Iceland Travel Info, Recommendations, and Links

Iceland

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Europe:
England: London | France: Paris | Iceland: Reykjavík | Netherlands: Amsterdam | Scotland: Glasgow

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Iceland

Reykjavík - We traveled to Reykjavík in March 2000. At the time, Mike was a full-time instructor at the University of Massachusetts, and we had to plan our vacation around the school's spring break. As we were researching vacation options, we received one of Icelandair's "Lucky Fares" emails offering a 3-night Reykjavík getaway package for $399 per person...including roundtrip airfare, 3 nights accommodations, daily breakfast buffet, transfers, and an excursion that featured horseback riding and a visit to Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon. It seemed like a very reasonable price for such an exotic and exciting vacation, so we immediately booked it. Due to Iceland's far northern latitude, we did encounter short days and chilly/snowy weather while we were there...but we still loved every minute of it. And we hope to return again someday soon!

Tourist Info:

	GoIceland - The official web site of the Icelandic Tourist Board for North America. Here you can find an overview of this beautiful country as well as information on accommodations, transportation, activities, places, events, nature, and more. You can also order a free Visit Iceland brochure online. See also Iceland Discoveries, which is the official web site of the Icelandic Tourist Board for visitors worldwide.
	South of Iceland - If you plan to explore beyond Reykjavík, this web site covers travel and tourism information for the southern coast of Iceland.
	Reykjavík Tourism - Visit this web site for everything you need to know about Iceland's capitol, including practical information, accommodations, restaurants and nightlife, activities, and more. Once you arrive in Iceland, you may want to visit the Tourist Information Center (Aðalstræti 2, on Ingolfstorg) for brochures, maps, and information.
	Online Guide Books - You can find a wealth of information on Reykjavík sights, accommodations, dining, entertainment, and more by visiting the incredibly useful Frommer's and Fodors online travel guides, as well as various Iceland-related web sites including IcelandCulture, CultureNet Iceland, Reykjavik.com, World Travel Guide, and IcelandWorldwide. In addition, IcelandTotal - a tour and package provider - includes a lot of useful tourist information on their web site. And be sure to check out What's On in Iceland for information on current events and activities.
	Airport - If you're traveling to Reykjavík from the US, you'll be flying into Keflavík Airport. Visit the airport's web site for helpful information about transport between Keflavík and Reykjavík (or other cities), airlines, airport services, tourist information, shops, restaurants, and more.
	Language - The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. However, nearly everyone in Reykjavík speaks English. If you need help translating information on Icelandic web sites or if you'd like to learn some of the local language before you go, you can access Icelandic/English dictionaries online at YourDictionary.com.

Local Transportation:

Reykjavík Bus Service (Strætó) - The Strætó bus service provides convenient transportation around Iceland's capitol city and outlying towns. Buses run from 7am-midnight Monday through Friday, and 10am-midnight on Sundays and holidays. Please note that the Strætó web site is currently written entirely in Icelandic (except for one overview page in English); however, you should be able to readily decipher the bus routes and schedules. From what we could glean from the Strætó web site, one-way bus fare is currently 220 króna; be sure to have the correct amount with you as bus drivers aren't permitted to give change. Alternately, if you purchase a Reykjavík Card, it includes unlimited use of the bus system. Bus maps and Reykjavík Cards are available at the Tourist Information Center (Aðalstræti 2, on Ingolfstorg).

Attractions:

Reykjavík Card - This reasonably-priced card includes admission to a number of museums and galleries. When we went, it included admission to the National Gallery of Iceland, Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection, Reykjavík Art Museum (including the Kjarvalsstaðir, Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum, and Harbour House), Árbæjarsafn-Reykjavík Museum, Culture House, Árni Magnússon Institute, Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum, and ASÍ Art Museum. It also includes unlimited transportation on all city buses, free entry to all Reykjavík thermal swimming pools, and admission to the Family Park and Reykjavík Zoo in Laugardalur. Depending on your length of stay, you can purchase a card valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. The cards are available at the Tourist Information Center (Aðalstræti 2, on Ingolfstorg).

