Exploring Reykjavik

Reykjavik from the Air

A tour with Nordurflug Helicopter Services will give you a quick perspective on Iceland's rugged scenery, including mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal vents, and even a bird's-eye view of the capital of Reykjavik, shown here.

Old Harbour, Reykjavik

Most of what you'll want to see on a visit to Reykjavik is within walking distance of the harbor. This is the takeoff point for ferries and tour boats offering whale and puffin watching and deep-sea fishing excursions.

Eclectic Architecture

With a population of about 230,000, Reykjavik feels more like an overgrown town than a city. It has mostly low- to mid-rise buildings, with architecture that is an eclectic blend of glassy modern, Scandinavian simple . . .

Protection from the Elements

. . . and even a Nordic version of Victorian, with corrugated metal siding to protect against the ravages of winter.

Reykjavik's Famous Steeple

If you have the time, climb up to the top of the steeple of Reykjavik's dramatically sculpted Hallgrimskirkja for a great view out over the city.

"Rent a Rod"

Don't have time for a fishing expedition, or can't afford to go salmon fishing (it's very expensive in Iceland)? Then visit the "Rent a Rod" fishing concession at Reykjavik's harbor and try your luck. I caught a nice pollock within minutes.

Something for Every Taste

Reykjavik's Saturday Flea Market is a popular place to shop for all manner of knick-knacks. We found the fish and produce sections the most interesting. You can even buy wild sea-bird eggs picked off Iceland's rugged cliffs.

Reykjavik Flea Market

All sorts of things are for sale here, including puffin backpacks, but the fish vendors are the most interesting.

Minke Whale—Yum!

Iceland offers some pretty exotic, eclectic, and delicious dining. At the Fish Market restaurant, we sampled politically incorrect minke whale—delicious! I understand you can find puffin and rams' balls on some menus, and that some of those cute Icelandic horses end up as steak.

Have a Hot Dog!

Icelanders also are crazy about hot dogs. We had to sample one at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (translated--"Best Hot Dog in Town"), the harbor-side stand made famous by customers like Bill Clinton and Charlie Sheen. The small chain's flagship stand has been in continuous operation since 1937.

Blue Lagoon

Iceland is famous for its Blue Lagoon, a lake-sized natural hot tub of milky-blue, mineral-rich geothermal water at a comfortable 98-102 degrees Fahrenheit. It's only about ten minutes from Keflavik International Airport, making it a wonderful place to decompress on even a short layover.

Taking the Plunge

Here I am, getting ready to enjoy a luxurious soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters. Surrounded by vast expanses of jagged lava fields, the Blue Lagoon is a truly eerie sight, and a very special experience.

A Toast!

If you have more time than we did, you can easily while away most of a day here, bellying up to the island bar, enjoying a volcanic mud facial or a floating massage, and even dining on a gourmet meal. Here's to the Blue Lagoon, and the good things in life!