This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Located halfway between North America and Europe, Iceland has a lot to offer visitors, even for short stays. Several airlines offer stops on the volcanic island ranging from several hours to a few days. From breathtaking landscapes to ultra-fresh seafood, Reykjavik is definitely a must-see on summer trips across the Atlantic.
Take time for yourself
No sooner have we set foot in Iceland than the excitement is at its peak. In the lobby of Keflavík International Airport, advertisements for the lagoons, which cheerfully line the walls, are intriguing. Benefits for the skin, ultimate relaxation, impressive settings… Icelandic thermal spas indeed enjoy a reputation that precedes them. What is it really ? Do the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon live up to their fame? The answer couldn’t be clearer: yes!
Located a stone’s throw from the largest airport in the island country, in the Reykjanes Geopark, the Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the one everyone has in mind when thinking of Iceland, with its unique vaporous blue glacier immersed in a almost extraterrestrial steep black basalt backdrop. Tourists and locals bathe in a mixture — beneficial for both soul and body — of seawater and freshwater naturally rich in silica, algae and minerals at 38 degrees Celsius. While discovering the nooks and crannies of the lagoon at your own pace, take the opportunity to leave the scrubs and other masks on, made from ingredients obtained locally and adapted to each skin type.
The Sky Lagoon also deserves all the attention of globetrotters. A few minutes by transport from the center of Reykjavik, it merges entirely with the land shaped by lava, the imposing sea and the changing sky. Ballet of grey, blue, green… With such a palette, one could not find a more soothing place conducive to meditation. And this is all the more true since this seven-step spa directly overlooks the North Atlantic with a distant panorama of the city.
A walk in Reykjavik
Iceland’s most populous municipality, with over 136,000 inhabitants, is the northernmost capital in the world. It is located some 250 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle and is bordered by a bay, from which it takes its name, which means “bay of smoke”. The average summer temperature here hovers around 10 degrees, making it the perfect place to escape the recurrent continental heat waves for a moment.
Reykjavik surprises first by the peaceful atmosphere that reigns there, a real quiet strength, certainly conferred by the immensity of the ocean. It is therefore with pleasure that we take a breath of fresh air along the shore in order to contemplate the different perspectives that present themselves to us, including the neighboring mountains and the port, and to observe the scenes of life around. of the Traveler of the Sun, says Sólfar in Icelandic. This steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason created in 1990 represents a boat in homage to the Vikings, the people who colonized the island from the IXe century. Several lighthouses, such as the Höfði Lighthouse, the Ingólfsgarður Lighthouse and the Grótta Island Lighthouse are also worth a look.
Summer is also the ideal season for sea trips. These promise spectacular encounters with whales (particularly humpbacks and fin whales), dolphins and seabirds (such as puffins) who have taken up residence in Iceland at this time. The rubber boat tours offered by Special Tours, departing from the port of Reykjavik, are arguably some of the best since they are done in small groups, more intimate than traditional cruises, and are safe for both passengers and wildlife. . Be careful, however, to cover yourself well, because even if warm floating suits are provided, it is always much colder than you think on the water.
Happiness on the plate
Those who appreciate seafood will be delighted by what you can eat in Iceland, and particularly in Reykjavik. The fish and shellfish there are of a freshness almost never seen — or rather tasted — because they go directly from the ocean to the kitchens. The Reykjavik Fish Restaurant welcomes gourmets who feast on extraordinary fish and chips with cod, soups and other plokkfiskur, a typical Icelandic fish stew.
The gastronomic experience at the family restaurant Matur og Drykkur is finally a must. We find it in a former salted fish factory and we revel in local and inventive seasonal cuisine with a perfect food-wine pairing. If Icelandic lamb is the king of the tasting menu, you can also try the horse meat tartare, Atlantic seaweed and beetroot meringue.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.