Blue Lagoon - Svartsengi, Grindavik, Reykjanes Peninsula - When you visit the Blue Lagoon web site, you'll be struck by the otherworldly images of bathers lounging in steaming, baby-blue waters, surrounded by volcanic rock. Well, you know what? That's exactly what it looks like. The waters of the Blue Lagoon are actually the runoff from a geothermal heating plant, and they maintain an average temperature of 40ºC (about 105ºF). During our visit in March 2000, we actually went swimming in the snow! The unique blue color is the result of high levels of silica, minerals, and algae, which form a light natural sediment. As the web site explains, "the white silica mud gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin...while the blue-green algae nourishes and softens the skin"; furthermore, the mineral salts are said to have "balancing and relaxing effects". If nothing else, the waters here have been proven to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. Visit the Blue Lagoon web site for an overview as well as transportation, hours and prices, photo gallery, and more.

Íshestar Horseback Riding Tours - Sörlaskeið 25, Hafnarfjordur - Don't miss the opportunity to go for a ride on the beautiful and gentle Viking horses. (Ironically, although we think of the Vikings as large, strapping men, Viking horses are quite small and pony-like.) Our Reykjavík vacation package included a wonderful day-trip consisting of a morning horseback ride, lunch, and an afternoon swim at the Blue Lagoon (above). We highly recommend this excursion! The stables will loan you proper outerwear and boots for your ride, but be sure to bring a scarf and gloves if you go in the winter...it can get bitterly cold out on the rocky terrain. You can either arrange a tour as part of a vacation package (through Icelandair or other travel specialist), ask your hotel about on-site or nearby excursion companies that offer hotel pick-up, or contact the riding school directly. Visit the Íshestar web site for information on the Icelandic horse, riding tours, customer testimonials, and more.

Hallgrímskirkja - Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavík - This is Iceland's biggest church, and one of the most well-known landmarks of Reykjavík. Set on a hill, Hallgrímskirkja rises high above all other buildings in the city. Its unusual facade was designed to resemble a lava flow. Begun in the late 1940s and completed in 1974, Hallgrímskirkja is named after Iceland's best-known poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. Take a few minutes to admire the church's stark, light-filled interior, then take an elevator to the top of its 246-foot tower. From there, you'll enjoy superb panoramic views of the city and its harbor. The statue on the lawn in front of the church represents Leif Eriksson, explorer and 'Son of Iceland'. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk). Note: The Hallgrímskirkja web site is written entirely in Icelandic. Nordic Adventure Travel has some information in English.

Listasafn Einars Jónssonar (Einar Jónsson Museum) - Eiríksgata, Reykjavík - Located opposite the Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík's oldest art museum, and one that should be at the top of your "must-see" list. In 1909, Einar Jónsson offered all of his works as a gift to the Icelandic people on the condition that a museum be built to house them. A site near the top of Skólavörðustígur was selected, and Jónsson helped to draw up the plans. The museum - which also served as Jónsson's studio, and even his home - was opened in 1923. Today, the museum contains close to 300 exhibits spanning Jónsson's 60-year career, including childhood carvings, sculptures, paintings, and drawings. You can also visit the artist's penthouse home, which appears in its original condition and is beautifully decorated with elegant furniture and art. Visit the web site for hours and admission, museum information, Jónsson's biography, photos of the artist's residence and artwork, and more. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk). Tip: A beautiful sculpture garden - featuring 26 bronze casts of the artist’s works - is located behind the museum and accessible from Freyjugata. It is open year-round, and admission is free.

Other Attractions - Unfortunately, our vacation in Reykjavík lasted only a few days; our first day was spent recovering from jet lag, so we didn't have much time to enjoy the sights. But Reykjavík offers many interesting attractions and activities, and we hope to visit some of the following sights the next time we travel to Reykjavík:

Listasafn Íslands (National Gallery of Iceland) - Fríkirkjuvegur 7, Reykjavík - This striking modern gallery features an impressive collection of Icelandic and international art. In addition to works by such famous artists as Pablo Picasso and Edward Munch, you'll see many watercolors and oils of the Icelandic countryside. Visit the National Gallery web site for hours and admission, current exhibitions, museum history, and more. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).

Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection - Bergstaðastræti 74, Reykjavík - When painter Ásgrimur Jónsson died in 1958, he bequeathed all his works and his studio home to the Icelandic nation. In 1960, a small museum dedicated to Jónsson's works was opened in the studio home, where it is still open to the public today. The Ásgrimur Jónsson Collection became part of the National Gallery of Iceland in 1988. Visit the National Gallery web site for hours and admission (scroll down to the bottom of the home page), an overview of the museum, info on the artist and his work, Jónsson's bequest, and more. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).

Listasafn Reykjavíkur (Reykjavík Art Museum) - The Reykjavík Art Museum encompasses three different art galleries, including the Hafnarhúsið, Kjarvalsstaðir, and Ásmundasafn. Visit the web site for hours and admission (scroll down to bottom to view), virtual tour, and more.

	Hafnarhúsið (Harbour House) - Tryggvagata 17, Reykjavík - Opened in April 2000, the museum has six art exhibition halls, a multi-purpose space, and an outdoor area in an enclosed courtyard. It displays works from the general collections of the Reykjavík Museum as well as temporary exhibits featuring Icelandic and international artists. Highlights of the museum's permanent collection include a number of paintings by the Icelandic pop artist Erró. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).
	Kjarvalsstaðir (Kjarval Collection) - Flókagata, Miklatún Park, Reykjavík - The Reykjavík Art Museum at Kjarvalsstaðir was inaugurated in 1973. It is located in Miklatún Park, near the center of Reykjavík. This museum features works by leading Icelandic and international artists of the 20th century. Highlights of the permanent collection include a number of paintings by Jóhannes S. Kjarval. The Reykjavík Art Museum also has a department of architecture located here. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 15, 140, or 150 to Hlemmur (about five minutes' walk, on Miklatún).
	Ásmundasafn (Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum) - Sigtún, Reykjavík - The museum is dedicated to the sculptures and drawings of Icelandic artist Ásmundur Sveinsson. The collection is housed in the artist's former studio and home, which he designed mostly himself. A sculpture garden surrounds the museum, adorned by nearly 30 of Sveinsson's works. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, or 15 (near the western corner of Laugardalur Park).

Árbæjarsafn - Reykjavík Museum (Árbær Open Air Museum) - Kistuhylur 4, Ártúnsholt, Reykjavík - Árbæjarsafn is a living history museum. The staff dress in period clothing and attempt to recreate the past as accurately as possible. The name of the museum is drawn from the old turf farm, Árbær. The Árbær Church (circa 1842) is another turf building located on the premises. The village is a collection of buildings that mirror the lifestyles of 19th- and 20th-century Reykjavík citizens, from the working class through the higher echelons of society. Visit the web site for hours and admission, overview, events, museum history, and more. (For additional information, see Randburg.com.) Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 10, 11, or 110 to Ártúnsholt.

Þjóðmenningarhúsið (Culture House) - Hverfisgata 15, Reykjavík - The Culture House contains exhibition halls, meeting rooms, a cafeteria, and a shop. Temporary exhibitions are staged in halls on the first floor and in the attic. Permanent exhibitions on cultural and historical topics - for example, Icelandic emblems and currency - are on the second floor and part of the third floor. The meeting rooms also house smaller exhibitions. Visit the web site for hours, admission fees, exhibitions, events, museum history, and more. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).

Stofnun Árna Magnússon (Árni Magnússon Institute) - Suðurgata (Háskóli Íslands), Reykjavík - This museum features a large collection of important Icelandic manuscripts and books. It is located on the campus of the University of Iceland, and it hosts exhibitions that are open to the public. (See also the overview on Randburg.com.) You can get here via bus routes 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Suðurgata.

