Perfect Day in Reykjavik 2026: Local’s Guide & Discounts
By Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson — Reykjavík local, Iceland travel editor since 2012 | Updated April 2026 I have lived in Reykjavik my entire life. So when people ask me what makes a perfect day in this city, I don’t have to look it up. I...
Helena Gallardo of Volcano Heli on How to See Iceland from the Air (the Right Way)
If you’re thinking about seeing Iceland from a helicopter, you’ll probably end up talking to Helena Gallardo at some point. Helena handles customer service at Volcano Heli, a small helicopter tour company based in Reykjavík. They’re not the biggest operation in Iceland, but they’re one...
Reykjavik Festivals and Special Days in 2026
Reykjavík punches well above its weight when it comes to festivals. For a city of around 140,000 people, the capital packs its calendar with an extraordinary number of cultural events. These range from the depths of winter darkness right through the endless summer light. Here...
New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik — Ring in the New Year Like a Local
We Icelanders take New Year’s Eve seriously — and it’s wildly fun. Forget tame countdowns: on December 31st, the whole country glows with thousands of fireworks, roaring bonfires, and late-night celebrations that echo well into the early morning. Reykjavík, in particular, transforms into one of...
Reykjavik in Winter – The Ultimate Guide
Reykjavik has been my home base for years, and trust me: Reykjavik can be really nice during the winter. Reykjavik is cozy, quirky, and full of surprises—even when the days are short and the nights are long. This guide offers my personal take on maximizing...
Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral Named One of the World’s Most Beautiful Buildings by Time Out
Time Out Magazine has ranked Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral as the second most beautiful building in the world, surpassed only by India’s Taj Mahal. This recognition places Iceland’s most iconic landmark alongside architectural wonders like Petra, Fallingwater, and the Pyramids of Giza. A vision born from...
These are the highest-rated hotels in Reykjavik
What are the highest-rated hotels in Reykjavik? I asked ChatGPT to scour Booking.com, give me a list of the top 10 highest-rated hotels in town, and include a summary of reviews so you don’t have to. I hope this will help you find the most...
Month-by-month guide to Reykjavik festivals
If you thought Reykjavik was just a serene capital surrounded by glaciers and geysers, think again. The city bursts with energy throughout the year thanks to a rich lineup of annual festivals and cultural events. Reykjavik festivals range from LGBTQ+ pride in full color to...
