This well established tourist route is an excellent way to sample three of Iceland's most essential sights in one easy day trip from Reykjavik. You'll see Strokkur, the famous Icelandic geyser that erupts every 10-15 minutes, as well as Thingvellir National Park, a rift valley famed as the location of the first Icelandic parliament and for its clear views of the continental divide. But perhaps the most awe-inspiring of the three is Gullfoss, an awe inspiring 32m two-stage waterfall guaranteed to take your breath away.
ICELAND
TRAVEL IN ICELAND
With its huge glaciers and volcanic landscape, Iceland is a country of unique and otherworldly beauty. Rugged, remote and sparsely populated, this place is so out there you’ll soon run out of adjectives to describe its visual splendour. Best to just sit back and take it all in, whether that’s thundering waterfalls like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, geothermal phenomena like Strokkur and lake Víti or charming Reykjavik, Iceland's colourful capital.
Fast Facts
Language: Iceland
Currency: Icelandic króna
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Iceland.
Dialing Code: +354
Time Zone: GMT
Currency: Icelandic króna
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Iceland.
Dialing Code: +354
Time Zone: GMT
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki
See more about Contiki
THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND
Whether you come for the incredible landscape, the Northern Lights or the legendary Reykjavik nightlife, Iceland is unique. You won’t tick the lot off in one trip, but our round-up is a good place to start.
FOLLOW THE GOLDEN CIRCLE ROUTE
WHALE WATCHING
When it comes to whale watching, Iceland is one of the best and most reliable destinations in Europe. Its waters are home to 23 different species of whale and dolphin, including orca, minke and the magnificent humpback. A variety of operators based mainly in Reykjavik and Húsavík offer tours year round, though if you really want to sight a whale then come in summer, when the success rate is over 90%!
MARVEL AT BLACK SAND BEACH
A short way from the village of Vík on Iceland's south coast you'll find Reynisfjara beach, better known to the English-speaking world as Black Sand Beach. Famed for its striking black sands and its hexagonal basalt formations, this is a truly spellbinding sight and a true Iceland travel essential. Legend has it that distinctive rocky towers offshore are said to be the remnants of trolls, turned to stone by the break of dawn.
THE BLUE LAGOON
It's hard to imagine a more spectacular place to kick back than Iceland's most famous geothermal spa. Located a short distance from Keflavík airport, the Blue Lagoon is so called for the distinctive milky blue colour of its waters, which are said to have rejuvenating powers. Add to this the balmy temperatures and - of course! - a waterside bar and you start to see why it ranks amongst the top attractions in Iceland.
EXPLORE REYKJAVIK
Full of friendly inhabitants, a fabulous café scene and top class nightlife, Iceland's capital is an essential stop on any good Iceland travel 2016 itinerary. Stroll its picturesque waterfront, take your pick from its scores of excellent restaurants and mingle with the locals in the Reykjavik pubs. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, a city landmark whose tower offers the city's best views.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN ICELAND
How has one small island produced such an incredibly rich music scene? It’s a question that has had cultural boffins stumped for years, so make sure you dive right into the country’s musical riches on your trip.
FOOD & FUN FESTIVAL, REYKJAVIK
This yearly weeklong festival sees some of the world's best chefs collaborating with Reykjavik's best restaurants to dish up some unimaginably tasty cuisine, using exclusively Icelandic ingredients. Throw in the legendary Reykjavik nightlife and you have one of the capital's biggest parties!
For more information on the Food & Fun Festival, click here.
For more information on the Food & Fun Festival, click here.
BRÆÐSLAN MUSIC FESTIVAL, BORGARFJÖRÐUR EYSTRA
If you like your festivals small and intimate, you can't do much better than Bræðslan. Held in a former fish factory in a remote village on Iceland's east coast, it features a cosy lineup of Icelandic performers, with a smattering of international names.
For more information on the Bræðslan Music Festival, click here.
For more information on the Bræðslan Music Festival, click here.
SÓNAR REYKJAVIK
Sónar Reykjavik operates on the same principle that made the original Barcelona event so successful: cutting edge music from some of the most respected names in international electronic and dance music. It's held annually in February, in the strikingly modern Harpa concert hall on Reykjavik's waterfront.
For more information on the Sónar Reykjavik, click here.
For more information on the Sónar Reykjavik, click here.
REYKJAVIK ART FESTIVAL
Founded in 1969, this wide-ranging multi arts festival is an Icelandic cultural institution. It takes place each May, with a large number of performances and exhibitions hosted at venues across the city, from concert halls and theatres to public spaces and even people's houses!
For more information on the Reykjavik Art Festival, click here.
For more information on the Reykjavik Art Festival, click here.
THJODHATID FESTIVAL, WESTMAN ISLANDS
Iceland's largest festival takes place over a holiday weekend in late July or early August, promising music, dance and general boozy carnage. Its spectacular Westman Islands location provides an incredibly picturesque setting for the year's most memorable hangover.
For more information on Thjodhatid Festival, click here.
For more information on Thjodhatid Festival, click here.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN ICELAND
Iceland is a Nordic paradise for lovers of the arts, with a unique culture, a buzzing arts scene and more museums and galleries than you could shake a stick at. Read on for our pick of the country's top 5.