Listasafn Sigurjóns Ólafssonar (Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum) - Laugarnestangi 70, Reykjavík - This museum is dedicated to the works of the Icelandic sculptor, Sigurjón Ólafsson. The artist's widow, Birgitta Spur, had his studio at Laugarnes converted to a museum, which now houses a large collection of Ólafsson's sculptures, sketches, and drawings, as well as biographical material. Visit the web site for hours, directions, exhibitions, biography, and more. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus route 4, near the intersection of Sæbraut and Laugarnesvegur (then a short walk). You can also take bus route 5 to the Laugardalur swimming pool; the museum is about a 10-minute walk from there.

Listasafn ASÍ (ASÍ Art Museum) - Freyjugata 41, Reykjavík - Also known as the Labor Union's Art Gallery, this museum hosts exhibitions of Icelandic work from the first half of the 20th century. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk). Note: The ASÍ web site is written entirely in Icelandic; however, several museum listing sites indicate the gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2-6pm (closed on Mondays).

Grasagarður (Reykjavík Botanical Gardens) - Laugardalur - The Botanical Garden in Laugardalur Park contains an extensive collection of native Icelandic flora as well as thousands of imported plants and trees (mostly located within the greenhouse), in a tranquil setting just a 10-minute bus ride from downtown Reykjavík. Admission is free. The park is open during the summer (April 1-September 30) from 8am-11pm Monday through Friday and 10am-11pm Saturday and Sunday. In the winter (October 1-March 31), it is open 8am-3pm Monday through Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. For additional info and map, click here. You can get here via bus routes 2 or 5 to Laugardalur Park. Also located within Laugardalur Park are the Family Park and Farmyard Animal Zoo:

Fjölskyldugarðurinn (Family Park) and Húsdýragarðurinn (Farmyard Animal Zoo) - Laugardalur Park, along Engjavegur - During the summer, the Family Park features rides and games, such as "crazy bikes" - a driving school complete with miniature traffic lights - and a scale model of a Viking ship. In the winter, the park is open as an outdoor leisure area. See below for hours and admission. Every species of Icelandic farm animal can be found at the Farmyard Animal Zoo, along with several wild native species. Animals are generally kept in pairs with their young. Represented at the zoo are the distinctive Icelandic horse, sheep, and dog, along with Icelandic varieties of cows, pigs, goats, foxes, mink, reindeer, seals, birds, fish, and more. For additional info, see www.nat.is. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card.

Náttúrufræðisafn Íslands (Icelandic Institute of Natural History) - Hlemmur 5, Reykjavík - This museum is devoted to Icelandic flora and fauna, with many bird and animal specimens on exhibit. Visit the web site for hours and other information. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 15, 140, or 150 to Hlemmer.

Norræna Húsið (Nordic House) - Sturlugata 5, Reykjavík - The Nordic House in Reykjavík opened in 1968 as a cultural center. Its main goal is to serve as a link between Iceland and the other Nordic countries. The center maintains a library with a collection of some 30,000 Nordic books. It also organizes an extensive program of cultural events and exhibitions. Displays of Nordic art are housed in the gallery - located in the basement of the house - as well as in the lobby. Visit the web site for an overview of the center's purpose and history, as well as hours and admission, events, facilities, café, library, and more. Free admission with the Reykjavík Card. You can get here via bus routes 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Suðurgata.

Þjóðminjasafnið Íslands (National Museum of Iceland) - Suðurgata 41, Reykjavík - This museum focuses on Icelandic history and culture, beginning with the arrival of the Vikings in the early 800s. After a six-year renovation, the museum reopened in September 2004. Visit the web site for details, including hours and admission (bottom of page). You can get here via bus routes 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Suðurgata.

Icelandic Phallological Museum - Hedinsbraut 3a, Húsavik - Believe it or not, Iceland actually has a museum boasting a collection of over 80 penises, representing almost all the land and sea animals of Iceland. Visit the web site for a description, operating hours and admission, exhibit catalog, and photos. Note: The museum has moved from its downtown location on Laugavegur 24 to a new site in northern Iceland, in the Húsavíkur municipality.

