I’ve been to Reykjavik a number of times now. Always enjoy the small, arctic city.

First thing to know ➙ Reykjavik is expensive. In 2023 I found it much more expensive than Norway, for example.

Sleeping in a hostel dorm bed is the easiest way to reduce cost.

By coincidence, Laura and John from Victoria, Canada were there on holiday. We had a fun day and a good meal — at their expense. Thanks!

The highlight was Perlan — Pearl — a natural history museum. Ticket price over U.S. $35 — but well worth the cost. In fact, we agreed that this should be the first stop for first time visitors to Iceland: Wonders of Iceland, Flight over Iceland video, Volcano video, Water in Icelandic Nature, a planetarium show called Áróra … John and I may have dozed through some of that one. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Situated on the top of a hill, the turning rooftop restaurant provides great views in every direction.

We also climbed iconic Hallgrímskirkja.

This Lutheran church is a symbol of national identity since its completion in 1986.

The statue is explorer Leif Erikson (c.970 – c.1020).

This time to Reykjavik, I visited two of the local geothermal swimming complexes. Laugardalslaug has several small pools, each at a different temperature. Hottest was 44℃ the night I was there.

The word I use most often to describe Iceland is weird.

Weird landscapes, in particular.

But it’s a place of contrasts. It ain’t easy living on a remote island that might blow up at any time. The most recent volcanic eruption was only 30km from Reykjavik.

It ain’t easy living on an arctic island with this harsh climate.

Wandering the streets we stumbled on to this scene.

More random pics.

Until next time, Reykjavik.

I’m considering returning in 2024 with my touring bike.