QUIRKY culture and divine dishes make Iceland’s capital cooler than ever, says writer Margaret Hussey.
From the famous Blue Lagoon to mustard and malt whisky herring – Reykjavík is a perfect destination for a weekend break.
Take a dip
Bathing culture is huge in Iceland, and most flock to Reykjavík to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, naturally heated by geothermal activity.
Entry costs from £61.50 (Bluelagoon.com).
For a cheaper option, try Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, with its lagoon, steam baths and hot tubs, all for just £5.60 (Nautholsvik.is).
The local pools are great, too.
At Sundhöllin, the city’s oldest purpose-built one, you can swim, hot tub, sauna, cold plunge and steam for less than a tenner (Reykjavik.is/en/sundholl-reykjavik-pool).
Tuck into herring
Get up early to sample the lush (and huge) pastries, from £5, at Instagrammable Sandholt Bakery, while indulging in some top-notch people-watching (Sandholt.is).
Later, mix and match small dishes at buzzy Jómfrúin, where mustard and malt whisky herring, £15, pairs perfectly with local Boli beer, £8 (Jomfruin.is).
Elsewhere, at Grandi Food Hall you’ll find everything from Nigerian to Nepalese.
Grab the nasi goreng, £15, from Eldhús Iru and soak up the bustle of local life (Grandimatholl.is).
Follow the puffins
Perfect for a flying visit is the Puffin Express – a boat to Akurey Island – to spy its cute namesakes, in residence April to August while they mate.
Partners for life, they always return to the same burrow to hatch a chick.
Trips cost £47.50 (Specialtours.is).
At the fascinating Perlan museum, learn about everything from geysers to glaciers.
The ice cave replica is brilliant, as is the planetarium, where you’re guaranteed to glimpse the Northern Lights, albeit in film form.
Entry costs £38.30 (Perlan.is).
FlyOver Iceland is also fantastic fun, where state-of-the-art tech has you “flying” over mountains and waterfalls, complete with spray and wind in your face.
Tickets cost £34.60 (Flyovericeland.com).
Learn about BJöRK
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, Hafnarhús Art Museum is brimming with modern works by the likes of Icelandic artist Erró, known for his colourful pop-art style.
Entry costs £14.80 (Listasafnreykjavikur.is/hafnarhus).
Björk fan? If you know she used to perform with The Sugarcubes, the Icelandic Punk Museum is for you.
Housed in a former public loo, here you’ll learn how the punk movement took off.
Entry costs £12 (Facebook.com/Bankastraeti0).
And while the Icelandic Phallological Museum might give you the giggles, it’s actually an informative insight into penises across the animal kingdom – including that of Jimi Hendrix!
A replica cast of the singer’s member, made by artist Cynthia Albritton in 1968, is on display here.
Entry costs £21.30 (Phallus.is).
Shop troll tales
Mjúk means “soft” in Icelandic, so at this shop nab the plushest angora and merino headband, £18 (Mjukiceland.com).
Then stop by Verslunin Bræðurnir Eyjólfsson, AKA The Old Bookstore, for tales of trolls and work by Icelandic crime writer Ragnar Jónasson (Bookstore.is).
Finally, at Nomad, pick up cool earrings, £15, and arty magnets, £4 (Nomadstore.is).
Stay central
Center Hotels Laugavegur is walking distance to everything, plus beds are super-comfy.
Expect a buffet of fruit, granola, Skyr yoghurt and great coffee, as well as bacon and eggs at breakfast.
Doubles cost from £130 B&B (Centerhotels.com).
FYI
Iceland expands by about 2cm each year due to it straddling two tectonic plates.
Buy a City Card, £42 for 48 hours, for free entry to many museums, pools and public transport (Reykjavikcard.com).
Flights from the UK to Reykjavík cost from £35 return.