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Hello, Reykjavik!

Winter has come. Well, not really. Although Reykjavik is the most northerly situated capital city in the world, it does enjoy four seasons. Still, with its year-round crisp air and coastal windiness, most visitors miss out on Reykjavik’s magical winters by zeroing in on the summer tourist season. The city has much to offer any time of the year but the enchantment rises as the temperature drops.

Whatever time of the year, there are a number of places you shouldn’t miss while in the city.A photo stop at the Hallgrímskirkja Church is a requirement on any best things to do in Reykjavik list. The church’s tower is a sight to behold. Topping at nearly 250 feet and with the cascading columns on its sides, the Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavik’s—and perhaps all of Iceland’s—most striking edifice. Climb all the way to the top and you’ll be rewarded with marvelous view of the city.

Another point for a fantastic view of the city is the Perlan - a must on any Reykjavik tour. Situated atop Oskjuhlid Hill, this glass-domed structure rests on Reykjavik’s six massive reservoir tanks. What makes the Perlan a destination is its panoramic viewing platform that shows a 360° view of the city and its surrounds. The Saga Museum is also located at the Perlan where you can view excellent waxwork figures depicting the legends of the Vikings of Iceland.

Joining Reykjavik sightseeing tours or Reykjavik walking tours is another way to enjoy and experience the city’s offerings up close. Walk around downtown Reykjavik’s most popular sites from the Old Harbour to the Reykjavik City Hall, Tjörnin Pond, and Hallgrímskirkja, and on to Laugavegur Street for a bit of shopping.

Beyond Reykjavik

After you've had your fill of Reykjavik tours, get out of the city and discover the real - or surreal - and rugged Iceland. A world-famous Icelandic destination is the Blue Lagoon. It’s a great choice for day trips from Reykjavik being only 50 minutes away by car or bus. Sure, it has gotten a bit of a reputation as a tourist trap but it is beautiful and the experience, extraordinary. Take a trip to the Blue Lagoon - tickets are often included with Reykjavik tours - and cap it off with a silica mud mask and a dip in the relaxing geothermal waters.

If you’re feeling adventurous, then maybe Reykjavik glacier tours are just what you’re looking for. There are glacier tours that can take you on and around the icy wonders but a trip to Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier, means a trip into inside it. It’s a truly unique adventure.

A Golden Circle tour is a classic among Reykjavik excursions. It’s a popular circuit for tourists to travel. Whether you’re on a super limited time - you can make a day trip out of it - or if you have the time for a multi-day Iceland tour, the Golden Circle is a neat way to see three of the most famous landmarks within 60 miles of Reykjavik: the Þingvellir, a national park of great historic and geological importance; the geysers Geysir and Strokkur at Haukadalur; and Gullfoss or Golden Falls.

Of the many Reykjavik excursions, Northern Lights tours are probably the most popular. The Aurora Borealis is always there but you must go hunting to get a better look at it. While Iceland enjoys the Northern Lights visibility roughly from September to April, finding them isn’t always a sure thing. “Hunters” are subject to the whims of the weather. The lights can be seen—although not very clearly—within the city but for the best experience, a drive or a cruise out of Reykjavik is highly recommended.

Last of the must-do trips out of Reykjavik is the South Coast Iceland tour. There are many natural attractions along the way: glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes. But the most vivid of them all is the Reynisfjara basalt sea stacks. Make sure you bring a camera because mist, fog, rain, or shine, they’re definitely picture-worthy.