You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Nearly 260 newly built apartments on densification plots across Reykjavík remain unsold with only around 40 units sold since the beginning of the year The estimated construction cost per apartment is 80 million ISK bringing the total investment in unsold units to approximately 20 billion ISK generally involved demolishing older buildings to make way for new residential construction where a historic structure was preserved and built upon Most of the locations cater to residents seeking a car-free lifestyle The first of these properties was put on the market in 2023 Iceland’s Central Bank has begun to cut rates but the market has yet to respond significantly A real estate agent interviewed by Morgunblaðið says the sector is waiting for another interest rate cut to help stimulate sales Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information Recurring earthquakes and lava flows have forced most residents of the town to evacuate Photographer: Anton Brink/Anadolu via Getty Images Living among volcanoes is nothing new in the island nation the Reykjavik region is honing defenses and rethinking development XLinkedInEmailLinkGiftFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftBy May 4 2025 at 2:00 AM EDTBookmarkSave When Kjartan Fridrik Adolfsson and his family fled their home in Grindavik they didn’t know their evacuation would become permanent For weeks the small fishing town of 3,800 people had been rocked by intensifying earthquakes and authorities feared a devastating volcanic eruption could be imminent “We left with nothing but the clothes on our backs,” the 60-year-old accountant says Weeks later, fountains of molten rock burst out at the town’s doorstep — part of a series of 11 eruptions that have hit the area since March 2021, with the most recent activity on April 1 The seismic shifts have torn fissures in the landscape while lava flows have destroyed a handful of houses which is just 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Iceland’s capital and largest city According to the public, the City of Reykjavík should spend less and review its transportation agreement, based on suggestions submitted through a recently concluded online consultation portal, reports RÚV Others suggest pay decreases for councillors and reducing city governance people seem to be opposed to the outsourcing of projects to private contractors One deputy principal at a Reykjavík suggests having on-site janitors to do maintenance work Another popular mention was the city’s transportation agreement which includes the running of Borgarlína — a bus rapid transit project aimed to bolster Reykjavík’s public transit Many want to revise these projects or cancel them altogether The most detailed suggestions come from minority councillors Council leader of Viðreisn (Liberal Reform Party) Þórdís Lóa Þórhallsdóttir advises selling city property and closing down the city’s human rights and digital councils Framsóknarflokkurinn councillor (Progressive Party) Magnea Gná Jóhannsdóttir put forward 27 suggestions including increased outsourcing of Strætó and garbage disposal as well as merging capital area health and safety authorities a task force will review the suggestions and present a conclusion for the city council Next: Tourist Held Hostage On May Day Culture Night Killer Sentenced To Prison Tourist Sexually Harassed In Blue Lagoon An Ode to Flateyri Starbucks To Open In Reykjavík Soon Grapevine Events: The Clock, Other-Grounds Film Festival, Icelandic Sorcery Festival & More Police Officers Spied On Citizens For Iceland’s Richest Man From Army Brats To Luxury Flats The results of Icelandic and mathematics tests administered to 7th-grade students at Breiðholtsskóli have raised serious concerns about educational standards and student well-being in Reykjavík’s primary schools leader of the Independence Party in Reykjavík responded to the findings by warning that other schools may also be struggling “These results are of course a matter of serious concern,” said Björnsdóttir “One is concerned that in more schools there are large cohorts of children who are doing poorly.” The tests were conducted in March after years of documented violence and disruptions at Breiðholtsskóli which prompted parents to demand an academic assessment The outcome revealed that students' performance in core subjects was well below the national average recorded in 2020 as standardized assessments have not been conducted in Iceland’s primary schools since that year The test results also revealed a significant gap between teacher-assigned grades and actual student knowledge One parent told Morgunblaðið that “a lot of falsification” seemed to be going on “This discrepancy is deeply troubling,” said Björnsdóttir “It is known that schools assign grades differently and this creates inequality when students compete for places in secondary schools Uniform assessments are necessary to restore fairness.” Björnsdóttir is calling for the reintroduction of standardized assessments in grades 4 comparable data can schools identify where improvements are needed and provide targeted support “Our children deserve the best possible education,” she said “With the right actions and clear benchmarks we can lift our school system significantly in the coming decades.” disaggregated data from international PISA surveys has not been made available for individual schools hampering efforts to assess local performance Björnsdóttir said that the issues go beyond academic performance citing persistent problems with school culture and student behavior “There are very strong indications that Breiðholtsskóli faces broad challenges,” she said “The school clearly needs focused support—not just for student safety but also to ensure academic standards are being upheld.” A man was arrested on Hverfisgata yesterday morning following reports that he was armed and holding a tourist hostage in a downtown apartment The National Police Special Unit responded swiftly closing off the area while officers secured the scene assistant police chief for the capital area the man was apprehended without incident and no shots were fired during the operation Police have not confirmed whether a firearm was actually found at the scene but acknowledged that the original report indicated the suspect was armed allegedly detained a foreign tourist in his residence He was remanded today to four weeks in custody by the Reykjavík District Court on grounds of public interest while police continue their investigation the Chilean-American actor and global TV star he was seen having lunch at the café Kaffihús Vesturbæjar (Kaffi Vest) in Reykjavík’s Vesturbær neighborhood Pascal is widely known for his standout performances as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones The Mandalorian in the Star Wars spinoff series and most recently as Joel Miller in HBO’s hit adaptation of The Last of Us There’s no official word yet on the reason for his visit—whether it’s work or something else—but his appearance has already caused a stir among locals On May 1, a man in his thirties was arrested in a police raid in downtown Reykjavík. The police received a call describing a man carrying a gun in a house on Hverfisgata, mbl.is reports The National Commissioner’s Special Unit was dispatched closing off a perimeter reaching Hverfisgata On the evening of May 1, Reykjavík District Court sentenced the man to a four-week custody on the grounds of public safety. According to RÚV the man is suspected of wielding a gun as he held a tourist hostage No information is available regarding the tourist’s well-being Hollywood actor Pedro Pascal was seen enjoying a quiet moment in Reykjavík’s west side district The popular actor was spotted sitting at the local café Pascal, known globally for his roles in Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian, and The Last of Us, is considered one of film and television’s most prominent stars. His sudden, surprise appearance in Iceland’s capital quickly sparked interest among fans, passers-by, and the local media the Chilean-American actor appeared relaxed and low-key and was seen to be taking in the atmosphere of one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods Pascal has become increasingly recognised for his outspoken social advocacy particularly in response to recent legislation in the United States seen as limiting the rights of trans individuals he made headlines for wearing a T-shirt reading “Protect the Dolls,” which was widely understood to be a message of solidarity with trans women As of now, it remains unclear whether Pascal is in Iceland for work or leisure. However, it appears to be a popular time for celebrities to visit our little island. Just last week, it was reported that pop star, Justin Bieber, was staying in the north of the country In-depth stories and high-quality photography showcasing life in Iceland we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads may adversely affect certain features and functions Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen The event was originally named in celebration of his 90th birthday but it was then dedicated to his memory.  I played in the tournament for the first time while keeping a close eye on the grandmaster boards We’ll first take a look at the most important results and games and in the second part of this article I share my personal account as an amateur player who played in the same hall.  (See full standings here.) participated in the nine-round Swiss that took place from April 9-15 The tournament regularly takes place in Harpa a beautiful concert hall on the water.  GM Parham Maghsoodloo won the tournament with 7.5/9 and a performance rating of 2806 Maghsoodloo is back in the 2700 club on the live rating list.  The Iranian grandmaster played on board one in every round except for the fifth, after he took a half-point bye. Overall, it was a smooth victory that he was able to wrap up with a draw against GM Abhijeet Gupta in the last round as not a single one of six players a half-point behind him managed to score He went undefeated, with three wins against other grandmasters. My favorite was the time scramble between Maghsoodloo and GM Brandon Jacobson which I managed to watch right after I finished my game in round five both players had just one minute on the clock each—a few times playing a move with one or two seconds Maghsoodloo's win against GM Mahammad Muradli in round six was the most unexpected Muradli was on a perfect 5/5 score and leading a queen endgame with equal pawns on the board I assumed the only possible result would be a draw Black moved the king to the wrong square and Muradli still finished in the group of players on seven points and gained 12.5 rating points GM Vasyl Ivanchuk, at the age of 56, also finished a half-point behind the leader. His move 44...e4!!, a piece sacrifice in round six against GM Velimir Ivic The Ukrainian's creative play was rewarded with victory even if the move itself didn't lead to an objective advantage Ivanchuk seemed to always be in the playing hall he would pace and observe all of the games The former world number-two couldn't make it to the award ceremony because he was already on his flight to the next tournament, which started the following day in Spain. GM Susan Polgar nicely summarized the significance of his performance at this event He does not pick and choose tournaments to benefit his rating He plays in open tournaments and facing dangerous players who are young enough to be his kids or grandkids Legend!Not enough people are talking about the legendary Ivanchuk! At 56 years old, he is still incredibly active! And at Reykjavik Open 2025, he is performing over 2700!!He does not pick and choose tournaments to benefit his rating. He plays in open tournaments and facing… pic.twitter.com/S1VDwWdnd2 There were plenty of other fun games. For example, Icelandic GM Gudmundur Kjartansson actually won the rare two knights vs Besides endgames, of course there were incendiary middlegames. A lovely attacking game was GM Eltaj Safarli's king hunt against GM Adhiban Baskaran with the shiniest two moves being the pawn sacrifices 31.a5+ and 32.b4+ at the end of the line Three players earned IM norms: Dutch FM Stefan Bekker (5.5/9), Indian FM Das Priansh (6.5/9), and Felix Borne from France (6.5/9). The last player jumped 131.6 points (he entered with a rating of 2225) and had a performance rating of 2503. In addition to the norm, he won three class prizes. (You can see all prize winners here.) This was my first classical tournament outside of the United States. I arrived several days early and, of course, visited several important sites, starting with the grave of GM Bobby Fischer which is about an hour's drive away from Reykjavik Not far from there is the Bobby Fischer Center, which is a museum that features several artifacts related to the match of the century and Fischer's life after. A recent edition (from 2022) was a note left by GM Hans Niemann inside the cover of Fischer's My 60 Memorable Games where he vowed to "bring back the crown to America." The museum now has this displayed I visited the Laugardalsholl Sports Center, where the match between Fischer and GM Boris Spassky took place You can just imagine this photo in black and white The Russian grandmaster only just passed away two months ago but the signatures of both legends have been preserved there My favorite adventure was hiking up Fagradalsfjall the volcano that erupted from 2021 through 2023 The experience was what I'd imagine landing on a different planet would feel like I met opponents representing eight different flags it was the longest tournament I’d played and I enjoyed the one-round-per-day format something that's alien to most amateur players in the U.S I am also almost always alone when I travel to chess tournaments I lived in a house with 10 or so people; we rode the highs and weathered the lows This is a picture of most of us at the award ceremony My resilience in tough positions was my best quality in the tournament I was severely punished for a pawn grab in the opening but I ultimately managed to turn the game around by finding a cheeky queen "sacrifice." The counterattack that followed The next round featured the best game of all nine, though I was on the losing side of it. When I drifted without a good plan, German streamer Marcel Petersen unleashed a torrent of sacrifices against my king and ended the game with a pretty checkmate He ultimately finished with 5.5/9 and a 42.6-point rating gain.  I had been winning games against lower-rated players and losing against higher-rated ones But in round seven I had a "brain fart" and made a one-move blunder against Canadian player (and chess boxer) Dustin Koperski The rest of the tournament would be damage control I saved a very dangerous position in round eight and won in round nine to at least finish on a high note I walked back to the playing venue after the closing ceremony I looked out at the wind-beaten waves and stoic mountains beyond them For 10 minutes I thought about the tournament The players that came before me and the games that are still to be played Advertiser DisclosureAdvertiser Disclosure 237 Published Articles 1017 Edited Articles 61 Published Articles 3584 Edited Articles Opinions and recommendations are ours alone It’s no secret that I enjoy returning to Iceland I keep going back as I haven’t even scratched the surface of places to see and activities to experience in the country I’m fortunate enough to have stayed at several hotels in the capital city of Reykjavik but the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica hotel has been on my list ever since reading a review on the property years ago Unlike other Hilton Reykjavik hotel properties, including the Iceland Parliament Hotel the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is located further from the city center Its location has been the primary reason I hadn’t stayed at the property sooner Reykjavik, where the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is located is about an hour from Keflavik Airport (KEF) the main international airport on the island I’ll share information about how I reached the hotel shortly The hotel is situated in a business district just outside the city center The city center was about a 25-minute walk or a 15- to 20-minute city bus ride There were 2 bus stops located within a block of the hotel the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica would be a good hotel base for exploring the island without navigating the city center I have booked flights connecting to the first nonstop flights of the season from Minneapolis (MSP) to Reykjavik (KEF) These flights usually begin the first week of June Delta Air Lines began nonstop flights from Detroit (DTW) creating an additional option to reach Iceland with just 1 connection I occasionally pick up Delta gift cards at the grocery store or the office supply store using my American Express® Gold Card or Chase Ink business credit cards to receive bonus earnings and additional store perks I applied a few of these Delta gift cards toward the cost of the flight Booking with hotel loyalty points or using free hotel night certificates is normally my preference A standard room reserved with Hilton Honors points at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica costs 60,000 points, when available. We value Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents apiece so this is the equivalent of ~$300 worth of points per night The total cash rate for the 2 nights I wanted in June 2023 was ~$724 (kr While not a huge saving — $600 worth of points versus $724 cash — I had plenty of points and was happy with the decision to use them versus paying cash here’s an overview of all the Hilton properties in Reykjavik and the points price when standard rooms are available while available with fewer Hilton Honors points is not as conveniently located as the other properties If you’re planning a trip to Iceland during the summer months and want to use miles and points for your flight or hotel Award flights and reward hotel night availability disappear quickly for peak season bookings I mentioned that the city of Reykjavik is approximately an hour from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) there are several options to reach the city center and the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica My favorite option is the Flybus A ticket is easy to obtain on arrival and the buses are always waiting outside of the airport I also liked that complimentary Wi-Fi was available onboard it may be better to book online in advance For a one-way transfer from KEF to the central bus station which includes the ongoing shuttle from there to my city hotel Airport Direct is another bus transfer option from KEF Airport I’ve used both services with equal success although the Wi-Fi was not working the last time I used the Airport Direct service A taxi would have cost approximately $160 and the public bus ~$8 to $12 I initially took the Flybus to another hotel in the city center then used the local city bus to reach the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica from my first hotel Bus #11 took me directly from the city center to within a block of the hotel in about 15 minutes The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica was easy to spot at the corner of a main intersection — whether approaching on foot or when driving I walked to the hotel from the bus stop and as I got closer There were also several comfortable seating areas in case I had to wait for check-in Seating was available near the front desk and throughout the lobby space Adjacent to the lobby was additional seating which had outdoor access It was also an extension of the bar area used for entertainment and lounging I arrived at the hotel just before 1 p.m. and fortunately, my room was ready. Normal check-in is at 3 