24 hours in Reykavik--what to do?
 

Hi all,
We are considering a 24 hour layover in REK to save $200pp on the way to Amsterdam. We have wanted to visit Iceland anyway. Is it possible to see anything of interest? I know we'd have time for the Blue Lagoon, but what about a Golden Circle Tour or something else?
We are an American couple in our late twenties and would arrive at 7am. This is for March.
Thanks!

Sorry, I do know how to spell "Reykjavik."

Tim and Liz,
The Blue lagoon is close to Keflavuk airport which is Iceland's international airport about 28 miles from Reykjavik. I would rent a car uopon arrival in Keflavik, and yea, if you have a full day you do have enough time to go to Thingvelir, the Geysir and Golfuss (this is the Golden Circle). It is an easy drive and a very nice trip. Renting a car will save you paying for the transprtation from and to the airport and an organized tour. The roads are good and I find that it is more fun than any other option. And... if you rent a car, you can always decide to hop to the Blue Lagoon. I personally don't care for this artificial pool. But others seem to think that it is great. I find it expensive and very commercialized. Reykajvik in a nice enough town. It has nice restaurants and we loved just to wonder there in the evening. Only remember that it really expensive, so I am not sure that you will save any money by staying there.

Eri has good advice. A car rental is among the more reasonably priced things in Iceland and I would also recommend it just for the freedom it offers. You can load all your luggage into it so you wont be without it. The varying terrain alone is worth driving around aimlessly all day, but the golden circle is a perfect day trip on a layover. We quite enjoyed the Blue Lagoon, you can hit that on the way back to Keflavik.
Try to get downtown Reykjavik for a little while too. Eat the hot dogs.

Thank you eri and GalavantingReprobate for your suggestions. It sounds like renting a car is our best bet.
We will DEFINITELY be having a hot dog or two or three. :-)

Another sight worth stopping to see is the Viti Crater. It is on the road to Geysir. It is a large volcanic crater with the most eerie color aqua lake at the bottom. There is a path around it and also right down to the bottom. Easily done either on the way to or back from Geysir and Gullfoss.

Enjoy Iceland...after your quick layover you will want to return!!

OOOOPS......I meant Kerid Crater :). Viti Crater is way to the north.

Thank you dkw, we will look up the crater you mention.
We know we will return! We even have direct flights from Minneapolis.
Liz

I agree with the other people that the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle would be perfect for your 24 hours there. Differently rent a car. If you are interested in seeing pictures from my Sept 2005 trip to Iceland, let me know.

My only concern is when do you arrive in Iceland. We were extremely exhausted when we arrived in Iceland at 7am from Boston, MA. Our first day we explored the city, and took a 3 hour nap before going out in the city.

Cheers,
GTAnnaM

PS
Thanks for posting on my New Zealand topic!!! :)

Hi Anna,
We ended up NOT getting the flights to Iceland because IcelandAir doesn't begin service from Minneapolis until the week after we are going. We instead are flying Northwest direct to Amsterdam, spending 3 nights, then 4 nights in Paris, flying back from Paris.
Thanks for your response--we would love to get to Iceland sometime soon!
You will love love love NZ. :-)
Liz

I am so excited about New Zealand!!! I am sure I will LOVE it!!!

To view some Iceland pics, copy and paste the link below into your browser:

http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=7273...=SYE/otsi=SALB

Iceland is awesome! You should definitely go sometime.

-Anna