5 reasons to visit Reykjavik in summer

The Land of Fire and Ice is mesmerising at any time of year, but summer is special. Iceland’s midnight sun is unique in its own right, so head to the capital and take advantage of that extra daylight – there are so many experiences to fill your time with. We’ve narrowed it down to five brilliant reasons to visit Reykjavik in the summer season.

1. Relax at Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon's tagline is ‘Where the sea meets the sky’ and here you're immediately transported to a state of calm – and that’s before you’ve even dipped your toes into the waters of this secluded geothermal sanctuary. Just a 12-minute drive from Reykjavik city centre, this oceanside spa blends into the seemingly endless green landscape, with a concealed entrance that's mysteriously inviting.

Tranquillity abounds as soon as you enter the lagoon’s 230-foot (70m) infinity pool and soak up the incredible views across the north Atlantic. You can go at your own pace or sample Icelandic bathing culture by taking the Seven-Step Ritual. You'll begin in the warm waters of the lagoon itself, followed by a dip in the ice-cold temperatures of the plunge pool. The final five steps take place in a traditional Icelandic turf house where you’ll experience a healing journey that your senses will love.

Once refreshed and rejuvenated, feed your soul the old-fashioned way at Smakk Bar, where tasting platters include the country’s signature gravlax (cured salmon) as well as reindeer and cured sheep fillet.

Sky Lagoon Reykjavik Iceland (Image: Heidi Haraldsdottir/Sky Lagoon) Heidi Haraldsdottir/Sky Lagoon

2. Ride Flyover Iceland

Want to see this enchanting country in all its glory? An eight-minute simulator ride will take you on an epic journey across sweeping glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, countryside and even the capital’s famous ‘Rainbow Street’ (Skolavoroustigur Street), all while your feet dangle in the air as you hang suspended in front of a 65-foot (20m) spherical screen. Set to a beautiful musical score, you’ll feel special effects such as wind, scents and mist according to the scenery.

Before joining the ride, which is one of the most-visited attractions in Iceland, two pre-show experiences immerse you in the magic of the country; resident troll SúVitra tells stories of nature and folklore and an Icelandic storyteller invites you into his ancient Viking longhouse for a tale or two. You’ll then head to the Well of Time, an immersive exploration through the nation’s history, before boarding your Flyover flight for an unforgettable experience.

Eva Eiriksdottir/Pursuit Collection

3. Visit Grandi District

This hip neighbourhood has transformed the area along from Reykjavik’s old harbour. Once just a stretch of sand connecting the capital to Orfirisey Island in the south of the city, Grandi now thrives with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes (including Kaffivagninn, the oldest in Iceland), a brewery, museums, galleries and artists' workshops. It’s also a working port and dry dock that runs side by side with tourism, supported by proud local people.

Make sure you visit Lava Show, a unique experience where you’ll feel the heat of real lava at 1,100°C (2,000°F). The only one of its kind in the world, the show is like a geology lesson you won’t want to end. Knowledgeable hosts talk you through the intensity of a volcanic eruption, while a short film explains Iceland’s love affair with the hot stuff (the country has 30 volcanic systems, the highest concentration in the world). You can’t leave without trying the aptly-named Eruption cocktail in the bar afterwards.

Lava Show/Facebook

4. Climb Hallgrimskirkja’s bell tower

No matter where you are in Reykjavik and its outskirts, you’ll be able to spot this striking cathedral standing guard across the city. Its famous stepped concrete facade will take up most of your cameral roll, and for good reason, but in summer especially, head up to its bell tower for an unbeatable view of the capital – and Snæfellsjokull glacier, if you’re lucky.

The 240-foot-high (74.5m) church sits at the top of Skolavoroustigur Street, Reykjavik’s main shopping area, and was consecrated in 1986 after taking 40 years to build. There’s no fee to enter the church itself, but it costs around £5 to climb up to the bell tower.

Chrispo/Shutterstock

5. Head out on a city tour

There’s nothing quite like a city walk to get to know an area, particularly if you’re lucky enough to have a brilliant guide such as local historian Marteinn from CityWalk Reykjavik.

This informative and funny tour is an ideal way to fill a couple of hours – and you set the fee based on how much you enjoyed it. The tour focuses on the history, culture and traditions of Iceland, with enchanting stories of Vikings and elves (you'll learn about the infamously naughty Yule Lads, who live in the mountains and come to town every December). You'll also discover more about the evolution of Reykjavik from a 9th-century fishing town to the bustling city we know today, covering landmarks and attractions including the Parliament building, City Hall, Harpa concert hall, Hallgrímskirkja and even the famous hot dog stand Bæjarins Beztu, where ordering ‘ein meo ollu’ (one with everything), is a must.

Lead image: Suradech Singhanat/Shutterstock