p.m. Tryggvi greeted me and proceeded with a perfect 10-out-of-10 check-in. He promptly took care of the necessities, recognized my Hilton Honors Diamond elite status then gave me a thorough overview of the hotel amenities and my benefits He told me not to try to remember everything as he would give me a written copy when he was finished Because of my Hilton Honors Diamond elite status that I receive complimentary with my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card I was given an upgrade to an executive room with access to the executive lounge and to the spa I would also earn 14x points with the card for any charges made to my room during my stay The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.Automatic Hilton Diamond status and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels If you're approved and accept this Card Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.150,000 pointsUP's Offer Valuation*:$750Annual Fee$550APR20.24% - 29.24% VariableCredit RecommendedUpgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8 one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.Good to Excellent (670-850)Why We Like This CardThe information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers Tryggvi also mentioned that he could find a room with a nicer view than the one I had been assigned I was provided with a printed copy of all the information I needed for my stay The fitness center was available to guests 24/7 but staffed from 6 a.m There was an access code that could be used to enter the gym after hours The space was sprawling and bigger than any hotel fitness center I can remember I won’t bore you with every inch of the space but here’s a sampling of what you would see there Trainers were on staff and available for booking there was a transition area between the gym and the spa where the hot tub and sauna were located In addition to the well-equipped fitness center classes were held daily and included hot yoga The Hilton Reykjavik Spa was open from 6 a.m Complimentary access was included when booking any treatment Some hotel room rates included spa access and Hilton Diamond Elite members were granted complimentary access Treatments started at ~$84 for a classic 25-minute massage Additional treatments included salt and essential oils therapy This is one of the lovely peaceful rooms to sit in while waiting for a scheduled treatment Individual private rooms surrounded the area there was power washing going on the 2 days I was there so I was not able to see the entire spa just enough to give you an idea of the facilities The sauna was located next to the outdoor hot tub in the area between the spa and the fitness center The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica has a full-service meeting and event center With over 21,000 square feet of available space the conference center provides event sponsors with the ability to create their own interactive event website to host event information Attendees can also use the site to book individual hotel rooms at the group’s special rate This was just 1 of the smaller meeting rooms but the largest room is over 5,000 square feet and can accommodate more than 200 attendees The hotel does not allow pets although service animals are accommodated There was a desktop computer and printer near the reception area There were also several tourist information brochures and local publications The business center was conveniently located in the lobby I found internet speeds to be just adequate but I had no problem getting some work accomplished There were moments of grandness when speeds appeared much faster The Hilton Reykjavik Nordica had a generous amount of complimentary on-site parking directly in front of the hotel This was a real plus compared to the limited I was impressed at the first sight of my executive room The hardwood floors were attractive and gave the room a rich contemporary feel The floor-to-ceiling windows added brightness to the room but also gave it that wow factor similar to an upscale urban loft in a big city Next to the closet was the coffee station and a small area for the minifridge The coffee station had a LOR-branded espresso machine The dining table would be the work area during my stay At least there were comfortable seats and convenient electrical outlets but these 2 comfortable chairs and a side table were perfect for watching late-night TV The TV was an expansive 55-inch flat screen with 46 channels One important feature of the TV stand was that I could turn it around to face the bedroom area The bedroom area was smaller than the living area but still spacious enough to easily move around The bed was super comfortable and nothing could beat waking up to that view each morning The right nightstand had an electrical outlet Personal halogen lights were also built into each side of the headboard There was a shower wand that did double duty as a shower head Small-sized Crabtree & Evelyn-branded amenities were also provided and included bottles of bath wash The personal vanity mirror was useful as well as having electrical outlets in the bathroom for the hairdryer A full-sized Hapal-branded squeeze bottle of body/hair wash was mounted on the wall The VOX Brasserie restaurant and VOX Lobby Bar are the food and beverage venues available at the hotel Guests with executive rooms and lounge access will have complimentary additional food and beverage options served there Here are the food and beverage options I had at the hotel Executive rooms and some standard room rates included breakfast I started with coffee at 1 of the 2 coffee stations located at opposite ends of the dining room Assorted teas and associated condiments were also offered I had a selection of juices from which to choose Salad options in this area of the buffet included lettuce and olives There was also sliced lemon and cream cheese for the smoked salmon A wide selection of meats and cheeses were on the buffet plus my favorite — smoked salmon Hot items on the buffet included broiled tomatoes fried eggs (both over-easy and sunny-side-up) 2 milk choices (including light and whole milk) freshly fried eggs were constantly being made and over-easy eggs were included in the hot items set up on the buffet and dried berries were also available for yogurt Brunch was served on the weekends from 11:30 a.m The brunch was priced at ~$49 per person and was touted as being one of the most extensive spreads in town The day menu at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica was served from 11:30 a.m You can order in the bar area as well as the restaurant A lunch buffet can be enjoyed in the restaurant from 11:30 a.m and drinks were available in the dining room until 11 p.m The evening dinner menu included items such as langoustine soup (~$25) or a 3-course chef’s choice menu for ~$78 per person including sorbet with berries and white chocolate crumbles Cocktails cost about $24 each; beers ranged from ~$7 to ~$15; and wines from $15 to ~$22 per glass There was a happy hour each day from 4 p.m when select cocktail prices were ~$15 and other select drinks were discounted I could order a drink and food from just about anywhere in the lobby as seating was widely available The bar seating extended further into the lobby where there was a complimentary water station high tea was served in the bar area from 2 p.m One huge advantage of the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica over other hotels I’ve stayed at in Reykjavik is the executive lounge Of the nearly dozen city hotels at which I’ve visited The lounge was located on the eighth floor and was open daily from 6 a.m identical to the view from my room situated just above it The corner seating at each end of the lounge was the prime viewing Self-serve beverage choices in the lounge included soft drinks The beer fridge was fully stocked for a busy happy hour The executive lounge was very popular during that time Each day the lounge offered a different homemade soup One day of my stay the selection was leek soup Fresh bread rolls and butter accompanied the soup there was a tray of butterflied shrimp with sweet and sour sauce which was replenished as it was eaten there was a wide selection of sushi and sashimi complete with wasabi The vegetarian croissant sandwiches were made with spinach There were restrooms located within the lounge It’s also worth noting that during happy hour no one under the age of 18 was allowed in the lounge Food and beverages can be expensive in Iceland The complimentary options at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica could easily save a hundred dollars per person A day pass to the spa would be another ~$50 but was complimentary if you had Diamond status. If you’re renting a car or don’t mind the walk to town and have Diamond status (a complimentary benefit of the Hilton Aspire card) staying at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica may be a wise choice for excellent value The lobby food pantry was located adjacent to the front desk and was available 24/7 with her super-friendly executive lounge-hosting demeanor my request to extend my checkout time from 11 a.m While the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is not in the city center You can reach it on foot or by taking the city bus Uber and other ride-sharing services are not available in Iceland and taxi prices are high The hotel is a great base for exploring the surrounding area I would have been in a perfect position to drive the island from the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica The hotel is a prime location for starting tours as well Here’s an example of the Golden Circle route which can be done in 1 day from the hotel There are many eating establishments in the area of the hotel but Plan B Burger and Felino Restaurant & Cafe (Italian) are both very close and get good reviews A Netto supermarket is located just a 4-minute walk from the hotel There is also a pharmacy adjacent to the supermarket Alcohol can be very expensive in Iceland and it is not sold at supermarkets or convenience stores You can keep the cost down by grabbing your favorite beverages on arrival at the airport duty-free store An additional way to keep costs down is to take advantage of the plentiful happy hours held at hotels I would absolutely stay at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica again — but not for my entire stay in Reykjavik Although the hotel offered exceptional value for me as a Hilton Honors Diamond elite member I enjoy the vibe of the city and walking out of my hotel directly into everything the city offers I would stay 2 to 4 days in the city center without a car and explore that area on foot I’d then rent a car and consider moving out to the Hilton as a base for exploring some of the island on day trips renting a car is more expensive than taking tours To learn more about some of the popular hotels in Reykjavik’s city center and near the airport check out our in-depth reviews for these properties: One last note is that I have estimated prices based on the currency exchange at the time of writing the article (June 2023) These prices could change and are for comparative informational purposes only the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is a good hotel it can be a good base for exploring the island yet the city center is just a 25-minute walk or 15-minute bus ride away the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica does not have a shuttle bus The Flybus and other transportation options are available from Keflavik Airport There is also airport and tour transportation pick-up at the hotel there is ample free parking located directly in front of the hotel It takes about 25 minutes to walk from downtown Reykjavik to the hotel You can also take a city bus and it will take about 15 minutes There are also electric e-scooters you can rent The breakfast at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is not automatically included Hilton Honors Diamond elite members are given complimentary breakfast at the hotel The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply OFFER ENDING SOONChase Sapphire Preferred® Card LIMITED TIME TRAVEL OFFERThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express BEST LOUNGE ACCESSThe Platinum Card® from American Express Privacy Policy | All Guides | Terms & Conditions | Web Accessibility Policy | Cookie Policy travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Reykjavik Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com Nikolas Koenig/Courtesy of The Reykjavik EDITION ICELAND — Carrie and her crew have arrived in Iceland The team just landed in Keflavik following the inaugural Icelandair flight from Nashville to Iceland We hit the ground running and headed straight to the capital city of Reykjavik You can email me at Carrie.Sharp@newschannel5.com Rebecca: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/a2/d9/fb69982545c59e9836fbe80fe431/rebecca-recommends.png Carrie: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/2e/72/be0f23854c54a228c9d6138c9847/carrie-recommends-header.png Ben: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/df/c4/19fa7c504480938f39a431e3b276/ben-recommends-header.png Rhori: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/5b/25/a224d13d47739165c92b94e643db/rhori-recommends-header.png Lelan: https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/af/54/833bf879454097a398bd44f723de/lelan-recommends.png I'm not sure there is a story that's brought a bigger smile to our faces than this one celebrating Ms The story of her service during World War II is amazing in itself — she is a true Rosie the Riveter What was also amazing was to see was how an entire community turned out to celebrate her etc.venues 8 Fenchurch Street - 15 May 2025 Icelandair has launched flights between its Reykjavik base and Nashville in Tennessee which becomes the carrier’s 18th North American destination The Nordic airline operated its first flight to Nashville It will offer four flights per week until the end of October Icelandair is using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with its Saga Premium and economy seats on the new route with flights to Nashville on Monday The carrier has also extended an interline agreement with Southwest Airlines which is the largest airline operating at Nashville International Airport with flights to around 90 destinations across North America added: “This new connection links Music City to Iceland and on to our nearly 40 destinations across Europe “We also announce an expansion to our partnership with Southwest Airlines allowing travellers to connect between Southwest and Icelandair via Nashville and Denver onwards to Iceland and Europe This is in addition to the new Baltimore gateway.” As business travel accelerates, Cathay Pacific remains a leader, delivering seamless, end-to-end... KEEP READING with Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines... KEEP READING United Airlines is the largest airline in the world by available seat miles, offering flights to more... KEEP READING Following a successful first year operating in Pittsburgh and in response to strong international travel demand Icelandair is expanding its seasonal nonstop service to Reykjavik Icelandair will resume its seasonal service between Pittsburgh International Airport and Reykjavik effective April 17 2025 – nearly a month sooner than the route’s initial launch that took place in May of this year The airline will continue to operate the route four times a week Flights between Pittsburgh and Reykjavik for 2025 are now on sale and can be booked at Icelandair.com The announcement comes a week after a delegation of regional leaders visited Iceland and met with business tourism and governmental organizations – including a team of Icelandair officials and CEO Bogi Nils Bogason led by PIT CEO Christina Cassotis and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato It included regional leaders from organizations including K&L Gates the Pittsburgh Technology Council and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the German American Chamber of Commerce The goal was to boost Pittsburgh’s status as a destination for global business and leisure and foster growing ties to Iceland – in addition to demonstrating community support for the route and growing its service “One of the goals of the delegation was expanded service for the flight and I’m so pleased that our partners at Icelandair recognized the strength of the market in the Pittsburgh region and beyond,” Innamorato said “I am proud to have helped lead a successful visit along with the airport and other key stakeholders It’s important that we continue to tell the story of our region’s success with key decision-makers on a world stage as we grow economic development in Allegheny County.” Icelandair’s inaugural flight from Reykjavik taxis into the gate at PIT on May 16 The announcement comes one week after British Airways announced it will upgrade its nonstop year-round service between Pittsburgh International Airport and London Heathrow Airport from six days a week to seven days starting March 31 with daily flights operating through October “This demonstrates the strength of the Pittsburgh business market in Europe and shows airlines that this region is serious about growing business and leisure connections to Iceland Icelandair began flying from PIT on May 16 offering nonstop service to its hub at Keflavik International Airport near Iceland’s capital It marked the first time in five years that Pittsburgh was last connected to Iceland with nonstop service; WOW Air served the route between June 2017 and January 2019 Icelandair currently flies four days a week on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft The Pittsburgh to Reykjavik route is estimated to have an annual economic impact of $9 million to the region Icelandair’s service provides a convenient flight option from Pittsburgh to one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions. Icelandair’s hub at Keflavik International Airport also provides connections to over 25 destinations throughout Europe Icelandair offers a unique stopover option where travelers can book up to a seven-day stay in Iceland before continuing to their final destination Subscribe to get the latest news and updates on Pittsburgh International Airport and innovative content on all things aviation As a news service of the Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County airports our focus is to be the trusted source of airport and aviation news trends and ideas – not just in the Pittsburgh region Blue Sky News is the place where we share stories of how our airports employees and partners are advancing the region’s role as a world leader © 2023 – Allegheny County Airport Authority | Privacy Policy Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive the latest updates and breaking news 350 Published Articles 1017 Edited Articles Iceland has made its way to the top of many travelers’ bucket lists and tectonic plates that separate continents it’s no wonder we flock there to experience its unique landscape exploring the capital city of Reykjavik may inherit a slot close to the bottom of your Icelandic to-do list you’ll want to pick your lodging wisely so you can take in as much of the city as you can in a short period of time I’ve been fortunate enough to spend some time in Reykjavik and have stayed at several different properties Curio Collection by Hilton is a hotel I have been wanting to experience for quite a while now I booked a 2-night stay to have a good time The Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel located in the oldest part of Reykjavik and was previously a department store that operated since the turn of the century it was modernly renovated as an elegant hotel property The hotel’s name was derived from Consul Ditlev Thomsen whose family ran the department store Consul Thomsen was a