Your Friend in Reykjavik

07/10/2024

Craving some delicious food in Reykjavik? 🍽️✨

We’ve got you covered! Check out our blog, where we share the best restaurants in Reykjavik—from local Icelandic flavours to hidden foodie gems. Whether you’re after fresh seafood, hearty lamb, or something totally unique, we’ve rounded up all the must-visit spots.

Also, if you're looking for a more guided experience, we recommend our Food Lovers Tour 😍

🔗https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/best-restaurants-in-reykjavik/

📷Apotek Kitchen and Bar

07/10/2024

This year autumn in Iceland is extremely beautiful!🍂🧡

07/10/2024

What does a tour guide do when there are no tourists?
A COVID creation story

I found myself at a standstill in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland, where the wind blows tales of the olden times and the northern lights dance with timeless abandon. As a proud tour guide for my company, Your Friend In Reykjavik, my days and those of my fellow guides were once filled with the laughter and awe of travelers from every corner of the world. However, when the outbreak of COVID-19 gripped the world, the streets we walked, shared, and loved grew silent, and our hearts grew heavy with uncertainty.

Read more on linkedin 😊👍
Photo by MINK Viking Portrait Studio

What does a tour guide do when there are no tourists? I found myself at a standstill in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland, where the wind blows tales of the olden times and the northern lights dance with timeless abandon. As a proud tour guide for my company, Your Friend In Reykjavik, my days and thos

06/10/2024

Austurvöllur Square in downtown Reykjavik, 1957. Things have changed a lot while still somehow staying the same—new houses have risen, and the trees have definitely gotten bigger!

📷 Magnús Daníelsson ©️Reykjavik Museum of Photography

05/10/2024

Are you a fellow book dragon (which is much better than a bookworm)? 🐉📚 Iceland has an incredible literary history, from Viking sagas to modern-day favourites. Despite our small population, we publish hundreds of books every year!

Einar, one of the Your Friend In Reykjavik guides, has put together a blog featuring some of the best Icelandic authors, all translated into English. Check it out for some great reads! 📖✨

🔗https://bit.ly/3TUEY7V

04/10/2024

Want to explore Reykjavik like a local and do a little shopping along the way? 🛍️

Join Your Friend in Reykjavik for a private city walk through the heart of Reykjavik, where we’ll hit up the main spots and find those hidden stores off the beaten path. Whether you’re after unique gifts, handmade jewellery, cozy Icelandic wool, or just want to try some local treats, this tour has a little something for everyone.

We’ll snap some cool pics at Insta-famous spots, taste some Icelandic candy, and even grab a glass of wine or snaps 🍷. Plus, you’ll get a small souvenir to take home!

Totally flexible with start times, and it’s all stroller and wheelchair-friendly. Let’s go explore!

Book here 🔗 https://bit.ly/4dB2ePh Reykjavik for a private city walk through the heart of Reykjavik, where we’ll hit up the main spots and

02/10/2024

The fall colours at this time of year are so amazing 😍🍂🍁

01/10/2024

🇮🇸 When you think of Iceland, you probably picture breathtaking landscapes, geological wonders, and a rich cultural history. Thingvellir National Park brings all of that together in one incredible spot! 🌍✨

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key stop on the famous Golden Circle, Thingvellir offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor adventure. From walking between tectonic plates to discovering Iceland's cultural roots, this park should be at the top of your Iceland itinerary! 🌋🌿

And here is why you should visit the park! 🔗https://bit.ly/3zMq4cK

30/09/2024

🍁 Looking for a quieter Iceland adventure? October is your secret window! Fewer crowds, crisp air, and easier access to all the beauty Iceland has to offer before the holiday rush. 🌥️

Check our blog on visiting Iceland in October and what to expect!

🔗https://bit.ly/3XP9q5u

30/09/2024

Food lovers tour with

29/09/2024

What is your favourite thing about Iceland? 😍

28/09/2024

🌿 Discover the hidden gem of Reykjavik – Elliðaárdalur! This stunning outdoor oasis is perfect for nature lovers, with scenic walking and cycling paths winding through lush greenery and along the Elliðaá river, known for its wild salmon. 🐟

Whether you're up for a peaceful walk, a bike ride, or just want to enjoy the tranquillity of the waterfalls and wildlife, Elliðaárdalur has something for everyone. And the best part? It's just minutes away from the city center! 🌳🚴‍♂️

📷Róbert Reynisson / Reykjavík City https://bit.ly/47G5EPp

27/09/2024

🌍 Planning a trip to Iceland? We get it – the breathtaking landscapes are hard to resist! 😍 But Iceland can be pricey, with unpredictable weather, tricky road conditions, and some unfamiliar customs.

Don't worry; we've got you covered! 🙌 At Your Friend in Reykjavik, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips and practical advice to help make your adventure smoother and even more enjoyable!

Check out our guide and get ready to make the most of your Icelandic experience! 🇮🇸✨ 🔗https://bit.ly/47H4PG0

📷Nick Sherman / Flickr

26/09/2024

🚤 Private Glacier Lagoon Tour – Last chance for a boat ride before winter! ❄️

Explore the stunning sights of South Iceland on a bespoke tour with Your Friend in Reykjavik. This journey has everything from the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls to the breathtaking Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the charming town of Vík.

But the star of the show? Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon! October is your last chance to experience a boat ride on the lagoon before winter sets in. Choose from a speedboat, kayak, or amphibian boat tour to see the icy blue icebergs up close and visit the nearby Diamond Beach.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure! Book now for a fully customizable experience tailored just for you.

