The first day in Reykjavik! Flew in on time then had to wait for about 45 minutes to get a parking slot. This is not a major airport – probably about 16 gates. One plane was in our slot but had mechanical issues and there were no other slots! Well finally disembarked and headed to the hotel Leif Erickson Hotel directly across from the major landmark in Reykjavik – the Lutheran Church which is really an awesome structure.
Had to wait until about 1300 to check in – we got to the hotel about 0930. So we walked to downtown and wandered the streets looking. Really a very well kept up city no homeless people that we saw, very clean and modern most of the houses are corrugated tin. There are minimal trees in Iceland and the price of wood is HIGH. The houses are many colors. The downtown is quite modern. We ate at a deli – chicken wrap – was quite spices. Headed back to the Hotel and checked in. Had two twin beds private bathroom (small) but very nice. We had a short nap and then headed back into town to look around some more. The city had a LARGE screen set up in the town center to watch the Euro2016 football games. The People really got into it. For supper, we ate at Primes’ – an Italian place and was excellent. I had lasagna – individual pot and was really good. Patricia had a tortillas dish that was great. We headed back and stopped by the Lutheran church then to the room. By then it was about 2000 and full light. Today is the solstice so the longest day of the year. About 2000 I got up and went out – full light! People out, traffic out – just like any morning of a weekday. Got a cherry crepe at 2255 – the last person served as they close at 2300. From there went to the harbor to see the sunset at 0005 Wednesday morning. So wandered and saw the sunset at midnight and headed back to the hotel. You must realize that it was still light – about 0010 – but back to the hotel! Light all night and not just twilight but really light. New experience!
Note the time on the church clock! Do not expect any dark while we are here.
Additional Information
You will transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Reykjavik in a comfortable Wi-Fi connected bus. Enjoy the rest of the day in Reykjavik, which offers a great variety of things to do. See iconic buildings including the Perlan (the Pearl), the Alþingishúsið (where the Icelandic parliament is housed), and Hallgrímskirkja Church. If you don’t have time to shop on Laugarvegur Street, don’t worry; you can do that when you return from your Icelandic Circle adventure. Check out the Reykjavik City Guide provided with the travel document for a map of the city and points of interest.
Highlights:
Reykjavik City – 1
Photos