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Reykjavik

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Country Code
ICE
Day Trips
  • Reykjavik is charming, but you need to get outside the city to understand why Iceland is called the land of fire and ice. “Iceland” is a complete misnomer, by the way, a clever ruse by the Vikings to divert traffic away from this lush oasis in the Atlantic. Reykjavik Excursions (www.re.is) offers an endless array of trips for curious tourists, all highlighting the diverse landscape, flora, and fauna of this tiny, verdant island country.
  • The absolute minimum requirement is a jaunt around the Golden Circle, where you'll see Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring, Pingvellir Nat'l Park, and the Kerid volcanic crater (Bjork performed from inside it!). Along the way you'll be amazed by the grassy countryside and volcanic cliffs, which give a visual history of the creation of the island from hot lava.
  • If you're looking for a little more excitement, book a trip to the glacier, where you can either hike or snowmobile around on the Myrdalsjskull ice cap. Visiting in wintertime? Take advantage of the long nights by checking out the Northern Lights.
Local Food
  • Fishing is an anchor of Iceland's economy, and you'll find the seafood here excellent: fresh, plentiful and innovatively prepared. Remember all those fluffy sheep you saw on your excursion to the Golden Circle? Lamb can be found on most menus around town in one form or another. And although cultural taboos make the following Icelandic traditions sound unappealing or downright cruel to some, you might be pleasantly surprised by the flavor of whale meat or horse meat, puffin or reindeer.
  • *Skyr* is a thicker, creamier cousin to yogurt that has been slurped here for centuries, and coffee and pastry are an indespensable local ritual, with a favorite being *snudur*, a glazed confection similar to a cinnamon roll. Chocolate and salted licorice candies abound.
  • Putrified shark, or *hakarl*, is a pungent offering hailing from the days when thrifty Icelanders would eat absolutely everything they caught in their fishing nets. And brave hearts shouldn't leave the island without tossing back a shot of Brennivin, locally made schnapps flavored with carraway seeds.
  • Finally, your trip to Reykjavik will not be complete until you wolf down a couple of *pylsur*, the Icelandic incarnation of the humble hot dog that is best eaten while standing on the sidewalk. Order “eina med ollu,” or “one with everything.”
Gay Info
Aids Group
AIDS Iceland 354/552-8586, www.aids.is.
Gay Aa
Gay AA noon Sun (English-speaking) 354/552-7878.
Gay Pride
August, www.gaypride.is.
Annual Events
Airport
Keflavik Int'l Airport, www.keflavikairport.com.
Taxi
  • BSR Taxi 354/561-0000, www.bsr.is.
  • BSH Taxi 354/555-0888.
Super Shuttle
Flybus 354/562-1011.
Public Transport
Straeto Bus 354/540-2700, www.bus.is.
Tourist Attraction
Visitors Bureau
The Centre 354/590-1550. Adalstraeti 2 , www.visitreykjavik.is.
Weather
Because of its location in the Gulf Stream, weather in Iceland remains fairly mild year round. In summer, expect highs in the mid-60s, with lows in the mid-30s in winter. Not quite cold enough for snow, but be prepared for rain and high winds any time of year. Iceland's proximity to the Arctic Circle means 24 hours of daylight during the summer.
Best Views
From the tower of Hallgrimskirkja church, or from the rotating restaurant atop Perlan.