Iceland’s Heart: A Travel Adventure
Iceland, with its breathtaking landscapes, geothermal hotspots, and Viking heritage, is a nation that awakens the imagination. This tour of Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Akureyri, and Hella presents a balanced taste of urban existence and rural appeal. From the cultural pulse of the capital to peaceful countryside havens and northern marvels, every destination uncovers a new aspect of Iceland.
Reykjavik: Where Modern Life Meets Nordic Heritage
The City at a Glance
Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland, has a small-town atmosphere with a surprisingly lively vibe. Situated on the rim of the Atlantic Ocean and bounded by mountains, it’s a center of art, food, and culture.
Things to Do
- Hallgrimskirkja Church: This distinctive building is seen from almost everywhere in the city. Take the elevator to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s rainbow-colored rooftops and surrounding mountains.
- Harpa Concert Hall: A gleaming glass building by the harbor, Harpa is not only for music enthusiasts. Its bold design and exhibitions are worth visiting even without a concert ticket.
- Sun Voyager Sculpture: An abstract steel boat along the waterfront, representing discovery and hope. It’s a popular photo spot, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
- Reykjavik’s Street Art and Laugavegur: Reykjavik’s streets double as an open-air gallery. Explore Laugavegur, the main shopping street, which features boutique shops, cozy cafes, and murals on nearly every corner.
Food & Drink
The food scene here is dynamic. Try local specialties like lamb soup, fresh seafood, or even fermented shark if you’re brave. Stop by a local bakery for “kleina” (twisted doughnuts), or warm up with coffee from Reykjavik Roasters.
Travel Tips
- Reykjavik is pedestrian-friendly, so pack comfortable shoes.
- Think about purchasing a Reykjavik City Card for museum, pool, and public transportation access.
Borgarnes: A Peaceful Gateway to the West
An Overview
Approximately 75 kilometers north of Reykjavik is Borgarnes, a small town situated by a fjord. While small in stature, it is of immense importance in Icelandic history and literature.
What to Explore
- The Settlement Center: This museum brings the Icelandic sagas to life. Discover the early settlers and Egil’s Saga through interactive exhibits and atmospheric narration.
- Skallagrimsgarour Park: A serene green area named after one of Iceland’s early settlers. It’s perfect for a picnic or short stroll with a view over Borgarfjorour.
- Borgarnes Swimming Pool: Iceland’s geothermal pools are a large part of local culture. The Borgarnes one has outdoor hot tubs and waterslides with views of the mountains.
- Hafnarfjall Mountain: A favorite hiking spot just over the bridge, with panoramic views over the town and bay.
Food & Drink
You will discover a couple of quaint restaurants and cafes in Borgarnes. Sample the local fish soup or lamb meal, and don’t forget pastries at Geirabakari Cafe, famous as a filming site in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Travel Tips
- Borgarnes is an ideal stopover on a trip to or from Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
- Numerous guesthouses here provide views of fjords and a serene, rural atmosphere.
Akureyri: The Capital of the North
Welcome to the North
Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest urban center, situated at the foot of Eyjafjorour fjord. Small but pleasant and laid-back, it makes a wonderful base for seeing northern Iceland.
Top Attractions
- Akureyri Botanical Garden: One of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens. Native and foreign flora find their home here, surprisingly thriving so far north.
- Church of Akureyri (Akureyrarkirkja): Designed by the same architect as Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, Guojon Samuelsson. The interior is every bit as intriguing as the view from the top of the stairs.
- Downtown Akureyri: The center of the town contains shops, cafes, bookstores, and art galleries. Be sure not to miss the traffic lights—yes, they actually have heart-shaped red lights.
- Whale Watching and Fjord Cruises: Akureyri is an ideal hub for whale watching humpbacks in the summer. Tours operate regularly from the harbour.
Natural Wonders Nearby
- Gooafoss Waterfall: East of Akureyri, a short drive, lies Gooafoss (“Waterfall of the Gods”), one of Iceland’s most scenic cascades, with turquoise water running through lava rock.
- Lake Myvatn Region: Volcanic terrain here is a mass of geothermal activity, lava fields, pseudocraters, and abundant bird life.
Food & Drink
Akureyri boasts an increasing food scene. Sample local seafood, Arctic char, and skyr desserts. Kaffi Ilmur and Akureyri Fish & Chips are popular among travelers. Beer enthusiasts can visit the local brewery Kaldi for tastings and tours nearby.
Travel Tips
- Having a car to rent provides greater freedom in this area, particularly to get to Myvatn.
- Winters may be rough, but the Northern Lights can be seen from town on clear nights.
A Southern Idyll
Hella is situated along the Ring Road in southern Iceland, a small town ringed by rivers, meadows, and open country. It’s an excellent hub for discovering the south coast without the masses of more tourist-popular regions.
Things to See and Do
- Hella Caves (Ægissioa): These are man-made caves carved into sandstone cliffs and date back to Viking times in some cases. Visit a few of the open-to-the-public ones.
- Horseback Riding Tours: Icelandic horses are famous for their quirky gait and friendly nature. Hella is a great destination to experience a riding tour through lava fields or meadows.
- Ranga River: The Ranga River is famous for salmon fishing and passes directly through Hella. For those fishing or simply taking in the riverside scenery, it brings calmness to the town’s atmosphere.
- Northern Lights: As a result of very little light pollution, it is a good place to see the aurora borealis during the darker months of the year. Some hotels even provide wake-up calls when the lights are on.
Nearby Attractions
- Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls: Two of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls are within an hour’s car journey.
- Landmannalaugar Highlands: In summer, Hella can serve as a base for excursions into Iceland’s colorful highlands. Walking trails and hot springs reward those who venture in.
Food & Drink
Although the selection in Hella is limited, local guesthouses and cafes offer homemade soups and hearty meals. Sample locally raised lamb or trout, and keep an eye out for freshly baked rye bread.
Travel Tips
It’s a good idea to book accommodations well in advance in summer, as available places get booked fast.
Pack layers—conditions here can change rapidly, sometimes even within an hour.
Drive the Ring Road: These four locations are part of a natural loop along Iceland’s Route 1. Having a car rental allows you to stop for pictures, side roads, or impromptu detours.
Timing Your Trip:
- Summer offers long daylight, pleasant weather, and green landscapes.
- Winter has a magical snowy adventure and Northern Lights chasing.
- Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer a combination of both with less tourism.
Pack Smart: Waterproof boots, thermal layers, and a windbreaker are must-haves, no matter the season.
Budget for Extras: Iceland isn’t inexpensive, so budget for fuel, food, and admission fees. Natural attractions are often free, but some museums and pools have modest admission fees.
Language & Money: Most folks speak superb English. Credit cards are widely accepted, even at roadside stands and gas stations.
Traveling through Reykjavik, Borgarnes, Akureyri, and Hella reveals the depth of Iceland’s character—from its cosmopolitan capital to quiet villages and wild landscapes. Each stop offers something unique: vibrant art scenes, ancient tales, geothermal wonders, and a sense of serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, or simply staring out at the endless horizon, Iceland has a way of making every moment feel extraordinary.