For more info or to book check the link 🔗 https://bit.ly/4dlSkkg

journey has everything from the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls to the breathtaking Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the charming town of Vík

25/09/2024

🎬 If you find yourself in Reykjavik with nothing to do over the next week and a half, why not check out what’s happening at RIFF (Reykjavik International Film Festival), starting tomorrow? From incredible films to international talent, there's something for everyone! 🎥 🔗https://riff.is/en/

24/09/2024

Have you ever been to Þórsmörk? 😍

23/09/2024

The beautiful Harpa Concert Hall was worth the wait! Iceland had been craving a concert hall for ages, but the 2008 financial crash almost derailed the whole thing just as construction kicked off. Luckily, it was decided to power through, and now we have this absolute gem of a building – gorgeous inside and out!

2008 financial crash almost derailed the whole thing just as construction kicked off

22/09/2024

🌍 Exploring Iceland Solo: Safe and Spectacular! 🌍

Solo travel can be thrilling, but safety is always on your mind. Luckily, Iceland has you covered—ranked the safest country in the world in 2024 (like every year before that)! Whether strolling through Reykjavik or adventuring into nature, Iceland’s welcoming and peaceful vibe will set you at ease.

✨ Why Solo Travelers Love Iceland:

Top-notch Safety: Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in Europe, and Iceland’s tight-knit communities look out for each other.

Female-Friendly: Iceland’s gender equality and support systems make it a comfortable destination for women traveling alone.

Stay Connected: With fast internet all over the country, staying in touch is a breeze.

Everyone Speaks English: Communication is easy, as almost all Icelanders speak fluent English!

With Your Friend in Reykjavik, you’re never really alone—there’s always someone to show you the way. Read more about solo travel in Iceland on our blog: https://bit.ly/3zmOEkt

21/09/2024

🏛️ Fun Fact About Iceland’s Parliament Building! 🏛️

Did you know Iceland’s Parliament building was originally supposed to be on Bankastræti, right by the Laugavegur shopping street? The foundation was dug, and everything was ready to go—until the Danish builder arrived and said, "No way!" 😳

Why? Well, Denmark is famously flat, and the builder wasn’t used to hills. He declared the hill was too risky, and the building would just collapse! So, the plans were moved, and Alþingi was built in its current, much flatter spot. Imagine how different downtown Reykjavik would look today!

20/09/2024

🍂 October in Iceland: It’s Almost Here! 🍂

It’s hard to believe October is just around the corner! This is one of the calmest times to visit Iceland, with the summer crowds gone and winter festivities yet to begin. You’ll find cooler but mild weather, quieter spots, and maybe even lower prices before the holiday rush.

October is a great time to see the Northern Lights, as the days are getting shorter, increasing your chances of seeing the magical lights!

But what about Halloween? 🎃 In Iceland, we don’t go all out with witches and pumpkins, but trick or treating (called grikk eða gott in Icelandic) is gaining popularity among kids. 👻

In the Middle Ages, Icelanders celebrated Veturnætur, an ancient Viking tradition held around the First Day of Winter (the last Saturday in October). This festival, similar to the Celtic Samhain, marked the change of seasons and connected people with the spirit world. Read more about it here: https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/halloween-in-iceland/

For visiting Iceland in October, read more here: https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/visit-iceland-in-october/

19/09/2024

✨ Chasing the Northern Lights! ✨

Who ~wouldn’t~ want to catch the Northern Lights? Even Icelanders get excited! While we can’t promise a sighting (Mother Nature loves her surprises), we’ll whisk you away to the perfect spot if conditions are right.

How it works: 🚗 Hop into a luxury car—we’ll scoop you up and head far from the city lights. 🌌 Fingers crossed for a dazzling show in some breathtaking surroundings.

What to bring: 🧥 Bundle up! It gets chilly out there. 📸 Your camera (or phone) for those epic pics.

Book your tour now, and let's find some magic in the sky! 🌠🔗➡️https://bit.ly/3BbdXXg

18/09/2024

We can’t recommend the local swimming pools enough! 🏊‍♂️💧 Almost every community in Iceland has at least one. It might surprise you, but Icelanders are big on swimming – starting with lessons from Year 1! 👧🧒 And with geothermal energy keeping the pools warm year-round, there’s always a perfect spot for a dip. 🔥♨️ For more info on swimming pools, check our blog! 🔗➡️https://bit.ly/4d6xCVD

17/09/2024

🏡 Step into Iceland’s past with the baðstofa, the heart of traditional turf houses! Built with turf, stone, and wood, this cosy room was the gathering place for families to sleep, work, and share stories during Iceland’s long winters. As fireplaces disappeared, the baðstofa became the main hub of daily life by the 17th century—where people ate, relaxed, and kept each other company.

Want to learn more about the history and importance of the baðstofa in Icelandic culture? Check out our blog! ✨https://bit.ly/3z5K0ax

16/09/2024

☕️ Did you know Icelanders are some of the biggest coffee drinkers in the world? Our coffee blog dives deep into Iceland’s coffee culture, from the fascinating history of how coffee first arrived in Iceland to modern-day spots like Prikið and Baka Baka. Learn about historic coffee houses that double as bars and even get to know the quirky Cat Café 🐾.

Explore Iceland’s love affair with coffee now! 🔗https://bit.ly/3MJzMQk

15/09/2024

🌊 Looking for a little adventure right outside Reykjavik? Head to Grótta! With its iconic lighthouse, jaw-dropping ocean views, and epic sunsets, this spot on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula is a must-see. Whether you're birdwatching or just kicking back in the hot foot bath (yep, that’s a thing 🦶🔥), Grótta is the perfect chill escape.

It takes about an hour to walk to there from downtown Reykjavik but only 10 minutes to drive!