THE HERRING ERA MUSEUM, SIGLUFJÖRÐUR
Located in Siglufjörður, the former capital of Iceland's herring fishing industry, this award winning museum gives visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the country's one-time backbone. It's spread over several buildings, covering everything from the herring salting process to harbour life.
For more information on the Herring Era Museum, click here.
For more information on the Herring Era Museum, click here.
THE OPEN-AIR FOLK MUSEUM - ARBAEJARSAFN, REYKJAVIK
This popular open-air museum was founded in 1957, and is one of the most popular things to do in Reykjavik. Located in the outskirts of the city on an old farm, it documents traditional Icelandic life with a collection of old and restored buildings, many of which were relocated from the city center.
For more information on The Open-Air Folk Museum - Arbaejarsafn, click here.
For more information on The Open-Air Folk Museum - Arbaejarsafn, click here.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND, REYKJAVIK
Iceland's national museum gives an overview of the country's history and culture from the Settlement Age to present day. Highlights include the fabled Valþjófsstaður Door, a splendid carved wooden church door dating from the 13th century that depicts a variation of the Lion-Knight legend.
For more information on the National Museum of Iceland, click here.
For more information on the National Museum of Iceland, click here.
EINAR JÓNSSON MUSEUM, REYKJAVIK
This museum is dedicated to the work of Einar Jónsson, Iceland's first contemporary sculptor. The building itself was designed by the artist himself as a live-work space, and features a collection of well over 100 of his works.
For more information on the Einar Jónsson Museum, click here.
For more information on the Einar Jónsson Museum, click here.
REYKJAVIK MARITIME MUSEUM
Housed in a former fish factory in Reykjavik's old harbour, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum is a go-to location for anyone with an interest in Iceland's maritime history. Chief amongst its attractions is the former coast guard vessel Óðinn, which has been converted into an exhibition about the Cod Wars of the 20th century.
For more information on the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, click here.
For more information on the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, click here.
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FOOD IN ICELAND
Geographically isolated from continental Europe, Iceland's cuisine is rooted in the foods and techniques brought by its Viking settlers. Traditionally, fish and meat run the game, supplemented by a range of cured goods and dairy products like skyr, a yoghurt-like substance with a milder flavour. Modern Icelandic cuisine makes far greater use of fresh vegetables, with top quality produce and distinctive ingredients like seabird (yes, really) and Icelandic moss (ditto) giving it an identity all its own.
HOT DOG
A must-try Reykjavik food, the Icelandic hotdog is distinguished from its international counterparts by the addition of the country's top quality lamb. Popular toppings include crispy deep-fried onions and sweet brown mustard.
Best eaten at - Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, Tryggvagata 101, Hafnarstræti, Reykjavík
SMOKED PUFFIN
Puffins may be cute, but unfortunately for them - they're also delicious! You won't find smoked puffin on the menu in any country, so now's your chance!
Best eaten at - 3 Frakkar, Baldursgata 14, 101 Reykjavík
HÁKARL
With its intense flavour and rank aroma, hákarl is the most notorious of Icelandic delicacies. It consists of Greenland shark, fermented and then hung out to dry for several months. Only the strong of stomach need apply!
Best eaten at - Kolaportid Flea Market, Tryggvagötu 19, Old Harbour, Grófin, Reykjavík
KJÖTSÚPA
Rich and filling, this hangover-busting meat soup is made from winter vegetables such as leeks, carrots and rutabaga, simmered with fresh herbs and a generous helping of Iceland's legendary lamb. Trying it is an Iceland travel 2015 essential!
Best eaten at - Café Loki, Lokastígur 28, 101 ReykjavíkReykjavík
HARÐFISKUR
Hard and flaky, this wind-dried fish is a ubiquitous Icelandic snack and perhaps the least challenging of the country's preserved foods. Cod, haddock and flounder are the most commonly used candidates.
Best eaten at - Grillmarkaðurinn, Lækjargata 2A, 101 Reykjavík
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WHAT TO PACK?
Hiking boots - Whether you're hiking the Laugavegur trail or exploring Thingvellir National Park, a pair of sturdy hiking boots will put you in good stead.
A copy of 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' - Read this book here and you'll understand why Jules Verne used it as the setting for his famous science fiction novel.
Plenty of money - Iceland's costs of living are amongst the highest in the world, so be sure to have your readies at the ready!
Sunglasses - Whether it's the long summer daylight hours or the low angle of the sun in winter, you won't regret the decision to pack your shades.
Warm clothing - It's chilly here in winter, so a jacket, scarf and hat are a must. Don't let the shivers ruin that once in a lifetime encounter with the Northern Lights!
A copy of 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' - Read this book here and you'll understand why Jules Verne used it as the setting for his famous science fiction novel.
Plenty of money - Iceland's costs of living are amongst the highest in the world, so be sure to have your readies at the ready!
Sunglasses - Whether it's the long summer daylight hours or the low angle of the sun in winter, you won't regret the decision to pack your shades.
Warm clothing - It's chilly here in winter, so a jacket, scarf and hat are a must. Don't let the shivers ruin that once in a lifetime encounter with the Northern Lights!
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