“Located in the highlands of Iceland, the colourful mountains, hot springs, and steam vents in this unique place provide an unforgettable landscape and a silence that only a few have experienced in nature.” The best time to visit is mid-June to mid-September when the long summer days allow you to take in as much of the boundless beauty of the reserve as you can. “ This otherworldly landscape captivates even the most experienced hiker,” Gunnarsson says of Landmannalaugar. “It really makes the Earth come alive under your feet.” Landmannalaugar Image Credit: Neurobite/Getty Images “For a full experience, hire a local expert guide who knows everything about the volcanic activity of the Reykjavik area,” says Hermannsson. This particular hike is no easy trek, and since conditions are ever-changing, make sure you’re adequately prepared if you want to make the journey. Hiking a volcano is one of the most thrilling adventures you can embark on in Iceland, and Litli-Hrutur is the newest eruption. Litli-Hrútur Volcano Image Credit: Sner/Getty Images Once you reach the nearly 3,000-foot summit, you can take in the jaw-dropping views of the city, the bay, and beyond. There are many different hikes to choose from, and signage along the way to keep you on the path that best suits your experience level. Arrive ready for a heart-pumping hike at this year-round spot. If you have access to a car, Hermannsson recommends driving to the base of Mount Esja, which is located about 50 minutes outside of Reykjavik in the southwest region of Iceland. Stunning sunsets are a treat in the summer, and in the winter months, the clear skies are perfect for watching the Northern Lights.īook your stay at Black Pearl Apartment Hotel via īook your stay at Black Pearl Apartment Hotel via Mount Esja Image Credit: James Hartshorn/Getty Images “On a summer evening, it is great to hike from Harpa Conference Hall towards the lighthouse,” says Hermannsson. “This place is bustling every evening, so be early.” Grotta Lighthouse Image Credit: Rudolf Ernst/Getty ImagesĮscape the city lights with a leisurely hike from downtown Reykjavik to the Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. “ is popular with locals and offers a great selection of Icelandic microbrews,” says Gunnarsson. KaldiĮven though it’s located on the busy Laugavegur Street, this cosy bar feels more sophisticated than your typical brewery. The inviting ambience of the wine bar makes it the perfect spot for a date night or small group tasting. Port 9Īccording to Sverrisson, Port 9 is “A pioneer in Icelandic wine culture.” Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Reykjavik, the intimate wine bar has an unbeatable selection of international wines, plus small bites to nibble on between pours. “This is the place to see and be seen,” Gunnarsson says. During the day Kaffibarinn operates as a coffee shop, but at night tourists and locals alike flock here for the high-energy DJ sets, the hip atmosphere, and of course to dance all night long. One of the oldest bars in the city, Kaffibarinn is a staple of Reykjavik’s nightlife scene. Sverrisson notes that the restaurant’s specialties include unique langoustine creations, so make sure to add one or two fresh lobster dishes to your order. Set in a converted warehouse along the harbour, the unpresuming restaurant features a top-class menu focused on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Pakkhús Restaurantįor some of the best seafood in the country, head to Pakkhus Restaurant in Höfn. “The Peruvian Japanese-inspired menu showcases a large selection of small dishes and tasting menus bursting with flavours that celebrate the palate,” says Gunnarsson. Located near the popular Laugavegur Street, the eclectic Nikkei restaurant boasts bright and colourful decor that complements the exotic dishes and spectacular cocktails it serves. Monkeys is the perfect place to kick off a lively night out in Reykjavik. With breathtaking views of the mystical Blue Lagoon, a meal at Moss makes for an unparalleled culinary experience. The restaurant’s innovative tasting menu features the best of Icelandic meat and produce, and it was awarded its first Michelin star earlier this year. Moss is a fine-dining restaurant located inside The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Grindavík. Moss Restaurant Image Credit: Moss Restaurant “It’s cosy, and the menu emphasises locally sourced ingredients while drawing inspiration from the simplicity of Italian cuisine.” While the restaurant is great to visit any time of year, winter can bring the backdrop of a lifetime, when you might see the Northern Lights right from your table. “A local favourite, this restaurant is tucked away on the western edge of Reykjavik and is surrounded by the sea in a nature reserve,” says Gunnarsson.
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