prominent entrepreneur and traveler who contributed significantly to the city’s development now a popular boutique hotel with just 50 rooms is central to all things Reykjavik has to offer you may be unaware that the city of Reykjavik is about an hour’s drive from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) where most flights arrive on the island I’ll talk about transportation options shortly but just know to allow time to get to and from the hotel when arriving/departing The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks. The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access with excellent point earning and redemption options Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee Chase Ultimate Rewards it was now time to select a hotel where I could stay There are 3 Hilton hotel properties in Reykjavik: Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica I have stayed at the Canopy on prior trips and initially had planned on staying at the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica for this September 2022 trip However, I had a free weekend hotel night certificate to use up and the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel had a qualifying standard room reward available Since I wanted to stay 2 nights at the property, I chose to use my free night for the first night and secure the second night with Hilton Honors points I could have used my certificate for the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica (60,000 points) but received a much better value by booking the more centrally-located Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel (80,000 points) Translated into dollars, at a value of 0.5 cents per point I would be using $400 worth of points to secure the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel for the additional night The cash price for a night would have been just kr 40,875 (~$292) but I chose to use Hilton Honors points versus the cash outlay Room rates for the hotel will vary by season with the summer high season being the most expensive Hilton offers this guide to relative seasonal pricing for the hotel but the visual illustrates hotel pricing for Iceland in general I used my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to secure the room and pay for any incidentals so I could earn additional Hilton Honors points during my stay (14x points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases). The card also comes with top Hilton Honors Diamond elite status which should elevate my stay experience While the city of Reykjavik is nearly an hour from the main airport transportation options are plentiful and easy to secure When you arrive at KEF airport you’ll have several options for reaching the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel A taxi will set you back at least $160 (kr you may want to consider the other options available One of the most popular means of transportation to the city is the bus. Flybus and Airport Direct are the 2 main companies providing bus and shuttle services to the city Reykjavik has numbered bus stops throughout the city that are located near hotels and major attractions and other transport pickup and drop-off and are separate from the city bus system or at the sales desks and additional kiosks located in the arrivals area Plan to spend approximately $28 to $33 for one-way transport to a stop near your hotel (via the central bus terminal) with either of the bus companies You can also book a direct mini-van transport with no stop at the central station for closer to $50 per person I chose to take the Flybus with the shuttle extension and was dropped off at Bus Stop #3 From there it was just a few blocks to the hotel If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find a parking garage and street parking near the hotel (read more about parking near the hotel and in the city in general) depending on the direction of your approach If you approach the hotel from a different side It might not be apparent where to proceed next but just follow through the open door to the reception area Flights from North America tend to arrive in Iceland early in the morning and check-in time for all the hotels I’ve stayed at in Reykjavik has been 3 p.m I didn’t expect my room to be ready when I arrived at the hotel at 10 a.m I was welcomed and assured my room would be ready shortly I could enjoy a complimentary breakfast while I waited I was also offered access to the Bath House where I could take a shower and relax if I chose to do so I was upgraded from a standard king to a deluxe king room Breakfast was included and I was given a welcome gift of chocolates and a pack of vintage postcards I was also told I could have a complimentary drink at the bar each night and that the contents of the minibar in my room were complimentary With an upgraded room available much earlier than I expected and the added benefits my first impression of the hotel was very positive The fitness center is open 24 hours and the spa is open from 7 a.m I was disappointed I had not packed a swimsuit Soaking in the hot Icelandic waters would have been so soothing after the too short Note to self: always bring a swimsuit when visiting Iceland The lovely lounge area is part of the spa space and is perfect for relaxing after a sauna There were plenty of separate-gender changing rooms but I visited 3 times to take pics and no one was ever in there so it appears to be more than adequate for the level of use it gets In the winter I’m sure it gets used more frequently There was also a fitness room extension with open floor space The rooftop terrace is surrounded by 5-foot walls that keep out any high winds Cushions are added to the furniture in the summer The high walls around the terrace mostly obstruct the view but if you’re taller than 5 feet (I’m not) you could get a glimpse of the surrounding area The hotel does not have a designated business center but the front desk is more than happy to help you print a document if you need to Accessible rooms are available when booking or on request as I walked down the hallway leading up to room 406 and decorated with interesting historic images of the area Like most of the hotels I’ve stayed at in Reykjavik As I’ve experienced in the past at nicer Hilton properties The left nightstand was well equipped with 2 USB ports The right nightstand was equally equipped with USB ports The sitting area near the TV functioned well When the table was pulled out and situated between the sofa and chair I enjoyed sitting on the sofa in the late evening versus the bed offered many entertainment and informational options The work area was more than functional with a comfortable chair Internet speeds were sufficient for work or play throughout the hotel The multi-functional closet area held the safe The coffee station included a Nespresso machine I was anxious to check out my complimentary minibar and although there were no alcoholic options An open vanity held extra towels and a hair dryer underneath There was also a handy touch-lighted makeup mirror In addition to a container of cotton balls and swabs there was a shower cap and full-size L’Occitane lotion and hand soap The shower was exceptionally tall and had a nice rain shower head with a shower wand There were also full-size L’Occitane shampoo My room on the fourth floor had a small balcony you could step unto It allowed me to get a breath of fresh cool air and take in the street view The hotel is situated adjacent to Laugavegur street If you walk toward the green space you see in the picture and some of the finest shopping in the city you’re conveniently just a block from the waterfront and all the activities that the area has to offer While the hotel doesn’t have a full-service restaurant open at this time Breakfast is served each morning in the Konsulat Dining Room and you can enjoy cocktails and evening bites in the Konsulat Wine Room and Bar Complimentary breakfast is served daily from 7 a.m in the dining room overlooking the outdoor sidewalk but I always begin my breakfast with the standard bitter ginger beetroot shot I didn’t have to vary my usual routine as all were offered when I entered the breakfast room I thought it was a nice local touch that had to be Icelandic More suitable for my breakfast taste was a nice hot cup of freshly brewed coffee The machine ground the beans first and then dispensed a nice brew the offerings were tasty and there was plenty of variety Also offered were smoked salmon and fresh tuna salad Hot items included were scrambled eggs and bacon make-your-own instant oatmeal in pre-filled cartons was available I had more than enough options to fuel my day and the quality of the food was impressive Breakfast is available via room service and you have the option to pick up a grab-and-go breakfast between 4 a.m should you be heading out to explore for the day or have an early flight While still keeping with the overall décor of the hotel the Konsulat Wine Room and Bar had a much funkier vibe with colorful modern elements added to the traditional It was also a brighter spot in the building due to the space having 2 sides facing the outside sidewalks The Konsulat Wine Room and Bar is open from 2 p.m. daily to 11 p.m, and Friday and Saturday until midnight. The bar menu of bites and small plates is available from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can access more information and the menu here Hotel guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary drink during the social hour daily from 5 p.m This is a great time to exchange conversations with fellow travelers I met a fun traveler from San Francisco and we ended up having dinner together The second evening I sat with a couple from Portland you can select from endless dining options surrounding the hotel Hot Tip: Alcohol in Iceland is expensive and it cannot be purchased at a grocery store. However, there are ways to beat the high cost. When you arrive, pick up a few bottles of your favorite beverages at Duty-Free. Once in the city, you can download the Appyhour app for the low down on happy hours going on throughout the city Because the hotel is in the heart of everything you’ll easily be able to explore the city on foot Here is just a snapshot of what there is to do nearby Enjoy the old harbor views, snap a photo of the Sun Voyager sculpture, grab a lunch of local fish and chips, or book a boat tour to see the whales and puffins The old harbor where tour boats depart and the surrounding waterfront is a short walk from the hotel The Reykjavik Art Museum is just a few minutes’ walk, or take in a performance at the Harpa Concert and Conference Center, 5 minutes away (also on foot). Here’s an additional list of some of the top museums to visit in Reykjavik Just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, you can visit Iceland’s largest church and most identifiable structure, Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral The interior of the church is a modern spectacle (free to visit) and the city views from the top are worth the climb (~$8) You can reach the church by walking up Skólavörðustígur Street also known as Rainbow street for its permanent display of support for LGBTQ+ rights While some of the city’s best shopping is right outside your door, if you’re here on a weekend you won’t want to miss the indoor flea market just a block away. The Kolaportid Flea Market has everything from vintage clothing Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur one of the world’s most famous hot dog stands Make it a point to try this unique lamb-based hot dog with all the fixings just to say you’ve tried it It’s also delicious and a bargain at less than $4.50 You’ll find a broad selection of places to dine within walking distance of the hotel. Tripadvisor lists dozens of options Tour pickup stops are just a few blocks away, making it easy to do the Golden Circle, South Shore, and other day trips without renting a car. I’ve used Viator (they use local providers), and Reykjavik Excursions with good results but check with the hotel for even more options There isn’t a full-service grocery store nearby but you won’t have to walk far for provisions a neighborhood store packed with everything you need and just a 7-minute walk from the hotel Take the inland route walking one-way and enjoy the waterfront route on the reverse The inland route offers the chance to check out the energy of all the outdoor dining venues you may want to visit for a meal later on is located about a 12-minute walk away at Laugavegur 59 The initial service you receive at check-in can occasionally set the tone for a hotel visit My front desk experience was excellent as well as the service I received throughout my stay I was especially pleased with the effort made to accommodate an extremely early check-in and the granting of my request for a late checkout at 1 p.m I was also pleased with the recognition of my Hilton Diamond elite status as evidenced by the upgraded room and complimentary breakfast on arrival I was very happy to finally stay at the second hotel in the trifecta of Hilton properties in Reykjavik. The Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton turned out to be a fine property that was both elegant and comfortable you cannot beat the hotel’s convenient location it would be that the place is a little on the dark side this is not true in every area of the hotel and it doesn’t distract from the hotel’s overall charm I think most travelers will love the hotel in a city with expensive lodging choices overall I think the hotel offers comparatively good value I also just discovered that another Hilton property is opening soon in Reykjavik. Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton I’ll need to plan my return to review the new hotel I’ll be sure to pass along my experiences when I do return The Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel does not have an outdoor or indoor swimming pool The hotel does have a lovely soaking pool in the spa area transportation to the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel is easy to arrange From Keflavik Airport you can take a taxi (most expensive) The hotel is just a few blocks from Bus Stop #3 The Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel does not have a private lounge but does have a bar that offers guests a complimentary beer or wine during its “social hour” which is each day from 5 p.m The hotel does not have an onsite parking facility but there are parking garages and street parking around the hotel Over 2,000 children have signed up for the Reykjavík Vocational School’s summer programme where they learn essential workplace skills and gain hands-on experience in gardening As reported by Iceland’s national broadcast service, RÚV the initiative attracts pupils from Years 8 to 10 who take part in youth employment schemes throughout the summer months Þorvaldur Guðjónsson, principal of the school, emphasised the importance of the work. Speaking to Morgunútvarpið on Rás 2, he said: “The gardening at the City of Reykjavík wouldn’t work if we didn’t have these teenagers doing these projects These are thousands of kids who are out tending the beds and making our city more beautiful in the summer.” Most of the students are involved in horticultural and maintenance work across the city an effort that contributes significantly to the capital’s upkeep during the warmer season The hourly wage varies by school year; for instance Þorvaldur added that the programme is about far more than manual labour “In 8th grade they come and learn how to read a pay slip in 9th grade they are learning about the rights and obligations of employees and in 10th grade they are preparing for a job interview and how to write a CV.” It’s safe to say that many of our travel bucket lists include a trip to Iceland The island is a natural wonder with a wide range of activities and sights to experience Thanks to the accumulation of sufficient points and miles to make it happen I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Iceland on several occasions and stayed at several different hotel properties I’ve previously stayed at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre and loved its location in the heart of funky shops and restaurants with easy access to the waterfront and other city sights So here I have returned to take a closer look at the property and share my findings with our readers Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is located directly in the city center of Reykjavik, but there are 3 Hilton-branded hotels in the city of Reykjavik. The Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is the first 80,000 marker on the map below The markers indicate how many Hilton Honors points are needed for a free standard room night Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is represented by the middle marker, and the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is located to the far right Delta Air Lines begins service direct from Minneapolis (MSP) to Reykjavik (KEF) I secured a flight from my hometown in northern Michigan Using Delta SkyMiles Pay With Miles to cover a portion of the flight I applied 50,000 SkyMiles equating to $500 off the flight and I will still earn miles on the paid portion when flying (approximately 4,500 SkyMiles) I put the remaining cost of my flight on my Chase Sapphire Reserve® to earn 3x Ultimate Rewards points. I could have also used The Platinum Card® from American Express to earn 5x Membership Rewards points for flights purchased directly from the airline (up to $500,000 per calendar year), but I had a small credit balance to use up on my Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)Apply With ConfidenceKnow if you're approved with no credit score impactIf you're approved and accept this Card Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.80,000 pointsUP's Offer Valuation*:Up to $1,760Annual Fee$695APRSee Pay Over Time APRCredit RecommendedUpgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8 one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.Good to ExcellentWhy We Like This CardWhen it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access and tremendous value in annual statement credits it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year American Express Membership Rewards it was time to select a hotel where I could use hotel loyalty program points to secure an award night While I wanted to stay at the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel as I have not stayed at this Hilton property it was not available for the night I needed I selected the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre as my second choice One standard room night at Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre can be booked for 80,000 Hilton Honors points. We value these points at about 0.5 cents each so I was essentially using $400 worth of points to book the room A flexible rate with taxes and fees topped $500 per night so I was content to hand over the points versus paying cash Hilton Honors points have been easy to earn on my Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card with 3x earnings on every purchase Plus, the card comes with top Hilton Honors Diamond elite status which should make a positive difference in my stay I would have used this card to pay cash due to the 14x earnings All information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer The airport is approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavik’s city center You’ll have several options for reaching the city center, including the convenient Flybus you can secure one-way transportation to the central bus station then transfer to a minibus that will drop you off at a stop near your hotel that has designated numbered stops strategically located near major hotels and city landmarks Buses will drop you off and pick you up from these numbered spots The Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is