City of Smoky Bay

Although Reykjavik and its environs offer seemingly endless indoor and outdoor activities, visitors can take an easy one hour plane ride to the northern city of Akuyeri for a more rustic experience. Several flights leave daily from the domestic airport located behind the Hotel Loftleidir, about two miles from downtown Reykjavik. Once in Akuyeri, visitors can rent a car and explore the multitude of fishing villages or sign up for an adventure, such as four-wheeling over the glaciers.

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For visitors traveling to Iceland independently, a car is the best way to experience the country that lies beyond the capital of Reykjavik. Roads are clearly marked and snow posts are helpful during a snowstorm. Snowstorms are actually not as common as visitors may believe, and during the winter, Reykjavik often experiences weather milder than New York City.

Besides the beautifully designed rooms with an old world feel, location is the biggest asset to staying at the four-star Hotel Borg. As the oldest hotel in the city, Hotel Borg boasts a prime location by Parliament Square and is surrounded by Reykjavik's plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops. Because the square is in the heart of the city's all-night party crowd, the hotel may not be the best choice for those seeking serenity. However, bars and live music venues with young Icelanders flooding into the narrow streets at 3am is undoubtedly an intrinsic part of the Reykjavik experience that should not be missed.

Though arguably one of the more popular restaurants in Reykjavik for tourists, the views and cuisine at Perlan (meaning The Pearl) are worthy of at least one visit. This revolving restaurant is actually situated above the city's geothermal water tanks. The initial smell of sulfur disipates as visitors enter the dramatic lobby with fountains that erupt every few minutes. At the top of the elevators, Perlan is surrounded by glass windows and a glass roof, and there's a deck that offers clear views of the city and mountains. Guests should plan to spend a leisurely dinner in order to maximize their viewing, since the restaurant floor turns 360 degrees every two hours.

For a different perspective on the city, I enjoy visiting Perlan during the day. Although the restaurant is closed, there is a cafe that serves sandwiches and ice cream throughout the afternoon.

Reykjavik, known as the "city of smoky bay," is the northernmost capital in the world and was virtually uninhabited when the Norse settlers fled to the island in 874 A.D. Today, the city's natural beauty is a primary reason to explore Iceland. However, there are several sights that warrant a respite from the outdoors. The Arni Magnusson Institute at the University of Iceland is an ideal place to learn about the rich history of the country and view medieval artifacts and sagas.

Located downtown, The Culture House opened in 2000 and features themed exhibit halls that share the history of Iceland, such as rooms dedicated to the Vikings and ancient maps.

After a day soaking in Icelandic history, a trip to the Blue Lagoon is a fun and social place to join the locals in their daily ritual. The outdoor pool of mineral-rich geothermal water, located about 40 minutes from Reykjavik in the town of Grindavik, is a great way to spend a few hours or even most of the day. There is a restaurant, cafe, spa and shop. Whether the sun is shining at midnight in June, or it is snowing on a February afternoon, the Blue Lagoon experience is a must for any visitor to Iceland.