Restaurants:

	Dining out in Reykjavík can be very expensive. If you wonder why that's the case, keep in mind that the ground here is frozen for much of the year, and the majority of Iceland's produce (and animal feed) has to be shipped in from other countries. If your accommodations include a free breakfast buffet (like the one offered by Hótel Loftleiðir), we recommend you eat a very hearty breakfast and have one larger meal later in the afternoon. (You can always pick up some snacks at a local supermarket to nibble on throughout the day.)
	Á Næstu Grösum (One Woman Restaurant) - Laugavegur 20b, Reykjavík - The homey restaurant serves a nice selection of creative vegetarian dishes as well as delicious homemade breads. The menu changes daily, so you can dine here several times and enjoy something different every day. (See VegDining, Vegan Traveller, Iceland Tourist Board for reviews.) The web site is written in Icelandic, with an overview page in English; however, you may be able to figure out some of the daily specials (e.g., tacos með osti og avokadó = tacos with [something?] and avocado; basil pólenta með mozzarella = basil polenta with mozzarella; etc.). And the colorful, mouth-watering photos will give you an idea of what to expect in terms food presentation and ambiance. Open Monday through Friday from 11:30am-10pm, Saturday from 1-10pm, and Sundays from 5-10pm. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).
	Grænn Kostur - Skólavörðustígur 8b, Reykjavík - Grænn Kostur is a sunny counter-service café offering a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes and desserts. (See VegDining, Vegan Traveller, and Iceland Tourist Board for reviews.) The web site is written entirely in Icelandic; however, you may be able to figure out some of the daily specials listed at the bottom of the home page (e.g., grænmetislasagna = vegetarian lasagna; chili sin carne = meatless chili; etc.). Open Monday through Saturday from 11:30am-9pm, and on Sundays from 1-9pm. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk). *Note:* Grænn Kostur does not face onto Skólavörðustígur; you'll need to walk around the corner at Bergstaðastræti to reach the entrance at the rear of the building.
	Hard Rock Cafe - Kringlan 8-12 (Kringlan Shopping Mall), Reykjavík - If you find yourself craving familiar American food, bypass the McDonald's and Pizza Hut and head for the Hard Rock Cafe. The atmosphere is fun and funky, and you'll see some impressive rock 'n' roll memorabilia adorning the place. The food is the usual Hard Rock fare...they're known for their burgers, and they even offer the vegetarian kind, too! Check out the full menu online. The web site also lists hours and top ten memorabilia items (seems odd that Icelandic native Björk is missing from that list...). You can get here via bus routes 110, 111, 112, or 115 ; take the bus to the Kringlan stop along Miklabraut.
	Perlan (The Pearl) - Öskjuhlíð Hill, Reykjavík - This restaurant is housed in one of Reykjavík's most unusual buildings: a large steel-and-glass dome resting upon six large geothermal hot water tanks. The entire structure is perched high atop Öskjuhlíð Hill and offers wonderful vistas of Reykjavík. As you enter the building, note the stunning winter garden and geyser. Head up to the fourth floor, where you can purchase a drink or snack at the Perlan Coffee Shop and enjoy the view from the Panoramic Balcony. For a real treat, splurge on a memorable meal in the restaurant, which features a rotating floor to make the most of the scenic views. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the building; you can view its menus (à la carte, cocktails, and wine list) online. You can get here via bus route 7; take the bus to the Perlan stop along Bústaðavegur. Alternately, you can walk up the hillside path from Hótel Loftleiðir.