located near stop #6 Another option for transit to the city is the Airport Direct bus for about $31 (3,999 ISK) Its economy option delivers you to a bus stop near your hotel after the central station connection Airport Direct also offers a premium door-to-door direct service via an 8-person (maximum) minibus for approximately $51 (6,590 ISK) You can also secure a taxi which can cost upwards of $167 (21,500 ISK) Tickets for the Flybus or Airport Direct can be purchased at the kiosks in baggage claim or once you exit customs and reach the arrivals area If it’s your first time using either of these services I would suggest securing a ticket from the booths located after customs where you can ask questions of the staff if you need to This will also ensure you purchase the correct ticket I have used the Flybus + hotel shuttle option All were efficient and offered free Wi-Fi onboard during the journey Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre spans several connected buildings with 112 guest rooms The façade of the hotel blends with the utilitarian architecture of the buildings surrounding the hotel International flights can arrive early in the day so the chances of you arriving at your hotel prior to the official check-in time are likely I arrived at Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre at 9:30 a.m I was told that as a Diamond elite with Hilton Honors I was able to check-in and received a bottle of water I couldn’t have been happier with the process Should you arrive in the early morning too tired to explore you’ll have several comfortable seating areas in which to wait The hotel will also hold your luggage if you decide to venture out and explore the surrounding city center The hotel has plentiful and comfortable seating areas scattered throughout the hotel.Advertisement so the choices are many for checking out the city while taking advantage of hotel amenities A bike is the perfect vehicle for exploring the area around the hotel and you can borrow one for free if you’re a guest of the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre A collection of orange bikes is located in the bike stand right outside the hotel entrance The hotel has an immense collection of vinyl records If your excursion should be canceled due to inclement weather (it happens) Those who want to stay in shape will find a small fitness center located on the lower level of the hotel There were 5 machines and free weights available for use you’ll be able to freshen up in the area next to the fitness room Hotel business centers are becoming less and less like “business” centers At the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre there was 1 desktop allocated for public use but that may be enough as I never saw it being used Iceland is a very digital society where a paper copy of anything is rarely needed The hotel has just 1 lovely meeting space that can hold up to 30 participants Just a few notes for those that might need this information and dining spaces are all wheelchair accessible The elevator is equipped with braille and visual alarms You can even ask to receive a vibrating fire alarm The hotel does not have a swimming pool or spa. There are, however, several steaming geothermal swimming pools to experience nearby Since the hotel is right in the heart of the city center you’ll have access to all the city sights within walking distance It’s also easy to book tours that begin in Reykjavik as the hotel is located just a couple of blocks from bus stop #6 Don’t miss Hallgrímskirkja You’ll definitely want to explore the neighborhood surrounding the hotel with its bars Head down to the harbor, less than a 10-minute walk, to enjoy fresh fish and chips or the world-famous hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Don’t expect the line to be this short, however. The harbor is also the departure point for the puffin, whale watching, dolphin, and other scenic tours While there are way too many options to cover in this article, you can check out more on what to do in Reykjavik I found 2 corner neighborhood markets near the hotel you’ll want to visit the Bónus supermarket The hallways leading to my guest room on the third floor (room 301) were spotless and fresh The elevators were always prompt despite the hotel being sold out Before I talk about my specific room experience know that you can count on room amenities such as complimentary breakfast with most room rates (including award nights) The room was certainly spacious with more room than many of the city hotels in which I’ve stayed I’ve found the beds at most Hilton properties to be extremely comfortable and this bed was no exception I slept well on my comfortable king-sized bed with pillows ranging from soft to very firm Next to one side of the bed was a small table The other side of the bed had a standard nightstand with a digital alarm clock There was also a comfortable chaise lounge next to the window The room was equipped with a flat-screen LCD smart TV complete with Bose speakers and plenty of English-speaking channels (if that is important to you) The coffee station had an espresso machine with several coffee pods The room safe and a minifridge were stored in a cabinet right beneath the coffee station and USB ports made for a comfortable working space — more than adequate for what I needed but I always had sufficient strength to work online without problems The bathroom was open-spaced and easy to move around My favorite part of the bathroom was the heated floors So nice to walk in and have your feet comfy and warm whether in the middle of the night or after a shower The rain shower offered plenty of water pressure and a hand-held shower wand and conditioner were provided as well as a shower cap Since the hotel is located in the city amidst several surrounding buildings the views from many rooms are limited to city structure views my room on the third floor gave me peeks of the mountains Greater views were available via the small rooftop access deck on the fifth floor With 1 main restaurant serving breakfast and dinner the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre had several options for a hungry traveler The Geiri Smart Restaurant located on the lower level of the hotel is the hub for dining perfect for watching the outside activity while you dine The back of the restaurant also has more casual seating if you just want to grab a coffee and a quick bite the restaurant transforms into the central bar and dinner venue let’s look at the restaurant’s breakfast offerings A plentiful breakfast buffet is served from 7 a.m each day and is included in most room options you could also order a specialty coffee or espresso You’ll find a large selection of breads and pastries Dinner is served at the restaurant from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and drinks until 11 p.m. The current menu is available online but with an endless selection of restaurants nearby there is no reason to eat at the hotel repeatedly I did not personally eat dinner at the hotel but I met travelers who did and said it was very good Geiri Smart’s Bar also offers a special complimentary tasting pairing for hotel guests from 5 p.m My tasting included a special Negroni made with barrel-aged gin and orange liqueur plus an appetizer of dilled lamb carpaccio the hotel is happy to prepare you a breakfast bag to go If you have an early departure for the airport or tour just ask for a breakfast bag to be delivered to your room or request to pick one up at the restaurant during open hours The multiple seating areas located in the bar areas and throughout the hotel make it easy to relax and have a conversation while enjoying a cocktail There are plenty of comfortable areas to sit and enjoy a drink or bite There’s also a seasonal outdoor courtyard space that’s perfect for basking in the evening rays of sunshine You’ll find ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches Grab what you like and pay at the reception desk and inquire about their plans while in the country I also experienced excellent service during my visit Being offered breakfast while waiting for my room to be ready was a nice gesture that I appreciated especially when others who were checking in were asked to come back at 3 p.m yet every staff member took time to answer my questions Although there was no designated concierge desk the front desk staff was knowledgeable and eager to help I found the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre delightful and comfort was spot on for what I would expect from a hotel so finding a property where I can use points and receive excellent value is always a plus having complimentary breakfast included in most rates is a real money-saver as breakfast can cost upwards of $25 I’d return to the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre again in a heartbeat I would also recommend it to any traveler staying in Reykjavik Since the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is located so far from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) that there is no hotel shuttle it is easy to reach Reykjavik by bus in about 45 minutes to 1 hour Most of the room rates at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre include complimentary breakfast Formal check-in time at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre is 3 p.m For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here Nearly 260 newly built apartments in Reykjavík remain unsold despite being located in eight centrally located densification areas Real estate agents have claimed that roughly 65 percent of new apartments in these neighbourhoods have failed to sell since January 1 This is according report in Morgunblaðið that notes only about 40 of the 300 available units have sold so far in 2025 Construction costs for the unsold properties are estimated at 20 billion ISK based on an average unit cost of 80 million ISK The projects all share a few key characteristics: older buildings were torn down to make way for new housing and most developments were designed to appeal to car-free lifestyles agents say that mismatch between the target market and buyer preferences is part of the problem Real estate agent Páll Pálsson told Vísir that the price gap between these new-build apartments and older housing stock is too wide for many buyers “Nearly 65 percent of the development projects are not selling and have not been selling for twelve to eighteen months,” he said While interest rate hikes have cooled the housing market in recent years Páll said pricing is a larger obstacle than borrowing costs “It’s simply been too expensive to build new apartments under the current setup,” he said “There are maybe only 0.4 to 0.7 parking spaces for each project Especially since the people who are buying most of these apartments and can afford it are maybe people who are downsizing have the means and ability to buy these properties While I have yet to explore everything there is to see and do Iceland is easy to travel to with reasonably priced and frequent flights things become much more expensive once you arrive While I’ve stayed at nearly a dozen Icelandic hotels The Reykjavik EDITION has been at the top of my list of places yet to visit in the capital city the hotel is a Marriott-branded luxury hotel and quite pricey (at least for my budget) Since life is short and I rarely regret my bolder travel decisions it seemed the appropriate time to reach deep into my wallet and book a 2-night stay it would need to be in the off-peak season to keep costs lower As with any expensive hotel stay, I try to employ a few tactics to keep costs lower. I’ll attempt to use free night certificates I may have accumulated, redeem hotel loyalty points, or take advantage of any hotel statement credits I might have access to FHR offers several valuable benefits during the stay (I’ll let you know how those benefits were delivered shortly.) The cash rate for the second night was over $500, or I could use 62,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. We value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each the equivalent of $434 worth of points for booking the second night — which I decided to do I booked the second night using Marriott Bonvoy points earned from my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Though I could have waited for the annual free night certificate I’ll save that certificate for a more expensive hotel So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet Marriott Bonvoy The Reykjavik EDITION is located in Iceland’s capital city about an hour away from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) The Reykjavik EDITION is located on Reykjavik Harbor. Conveniently located bus stops are established throughout the city allowing transport and tour companies to pick up/drop off visitors near the downtown hotels There is a stop located within a block of The Reykjavik EDITION Fortunately, it’s easy to find transport to the city and the hotel. I have previously used both the FlyBus (several times) and the Airport Direct bus service Each company has excellent service and free Wi-Fi onboard I purchased Airport Direct tickets on arrival at KEF airport for about $35 one-way and hopped on one of the waiting buses outside the airport I took the bus to the main station and then was transported by minibus to bus stop #5 in front of the hotel On the opposite side of the hotel was the vehicle drop-off Many flights from North America arrive early in the morning Checking in before the scheduled hotel check-in time of 3 p.m The lobby immediately felt comfortable and cozy This area of the lobby included a unique stone structure and seating with sheepskin Sheepskin was found in nearly every space throughout the hotel I was told that it was specially sheered and dyed for use at many EDITION properties Cristina checked me in and did a great job describing the hotel offerings and explaining all my benefits I am fortunate to have Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status I was able to combine my FHR benefits with my elite benefits The FHR rules specifically allow guests with Marriott Bonvoy Elite status to enjoy the benefits of both programs during their stay I received a written confirmation of benefits which included early check-in and late checkout The hotel charges a destination fee of around $40 The destination fee includes access to the spa (normally $30) It was explained that the intent of the fee is for guests to experience hotel amenities In addition to the destination fee’s $40 dining credit I had the $100 FHR credit to use during my stay The hotel is loaded with high-end amenities Here are some of the facilities I found at the hotel The spa is open daily from 10 a.m by appointment and the destination fee includes access to the spa facilities One highlight of the spa area was the spa bar I was able to grab a healthy refreshment while relaxing Services at the spa included massages The gym can be utilized 24/7 and was fully outfitted with the latest equipment Use of the gym is complimentary for all hotel guests it had everything needed for a good workout A nice cold towel and ice-cold water made for a refreshing end to a workout of which 3 can be combined into 1 large meeting space Up to 300 guests can be accommodated in the largest space The hotel can provide all the supporting services and equipment for any event Valet parking is available for hotel guests for approximately $46 per day There are also several public parking facilities within walking distance Parking rates vary by zone and day of the week but the hotel is located where parking is at a premium Learn more about parking in Reykjavik I originally booked the Guest King room type I was given the second-best level room in the hotel — the Corner Suite The approach to my room #518 was quite understated but I was optimistic the room would not disappoint When a dining room is the first space you see The front desk had informed me that the room was a corner room The room was gorgeous with more space than I would ever utilize While I certainly wouldn’t use the dining area you never know when I might meet 7 interesting people to invite to my room the views from the living area were lovely That’s when I appreciated all the wonderful places to sit and look at the surrounding landscape The chaise lounge was so comfortable it could be used as an extra bed Notice that that comfy Iceland wool is abundant I also had the ability to sync the monitor with my phone or other device A console in the living space held the minibar and coffee station a full minibar with snacks and drink choices was available for purchase A nice Nespresso machine with a selection of coffee and condiments came in handy when waking up early I was very pleased with the internet speed throughout the hotel These pictures don’t do the view justice as the mountains were much closer than they appeared I didn’t close the blinds at night as I could see the mountains until very late My king bed was heavenly and the wool throw was nice for cuddling in the bedroom chair It was the only area with easy access to an electrical outlet The bedroom closet had all the standard elements It also included a clothing steamer and clothes brush with the first located near the front entrance to the room It was the same as the previously mentioned closet but contained just hangers and a luggage rack The room safe was also in this closet and hidden by a door I certainly had enough bathroom space as the room included a full bath and a half bath The full bath had 3 separate rooms: one for the vanity area Shower amenities were EDITION-branded but made by Le Labo (a perfumery in Paris and New York) Additional amenities included the standard dental packets Don’t even ask how I took this image of the bathtub/shower area I just thought it was unique enough to try and share a bird’s-eye view of the entire space Three private areas plus another half bath would make life easier for a family I had so many food and beverage credits that it almost became difficult to use them all Here’s an overview of all the places to dine or have drinks at the hotel Breakfast, which was included in my stay, was served at the TIDES Restaurant between 7 and 11 a.m I could select the buffet or order à la carte off the menu up to a maximum of 6,000 Icelandic króna (approximately $42) I scoped out the breakfast buffet before deciding between it and ordering off the menu I could select from several varieties of pastries I could use 1 of the 2 self-service coffee machines to make a brew Hot items on the buffet included hard-boiled eggs The cereal and yogurt section offered varied items A cheese selection and sliced luncheon meats A nice green salad is a healthy way to start the day and the buffet had all the ingredients I am more of a vegetable than a fruit person but one has to appreciate having fresh fruit on an island in the North Atlantic At the end of the buffet were warm waffles The poached eggs were more than enough to eat Dinner is served in the restaurant from 5:30 to 10 p.m Because I enjoyed the benefit of having $100 in onsite FHR credits The TIDES Bar is located in the center of the restaurant and has a separate menu for those wanting a lighter fare I’m not crazy about a sweet glaze on anything The second night I ordered the Arctic char It is one of my favorite cold water fish dishes and was delicious A beetroot puree and local brie were a wonderful compliment The TIDES Cafe TIDES Cafe is a bakery and mostly serves bread items such as pastries and sandwiches The cafe also sold a large selection of beverages A private dining area seating up to 8 individuals is available for a special experience The TIDES chefs will prepare a 12-course meal paired with locally sourced ingredients A unique wine pairing is included with each course The experience is currently priced at about $230 per person Interestingly, The Reykjavik EDITION has the only rooftop bar in Reykjavik! The ROOF bar’s rarity makes it popular with hotel guests and locals The Lobby Bar was a great place to enjoy a cocktail was speaking with strangers and people watching And this is where I needed to claim my included welcome drink Not everyone can enter TÖLT If you’re a VIP or a lucky Marriott Bonvoy Elite you may receive an invitation with a secret password It was vinyl night and there was a DJ rockin’ The bartender was proud of his special homemade pickled onions perfected for a unique Gibson cocktail The space is also used for private and hotel-sponsored events Previously, Sunset was a nightclub The space is now closed to the public but available to book for private events Because I won’t always score that corner suite I want to know I can receive value in other ways Cristina at the front desk was delightful and helpful Magdalena helped me tremendously and was responsible for my speakeasy invitation took the time to make my meal feel special I was only at the hotel for 2 nights but it was a lovely stay and a fine experience The Reykjavik EDITION is perfectly located for exploring Reykjavik Here are some of the sites I’ve enjoyed during my visit to the area Harpa Concert Hall — The Harpa is the city’s iconic cultural venue conveniently located adjacent to the hotel Its striking architecture makes the building a focal point of the city and a destination for music festivals Laugavegur Street — I could never be bored on Laugavegur Street This main shopping street is a convenient 10-minute walk from the hotel The Best Hotdog in the World? — Iceland’s take on the best hotdog you’ll ever eat is just a few blocks from the hotel. