Iceland in Summer: Your Complete Travel Guide

Why Visit Iceland in Summer?

Summer is the most popular time to visit Iceland for a reason. This is when the country is at its easiest to explore and, in my opinion, at its most fun.

The long daylight hours completely change the travel experience. You can fit more into each day, enjoy the views for longer, and move around without feeling rushed. A late dinner still feels like the afternoon. A day trip from Reykjavik feels more relaxed because there is no pressure to race back before dark. And a waterfall stop at 9 PM can still feel totally normal.

That means visitors have even more options, whether they want to join a classic day tour or head out on a multi-day adventure.

Roads are generally simpler, weather disruptions are much less common than in the colder seasons, and the country opens up in a big way. For first-time visitors especially, that means easier access to Iceland’s biggest highlights, fewer complications, and a much smoother planning experience overall.

The landscapes look different too. Iceland turns completely green, the moss looks richer, the mountains soften slightly, and the whole island feels more alive. Add puffins, whale watching, local swimming pools, hot spring trips, and bright nights in Reykjavik, and you can see why so many people fall in love with Iceland in summer.

Want the easiest way to make the most of summer in Iceland?

Base yourself in Reykjavik to enjoy the best of the city, and let us help you explore the best day tours in Iceland from there. Our favourite summer tours include the Reykjavik Food Walk, Golden Circle, South Coast, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and longer epic adventures like our 2-Day South Coast Adventure, 7-Day Complete Ring Road, and 3-Day Westfjords Wildlife Tour.

What to Expect From Iceland in Summer

What is the Weather like in Iceland in Summer?

Summer in Iceland is lovely, but it is not hot.

Locals love it, and on a sunny day you might even see a few Icelanders walking around in shorts and T-shirts. But for most travelers, the smarter go-to outfit is long pants, a fleece or light sweater, and on some days a shell layer.

That is the first thing to understand about Iceland in summer. Even in June, July, and August, you should usually dress in layers. In Reykjavik, June temperatures are usually around 7 to 14°C (45 to 57°F), July is typically the warmest month at around 9 to 15°C (48 to 59°F), and August usually sits around 8 to 14°C (46 to 57°F).

A few times each summer, we get days that reach 20°C+ (68°F), and oh, how those sweet sunny days are celebrated! People will literally take days off work just to sunbathe or make the most of real summer weather. So count yourself lucky if you get to experience one of these amazing days during your trip!

A sunny day can feel fantastic, but a gray and windy morning can feel much colder than the temperature suggests. Rain is always possible, and the weather can change quickly. So let’s prepare for anything and make sure nothing slows you down.

That does not mean summer weather is bad. Far from it. Iceland gets some absolutely gorgeous summer days. Just do not arrive expecting Mediterranean conditions. Pack properly, dress for changeable weather, and you will be fine. Summer in Iceland is all about being comfortable enough to stay outside and explore all day long.

How Long Are the Days in Iceland in Summer?

One of the absolute best things about Iceland in summer is the long daylight and the midnight sun.

Around peak summer, the sun barely sets in Iceland. In Reykjavik, nights never get properly dark, and in the north the midnight sun effect is even stronger. You stay out longer, fit more into each day, and often find yourself with more energy simply because the light never seems to disappear.

That is a big part of what makes summer in Iceland feel so special. In peak summer, you could plan a late-evening waterfall stop, go for a quiet walk along the coastline close to midnight, or still be out exploring long after it feels like the day should have ended.

To give you a visual idea of just how much daylight we get in Reykjavik, here is what that looks like for each summer month:

• June 1: sunrise around 03:23, sunset around 23:30
• June 21 (longest day of the year): sunrise around 02:55, sunset around 00:03 the next day
• July 1: sunrise around 03:05, sunset around 23:56
• August 1: sunrise around 04:34, sunset around 22:31
  

Is It Possible to See the Northern Lights in Summer?

The only real downside to Iceland’s magical midnight sun is that you cannot see the northern lights during peak summer. It is simply too bright.

I usually think of it like this: summer in Iceland is all about long bright days, late evenings, and the magic of endless daylight. Winter is the opposite. It is darker, cozier, and the northern lights become one of the big natural highlights to focus on.

The northern lights season usually starts in late August, once the nights begin getting properly dark again. So if seeing the northern lights is high on your list, it is much better to plan your trip for autumn, or winter instead.

Is Iceland Busy in Summer?

Yes, summer is the busiest season in Iceland.

The most famous places do get busier, especially along the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Blue Lagoon area, and in central Reykjavik. And for a good reason, as most will consider summer the best time to visit. But Iceland still has plenty of space. And with smart timing, the right route, and a good plan, it can still feel wonderfully uncrowded.

This is also one reason guided tours can be such a smart move. The right tour helps you hit the highlights at the right time and enjoy the day properly, without having to manage all the logistics yourself.

👉🏼 If you want to move away from the busiest summer routes and explore one of the most remote parts of Iceland, check out our off-the-beaten-path 3-Day Westfjords Wildlife Tour.

Is Iceland Expensive in Summer?

Yes, summer is usually the most expensive season to visit Iceland.