Clubs & Bars:

	Going out in Reykjavík can be extremely expensive. You may want to pick up some spirits in the duty-free shops at the airport before you arrive, and have a drink or two in your hotel room before heading out for the evening. (Otherwise, you may find yourself nearly broke before the evening has gotten underway!)
	Goth Clubs - The last time we checked, there were no entries for Reykjavík or Iceland in the International Goth Club Listing. However, it's worthwhile to check before you go, as new clubs are added to this list on a regular basis.
	Veitingahúsið 22 (Club 22) - Laugavegur 22, Reykjavík - We happened upon this bar/nightclub while making our way down Laugavegur during a bar crawl. The rainbow flag at the downstairs bar tipped us off that 22 is a gay-friendly club, but the bartender and patrons made this straight couple feel most welcome. The drinks were reasonably-priced (by Icelandic standards), and we got a free shot of schnapps with each glass of beer. When we asked if there were any good dance clubs nearby, the bartender suggested we head upstairs to the nightclub, which opened a bit later in the evening. The music at the club was mostly 80s disco and modern pop/electronica, and the crowd seemed to be a fairly even mix of gay and straight. But best of all...there was no cover charge! (A big break in this notoriously expensive town.) All in all, a friendly and fun place to spend an evening. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).
	Dillon Bar - Laugavegur 30, Reykjavík - A funky little bar located on Reykjavik's happening Laugavegur street. Cozy atmosphere with votive candles on each table. For some reason, the bar stools always reminded us of something from a Star Wars or Star Trek set. The drinks are a bit pricey, but no more so (perhaps even less) than the rest of the bars in Reykjavík. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk).
	Tres Locos - Laugavegur 11, Reykjavík - Can't seem to find very much about this place online, but it's a cool little Mexican joint within the nightclub district. We found this place when we were making our way down Laugavegur during a bar crawl. We were going to go into a nightclub next door, but they wanted a ridiculously high cover charge. So, we opted instead to head into Tres Locos to spend our money on margaritas and Mexican munchies. The music was festive, and there was even a little dance floor off the dining room. Worth a stop if you're in the area. You can get here via bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 110, 111, 112, or 115 to Lækjartorg (then a short walk). *Note:* Not sure if Tres Locos still exists; several different web sites list an Italian restaurant at this address.
	Other Bars and Clubs - We visited a number of other bars and clubs while we were in town, but we can't recall all their names and can't seem to find any information on them online. We know there was a good one a few doors down from Dillon Bar, on the same side of the street (perhaps somewhere in the vicinity of Laugavegur 36-46?); it had a comfy sitting area in the front and Giraf beer on tap, and the logo/bar name in the window had a cat incorporated into the design. If you're looking for a good bar crawl, the best advice we can give is to simply work your way down Laugavegur and continue down Austurstræti, hitting any bars, cafés, and clubs that interest you along the way.

Accommodations:

The Icelandair accommodations section provides a complete list of hotels available through its travel packages The airline itself actually owns and operates seven hotels; see Icelandair Hotels for details. Other hotels include the Radisson SAS Island Hotel, Radisson SAS Saga Hotel, Hótel Borg (the city's oldest hotel), CenterHotels, Grand Hotel Reykjavik, and Hótel Óðinsvé, as well as several hotels operated by the Fosshótel and Key Hotel chains. Hótel Frón offers apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes. If you're booking on your own, see hotel.is for additional accommodations options.

Hótel Loftleiðir - by Hlíðarfótur - We stayed at Hótel Loftleiðir as part of our package deal through Icelandair. It's a nice hotel in a convenient location; the local bus (route 7) stops right outside the hotel, and it's just a short ride to the downtown area. Reykjavík Excursions is located on the main floor of the hotel and operates sightseeing tours as well as the FlyBus transfer service to Keflavík International Airport. The guest rooms are clean and comfortable; however, our standard room had somewhat of a "dorm room" look and feel...even though we requested a double bed, we got two twin beds separated by a nightstand. The impressive breakfast buffet - which was included in our package - offered a wide array of breakfast foods, sandwich fixings, and some strange Icelandic specialties (such as an unusual fish paste).

Note: There are a lot of links throughout this section. Although we try to maintain these pages on a regular basis, web sites go up, come down, and change addresses at a staggering pace. So if you happen to notice any bad links, please contact us so that we can update our listings. Many thanks!