Iceland

[GroundGirl]

Hi all,

I am off to do a trek for charity (Macmillan Cancer Relief) in Iceland in July and have a free day in Reykjavik - any one got any recommendations on what to do.

Iif you would like to have a look at what I am doing then click here (http://www.macmillan.org.uk/iceland/)

Thanks to all of those who can give me suggestions.

Thanks

GG (Mez)

[helicopter-redeye]

A full day from Reykjavik:-

Hire and car and drive East on route 1 to Skogar and visit Skogarfoss falls plus the folk museam of Tomas Tomasson. Go a bit further east to the 'drive in glacer' of Solheimarjokull.

Then head back West, stopping at the volcanic area around Eldborg, then head up to the 'mother of parliaments' at Thingvallir.

Continue inland further to the great Geysir at Geysir, the falls at Gullfoss (views over to the inland areas at Langjokull) then back through the direct route to Reykjavik for a swim in the Blue Lagoon (Bla Lagonid).

Then have dinner at Skolabru, 1 Skolabru Reykjavik.

If you are still standing after that lot then hit the bars down the road in central (try the ice bar).

Well you asked

NB (could try some rotary flying as well ....)

[Flying Lawyer]

Iceland's main attractions are out in the countryside. Fascinating scenery - geysers, waterfalls, 'lunar' landscapes etc.
I hope I won't offend any Icelanders on the forum, but IMHO Reykjavik isn't exactly the most interesting or beautiful city in the world.
Interesting mixture of architecture. The cathedral is impressive - a modern, imposing design in concrete evoking lava flowing down a volcano. The old city is more interesting than the new - brightly painted houses around old squares.
It's quite small - you can walk around in a couple of hours - so, unless you're attracted by the art gallery or museum of Viking life, I'd recommend using the rest of the day to take a whale-watching trip - there's a reasonable chance of seeing some at the time you'll be there.

Traditional Icelandic food is something of an acquired taste. Lamb's testicles and rotten shark are apparantly considered delicacies. I didn't try either - I'm a fairly adventurous eater when travelling, but couldn't face the thought of one and the smell of the other. :)
Fish, not surprisingly, is readily available, but is more likely to be dried, smoked, pickled or salted than freshly caught. Whale and puffin are also available.
There's a restaurant called Jonathan Livingstone Seagull which was good, and seemed to be popular, when I was there. I was told recently that it still is.

NB: My impressions are based on only a one day stop-over and refuel en route across the Atlantic so may be misleading but, if it turns out others who know it better have similar opinions about the city, consider two options:

(1) Rent a car and drive out to the attractions you didn't see on your trek.

(2) You'll see a lot of Icelandic scenery on your trek so, if budget allows (I don't know the cost), take a scenic flight to Greenland. The Greenland scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Flying over the ice-cap, along fjords, over icebergs etc is an experience I guarantee you'd never forget.
It may seem a mad suggestion but what are the chances of making a special trip to Greenland, or being so close, ever again?

[Aesir]

Glad you´ll be visiting us GG.

I certainly recommend visiting the Blue lagoon, although it´s a bit crowded sometimes, its very nice.
However there are plenty natural hot springs in the mountains with no one around for miles and they are fun to visit and relax in.

There are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik. Ask your hotel desk clerk what activities are ongoing or check: http://www.visitreykjavik.is/

If you are interested in day trip to Greenland then Flugfelag Islands offers trips to Narsassuaq and Kulusuk http://www.airiceland.is/AirIceland/NetOffers/Narsarsuaq/

There are only two helicopter companies in Iceland Helicopter Service (http://www.helicopter.is) & Valfell ehf (http://www.valfell.tk)

If you´re in Iceland early july PM me, I may be able to take you for a ride in our B206, but after july 13´th I´m off for my day job in Greenland (for 4 weeks).

All the other suggestions are very good but I must disagree with "Flying lawyer"... you really must try traditional Icelandic food, it´s excellent :ok: Rotten shark with Icelandic schnaps "Svarti Daudi" or Black death is very good :E