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur had served up the best food value in town since 1937 Order your dog with everything to experience it the way it was intended Happy Hour — Alcohol in Iceland is expensive. It’s not unusual to find $25 cocktails. The best way to save on alcohol is to pick up a supply at KEF airport duty-free before leaving (use this guide for pricing). The second best way is to secure alcohol from a licensed outlet like Vínbúðin with one just a few blocks from The Reykjavik EDITION The third way is to take advantage of the plentiful happy hours offered at neighborhood bars around the hotel and on Laugavegur Street I have used several tour companies and all were great Hallgrimskirkja Church — Within walking distance of the hotel sits the largest church in Iceland you can climb the stairs to the top of the tower for a grand view of Reykjavik The structure contains the largest concert organ in the country and is built in a modern expressionist style both on the interior and exterior This is just a fraction of what there is to do in Reykjavik. For more information on additional activities, here’s a quick list to get you started The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Iceland. Your experience may not be as grand as mine, but the hotel is worth considering if you have FHR benefits with the Amex Platinum card Marriott Bonvoy Elite members are also treated well at the hotel I personally wouldn’t pay $800 a night to stay but good value may be found during the shoulder seasons with FHR benefits or by using Marriott Bonvoy points or free night certificates If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and your journey includes a stay in the capital city you’ll want to check out our in-depth reviews for other Reykjavik and airport hotel properties: The Reykjavik EDITION is a newer hotel located in a prime city location and it has the only rooftop bar in Reykjavik The Reykjavik EDITION is not located near KEF Airport It will take approximately an hour to travel from the airport to the hotel You can book the hotel using Marriott Bonvoy points or American Express Membership Rewards points You can also book via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive additional benefits Marriott Bonvoy free night certificates may also be used The Reykjavik EDITION is relatively expensive You can reduce the cost of staying at the hotel by booking during the shoulder seasons that don’t include the summer months or early fall Prices per night can drop by half in the off-season For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here where the planet’s strongest athletes will gather for a fierce competition as they push their limits and aim to break records in this prestigious global event Road to Milano Cortina 2026Who has qualified The latest stories of your favourite teams and athletes Follow their journey to the Olympic Winter Games in Italy thanks to a new route connecting Miami travelers directly to the capital city We’re not saying we don’t love living in Miami but we all need a little change of scenery from time to time If you’re looking for a unique trip that will provide absolutely breathtaking landscapes it’s about to get a whole lot easier for Miamians to jet off to Reykjavik As first reported by Aeroroutes European airline Icelandair is expanding its presence in North America by adding flights to a handful of destinations Orlando and Miami can take advantage of direct flights to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) using the airline’s newly obtained Airbus A321LR jets Known for its sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and the sea Reykjavik is a truly unique destination with plenty of modern museums delightful eateries and breathtaking natural wonders As the largest city in Iceland — housing 60% of the Nordic country’s population — and the world’s northernmost capital you’ll find many activities to do there from whale-watching to catching a glimpse of the northern lights While Icelandair has not officially announced flights to Miami the Reykjavik service to the Magic City is estimated to launch on January 6 local time and arrive in Miami at 8:55 p.m Returning flights would leave Miami at 5:15 p.m. Stay tuned for an official announcement and more details as the airline gets closer to bringing us to the land of fire and ice this hotel was part of IHG One Rewards at the time of the stay but is now part of World of Hyatt This has certainly been a great year to visit Iceland And as visitors to Iceland we’re assured of having a unique adventure on arrival Although flights have been relatively affordable one of the greatest expenses of a trip to Iceland is lodging We’re big fans of cutting lodging expense costs by using hotel loyalty points or free night certificates … and that was certainly my strategy when returning to Iceland this fall On a previous trip earlier this year, I discovered the Mr & Mrs Smith brand of hotels due to its partnership with IHG. I stayed at the Kvosin Hotel in downtown Reykjavik Let’s start first with some background on the hotel and a snapshot of what there was to do in the immediate area around the hotel part of the Keahotels hotel chain in Iceland is a small boutique hotel with just 66 rooms and 11 suites While housed in a formal townhouse complex the hotel has additional historical significance The historical connections within the walls of the hotel stem from the Sandholt Bakery and a gentlemen’s store also established in the 1920s The triangle of history continues within the hotel complex with the 1920 birth on-site of Nobel Prize-winning author Halldor Laxness and writer connections and is sure you’ll feel the historical connection during your stay The city of Reykjavik is not anywhere near Keflavik Airport Reykjavik is about a 45-minute to 1-hour ride away I was in the heart of everything the capital city had to offer and it was a good base for exploring the surrounding area The city of Reykjavik is located far from KEF International Airport where most travelers arrive Located on the main Reykjavik shopping street of Laugavegur the Sand Hotel offered access to restaurants Reykjavik is a very walkable city and the Sand Hotel was perfectly located for exploring Booking with Ultimate Rewards points also ensured I’d earn Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM) and Elite Qualifying Points (PQP) toward United elite status. And, since I was participating in a United 1K status challenge I had already selected my hotel and made sure it was available using points prior to booking the flights Booking early offered me the best availability using IHG One Rewards points to book the Sand Hotel Reward nights disappear quickly as peak season (summer) gets closer I logged in to my IHG One Rewards account and indicated Reykjavik as my destination to find a room at the Sand Hotel For the nights I selected for my stay in September 2022, I paid 57,500 IHG One Rewards points per night. We value IHG One Rewards points at around 0.5 cents per point I used approximately $262.50 worth of points for each night The cash price for the nights I selected was €394 per night for a standard double room, so I was happy to receive better value by using my points. I could have also used a combination of points earned on my IHG-branded credit card with cash IHG One Rewards offers several options for combining cash and points for hotel nights Hot Tip: If you are considering booking a cash rate, have a look at our recommendations for the best credit cards for IHG One Rewards loyalists Chances are unless you’re arriving from another city in Iceland (or possibly Greenland) you’ll be landing at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) the main airport on the island for international arrivals you’ll need to secure transportation into the city of Reykjavik it will take approximately an hour to reach the hotel you won’t need a vehicle to navigate the city so if you want to spend a couple of days exploring Reykjavik you may save money by waiting to rent a vehicle If you do drive to the hotel, there is a parking structure just a short walk from the hotel. Here are some additional tips and prices for parking in Reykjavik but it is the most expensive option starting at around $160 (~ kr The hotel is also happy to arrange transportation for you One of the best options for transportation to the city, and the Sand Hotel, is to take a bus. FlyBus and Airport Direct offer comfortable direct bus transportation to the central bus station where you can connect to a hotel shuttle or take a taxi that will take you and the accompanying passengers from the airport to your Reykjavik hotel without making the transfer at the central station Expect to pay about $50 for direct service I secured a ticket to the central bus station that included an ongoing shuttle to drop me off close to the hotel It was an easy walk from the bus stop to the hotel The city of Reykjavik has a unique bus stop system for tourist transport that incorporates numbered bus stops strategically located near hotels and landmarks throughout the city The Sand Hotel is located near Bus Stop 14 – Skúlagata This is the stop at which many tour companies and airport shuttle buses will drop off and pick up The final option I’ll mention for transportation to the city is the public bus. The public bus system, called Strætó runs from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik via Line 55 The ride will cost between $13 to $15 and will take in excess of an hour Hot Tip: Always allow plenty of time for travel to and from the airport to the hotel, especially if you’ll be staying in the city and need to catch an early flight out of Keflavik Airport. The bus companies recommend leaving Reykjavik about 4 hours before your flight if using bus transport. If you have an early morning flight and want to stay near KEF airport, the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik is a good choice As you walk down the sidewalk toward the hotel you’ll probably notice the Sandholt Bakery sign before you find the Sand Hotel but you will need to enter the space that is open between the buildings to find the hotel entrance The Sandholt Bakery sign is the landmark to look for when making your way to the hotel Between the Sandholt Bakery and the Sandbar look for the alleyway between the buildings for the sign that will lead you to the hotel entrance The hotel is made up of several buildings attached to each other The entrance to the hotel is quite understated so it can be a challenge to check into your hotel room prior to the official 3 p.m which makes it difficult for properties to accommodate early arrivals a priority request from the front desk was made to housekeeping and I was in my room by noon as Mr & Mrs Smith hotels have only a partnership with IHG and are not IHG properties The lobby area was clean and comfortable during my short wait for my room I received a welcome amenity of handmade chocolates Although located on the lower level of the hotel The fitness center was small but seemed more spacious due to the layout The fitness center had all the basic necessities for a morning workout Floor-to-ceiling mirrors are a necessary addition to a fitness room the mirrors added light and made the room seem larger Sanitizing supplies and fresh cold water were available at the station by the door Cold Icelandic water is so refreshing and it was available everywhere The hotel didn’t have a separate business center but the front desk staff said they were happy to print out any needed documents The hotel had 4 specially-adapted wheelchair-accessible rooms and child-friendly books were available for complimentary use Roll-away beds were available for a charge of kr The front desk staff members were very knowledgeable and happy to book a tour or transportation There was nothing exciting about the hallway leading to my room so there was no other guestroom on one side but what I liked most about it was the full-length mirror attached to the outside of the bathroom door Each room in the hotel had hardwood floors a typical size as far as I’ve seen in Iceland The room was also bright with lots of outdoor light coming in There was also a nice comfy leather chair in the corner The bed had nice crispy clean linens and I found it to be extremely comfortable You have the option of 2 twins or 1 bed in the standard rooms The nightstands were traditional but updated with 2 USB ports at each nightstand I needed to move a nightstand and remove an existing plug to access an electrical outlet just worth noting as my rapid charger did not have a USB connector I normally use a nightstand drawer to store my PJs There were 2 other available electrical outlets in the room I found 1 in the bathroom and another behind the leather chair The stand-alone closet structure had space for hanging clothes There was plenty of space to store belongings and hang clothing Behind the small door were the safe and the small refrigerator The coffee station had nice earthenware mugs The coffee station was adequately stocked with several coffee pods but beautifully outfitted completely in granite A nice touch I always appreciate is heated floors I also liked that the subtle night light automatically came on at night when I entered the room I don’t mind a smaller bathroom when traveling alone especially when it’s as gorgeous as this one With great lighting and high-end Mandarin & Clark Sage amenities from London the space was bright and slightly fragrant There were full-sized containers of both hand soap and lotion next to the sink The shower was outfitted with a rain shower head and shower wand The shower was also done totally in granite Full-size amenities were mounted in the shower and consisted of shampoo High-end amenities with nice fragrances made the shower pleasant but the nearest electrical outlet wasn’t close and the chair was comfortable for only a short period of time I don’t suppose many travelers come to Iceland to sit and work at a desk The desk area was not really conducive to working for long periods of time Internet speeds were powerful enough for me to work seamlessly Internet speeds throughout the hotel were more than adequate I’ll guess 48 to 54 inches as I didn’t bring my measuring tape of which several were English language channels There weren’t any options for syncing my own devices but there were plenty of options to watch TV you’d be too tired from the day’s Icelandic adventures to watch too much The windows were about 6 feet tall and opened just a narrow amount This picture of my view from room 317 was taken through the glass My view was overlooking the Sandholt Bakery outdoor seating area the view was simply of the surrounding buildings few hotels in the city have spectacular views my room was well-protected from street noise and loud bar music which were negative comments mentioned in several of the hotel’s online reviews The views were typical of a close urban environment I could step outside on a balcony and look about This might be a better view on a clear day There were 3 options for eating and drinking at the hotel While the hotel did not have a full-service restaurant Here are the food and beverage options you’ll find at the hotel The Bistro and Sandbar venues were in the same space Breakfast was served in the space in the morning and the bar opened in the late afternoon breakfast was served in the Bistro space from 7 a.m each day and was complimentary for all guests I was greeted immediately upon entering the room The Sand Hotel Bistro served breakfast in the morning and became the Sandbar in the evening was a great spot to people-watch as it was right at sidewalk level I could still find a peaceful place in the Bistro to sit and have breakfast Breakfast began at the sanitizing station where I picked up my silverware there were several homemade breads and pastries from which to select Guests could request a gluten-free option as well there was a selection of 2 types of smoked salmon I always opt for the local fish when in Iceland the Icelandic vegetables and fruits were fresh There were lots of spread choices for the homemade bread as some were labeled as local but others were not When I saw a tray of unbaked croissants and rising bread it prompted me to find out if any of the other items on the buffet were local and some vegetables were from local greenhouses There were a lot of choices of yogurt and cereal toppings but also notice the tray of croissants in the background waiting for the oven There were 4 cereal options and 2 yogurt choices It’s common to find several milk choices on an Icelandic breakfast buffet no Icelandic breakfast buffet would be complete without cod liver oil I like to anticipate the activities of the day But today I simply enjoyed my pot of coffee (that stayed hot in the container right until the end) and documented the experience to share with you Bottom Line: While there were no hot items on the breakfast buffet the buffet was provided complimentary to all guests allowing everyone to start their Icelandic day with the energy they’d need there were no snacks or food available in the Sandbar but I could easily grab something from the Sandholt bakery adjacent to the bar as it was open until 6 p.m The Sandbar was very busy during happy hour Happy hour at the Sandbar was every day from 4 p.m to visit the Sandholt Bakery on the ground floor level of the Sand Hotel Just some of the delicious pastries created by Sandholt Bakery The Sandholt Bakery was also responsible for the chocolates I received at check-in The chocolates offered by Sandholt Bakery were very unique in both appearance and flavor In addition to fine baked goods and chocolates, the Sandholt Bakery served handcrafted sandwiches and breakfast. Check out its menu online the sandwich selection at Sandholt was impressive The bakery also had a pantry market with a collection of takeaway items such as jams The bakery offered items that would complement any baked goods purchase Items were available for takeout or dine-in The bakery had both indoor and outdoor seating There were 3 separate seating areas at the bakery The Sand Hotel made for a perfect base for exploring not only the city of Reykjavik Here are some of the sights and activities available