautiful; however I believe the landscape will be a lush green in the summer and equally as enchanting. I was amazed by the giant icicles hanging from the roofs!
The weather was a cool - 6° during our stay, yet it was not an unbearable chill. We took ample thermals and under-layers, yet quite often while walking around the city you could take a layer off. I maintain that the best investment of my trip was a very decent pair of thermal shoes. Warm toes matter!
The Blue Lagoon is my must do experience while you are here and is worth the price tag, in my opinion. A relaxing dip in 39° waters, cloudy with natural silica. Steam rises and your vision is short, float around or navigate slowly to the swim-up bar, perhaps a silica facemask from the stand. A gourmet dining experience is a perfect way to end the day in the Lava restaurant, with views of the lagoon. The minimal set menu is delightful, with local dishes such as Arctic Char to start, followed by beef tenderloin cooked to perfection. However, what blew me away was the butter churned with skyr - incredible!
Some traditional dishes include fermented shark, which would have been eaten by Vikings, or whale. One of only two countries that sell the dish. If these exotic meals aren't to your taste fear not, a vast range of restaurants and cuisines is available and everywhere we ate was delicious. The hot dog stand was truly the best hot dog I have ever tasted - even some visiting New Yorkers agreed!
Another excursion worth reviewing is the Golden Circle tour, which allowed viewing of lots of amazing sights in one day. Regrettably I did not see the Northern Lights, however I am not too disappointed as it means I will have to go back! The best time of the year to view the Aurora Borealis is March, weather depending. Next time I visit will be glaciers, snowmobiling and northern lights.
Things to consider...
Time of year and what you want to do. The winter has very short days so longer excursions may not be possible. Yet in summer it doesn't really get dark, so Northern Lights will not be seen.
The cost! It is very cheap to fly here, and the hotels are reasonable too, however the cost of living is high. An average beer will set you back about £10 and an average meal of a burger is between £15-£20.
How long to go for: With so much to see and do, I recommend you review the trips and duration before booking. This way you can decide how long to go for, or like me decide two trips will be necessary.
In closing, put this place on your to do list.