Life's Too Good

Reykjavik
I've written briefly about Iceland before on this blog, which can be found here Delicious Demon
But it was always my intention to return to my favourite place in the world and expand on some of the things I love about this country. So this is the first of my Icelandic Trilogy exploring the South West of Iceland around Reykjavik.

Looking back at photos to include on this blog I was warmly reminded of the enthusiasm my visits to Iceland instilled in me. There is an energy to the place which I hope comes through. Enjoy.

Reykjavik, Iceland

It goes without saying that Iceland has become incredibly popular in recent years. A staple location for the biggest film and TV blockbusters in recent times has made the stunning scenery a magnet for a gaggle of folk. So there is a lot of information already out there for the big headline stuff to see and do in Iceland. Below are my Reykjavik highlights, some obvious, some not. But as Reykjavik is small enough to discover in a couple of days hopefully you'll stumble across most of them in your time there.

Reykjavik, Iceland

So, when in Reykjavik.........

Buy an Icelandic jumper. They are wonderfully warm and last forever.

Do the Golden circle tour if it's your first time here. Yes it's touristy, but it mops up a lot of things you should see.

Get drunk in the Kaffibarinn bar.

Kaffibarinn bar, Reykjavik, Iceland

Be prepared to be not see any whales on a whale tour.

Do go to the Blue Lagoon and have a beer sat in the thermal pool.
Visit on your way to or from the airport, or both. Yes, again it's touristy, but it's great fun.

Don't eat puffin or whale.

Puffins at Dyrholaey, Iceland

Do buy several hotdogs from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hotdog stand.


Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hotdog stand, Reykjavik. 3am

Be prepared NOT to see the Northern Lights.

Do go to the top of the wonderful Hallgrimskirja church for the views of the capital and the stunning mountainous backdrop.

Cosy Reykjavik in Winter

Do go to lots of public spas.  Swimming at Laugardalslaug complete with very big slide hot pots and plunge pools is great fun.
The beach at Nautholsvik can be a little fresh in Winter but you don't have to venture far from the hot tubs.

Sun Voyager, Reykjavik coastline. Iceland

Do try the big breakfast at the busy Laundromat Cafe.

Do visit the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre.

Self -portrait. Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Reykjavik, Iceland

Do go to a music festival if that is your thing.

Iggy Pop, ATP festival, Keflavik, Iceland

Visit in summer to walk home at 3am in full sunlight.
Visit in winter to experience it not get light till 11am and then go dark at 3pm.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Enjoy strolling the empty city on a Sunday morning - The Icelandic do like their Saturday nights out, you'll have the place to yourself.

Reykjavik, Iceland

So that's Reykjavik.
Over the next couple of blogs I'll be looking at our trips to discover the lighthouses of Southwest Iceland. As with the majority of lighthouses they can be off the beaten track and offer more solitary but ultimately rewarding experience.........

The Hopnes lighthouse, Iceland

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