I’ve been to Iceland before.
Like, a lot.
Like, a lot a lot.
I think I’ve visited Reykjavik at least five times now and honestly, there could even be a sixth visit that is being missed there.
So why keep returning?
Reykjavik is the gateway to the rest of Iceland for sure, but it is also a fantastic destination in and of itself. Icelands small but bustling capital city is home to world class bakeries, incredible restaurants, kooky museums, great bars, buzzing nightlife and some fantastic (albeit expensive) shopping.
We landed into Iceland quite late in the evening and after a very casual late night hot dog for dinner, we hit the hay very early so that we could fit a full day of exploring in the following day.
Our first stop of the day was Sandholt bakery. If you have ever seen any TikTok content about travel in Reykjavik, you have undoubtedly seen this spot on your feed.
Now, I am here to tell you that the cardamom bun is 11/10 worth the trip, but the coffee is an absolute pass. You are gonna be way better off heading around the corner to Reykjavik Roasters for a better cup of joe.
Also, this next photo was taken at 9.30am – it goes without saying that visiting Iceland in the winter months in magical, but the shorter hours of daylight are important to be considered. Our driving route that we took on this trip could have been accomplished in 2-3 days during the warmer months and it took us over a week in the winter!
Given that we were in desperate need of (decent) coffee we did exactly what I just recommended – headed around the corner to Reykjavik Roasters. The couches are comfy, it is kept deliciously warm and cosy inside and the coffee is fantastic.
By 11am the sun still hadn’t fully risen but it was getting lighter outside, so we took a little stroll down to the water to see The Sun Voyager, one of Reykjavik’s most iconic little landmarks.
The houses around this area of the city are also a lovely attraction in themselves. There are so colourful and pretty – definitely the kind of places I would want to buy if I ever won the lottery!
From there we wandered down to Hallgrímskirkja, which is quite likely to be the most photographed spot in all of the city. This lutheran church is the tallest structure in Reykjavik and has a unique structure unlike any other. There also happens to be an elevator inside which when ridden up to the top will afford you incredible views of the entire city.
Now, I failed to factor in to our visit that it was Sunday which means that the elevator is closed until the Sunday service ends, so after admiring the church’s exteriors, we decided to go and kill some time by trying some Icelandic delicacies.
Cafe Loki sits across from Hallgrímskirkja and if you want to try dishes such as fermented shark or traditional rye bread, this is a fantastic place to do so.
Despite Ella being quite the adventurous eater, she was not exactly a fan of the fermented shark, however she did love the shot of Brennivín that came with it – Iceland’s signature drink, which to me tastes a bit like black sambuca, something which I quite enjoy.
We also took a stroll down the ‘rainbow road’. In most Icelandic cities and towns, it is oft the case that the road or steps leading to the church are painted in rainbow colours. Iceland is a very progressive country and one of the most accepting and safe countries in the world for LGBTQIA+ people and it really shows.
We also took the opportunity to go for a spot of shopping. I didn’t buy this hat but I feel like I should have!
No visit to Reykjavik would be complete without a visit to Icelands most unusual, quirky and unique museum.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is dedicated to all things penile. What started out as a small private collection has become quite extensive – with specimens from whales, giraffes and much more on show – they even have a human specimen now!
Finally it was time to walk back up the hill to Hallgrímskirkja and take in my favourite view of the city.
Hot tip – put your hair into a bun before you go up to viewing area if you want to avoid some intense wind induced tangles.
That evening we indulged in a(nother) hot dog from the best hot dog stand in Europe before getting my favourite lobster soup. I will forever dream about this bowl of deliciousness and there will never be a time that I don’t visit Iceland and go at least twice.
The next morning before we set out on our adventures along the coast we stopped at Deig for what are undoubtedly the best bagels in Reykjavik. The cream cheese with chives is seriously drool worthy.
@adventurous_elle Excuse the stroke i had at the end of the voiceover recording, just thinking of the lobster soup gets me crazy! We visited in late january and i am only now catching up on tiktoks! #iceland #reykjavik #travelvlog #traveltiktok #fyp #foodtok
Stay tuned for more about our wintery adventures through Iceland!
THE LOWDOWN
Hallgrímskirkja: This spot is an absolute must-do. Entrance to the church itself is free but the elevator to the top floor is not. You can buy a ticket in the lobby for 1400ISK/$15 AUD/$10 USD
Icelandic Phallological Museum: If you are looking to have a giggle you certainly can’t go wrong here. Tickets can be purchased on arrival for 3000ISK/$32 AUD/$21 USD
Seabaron Restaurant: If delicious and warming lobster soup is for you, look no further! This casual dining spot doesn’t require reservations and you can expect to pay around 2000ISK/$21 AUD/$14 USD for a bowl of soup plus fresh bread
Remember: Waterproof clothes, warm socks and hair ties are essentials for any trip to Iceland
