Reykjavik holidays

The best way to explore any city is through your taste buds, and this certainly rings true in Reykjavik. For a hearty lunch, sample some kjötsúpa. Rich in flavour, it’s the perfect comfort food on a rainy day. It’s typically made from lamb shank, potatoes, swede and carrots, although some come with leeks, dried herbs and onions, too. If that doesn’t appeal to you, then an Icelandic hot dog surely will. While they may not sound like anything special, they’re often recognised as the best in the world. Think a warm bun and lamb meat topped with crispy onions, raw onions, a sweet sauce called pylsusinnep and remoulade. For a sweet treat, try sweet fruit and skyr. Similar to Greek yoghurt with a milder taste, it’s a cultured dairy product that’s very popular in Iceland. It’s often paired with berries and makes for a healthy, delicious dessert.

Towering over Reykjavik’s downtown area, Hallgrímskirkja church is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. In fact, it is recognised as the biggest in the entire country and can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the city. Featuring an immense mechanical organ alongside the unique architecture, it’s as fascinating inside as it is out. At the top of the tall tower is a viewing platform, where you can get the very best view of Reykjavik. Small yet pretty, Tjörnin is the city’s central pond. If you’re heading to Reykjavik in the winter, you can try ice-skating on this natural rink or even play a very slippery game of football. In summer, however, the plants bloom all around the pretty pond, which reflects the light beautifully. It makes for the perfect evening stroll, particularly as the sun starts to set and casts an orange glow over the water.

Reykjavik has become an increasingly popular city break destination, and it’s not hard to see why. Offering natural beauty and plenty of culture, there’s plenty to do no matter the weather.

Harpa: Known as one of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks, Harpa is a modern honey-comb like structure. Not only is it fascinating to look at, but it’s also a concert hall and conference hall that hosts a wealth of events. Even if you don’t have time to see a show or view one of the regular exhibitions, stop off to explore the building or grab a bite to eat at the cafe. You can get a fantastic view of the nearby harbour and city from the observation deck inside.

Explore the Golden Circle: Located in southwest Iceland, the Golden Circle is a route featuring UNESCO-recognised beauty spots. Consisting of Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall, the route takes you around some of Iceland’s most fantastic natural sights. It’s well worth heading outside of Reykjavik to explore these beautiful feats of nature, with tours departing the city centre regularly.