How to spend your stopover in Reykjavik, Iceland
Friday 8 November 2024
Reykjavik, the capital city and largest city in Iceland, is a melting pot of flora, fauna, natural phenomena, and a history-rich culture. Due to its steady yet beautiful climate, Reykjavik is a popular stopover on many cruise itineraries all year round. In this guide, we take you through some of the sights, sounds, and smells we recommend you explore on your next Iceland cruise with Ambassador.
Things to do on a stopover in Reykjavik
Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Witness the magic of the Blue Lagoon
Go Whale watching
Explore Hallgrímskirkja Church
Visit the Sun Voyager
Venture to the Golden Circle
Visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
A short drive away from Reykjavik city itself lies the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. The dramatic natural phenomenon falls from the cliff edge 60m above, and the pathway allows visitors to walk behind the cascading waters to capture magical photos to treasure forever. Floodlights have been set up to illuminate the waters for breathtaking scenes when the sun sets. Guests have the freedom to fully encircle the falls as a vast cavern sits behind the feature. Rock pathways allow you to spectate the dramaticism from all angles.
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Witness the magic of the Blue Lagoon
One of the 25 wonders of the world, the famous Blue Lagoon might be one of the most iconic features in the country. The powers of geothermal seawater have been drawing tourists to the site for decades, and its magic is still a huge draw.
The water's milky appearance is due to the silica content, which also forms the mud that lies at the bottom of the lake that bathers rub on themselves. The pool averages 37–39 °C, and the underground geological layers push the minerals up to the surface.
The Lagoon is open between 7 am and 11 pm from the 22nd of June to the 20th of August and 8 am to 10 pm from August 21st to June 21st.
Go Whale watching
Iceland is notorious for whale watching due to its cold but consistent waters, and Reykjavik’s proximity to the sea makes it the ideal location to head out on a boat trip. Organised boat trips leave from the local harbour, and master seamen guide tourists out to the hotspots with the hope of catching a glimpse of not only whales but also dolphins, seals and other sea animals. A whale-watching excursion is also the perfect opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of the Icelandic coastline, which has flora, fauna, and vast green landscapes.
Explore Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hallgrímskirkja Church is Iceland's largest church and an iconic landmark in Reykjavik. The church is a national monument dedicated to the Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson and a parish church for the local community. Sitting at 73m high, the church commands the landscape and provides panoramic views across the city to the mountains and the vast, expansive sea that stretches to Greenland and the Americas. Visitors can enter the church during opening hours and respectfully experience the charm of the building.
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Visit the Sun Voyager
The impressive steel structure sits on the waterfront in Reykjavik and resembles an ancient Viking ship called the ‘Sólfarið’ or ‘The Sun Voyager. The statue was designed by Jón Gunnar Arnason, and a visit to the location will offer marvellous views of the bay and Mount Esja.
The Sun Voyager is a beautiful photo opportunity, especially at sundown when the orange light reflects off the steel framework. For those visiting Reykjavik, it is a must-see.
Venture to the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle route is a breathtaking area that partially lies within Iceland and combines stunning landmarks and significant historical locations. We spoke to Samantha, who runs the blog Coco Butter Blog. We asked for her recommendations on what to do in Reykjavik, and she recommended visiting the Golden Circle.
“Reykjavik is a fantastic place for a cruise stopover. Iceland’s capital is a compact city which can easily be explored on foot. A free walking tour will help you to get your bearings and tell you more about the history of Reykjavik. Head to the top of Hallgrimskirkja church for some of the best views over the city’s rooftops. If you have enough time, be sure to get out of the city and visit the nearby Golden Circle sights, which are a must-do if it’s your first time in Iceland. The Golden Circle consists of three incredible natural sights: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. Each one is absolutely spectacular and provides plenty of photo opportunities.”
So, if you’re looking at booking your 2025 cruise, then why not consider one that stops over in Reykjavik? You won’t be disappointed. For more articles and guides like this one, make sure you check out our blog.
