Top 5 things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the majestic capital of Iceland and its striking beauty proves the perfect backdrop to an outstanding range of attractions, sights and entertainment as well as a quirky culture and vivid architecture. The Blue Lagoon If you want to escape the icy climate of the Icelandic metropolis then a visit to The Blue Lagoon is highly recommended. The lagoon utilises the tropic warmth of the underground geothermal activity and creates a gorgeous setting for admiring the breathtaking scenery. The steamy waters are part of an incredible lava formation and they offer a faultless experience in relaxation and rejuvenation. The rich amount of minerals in the water (including silica- a mineral that helps to relax muscles) means that The Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to visit for relaxed and energetic holidaymakers alike. A glacier hike Hiking along Snaefellsjokull, one of the most picturesque mountains in Iceland, is a once-in-a-lifetime activity and is a must for anyone who is used to traditional green pastures. The hike takes you only a short distance away from stunning ice formations, sink holes and jagged ridges as well as an active volcano. Once at the top of the mountain you will be able to see across to Greenland and its mountains and beaches. This is recognised as being one of the best glacier hikes in the world and it’s one that will stay with you. A visit to the Hallgrimskirkja Church This majestic landmark takes pride of place towering over the city and provides an extraordinary experience. By day one can take the lift to the bell-tower for a birds-eye view of the beautiful city, by night the church comes alive with magnificent lighting and regal, stained-glass displays. The best time to visit is over Christmas, when evening concerts spill out onto the glistening Christmas market. Snowmobiling Although a relaxing holiday in the beautiful city is an alluring concept for many, snowmobiling is an adrenaline-fuelled activity that takes you up Iceland’s second largest glacier and offers incredible views. The Icelandic snowmobile tour will take you to the deepest part of the snow, where the sun is nearly blinding on the flawless icy plains. For the energetic out there it also offers the chance to view the landscape in a less traditional way while speeding along ice-filled volcanic craters. Eat at Laekjarbrekka To try true Icelandic cuisine like lobster, puffin, reindeer carpaccio and smoked lamb, the place to eat is Laekjarbrekka. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in the city, having been built in 1834, and was recently visited by Gordon Ramsey. The beautiful building was originally built by an influential Danish ship owner and merchant as a dwelling and bakery. For a long time his family were the only bakers in Reykjavik but nowadays there are many high class eateries around the city, including this quaint Icelandic gem. Jon Stainer is Creative Director at StagWeb. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.