Reykjavik is a popular destination when it comes to cruising around Northern Europe, with the Icelandic capital being well visited by the major cruise lines who are sailing in the region.
Not only does the city feature on many Northern Europe itineraries, it is also a port of call for ships that are travelling transatlantic along a more Northerly route than the traditional Southampton – New York route – opening up Reykjavik to an even larger audience.
Although there are plenty of things to see and do, Reykjavik is a city that will hold most appeal for those who love the great outdoors and who want to explore some of the surrounding attractions.
You won’t have to head far from the city limits to be greeted by stunning scenery, with Iceland’s glacial landscapes being famous around the world.
Alongside towering volcanoes, you can visit some of Iceland’s famous hot springs, the most famous of which – the Blue Lagoon – is little more than half an hour away from the city. This natural spa offers a range of treatments around a large lagoon that is warmed by geothermal activity below the surface, and is well worth a visit if a trip to the spa is offered by your cruise line.
If you have a desire to explore some of the local wildlife, then you might also want to consider booking onto a specialist trip to go whale watching in the waters off the coast. Should you get lucky, you might even spot orcas and blue whales, which have been seen around the Icelandic coast in the past.
Off-roading in specialist vehicles is another great way in which to explore the Icelandic landscapes – and one that will very much appeal to adrenaline seekers who want to sample something different.
For those people who want to remain within Reykjavik, or who might only have limited time ashore, there are a number of things to see if you stay inside the city.
The Hallgrímskirkja Church is one of the main landmarks in Reykjavik, and a trip to the churches 250ft tower will provide the chance to take in stunning views of the surrounding city.
Another observation deck can also be found at The Pearl which, whilst not as high as the Hallgrímskirkja tower, offers stunning 360° views of the city and its surroundings.
Spend some time exploring the impressive National Museum and then you could head for the vibrant Old Harbour area to do some shopping or sample some traditional Icelandic cuisine. It’s sure to be like nothing you’ve tried before….