nearby but you can minimize the expense by picking up a few bottles of your favorites at the Duty-Free store on arrival before leaving the secure area at KEF airport you can download the Reykjavik Appy Hour app for IOS via your phone’s app store to find out where the nearest happy hour is near you There was a lot to explore right outside the hotel Visit the Gullfoss Waterfall on an easy tour from Reykjavik Hot Tip: The Sand Hotel is located in the heart of everything there is to do in Reykjavik. Here are some additional tips for things to do while you’re in the city The service I received at the Sand Hotel was cordial and helpful I appreciated the extra effort to accommodate my early check-in and get me into my room promptly I was also pleased with the pot of fresh coffee during my short wait the front desk staff was able to grant my request for a late checkout even though the hotel was full I didn’t have any problems as things went smoothly I especially liked the location with everything right outside the door I would stay there again if I could secure the hotel with IHG One Rewards points or a free night certificate If you have a lot of IHG One Rewards points in your account, check out the Mr & Mrs Smith properties on the IHG website as a nice boutique alternative to IHG-branded hotels If you haven’t already, you may also want to consider an IHG-branded card that has complimentary elite status and a free hotel night certificate each card anniversary year check out these additional hotel reviews from my previous visits: All images credited to Christine Krzyszton unless otherwise noted There isn’t an airport shuttle to the Sand Hotel Since the Sand Hotel is located in the heart of Reykjavik which is nearly an hour’s ride from Keflavik Airport you’ll need to secure transportation to get to the hotel you’ll have several transportation choices The front desk is also happy to arrange transport for you breakfast is included for all guests at the Sand Hotel It is also located right in the heart of Reykjavik making it easy to walk to most of the city’s attractions Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer. IcelandChevron Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links whether they're right in town or a drive well into the countryside We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date Light pink tones drape the majority of this cozy studio, encompassing anyone who enters with a calm vibe—which is great, considering it’s located on the busiest street in town. You’ll find everything you need to get the day started inside: a coffee machine, stove, a private bathroom, and more. Mountain views, waterside walks, and Reykjavik’s botanic garden are only a few of the perks that come with this one-bedroom, one-bath home in the Laugardalur district. Teak furniture dots the interior and a concrete floor gives it a modern edge. This guesthouse comes with all the amenities you’d expect from an Airbnb: a backyard space, a TV with streaming capabilities, in-unit washer and dryer, and—to combat the summertime midnight sun—room-darkening shades. The rich earth tones scattered around this apartment are like a shoulder massage. The owner has done a lot with a small amount of space, most notable is the entertainment corner which houses a giant TV, couch, and plenty of throw blankets. The one-bedroom is great for a couple, but can accommodate up to four people comfortably. This third-floor apartment, about 20 minutes outside of the city center on foot, is Instagram bait. The home itself, with its circular doorways, bright white walls, and balcony overlooking the city are perfect for photo opportunities. But the one-bedroom home is cozy, too, for when you want to forget the likes and comments and just be in Reykjavík. this robin's-egg blue home is hard to miss The one-bedroom apartment inside is just as quirky hodge-podge look that separates it from many of the more corporate Reykjavík Airbnbs as it's just two blocks from the National Gallery of Iceland.) If you're looking to save a little bit of money on the expensive island take a cue from those before you and pick up some groceries for a meal or two in as the equipped kitchen has plenty of counter space one guest even wrote "it had everything we needed to self-cater We ended up eating in more than we expected to as a result." 1.5 bathroomsTop amenities: Washer and dryer The owners of this home are furniture and home designers—and you can tell. The interiors are open and airy, and the bathroom is anchored by a soaking tub. The kitchen island seats six comfortably and an adjacent table seats eight more. This is a home for groups who love to surround themselves with beautiful, clean design. But the showstopper is at the end of a wooden walkway in the backyard: a hot tub and sauna. You're going to want a rental car for your stay in this secluded cabin, which sits between Reykjavik's city center to the north and the Blue Lagoon to the south (Both are just 25-30 minutes away.) The wood cabin has two bedrooms—one with bunks the other with a double bed—plus a fully-equipped kitchen and indoor fireplace to keep you warm in the winter up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Watch today's top stories and most popular videos which provide you with features like past/future radar and customizable layers Trust us to help you plan the best day possible with the most accurate weather forecast available We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good We may use or share your data with our data vendors The Weather Channel is the world's most accurate forecaster according to ForecastWatch, Global and Regional Weather Forecast Accuracy Overview Airlines have added lots of flights to the country and crowds are starting to flow into the streets of Reykjavik I recently hopped on Delta Air Lines’ first nonstop flight of the season out of Minneapolis (MSP) hoping to spend a few days there before the hoards of tourists arrive in the “Land of Fire and Ice.” Summer hotel prices in Iceland soar during peak season so I always look for opportunities to use hotel points to secure lodging there are plenty of hotels from the major chains It’s best to book early for summer trips. I began planning early in the year, booking the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Kvosin Downtown Hotel in Reykjavik, the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre and the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport near the airport all with points or free night certificates I’m going to share my experience at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport The property is an airport hotel that’s just a few years old and hosts one of the best restaurants in the area If you’re looking for a hotel near Iceland’s primary airport here’s why you’d want to consider the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is conveniently located just over 1.5 miles from the Keflavik International Airport (KEF) terminal The airport is the nation’s largest and the main international gateway for visitors from abroad you’ll want to consider the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport for its easy access to the airport the hotel could make a good base for exploring the south side of the island by car for the day or when you have a layover at KEF and want to visit the Blue Lagoon The hotel is also situated right in the middle of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark and is “surrounded by geographical wonders and attractions,” as noted in the hotel’s brochure Here’s a map showing a broader perspective of the hotel’s location in relationship to Reykjavik and the south shore An advantage of staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is the opportunity to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay or use your annual free night certificate that comes with several Marriott-branded credit cards so any time you can use points or free night certificates and receive good value Award nights at the hotel typically range from 32,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night throughout the summer. We value Marriott Bonvoy points at approximately 0.7 cents each which translates to using approximately $224 to $280 worth of points per night for a summer stay I was able to use one of my 35,000-point certificates to book the stay A cash stay during the summer can exceed $300 per night with taxes and fees factored in the cash rate would have been ~$252 (33,000 ISK) I also had the option to pay with cash and points at a rate of ~$97 (12,514 ISK) plus $116 worth of points (16,500 x 0.007) for a total equivalent of ~$213 That’s a decent price compared to the cash rate I would have selected that option had I not had an expiring free hotel night certificate I received my free night certificate as a perk of holding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. I also used the card for my hotel incidentals to earn up to 17x points for each dollar I spent at the property. I also have Marriott Bonvoy Titanium elite status which offers perks like complimentary breakfast (at participating properties) Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardMarriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays Welcome OfferEarn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) plus 50,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases.Up to 3 Free Night Awards + 50,000 pointsUP's Offer Valuation*:Up to $1,400Annual Fee$95APR20.49% - 27.49% VariableCredit RecommendedUpgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8 one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.Good to Excellent (670-850)Why We Like This CardIf you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status) it does not currently have an airport shuttle service the best way to reach the hotel is by taxi It will take less than 5 minutes and cost approximately $20 to $28 (2,500 to 3,500 ISK) You can walk to the hotel if you have little luggage and are up to it but it was not pleasant due to a strong headwind you have to traverse some rocky lava terrain covered in moss and then walk along a very busy highway There is another slightly indirect route you could take Hop on the Line 55 bus from the airport and take it to the first or second stop This will cut the walking time down to 15 to 18 minutes You can also tell the driver where you’re trying to go and they can advise you when to get off the bus The cost of the bus is about $3.70 (470 ISK) The hotel’s location is depicted by the red star on the map and the arrows indicate the bus stops closest to the hotel I have done all of these options and each has its obvious pros and cons you can reach the hotel by turning right on Highway 41 when exiting and keep right at the roundabout staying on 41 There is no charge for onsite parking at the hotel The hotel sits prominently in a lava field and stands out from its surroundings Since I was coming from my hotel in Reykjavik I first took a bus from the city to the airport then a taxi to the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport I was happy to finally arrive at about 2 p.m. and waited just a few minutes for my room to be ready I was greeted as a return guest and my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status was acknowledged I was offered a choice between complimentary breakfast I chose the breakfast as my flight the next day wasn’t until 9:30 a.m. the hotel is less than 5 minutes from the airport and I wanted to make sure to snap some images of the breakfast buffet to share with you all One notable observation regarding Iceland is that bottled water is not always offered as a welcome gift at hotels, regardless of status. I received just 1 bottled water during my stays at 3 different hotels. This is because the tap water in Iceland is some of the best in the world. And it’s ice cold. I carried a refillable water bottle Should you need to wait for your room to be ready you’ll have several comfortable areas from which to select Whether waiting for your airport transport you’ll have plenty of comfortable places to sit The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport does not have a huge footprint but it packs a lot into its compact floor plan Here are some of the amenities you can expect onsite Behind this unassuming door located next to the room elevators The door is marked with a sign that has the word GYM on it The fitness room is not large but it was clean and adequate for anyone wanting to have a morning workout you can freshen up at the vanity area near the exit door The hotel has 2 meeting rooms located directly off the lobby I was able to snap this peek of one with an open door Meeting Room 1 can hold up to 20 participants The meeting rooms can also be combined to hold up to 100 attendees The hotel also offers a complete stock of audio/visual equipment and supporting business services Having access to a desktop computer and a printer in these situations can be very helpful and high-speed internet available for tasks like these You’ll find the business center nook located in the lobby area In those rare instances when you need to print a document it’s nice to have a desktop and a printer handy.Advertisement You won’t spend much time in your hotel room during your time in Iceland That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport Here’s an overview of my room and the associated amenities The left nightstand offered a digital clock The work desk and right nightstand are extensions of each other (a clever design feature actually) The chair also served the dual purpose of being a desk chair and a chair with a footstool for relaxing The comfortable chair and ottoman were nice for a mid-work break Internet speeds in the room were consistent and sufficient for working online The bathroom was designed to use space efficiently there was plenty of floor space to move around The shower was sizable and had a handheld wand more and more hotels are utilizing full-size shampoo and shower gel containers mounted in the shower This was the case at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport In addition to the shower-mounted amenities and an offer to replace any toiletries you may have forgotten The room’s smart TV offered 25+ channels and allowed you to connect your own device for streaming personal content to the TV A compact cabinet in the corner of the room enclosed a closet The coffee station was stocked with an ice bucket There was no espresso/coffee maker in the room but coffee is also available at the breakfast buffet between 6 a.m The small refrigerator can come in handy to keep your road trip groceries cool and fresh I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport twice in 3 weeks it’s important to note the gas station pumps in the parking lot and the airport off in the distance And here is the view from room 415 for comparison The Bridge Restaurant and Bar is a shining addition to the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport the guest rooms at the hotel are sparkling clean you’re more likely to leave with a warm feeling due to your initial front desk experience your interaction with the staff in the bar/restaurant The restaurant is separated into 3 distinct areas in an effort to provide a more intimate dining experience any of the areas can be used throughout the day or evening Titanium and Platinum Marriott Bonvoy elite members will be offered the option to select complimentary breakfast The breakfast buffet would cost approximately $22 (2,800 ISK) if you were to purchase it so it is by far the best option if you can fit it into your schedule Let’s look at the selections you can expect at breakfast time Walk right up and grab your morning coffee or hot cocoa without a wait as there are 2 hot beverage machines You’ll find a selection of naturally-flavored water Quality fresh fruit in a remote northern destination is a real treat and this assortment was very tasty The bread selection was good with 5 different bread choices and a toaster I really could have used an assistant to lift each lid while I snapped some shots of the hot breakfast offerings all are standard hot breakfast foods you’ve seen before The roasted potatoes were especially flavorful There was a fine selection of thinly sliced meats and cheeses If you prefer alternative milk to dairy versions you’ll find additional choices common in Iceland The cereal section had several options from which to select the choices were vanilla or blueberry skyr I chose the vanilla skyr and it had tiny pieces of shaved vanilla bean in it — delicious You can also add toppings to your yogurt or cereal such as chia seeds I was impressed with the quality of the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for being on a remote island so early in the year I am sure the greenhouses on the island have contributed to the fine quality of fruits and vegetables here there are 2 easy options to avoid paying top dollar for your evening cocktail you can grab a bottle (or 3) of your favorite beverage at the airport duty-free store as soon as you arrive in the country you can plan to participate in a happy hour —- they’re everywhere The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport has a great happy hour you’ll enjoy discounted select alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed for around $5.50 (700 ISK) or a glass of wine for around $7 (900 ISK) I was offered a taste of the house beer and I actually received a small glass It was a flavorful citrus lager and quite delightful Strike up a conversation with the incredible team of bartenders and servers as they’ll share a lot of information about the surrounding area and the hotel I’ve stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport several times and never had a bad meal It’s difficult to beat fresh fish pulled from the cold North Atlantic waters just hours earlier I welcome the chance to eat the local fish whenever I can It’s worth noting that I had a conversation with 2 locals who frequent the restaurant and said it is the best restaurant in the area My server confirmed that a lot of locals eat there Here’s the current dinner menu offered at the hotel Here’s the fish dinner I had at the hotel during a previous visit The local arctic char (fish) I ordered during my current trip was so phenomenal that I believe it is the best meal I have ever had in Iceland So many flavors in just 1 dish and approximately $28 (3,690 ISK) There are 2 substantial arctic char filets hidden in there The meal also came with a small salmon and apple compote appetizer that spread nicely on the fresh bread The restaurant also serves a prix fixe menu that offers your choice of an appetizer When I visited it was an Italian-themed selection The dining room offers private booths that feature a personal smart TV convenient for connecting your own device or enjoying a virtual bonfire during your meal The Bridge restaurant serves brunch from 11:30 a.m All 4 selections are included in the price Check out the brunch menu available online The market is located adjacent to reception so you can just grab what you need and pay at the front desk the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is not located near the capital city of Reykjavik making it a convenient option to stay before Here is some additional information regarding the immediate area surrounding the hotel you could take a taxi for about $65 to $80 you’ll be happy to know there’s a gas station located in the parking lot of the hotel perfect for topping off the gas tank before returning your rental car While a negative test is no longer required to enter the U.S. it’s still good to know there’s a COVID-19 testing center next door to the hotel you can schedule a test and have the results in 15 to 25 minutes You can make an appointment and pay online I’ve stayed in the town of Keflavik twice and it is a quiet place. You can, however, enjoy walking along the seaside and book boat tours that leave out of Keflavik harbor There is a Nettó supermarket located about an 8-minute walk from the hotel Turn left out of the hotel driveway and walk straight down the hill There is also a larger Bonus supermarket further down the same hill It’s worth noting that grocery stores do not sell alcohol in Iceland The Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport is well-staffed with friendly people who seem to care about each traveler having a pleasant stay I have stayed at the hotel several times and always experienced good service at the front desk You’ve probably noticed I feel quite comfortable at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport usually before catching my flight back to the U.S I’m not the only traveler who appreciates the hotel, however. For 2021 the World Travel Awards voted the hotel as the top business hotel in Iceland and it was nominated for the award of the best overall hotel in Iceland I would say that it’s not the best hotel in Iceland — but I am a fan nevertheless The hotel is also where I normally say goodbye to Iceland so I’ll admit there’s a piece of sentimental value at work here I’ll continue to stay at the hotel on future trips and recommend it to my friends for all the reasons I’ve mentioned earlier I’ll also root for their success in securing an airport shuttle sometime in the near future The hotel does not offer a hotel shuttle at this time management at the hotel said they were working on it and hope to have arrangements completed in the future The easiest way to reach the hotel is via taxi The hotel can be reached by a 5-minute drive or taxi ride from Keflavik Airport The hotel is nearly a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from the capital city of Reykjavik The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer Reykjavík Energy (Orkuveita Reykjavíkur; Orkuveitan) is holding a bond auction on Wednesday Bonds in the green bond classes OR031033 GB OR280845 GB and OR180255 GB will be offered for sale OR031033 GB bears 8,30% fixed nominal interest and pays equal instalments every six months with a final maturity date of October 3rd bonds with a nominal value of ISK 6,390 million have been issued in the class OR0280845 GB bears fixed indexed interest and pays equal payments every six months with a final maturity date of August 28th The bond carries 3,70% fixed interest and is redeemable in the year 2037 bonds with a nominal value of ISK 4,770 million have been issued in the class OR0180255 GB bears fixed indexed interest and pays equal payments every six months with a final maturity date of February 18th bonds with a nominal value of ISK 36,966 million have been issued in the class oversees the issuance and sale of the bonds and their admission to trading on the Nasdaq sustainable bonds market in Iceland Bids must be submitted to the email address utbod@fossar.is before UTC 17:00 on Wednesday Snorri Hafsteinn Þorkelsson, CFO, tel: +354 516 6100, email: snorri.hafsteinn.