Inspiration
Designing a Solo Adventure to Croatia & Iceland
She wanted a wild solo adventure that was safe and affordable. This Croatia and Iceland itinerary was the perfect answer.
Jeanette Wages November 11, 2025
Population: ~240,000
Primary Hubs: Keflavík Intl Airport (KEF; 45 mins away); Reykjavík Domestic Airport (for hops to Akureyri or the Westman Islands)
Getting Around: The Strætó bus system is your main link. For local vibes, use the Hopp app to grab an e-scooter — the city is small enough to traverse almost entirely on two wheels.
Walkability: High
Ideal Stay: 3-4 Days
🗓️ When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
🌤️ Avg Highs: 55°F Summer / 36°F Winter
🔼 Peak Season: June – Aug; Dec
🔽 Low Season: Nov; Jan – Feb
✅ Must See: Hallgrímskirkja Church; Harpa Concert Hall
✅ Must Do: Soak in the Sky Lagoon; visit the Reykjavík Arts Festival (biennial on even years)
✅ Must Eat: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog (order it with everything); Italian-Nordic fusion pasta at Lóla
✅ Bring Home: Lopapeysa hand-knitted Icelandic wool sweater; volcanic rock jewelry
🧠 Trivia: Reykjavík is truly a “cat city.” Due to a historical ban on dogs that lasted until the 1980s, cats became the primary domestic pet. Today, you’ll find them everywhere — many even have their own Instagram followings.
Our Expert Insights for Visiting Reykjavik, Iceland
She wanted a wild solo adventure that was safe and affordable. This Croatia and Iceland itinerary was the perfect answer.
I crossed glaciers on foot, hung with puffins, and forded a frigid river atop a thundering waterfall—all in 10 days under Iceland’s endless Midnight Sun.
Discover how to align your travel goals with Iceland’s seasonal experiences, from winter’s dancing Northern Lights to summer’s endless Midnight Sun.
We’re not even halfway through this year, and yet we’re already thinking about where we want to travel next year. As any seasoned traveler knows, it’s never too early to plan that next adventure!
With Expertise In Iceland
Not Everything You Need to Know, But a Good Place to Start
The best time depends on your goals. For mild weather and the Midnight Sun, visit from June to August. This is peak season for puffin watching and hiking. For a chance to see the Northern Lights, aim for late September to March. Winter is colder but offers a cozy atmosphere, Christmas markets, and the opportunity for ice caving tours.
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and the UK generally do not need a traditional visa for short stays (up to 90 days). However, travelers should be aware of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which is an electronic requirement for visa-exempt visitors entering the Schengen Area. Your passport must also be valid for at least three to six months beyond your departure date.
Keflavik is about 45 minutes from the city. The most popular option is the Flybus or Airport Direct shuttle, which run in conjunction with flight arrivals and drop passengers at the main bus terminal (BSÍ) or directly at their hotels. Taxis are available but are very expensive (typically over $150). There is no rail link in Iceland, so buses or rental cars are your primary options.
In Reykjavik city center, a car is not necessary. The downtown area is compact, extremely walkable, and filled with Hopp electric scooters. You only need a car if you plan to explore the countryside on your own. For those who prefer not to drive, Reykjavik serves as a hub for countless guided day tours that will pick you up from the city and take you to the major natural wonders.
Hallgrímskirkja: The iconic basalt-inspired church with a tower offering 360-degree city views.
Harpa Concert Hall: A stunning glass-facade building on the harbor.
The Sun Voyager (Sólfar): A massive steel sculpture of a dream boat on the waterfront.
Perlan: A futuristic museum with an observation deck and a real indoor ice cave.
The National Museum of Iceland: Excellent for learning about the Viking Age and Icelandic history.
Icelandic tap water is some of the cleanest and most delicious in the world. It is untreated, spring-fed, and perfectly safe. In fact, buying bottled water in Iceland is generally seen as a waste of money and plastic. When you turn on the hot water, you may notice a slight sulfur smell—this is normal for geothermal water—but the cold water is pure and refreshing.
The official currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Iceland is a nearly cashless society; you can pay for everything from a hot dog to a public restroom with a credit card or mobile payment (Apple/Google Pay). You likely won’t need cash at all during your trip, though it is always smart to have a card for automated gas pumps if you are driving.
Tipping is not expected or required in Iceland. Service and VAT are always included in the price you see on the menu. While some tourist spots have tip jars, locals rarely tip, and workers are paid a fair living wage. If you feel a tour guide went above and beyond, a small tip is appreciated but never demanded.
The golden rule is layering. Even in summer, the weather can change from sunshine to rain and wind in minutes. Essential items include:
The Golden Circle: Includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall.
The Blue Lagoon: Often visited on the way to or from the airport. Check for local updates as volcanic activity in the area can occasionally affect access.
The South Coast: Famous for the Reynisfjara black sand beach and Skógafoss waterfall.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Known as “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes.
Extremely. It is one of the safest cities in the world. Families love the Laugardalslaug thermal pool complex, which has slides and kids’ areas. The Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park features local animals like arctic foxes and reindeer. Most restaurants are very accommodating to children and offer high chairs and kids’ menus.
While the Blue Lagoon is the most famous, it requires a 45-minute drive. For a more local experience, visit the Sky Lagoon, located just 10 minutes from downtown, which features an infinity edge overlooking the ocean. Alternatively, visit any of the city’s public thermal pools for a few dollars to experience how the locals relax.
Start by contacting any of the matching travel advisors listed above. These advisors have experience and expertise planning Reykjavik vacations.
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