Destination
Reykjavík, Iceland
Geysers, waterfalls, glaciers and geothermal lagoons start an hour from the capital, on the shortest transatlantic flight from the US East Coast.
Trips to Reykjavík from every city
No live trip to Reykjavík right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | avoid |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | fine |
| May | fine |
| June | best |
| July | best |
| August | best |
| September | best |
| October | best |
| November | fine |
| December | avoid |
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April: Northern lights season; clear, dark nights needed
- June, July: Midnight sun with near-24-hour daylight
- June, July, August, September: Highland F-roads and the full Ring Road are open
December, January: Only four to five hours of daylight and frequent storms that close roads
Where to stay in Reykjavík
- Downtown (101 Reykjavík): Laugavegur shopping, bars and the harbour, everything walkable.
- Old Harbour / Grandi: Whale-watching boats, food halls and museums.
- Hlemmur / Laugardalur: Quieter and cheaper, with the thermal pools nearby.
- Golden Circle countryside (Selfoss / Flúðir): Rural hotels under dark skies for northern lights.
What to do in Reykjavík
- Soak in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
- Drive the Golden Circle: Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
- Hunt the northern lights from September to April
- Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the south coast
- Whale watching from the Old Harbour
- Snorkel between tectonic plates at Silfra
Good to know
| Airports | Keflavík International (KEF) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | luxury |
| Time zone | Atlantic/Reykjavik |
| Kind of trip | nature, adventure, wellness, road-trip, city |
Questions about Reykjavík
When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?
February, March, June, July, August, September and October. December, January: Only four to five hours of daylight and frequent storms that close roads
Do US citizens need a passport for Reykjavík?
Yes. Reykjavík is in Iceland; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Reykjavík on the ground?
Reykjavík is luxury by US standards: plan about $190 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.