þorkelsson@or.is          Matei Manolescu, Fossar Investment Bank, tel: +354 522 4008, email: matei.manolescu@fossar.is        Reykjavík Energy (Orkuveita Reykjavíkur; RE) concluded a green bond auction in the green bond classes OR031033 GB OR031033 GB bears 8.30% fixed nominal interest and pays equal installments every six months with a final maturity date of October 3rd bonds with a nominal value of ISK 7,775 million have been issued in the class and admitted to trading on Nasdaq Iceland The series attracted bids totaling ISK 370 million nominal value at yields between 8.15%-8.25% RE accepted bids amounting to ISK 370 million at a yield of 8.25% The bond carries 3.70% fixed interest and is redeemable in the year 2037 bonds with a nominal value of ISK 7,850 million have been issued in the class and admitted to trading on Nasdaq Iceland The series attracted bids totaling ISK 100 million nominal value at a yield of 3.89% bonds with a nominal value of ISK 37,416 million have been issued in the class The series attracted bids totaling ISK 800 million nominal value at yields between 3.60%-3.64% RE accepted bids amounting to ISK 800 million at a yield of 3.64% Fossar Investment Bank oversees the issuance and sale of the bonds and their admission to trading on the Nasdaq market in Iceland with sustainable bonds Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries From geothermal pools to the islands of Kollfjördur Bay Reykjavík is always a fun stop for families The easygoing capital of Iceland, Reykjavík is one of the world's great destinations for families, and many of the highlights – both indoors and out – are suitable for all ages, whatever time of year you visit There are all sorts of cool things to do so even the most rambunctious youngster can burn off energy in beautiful and safe surroundings Viking history and more await in this compact city that seems tailor-made for family exploration and enjoyment Iceland offers a warm welcome to children of all ages from other parts of the globe The entire country often feels like a magical island aimed specifically at kids – and young-at-heart adults too Reykjavík accommodates family travel particularly well. You're never far from a park or playground, and discounts for kids and families are common at attractions and on tours and public transport Family rooms are offered by hotels and you'll find high chairs changing facilities and kids' menus in many restaurants Public facilities make special accommodations for pregnant women and infants and breastfeeding while out and about is never an issue People should travel with kids in the same manner they do at home Just know that it can get cold and wet at any time of year so bring appropriate clothing The area known as Old Reykjavík is exactly what its name implies – it's the compact historic center of the city the Old Harbor is the place to hop on a boat to see puffins and whales in Faxaflói bay Stroll the waterfront to find fun places to eat and get ice cream Elsewhere, you can enjoy neat views of the city and fringing mountains from the Perlan Nature Museum, hear the clanging of church bells and visit brash but colorful tourist attractions such Aurora Reykjavík where you can get the lowdown on those mysterious green lights that appear in the night sky from September to April Older kids looking for a cool Icelandic vibe will love Laugavegur Here – and on narrow side streets – they'll find designer duds There are more ways to get wet at Laugardalslaug then you can count Reykjavík's top choice for public swimming and soaking this vast bathing complex boasts Olympic-sized swimming pools a thrilling 86m-long water slide and a whole lot more Babies can splash with you while older kids and teens safely roam and play around the complex. Just remember that all swimmers must shower completely with soap (and no swimsuit) before entering the pools. The Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach to the south of Reykjavík's small domestic airport is also worth a visit (entry is free from May to August) Like a fun fair for kids, the Reykjavík Park & Zoo is not your typical zoological park with animals dragged in from around the world it stars the friendly critters you'll find in the Icelandic countryside bunnies and very photogenic Icelandic horses you'll find a bevy of delights aimed at younger kids such as tiny boats Few can resist the anthropomorphic charms of Iceland's puffins and even if tots can't manage that mouthful of an adjective While puffins can often be spotted on longer whale-watching tours there are trips geared specifically toward spying these orange-beaked charmers A boat ride of less than 15 minutes will let kids of all ages enjoy watching the antics of puffins on the tiny islands near the Old Harbor – Puffin Express is a top operator there are myriad opportunities to buy every youngster's favorite Iceland souvenir: A plush toy puffin Kids will love hearing the crash of axes and the screams of the conquered at the melodramatic and unashamedly touristy Saga Museum in the Old Harbor Lifelike figures and special effects take visitors through 17 key moments in Icelandic history bringing the nation's famous sagas (historical stories) to life everyone gets to dress up in Viking garb to nab the perfect selfie A great indoor option for days when the skies open up, and even for days when they don't, Reykjavík's Omnom Chocolate has a shop inside its Old Harbor factory that would be the envy of Willy Wonka it's the place to come for wild ice cream creations and extravagant chocolate treats Nearly two dozen species of whales frequent the waters immediately off Reykjavík which means boat tours from the Old Harbour don't take long to reach them Huge humpbacks are among the most common visitors to Faxaflói bay and everyone gasps when one bursts from the water in a huge Once back ashore, Whales of Iceland has stunning displays of life-size models of these giants so you can appreciate their true size Know that summer is a variable concept in Iceland: the days may be long thanks to the northerly latitude, but temperatures can be cool compared to what people usually associate with a balmy July elsewhere in the northern hemisphere. Winters are dark and cold and it can rain at any time of year so bring waterproofs and lots of layers for kids. And comfy shoes and socks are a must as the city is great for walking, which is the best way to get around the center, although public buses pick up the slack. With so many thrilling sights and wildlife close encounters, it's a good idea to equip kids with their own cameras to capture memories of their adventures. However, note that photos are not allowed in swimming pool changing rooms or inside most public pools. The iconic mountain of Esja across the bay from the pocket-sized capital of Reykjavík © darekm101 / Getty Images You may have seen pictures of Reykjavík’s brightly colored houses tiered along the shore, the vibrant cafes and bars in Reykjavik 101 (the centre of the city) or drone footage of fireworks over the ziggurat of Hallgrímskirkja Iceland’s capital promises all of this and more Combine your city break with a day trip waterfalls and glaciers that radiate out across this splendid The streets of Reykjavík fill right up from June to August when visitors flock to Iceland for its warm(ish) summer season and the access the season brings to the countryside Some of the most extreme mountain roads (called F roads in Iceland) only open from mid- to late-June and close by the end of August when the ice and snow starts to accumulate again Prices are at their highest and you need to have booked at least six months in advance for good accommodation and the best deals on car hire and the most coveted tours Spring and autumn are a chance to visit when the crowds are fewer so these big open spaces seem more your own and you share the streets of the capital more with Reykjavikers it can be all year round – so pack accordingly but prices are softer and availability more kind Winter is the province of darkness and austere adventure Full daylight hours are miniscule – just 3 or 4 hours – but the atmospheric sunrises and sunsets make for great viewing and it’s the chance to see the Northern Lights Many country hotels and restaurants close or reduce services (especially over the December holidays) but Reykjavík itself remains open for all comers or simply strolling behind the shimmering sheet of a coursing waterfall The centre is enjoyably walkable, with tidy straight streets and lots to look at, all in a compact area surrounding Lake Tjörnin. The bus network (Strætó with its handy app Klappið) works very well for the further reaches of the city A car is really unnecessary if you are staying in the capital unless you have mobility issues For getting out into the countryside and road tripping you can either hire a car or camper or join one of the many many tours and excursions that include pickup in Reykjavík Public bus routes beyond the capital are targeted to Icelandic villages and towns and services in some areas are reduced or cut altogether in winter Oh, and don’t miss hearing live local music while you’re in town. Reykjavikers know how to put on a good show. You can warm up at Kaffibarinn or with a visit to a few of the excellent brew pubs in the centre – like Kaldi, Micro Bar and Skúli It is an absolute all over Iceland that if you are going to swim or soak you must shower using soap (without your swimsuit on) and wash your hair in the provided changing/shower room It’s basic Icelandic hygiene and allows the pools to have minimal or no chlorine or chemicals added And Reykjavík is among the most expensive places in the country especially for lodging (boutique double room 36,000–51,500kr) You can help yourself out by booking well ahead to get the best deals (guesthouse double room with shared bathroom 22,000–29,000kr) Buy alcohol in the airport arrivals hall’s duty-free shop as you come into the country for big savings What you can predict about weather in Reykjavík is that it is unpredictable warm (60°F/16°C) day can easily turn to storm and cloud what with the island’s location in the middle of the Atlantic Always pack layers and always bring them with you when you head out on a hike you’ll have a thick/warm wool (or synthetic that dries well) underlayer and a waterproof outerlayer Most Icelanders speak impeccable English, making travel for anyone who can make do in English rather easy. Some of the older generations do not, however, and in general learning a few expressions like takk fyrir (thank you) is simply polite and more fun Iceland’s online resources are superb and they have a network of sites and apps to help plan for safe travel if you leave the capital at all. Some top sites to check out are Visit Iceland and Visit Reykjavík for inspiration and information. Sjalfsbjorg.is provides short-term mobility equipment rental and curated lists of accessible hotels Reykjavík Grapevine is a great English-language newspaper and website with current cultural listings. Entertaining and informative Iceland podcasts to get you in the mood include All Things Iceland and Stories of Iceland Despite the summer festival vibe in the capital always be respectful of its residents’ needs – though it can get busy and overtourism and jacked up apartment prices are a real concern If you leave the capital stay on marked roads and protect the truly unspoilt nature (you don’t want to be the one to spoil it). Only use designated areas for camping and actual toilets for your pit stops. Check weather and road conditions before heading out. If you're going hiking, register at Safe Travel and learn about staying safe. They’ve all got apps, too. A volcano near Iceland's capital Reykjavik in the country's southwestern region erupted for the tenth time in three years on Wednesday The country's meteorological office said there were no disruptions to air traffic or infrastructure The eruption began at 11:14 p.m. local time It took place east of the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa resort in Svartsengi, which evacuated guests and closed for safety measures, according to public broadcaster RUV. "Lava crossed the Grindavík road around 4:30 this morning," the office reported online the lava front also reached the hot water pipeline See images: Nat Geo drops stunning photos for 2024 'Pictures of the Year' Aerial video shows the Icelandic volcano erupting spewing bright orange and yellow lava into the sky and hitting the ground flowing south Authorities had warned of volcanic activity as magma accumulated beneath the peninsula The most recent eruption there ended on Sept The meteorological office said there had been no noticeable increase in seismic activity over the past few weeks Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund The TimesA volcano has erupted on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula with tourists and residents evacuated from the nearby town of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon spa The eruption was the 11th in the North Atlantic island nation since 2021 (the last took place in November 2024) Emergency services had already ordered evacuations of the popular Blue Lagoon spa and the local fishing town in the hours ahead of Tuesday’s eruption The Icelandic Met Office said that the volcano erupted at 9:45am local time just north of the protective barrier near Grindavík but flights to and from the country have not been affected The latest eruption took place on the Reykjanes peninsula Grindavik is the closest town to the eruption site but significant fault movements have occurred within the town as a result of the volcano very few residents remain here as many have not returned since the eruption at the end of 2023 • Discover our full guide to Iceland It’s not safe to visit either the site of the volcano or the town of Grindavik there may also be noxious gasses affecting air quality after which the situation will be reassessed remains safe to visit and is not affected by the eruptions Keflavik International Airport and the road to it are operating normally Lava flows near Grindavik in January 2024GETTY IMAGESFollowing the most recent eruption the UK Foreign Office said that “it is likely there will be further eruptions in this location,” advising would-be visitors to monitor local media for updates and to follow the authorities’ advice on travel to the area “Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland “These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally and the rest of Iceland is not affected by these recent eruptions “The Government of Iceland monitors any seismic and volcanic activity closely and infrastructure is robustly designed but not all events can be anticipated and can pose risks to your travel plans including travel delays and cancellations due to rock falls and landslides sudden flooding and poisonous volcanic gases near eruption sites.” The latest volcanic eruption was located on the Sundhnuksgigar crater row north of the fishing town of Grindavik on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland The protective barrier north of Grindavík was breached The town is around 35 miles southwest of the capital and 16 miles from the international airport one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions Visitors should stay up to date with information from the Icelandic Met Office Bathers at the Blue LagoonGETTY IMAGESThe Blue Lagoon and its hotels café and spa are temporarily closed through Tuesday All flights to and from Iceland are operating as usual and have not been affected by the series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula The Eyjafjallajokull eruption in 2010 resulted in the largest air traffic shutdown since the Second World War with millions of passengers stranded around the world can lead to engine failure and persistent northerly winds were carrying large plumes of ash across Europe the European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it was now better prepared for future major volcanic ash events and is monitoring the current situation It stated: “In the event of an eruption and development of an ash cloud the agency will work with other aviation actors to assess the impact for aviation and make recommendations accordingly.” The Icelandic capital has not been affected by the volcano eruption and • Best Iceland tours• Discover our full guide to Iceland Additional reporting by Lizzie Frainier and Claudia Rowan Become a subscriber and along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here Registered in England No. 894646. