Reykjavik

At the end of our Ring Road tour, we spent two full days in Reykjavik. We stayed at the Konsulate Hotel, located right in the center of the city’s main areas. Visitors to Iceland can read about all the best hotels and restaurants – there are many – and I am not going to get into details of the ones we visited. But I will tell you here where we ate and what we did.

Restaurants

Old Iceland – small intimate cafe located a few blocks away from our hotel. I would highly recommend this place as the food was excellent. We particularly liked the arctic char.

Kol – located near the main church. Good food, nice menu. We ate lunch there (and Hahn’s went back for dinner). Nice soups especially the carrot, and a really flavorful cod.

Hofnin – nice homey two story restaurant at the harbor. Owner always there (we ate two dinners). The langoustine with risotto was wonderful.

Baejarns Beztu Pysurg – hot dog joint beside our hotel. There since 1937 and very popular. Hot dogs with dried onions, mustard, ketsup and remoulade. Not bad.

Sights

Perlan Museum – Planetarium/museum featuring the wonders of Iceland, with great videos of the most recent volcano eruption, extensive historical and animal exhibits and a 100 m long ice cave.

Hallgrimskirkja Church – Largest in Iceland and 244′ tall, this church towers over the city and offers nice views. Inspired by the basalt columns at Svartifoss waterfall. Built 1986.

Waterfront – Typical city waterfront with commercial, fishing and tourist (whale watching) vessels. Nice to visit.

Shops and Blocks

The city has extensive shopping on interesting streets, and is worth spending time walking around.

Food Favorites

• cod
• arctic char
• lamb
• fish & chips
• beef (OK)
• breads
• soups – lamb, tomato, carrot
• langoustine
• shrimp
• skyr