Reykjavík, in Icelandic Bay, is the most northerly capital in the world. It extends on a variety of small peninsulas, in the bottom of multiple bays, and thus offers always pleasant sea landscapes. Here resident more than two-thirds of the Icelandic population. Whatever the neighborhood, old or new (the city grows with sight), it is a feeling of calm that reigns. Reykjavík will probably be your first encounter with Iceland, a smooth transition between the major European cities and the Icelandic wilderness. Do not neglect it because it offers all the cultural and economic infrastructures of a real capital. The creative energy of this prosperous nation is palpable: in museums, in galleries, in the streets, in pubs and clubs that boil at the famous weekend evenings… Nature is also pervasive there: what other capital of the world would consider a small lake inhabited by birds like its city center?

What to visit Reykjavík?

When to go to Reykjavík?

When to go to Reykjavík? Whatever the season, take into account that the weather is constantly changing. Nothing is ever taken for granted in Iceland! The beautiful morning sun can suddenly hide behind a thick fog, the western side of the fjord so sunny can give way to the rainy eastern side, etc. Iceland is visited more and more all year round; and if the summer period represents the big tourist season when everything is open (certainly the best time to go to Reykjavík), the rest of the year benefits more and more from being visited to discover fewer people and new and different atmospheres each time. When to go to Reykjavík? Preferably between May and September, when the city is celebrating and the sun hardly sets. It is at the summer solstice, on June 21, that the midnight sun is at its peak.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Reykjavík's weather depends on an oceanic sub-polar climate identical to Greenland. Due to its location on the oceanic edge, temperatures in Reykjavík are never extreme: the average annual temperature is 4.4°C with -0.5°C in January and 10°C in July. However, the wind, which is very present, can cause the temperature to drop significantly. The darkness is almost permanent in winter and the light almost permanent in summer.

Budget

The currency used in Reykjavík is the Icelandic Crown. In this country, which is heavily dependent on imports, the cost of living is particularly high. It is one of the richest countries in the world, with one of the highest standards of living. In Reykjavík, the cheapest item will cost much more than in France, and it is therefore necessary to arrive in the country with some savings to go to a restaurant, or simply to stay and move around.

Procedures

Staying less than 90 days. For any stay of less than 90 days, a valid passport or identity card is sufficient. For Swiss and Canadian citizens, a passport is also sufficient. No visa is required for Reykjavík.

Stay longer than 90 days. In addition to a valid passport, it is necessary to have a certificate of employment from an employer in Reykjavík. It takes about 10 days for the Ministry of Social Affairs to issue a residence permit.

Health

There is hardly any particular precaution to be taken before departure. Although no specific vaccinations are required to travel to Reykjavík, it is recommended to be up to date with your mandatory vaccinations.

Water. In Reykjavík and Iceland, tap water is considered one of the best in the world. Don't deprive yourself of its purity and freshness... especially since bottled water is (obviously) very expensive. In the middle of nature, the white waters of mountain streams are generally of good quality; however, it is advisable to find out about their potability before consumption.

How to go to Reykjavík? Our advice & tips

If the agencies specialized in the stays in Iceland already existed, since the boom of the low cost flights the weekend and short stay packs multiply, proposing to the travelers combined offers (flight + accommodation in Reykjavík) at rather interesting price. According to your departure dates, consult the current offers.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

The average price of a return flight from Western Europe to Reykjavik varies greatly depending on the season. The price variation also depends on the company borrowed and, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. Prices are generally cheaper on low cost airlines, although they tend to be as high as those of regular airlines during school holidays.

Flying is a popular means of domestic transportation for Icelanders: almost every city has its own airfield and several major cities are served by local airlines. The domestic airport of Reykjavík, near the city center, should not be confused with the international airport of Keflavík, 50 km from the capital. In the city, outside the old center where walking is adequate, you can use the 23 bus lines that run in Reykjavík, or a cab.

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Pictures and images Reykjavík

Musée d'Art Contemporain. Stéphan SZEREMETA
Phare à Seltjarnarnes. Author's Image
Hallgrímskirkja. Author's Image
Le centre-ville de Reykjavik et le mont Esja vus du sommet de l'église Hallgrímskirkja. Grégoire SIEUW

Discover Reykjavík

When to travel?

When to go to Reykjavík? Whatever the season, take into account that the weather is constantly changing. Nothing is...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Reykjavík's weather depends on an oceanic sub-polar climate identical to Greenland. Due to its location on the ocean...
Read more about it

Budget

The currency used in Reykjavík is the Icelandic Crown. In this country, which is heavily dependent on imports, the c...
Read more about it

Formalities

Staying less than 90 days. For any stay of less than 90 days, a valid passport or identity card is s...
Read more about it

Health

There is hardly any particular precaution to be taken before departure. Although no specific vaccinations are require...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

The average price of a return flight from Western Europe to Reykjavik varies greatly depending on the season. The pri...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

If the agencies specialized in the stays in Iceland already existed, since the boom of the low cost flights th...
Read more about it

Getting around

Flying is a popular means of domestic transportation for Icelanders: almost every city has its own air...
Read more about it

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