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Highland Base KerlingarfjöllSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors It’s no secret by now that Iceland is one of the world’s greatest destinations First-time visitors drive jaws agape around the ring road marveling at the primal landscapes being molded in front of their eyes ancient to us but younger than most other countries on earth Repeat visitors delve into the hidden corners of the country immersing themselves in the small towns that cling to precarious coastlines and mountain heath holds something wondrous What is universal for everyone visiting this far-flung island in the North Atlantic is the feeling of awe that journeys through the country bring about. With such drama and adventure on the outside, the hotels sprinkled across the country are suitably relaxed and luxurious, offering peaceful refuges from the elements From cushy country lodges to sophisticated Scandinavian hideaways Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve prim antique houses each painted a different color and mountains rising in the background dusted with snow it’s easy to imagine the trading ships of Denmark and Norway sailing into the harbor; this town was one of the country’s most important harbors during the richest era of trade in Scandinavia Guests are encouraged to jot down their own tales during their stay (published on the hotel’s website) most of which will be inspired by the mind-bogglingly beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula walking into the moss-colored Sigló Hotel feels like entering the home of your most country-chic friend but it could just be the moody filter that veils the entire town offering views of the marina or neighboring mountains which you can (and should!) learn all about at the Herring Era Museum across the street from the hotel Sunna Restaurant is the hotel’s only dining spot and the view over the marina and landing pier makes for a wonderfully unconventional appetizer go for the baked cod with a side of seafood soup Siglufjördur is a stop on a larger road trip where it’s easy to relax and lose yourself in the misty harbor and its surrounding hiking trails It sets the tone for your stay at this hotel which straddles the line between luxury hunting lodge and adventurous country manor This log-style cabin is a wonderful refuge in the middle of Iceland’s south coast; all you need do is turn your gaze inland to spy out the twin glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull and you’ll feel the pull of adventure coaxing you out the front door Each hotel in the group is unique to its destination The interiors feature splashes of Nordic creativity in the décor tempered by a clean and effortless design and concrete capturing the youthful and vibrant feel of Reykjavik perfectly This all gives way to the warm and inviting rooms with Italian furnishings made from ash wood and floor-to-ceiling windows that either frame the fjord and Mt Gracefully wedged between the Harpa Concert Hall and Reykjavik’s Old Harbour Add in a rooftop terrace for viewing the northern lights a restaurant run by Iceland’s first Michelin Star chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason 2021The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most illustrious attractions with a constant stream of visitors enjoying a dip in the steamy blue water bordered by black lava on Reykjanes Peninsula Its popularity also splits Iceland travelers firmly into two camps: those who want to stay away from the well-trodden tourist attractions Perhaps an easier question to answer is whether to stay at the upscale hotel attached to Iceland’s famed hot spring this hotel takes all the geothermal wonder of the Blue Lagoon and instills it into an uber-luxurious wellness establishment The sleek and minimalist suites mirror the mossy-covered lava fields outside while floor-to-ceiling windows welcome in the ethereal light of the Reykjanes Peninsula inciting the stark grey and subdued black interiors into a heady and otherworldly Icelandic spectrum a cavernous space offering the patented Blue Lagoon Ritual and array of minerals all found in the geothermal waters Access to a more exclusive section of the Blue Lagoon is also included and there’s a world-class restaurant to boot the interiors are by contrast an oasis of warmth and tranquillity The elegant design incorporates driftwood and other natural materials from the surrounding landscapes creating a blend of high-end luxury with low-key Icelandic sensibilities an homage to the beauty of the scenery outside A highlight is the Northern Lights Bar, elevated over the lava field with huge windows for watching the shimmering aurora unfolding across the night sky. The onsite Silfra Restaurant serves up fantastic dishes, from fresh Arctic char to glazed lamb shank, while a heated plunge pool is artfully exposed to the elements letting you experience the drama of Iceland’s weather from the warmth of the steamy water The hotel also acts as a great base for deeper explorations of the Golden Circle Reception can organize everything from snorkeling between tectonic plates at the nearby Silfra fissure to super-jeep tours on the glaciers and expeditions into nearby lava caves Kvosin Hotel is a charismatic boutique property with fantastic apartment suites It’s a hotel that hits all the boxes for an extended stay in Reykjavik: a blend of urban and Nordic style The typical Icelandic building is over 100 years old a grand old place in keeping with its note-worthy neighbors such as the Icelandic Parliament Inside, Kvosin is another story altogether, taking inspiration from a more modern-day Reykjavik The renovated interiors are updated and modish providing a comfortable home base from which to explore the capital within minutes you can be sipping on a local craft beer or enjoying a leisurely stroll around the city’s central pond Stumbling home after experiencing Reykjavik’s feisty nightlife you’ll find the rooms welcoming and fashionable 2021For travelers looking to escape the Ring Road into Iceland’s remote regions the Tröllaskagi Peninsula is a splendid choice One of the most mountainous places in the country taking in views of the dramatic Northern Atlantic Ocean and connecting several fishing towns dwarfed by the gargantuan surroundings the fog-kissed mountains are cut with several valleys Sitting in a grassy meadow surrounded by imposing peaks this turf-covered farmhouse is so quiet and unassuming that the odd traveler who does pass by wouldn’t have a clue that it is in fact one of Europe’s most isolated and luxurious mountain lodges Run by the high-end and exclusive Eleven Experience, Deplar Farm offers adventurous travelers the whole experience. From heli-skiing in the winter to mountain biking and salmon fishing in the summer there’s a gamut of adventures to enjoy with the hotel’s team of expert guides Waiting for you when you return is world-class food prepared by a team of star Icelandic chefs elegant rooms that overlook the peaceful meadow and anchoring mountain you’ll have to double-take to make sure you’re not stuck in some sort of Nordic mirage Every single space throughout the property makes the most of the landscape with massive windows and moody interiors that complement the moss that surrounds the hotel in the summertime the front desk is ready to make dinner reservations and accommodate room upgrades and requests whenever possible If budget is no concern at the hotel’s restaurant which gives the chef full permission to get creative and craft a seasonal five-course experience it’s the perfect spot to taste some grilled arctic char and for artful travelers looking to experience the height of the country’s design scene a stay at 101 Hotel comes highly recommended An exalted member of the Design Hotels group 101 Hotel offers refined and sophisticated interiors that are unabashedly fashionable and self-assured The striking black and white interiors play backdrop to a collection of contemporary Icelandic artwork with tasteful furnishings selected to bring about that effortless designer style There’s a restaurant on-site with a devout local following and a chic bar for cocktails after a day of wandering around Reykjavik with chairs gathered around tree-trunk tables and a cozy fireplace All this is nestled a short walk from Laugavegur Exeter is an inconspicuous property that blooms into a textbook example of how cozy Scandinavian interiors can be Its location in the Old Harbor is within walking distance of the downtown shops but offers a quieter place to retreat to at night The rooms are outfitted in the same earthy tones as the rest of the property One standout: The Harbour Suite is situated within sight of Snæfellsnes Peninsula especially if you plan on staying multiple nights in awe at the overwhelming beauty of it all It’s the reason why Iceland is now one of the most popular destinations in the world; it makes us feel things we don’t often get to feel The best hotels in Iceland embrace that quality elegant backdrops that let the location do all the talking marooned on a remote beach on the southern shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on all sides the arresting Icelandic landscapes capture your gaze from the views across the bay to the moody glacier at the center of Snæfellsnes National Park the interiors match the mood of the outside perfectly The vintage-style furnishings add a timeless appeal to the entire property while the restaurant is famous with Icelanders around the country a native Icelander who worked in the United States as a circus strongman returned to his native country with dreams of building Iceland’s first four-star property an Art Deco gem in the very center of the city It’s still the hotel of choice for Iceland’s celebrities and elites whom you’re likely to chat with over warm brown bread and strong coffee at the Borg’s guests-only breakfast like the sleek silver door handles and the dainty chime the elevator makes instead of a beep Time moves differently here; stay at the island hotel even for just an evening and you’ll feel yourself slipping into the off-kilter rhythm of an Icelandic summer Hazy golden light falls across the rocky shores and surrounding seascapes and long grass shimmers and waves in the wind as you stumble around in a daze wondering as travelers so often do in Iceland: is this place real The humble Hotel Flatey opens only in the summer (in winter the population of the island is around five people) offering comfortable rooms across several 19th-century homes with a clean and uncluttered design pulled straight from the pages of a magazine The hotel restaurant serves as the island’s pub and lounge where locals and summer blow-ins gather in the evening to swap stories and enjoy a warm meal The entire experience feels like being welcomed into the home of a distant Icelandic relative A version of this gallery was originally published by Conde Nast Traveller UK. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All international capacity is located at Keflavik (KEF) Domestic capacity is exclusively at the domestic airport (RVK) which is right next door to downtown and perfect for visitors Now the authorities are looking again at a new domestic airport located along the A41 road to KEF because diversionary procedures at KEF have been shown to be inadequate and need to be improved The ultimate answer might be to build this new airport and connect it by way of a long proposed high speed rail line to the city and southerly suburbs in one direction But who would pay for that in the current economic climate is the 64,000 dollar question You must log in to read the rest of this article Got an account? Log In Get a taste of our expert analysis and research publications by signing up to CAPA Content Lite for free, or unlock full access with CAPA Membership All international capacity is located at Keflavik (KEF) From Akureyri to Hof, residents turned out to voice concerns over rising living costs, job insecurity and growing inequality. The public holiday here in Iceland coincides with International Workers’ Day In Reykjavík, crowds gathered under Hallgrímskirkja Church for the capital’s annual May Day march The event combined celebration and protest with brass bands playing and union leaders delivering speeches calling for more action on housing and workers’ rights One of the most striking images from the capital’s parade was a large white sculpture carried by demonstrators through the streets in a tradition that has lasted decades NOT A MARKETING PRODUCT,” the figure symbolises the resistance many here feel towards the shifting economic landscape the day was successful in demonstrating the enduring strength of Iceland’s labour movement no less the willingness of Icelanders to make their voice heard This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The name Iceland conjures a lot of images: volcanoes spewing lava and Viking cottages covered in mossy roofs But we’ll let you in on a secret: It’s also a very decent place to bike With its low COVID rates and Iceland Air’s many nonstop flights from […] With its low COVID rates and Iceland Air’s many nonstop flights from North America, the mystical island has seen a tourism boom in recent years. (The prevalence of fluent English-speakers is also handy). Many daydreamers have learned about the Ring Road, a rideable highway that circumscribes the country, as well as the many gravel roads that crisscross the stark interior. You can find scads of rugged bikepacking videos online But bike-savvy travelers may also set their sights on Reykjavik where paths are plentiful and can lead you just about anywhere With its meandering coast and navigable neighborhoods Reykjavik is easy to explore on two wheels — and in the warmer months a bike easily replaces a car for urban exploration Only about 130,000 people live in Reykjavik Among its blocks of modernist gingerbread houses and you can ride the maze of side-streets with the assurance that Reykjavik is considered one of the safest cities in the world There are several places to rent a bike in Reykjavik, and you can arrange every kind of organized excursion. One of the easiest services is Reykjavik Bike Tours, based in a converted shipping container on the waterfront. Bikes are diverse and affordable, and you can hit several trails in a matter of minutes. You can also rent from Borgarhjól a respected shop on the fashionable Hverfisgata street you can also visit Borgarhjól for maintenance and repairs no bike-share company has managed to replace it That said, ride-share scooters are insanely popular. Take a walk at any time of day, and you’ll see dozens of riders whizzing through the city on electric scooters. Two rival companies, Zolo and Hopp have littered the streets with dockless machines and anyone with the right app and a credit card is welcome to rent one The most blissful trip you can take is along the coastal bike path, which starts on the Reykjavik waterfront and winds its way around the peninsular town of Seltjarnarnes. The path is flat and smooth, and you’ll find uninterrupted views of nearby mountain ranges. The route leads you to the Grótta lighthouse and the Nauthólsvik Geothermal Beach where swimmers can bask in earth-heated waters which wind their way through the eastern suburbs City limits are only a few kilometers across, so you can zip from one hot spot to another with relative ease. Along the harbor, you’ll find the Saga Museum, with its vivid wax dioramas illustrating medieval Norse life, as well as the somewhat infamous Phallological Museum, which displays multi-species samples of the male member. The Harpa Concert Hall is a colossal dark-tinted block; this performance space and music hall is Farther out, you’ll find the Perlan (“The Pearl”), a domed complex that has become a popular planetarium and interactive natural history museum. The Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo is a nice diversion for families partly because of the modest collection of animals (reindeer etc.) and also because of the dynamic playgrounds that surround it If you see nothing else, you must visit Hallgrímskirkja The structure is impossible to miss: The concrete spire punctuates the skyline and the facade radiates out like a pleated stone cape Hallgrímskirkja rises over a busy public plaza overshadowing a heroic statue of Leif Eriksson use the bell tower as a reference point for finding your way and even take an elevator to the top for an unbeatable 360-degree view of the city Note: Central Reykjavik is built on several hills so you may find yourself huffing up the narrow streets but auto traffic tends to be slow and respectful the outskirts have a good number of highways; trails often peter out or lack precise signage and Google Maps doesn’t yet indicate Icelandic bike routes you can pedal almost anywhere in the environs but some destinations might require problem solving remember that all of this gets more complicated in the wintertime; they don’t call it “Iceland” for nothing For a nation that subsisted primarily on lamb and fish for the past millennium Reykjavik has an astonishing range of dining options – a palette that reflects the growing diversity of the city For traditional dining in an easy-to-find location, visit Kaffi Loki which stands directly across from Hallgrímskirkja Here you’ll find such classics as fermented shark Icelanders have adopted fish and chips, and you can find a number of places for this English standby, including Reykjavik Fish-Restaurant For a much, er, wilder experience, try to track down the Silli Kokkur food truck It’s hard to believe Iceland has food trucks and Sigvaldi Jóhannesson is a chef who hunts his own game before hacking the meat into ingredients You can’t beat him for “locally sourced,” and Jóhannesson has won international awards for his culinary work Central Reykjavik is packed with hotels of all sizes and styles and AirBnB and Vrbo are saturated in rooms and apartments plan to book your accommodations months in advance; reserving in the high season is a cutthroat experience Note: Visitors are often surprised how far Reykjavik is from its own international airport There’s no “budget” way to get from Keflavik International to Downtown Reykjavik; you’re more or less required to take a Flybus (about US$30 per rider) or you can hire a large cab for between US$150 and $200 But the in-person hospitality more than makes up for it Check out more bicycle city guides here Find inspiration in our Gear Guide that will keep you out on your bike through wind or rain Hampstead Theatre today announces casting for the world premiere of Reykjavik a new play by Richard Bean and directed by Emily Burns The production will run from 18 October to 23 November Napoleon) will play trawler owner Donald Claxton He will be joined by Sophie Cox who is making her professional London stage debut; Matthew Durkan (Daddy Issues BBC; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Headlong and Liverpool Everyman); Paul Hickey (Brokeback Mountain HBO); Adam Hugill (Standing at the Sky’s Edge In freezing weather off the coast of Iceland Such are the realities of the brutal world of trawler fishing despised trawler-owner Donald Claxton flies to Reykjavik to see the survivors romance and story-telling that will change all their lives forever Richard Bean revisits Hull’s Distant Water trawling fleet that gave him his 2005 hit Under the Whaleback His other plays include To Have and To Hold Two Guvnors and Jack Absolute Flies Again at the National Theatre Director Emily Burns makes her Hampstead Theatre debut Her previous productions have included Dear Octopus and Jack Absolute Flies Again (National Theatre) and Love’s Labour’s Lost (RSC) dialect Mary Howland and fight director MC_Combat (Maisie Carter) The Casting Director is Bryony Jarvis-Taylor Reykjavik plays the Main Stage at Hampstead Theatre from 18 October to 23 November BOOK REYKJAVIK HERE Subscribe to our emails to be the first to hear about new shows and casting announcements Sign-up Now There are many ways to get to us whether it be by tube Click here to discover your best route © 2025 Hampstead Theatre| Registered Charity no: 218506 We use cookies (sadly inedible) to improve how our site works. 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