Flea jump in the dark of Iceland

In recent years, Iceland has been trying to position itself as a travel “hub”. Either a destination through which we transit to reach other countries, especially in Europe. And as long as you are passing through, why not stay a few hours, or even a few days, in the country?

(Reykjavik) On a recent trip to Greenland, we had less than 24 hours to spend in Iceland. Our flight landed at 9:00 p.m. on a Tuesday night and we had to fly back to Canada at 5:00 p.m. the next day. Is it possible to enjoy Iceland in such a short time? The answer: yes.

But you have to pay the price. And be ready for some challenges. The first of which: make a good part of the visit in the dark if you go there in winter. Because the sun sometimes only shines four hours a day. A situation that certainly turns to the advantage of the traveler in summer, when the sky is lit almost all day…

Upon arrival on Icelandic soil, another challenge presents itself to tourists in a hurry: Keflavik International Airport is about 45 minutes by car from the capital, Reykjavik. It is possible to get there by bus. Several companies shuttle for around $40 per person. A city bus also makes the trip for $20 ten times a day. But the journey is longer. And by taxi? Expect $160. If your time is short, it may be worth renting a car. Cost of the operation: about $120 for a small model for one day.

The city…

In Reykjavik, the ideal for a short stay is to book a hotel near Laugavedur street, in the city center. Many people stroll all day long on this effervescent artery, partly pedestrianized.

Visitors arriving after 9 p.m. in the capital must however prepare to overcome a third challenge: finding food. At this time, almost all restaurant kitchens are closed in winter.

In our case, the solution is presented to us by a nice café waiter: walk to Ingólfur square to buy pitas, Icelandic hot dogs or hamburgers at one of the food kiosks open until late at night.

Good news for night owls: if food is hard to find late at night in Reykjavik, finding a place to have a drink is very easy: bars and trendy cafes are numerous and rather busy.

Downtown Reykjavik is easily explored on foot. The Brauð & Co bakery offers a succulent selection of croissants and breads of all kinds, even for early risers. It is also possible to buy drinks and skyr there.

Going up Frakkastigur Street, you can see and visit the majestic Hallgrimskirkja church, symbol of the city and in front of which sits a statue of Leif Erikson, son of Eric the Red.

Around Lake Tjörnin, swans bathe all year round and like to come and tease passers-by, including the photographer of The Press. Walkers can continue their journey to Ingólfur square, not without observing the Alpingishusid (the house of the Icelandic Parliament) and Austurvöllur park, where Reykjavikois like to gather. It was here that citizens demonstrated for several weeks in 2008, armed with saucepans, to denounce the financial crisis affecting their country.

A little further, we pass in front of the Harpa. Built right on the edge of the ocean, the huge building full of colors notably houses the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.

Back in the Frakkastigur street, it is possible to shop in the many shops. The opportunity is perfect to observe, or buy, an Icelandic woolen sweater. Or for a delicious coffee at Reykjavik Roasters. The cost of living is rather high in Iceland. Price of a coffee latte: $7.50.

… or the spa

It is impossible to pass through Iceland without thinking of its volcanoes and its hot and sulphurous waters, including the famous Blue Lagoon. The country’s emblematic thermal spa, it is also the most touristic installation. It has a considerable advantage: it is located less than 30 minutes by car from the airport.

It is therefore possible to visit both Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon, even during a short stopover. But you have to be ready to assume that everything will not be done at a slow pace…

For a minimum of $115, you can dive into the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, an artificial pool “powered by a geothermal power plant heated by volcanic energy”. Lovers of privacy might be disappointed: tourist coaches pour into the facility all day long. But the atmosphere remains relaxed. For the more adventurous: buses run between Keflavik airport and the Blue Lagoon during the day. It is therefore possible to come and dip there even in an even shorter stopover.