What are the best places to visit in Iceland?

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This was published 8 years ago

What are the best places to visit in Iceland?

By Michael Gebicki
Reykjanes Penninsula, Blue Lagoon, Iceland.

Reykjanes Penninsula, Blue Lagoon, Iceland.Credit: Alamy

My partner and I are heading for Iceland for four days in June and we've secured an apartment. What nightlife, cafes and sights shouldn't we miss during our time there? Should we hire a car or are organised tours just as enjoyable? D. Van Maaren, Potts Point

Just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland's No. 1 tourist destination, a natural geothermal spa where warm, mineral-rich seawater bubbles to the surface, and it's something you really shouldn't miss. If you're an early riser you could wander down to the harbour and watch the fishing boats come in and unload their catches, then head for Grai Kotturin, a phone-booth sized, 1950s-inspired cafe that does knockout breakfasts. Much favoured by local artsy types, although typically not first thing in the morning.

The National Gallery is well worth a couple of hours, reflecting a distinctively Norse folkloric take on art. Try the Cafe Paris for lunch, prime for people watching but only if you can score one of the outside tables. The food, coffee and cakes all get a tick. The Saga Museum is an absolute must, packed with dioramas that tell the history of Iceland, with a fair dose of Viking bloodlust and mayhem in the picture. The museum's cafe has fine views. Close to the museum, Matur og Drykkur serves Scandinavian cuisine and it's well regarded by locals, come hungry.

Beware of hakarl, the local delicacy. It's fermented shark which has been air dried for several months, and it bites. The Reykjavik Runtur is the local version of death by drinking. Along with all other Scandinavians, Icelanders like a drink and the runtur – round tour – is essentially a weekend mass pub crawl that starts in Laugavegur, the main street, and goes on through the night. Another local attraction is Bæjarins beztu, a tiny red hot dog stand with a big claim to fame, it once served Bill Clinton.

You'll most likely want to see something of Iceland beyond Reykjavik. The Golden Circle Tour is a one-day classic that stitches together most of Iceland's spurting, eruptive thermal wonders. They're truly great. Many Reykjavik operators offer this tour with various refinements, including helicopter trips, ice caving, snowmobile rides and even diving, depending on your interests and budget. You can also do the Golden Circle in a rented car if you prefer. You'll probably get more out of it if you do a tour, a good guide will help to make it memorable, and suggest some of their own favourite things to do with any time you have left. Check TripAdvisor to find the tour that's right for you.

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