Free Time in Reykjavik?

Those arriving early in Iceland — or who have time to kill before they fly off after the end of their cruise — might want to spend that free time exploring Reykjavik and environs. With that in mind, we offer our ideas on cool ways to while away a day in the Icelandic capital.

1. Play a round of 18. Icelanders are mad about golf and the half a dozen courses in and around Reykjavik blend challenging fairways and greens with drop-dead gorgeous scenery. Arrive the day before your cruise and you can even tee off under the midnight sun.

2. Cruise to Gullfloss and Geysir. Rent a car and drive due east into the spectacular Icelandic countryside to the famous geyser fields at Geysir (origin of the name) and the incredible Gullfloss waterfall which plunges through a deep gorge of the Hvítá River. Icelandic highways are well maintained and almost always empty. Total round trip driving time from Reykjavik is around four hours and 20 minutes.

3. Relax at the Blue Lagoon. Located between Reykjavik and the airport, this famous hot springs and geothermal spa features indoor and outdoor hot pools, massages and mud masks, saunas and steam rooms, and ultra-quite relaxation areas. 

4. Get in touch with your inner Viking. Several of the capital city’s attractions revolve around the island’s Norse heritage including an excellent new historic sight called The Settlement Exhibition – Reykjavik 871± 2, as well as the waxworks of the Saga Museum. If you’ve got a car, drive up the west coast to Erik the Red’s farmstead in the Haukadalur Valley near Budardalur, where Leif Eriksson was born.

5. Plan a night on the town. Reykjavik might be small compared to other European capitals, but it’s after-dark entertainment scene is gigantic. Attend a concert, play or dance performance at the futuristic Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall. And then afterwards grab a nightcap at one of the hip bars.