Most prices stay fairly steady year-round but flights, hotels, and rental cars are in much higher demand during summer, which makes them more expensive. The upside is that summer gives you the best access around the country, the most flexibility, and the widest range of experiences. For many travelers, that trade-off is well worth it.

Overall Atmosphere

Summer in Iceland feels lively, social, and full of energy.

Locals are out enjoying every good-weather moment they can get. Cafés are busier, the city feels brighter, outdoor pools are full of life, and even small towns feel more active. There is a real summer buzz in Iceland, especially in Reykjavik.

This is where smart summer planning really pays off.

My best recommendation for travelers visiting Iceland for a few days is to use Reykjavik as their base and join day tours from there. That way, you get the best of both worlds: the charm, comfort, and food scene of Reykjavik in the mornings and evenings, plus fun adventure-filled day tours out in nature during the day.

You can spend your days exploring incredible natural wonders, chasing wildlife, and seeing some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, then come back to the city each evening without constantly packing, unpacking, and changing hotels. It is an easy, enjoyable way to experience more of Iceland while still making time for great coffee and pastries in the morning and excellent local restaurants at night.

If you are visiting Iceland for longer, I would strongly recommend looking at our multi-day tours. That is where you can go further, get off the beaten path, and see even more of the country without the stress of planning it all yourself. Two great examples are our 3-Day Westfjords Wildlife Tour and our 7-Day Complete Ring Road Tour.

Best Things to Do in Iceland in Summer

Summer gives you the widest possible menu of things to do in Iceland, but if you want to focus on the experiences that make Iceland most special at this time of year, these are the ones I would put at the top of the list.

Explore & Enjoy Reykjavik

I have heard it so many times from travelers over the years: they come to Iceland for the waterfalls, glaciers, and wild nature, but end up falling in love with Reykjavik.

Some even tell me, only half joking, that they loved the city so much they have already started browsing Reykjavik real estate listings.

And as a local living in downtown Reykjavik, I get it.

If you are visiting Iceland for a few days, my best recommendation is to stay in the city and explore the best of Iceland on day tours from here. This way, you get the best of both worlds: slow mornings with great coffee and pastries, unforgettable adventures out in nature during the day, and excellent restaurants, bars, pools, museums, and local life waiting for you when you return in the evening.

Reykjavik also makes exploring Iceland easy. From here, you can head out in all directions, whether that means the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snaefellsnes, whale watching from the harbor, or simply enjoying the city itself. It is practical, fun, and in my opinion the smartest way to do a summer trip.

You can find our full list of tours from Reykjavik here.

And while I would absolutely use Reykjavik as your base, I would still recommend giving the city at least one full day of your trip. If you want a fun, easy, and genuinely local way to get to know the city, our Reykjavik Food Walk is a brilliant place to start on your first day in Iceland.

Tour Highlight: Join The Reykjavik Food Walk

This is the single best thing to do in Reykjavik, in both my opinion and the opinion of 19,000+ other travelers on Tripadvisor.

Our delicious Reykjavik Food Walk is a 3-hour walking tour through Reykjavik with a local guide. Along the way, you will pick up useful tips and fun stories about the city while visiting some of our favorite restaurants and hidden gems to enjoy some of the very best Icelandic food.

You will get to taste fantastic Icelandic lamb, fresh seafood, a delicious homemade dessert, the famous Icelandic hot dog, and more.

I have said it before and I will say it again: I think the Reykjavik Food Walk is one of the very best ways to explore and get to know Reykjavik firsthand. It is a fun, filling, and genuinely local way to get to know our city, our culture, and our cuisine through a local guide.

Learn more about the Reykjavik Food Walk here.

Drive the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of the best introductions to Iceland.

You will visit Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall in one classic route, which makes it perfect for first-time visitors, shorter trips, and anyone who wants one highlight packed sightseeing day from Reykjavik. In summer, the greener landscapes and endless daylight make the whole route feel even easier and more enjoyable.

This is also one of our most flexible tour areas. You can keep it classic, turn it into a sightseeing-and-spa day, or book it privately for a more exclusive experience.

Golden Circle tour options:

• The Most Popular / Classic Golden Circle Tour
• Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon
• Golden Circle + Sky Lagoon
• Golden Circle + Laugaras Lagoon
• A Private Golden Circle Tour Experience

Chase Waterfalls on the South Coast

If you only choose one major countryside adventure from Reykjavik, the South Coast is one of the strongest choices you can make.

This is the Iceland people dream about before they arrive. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier views, sea cliffs, and huge cinematic landscapes all line up beautifully along the route. In summer, the long daylight makes the experience even better because the day never feels rushed.

We offer several ways to do it properly. Our Classic South Coast Tour is the easiest all-round choice. If you want more adventure, we also offer a version with a Glacier Hike. And if you want to go further east to one of Iceland’s biggest bucket-list sights, our 2-Day South Coast Tour takes you all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Fjardargljufur canyon.

South Coast tour options:

• Classic South Coast Tour
• South Coast Tour with Glacier Hike
• 2-Day South Coast Tour with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Private South Coast Tour

See More on Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes is one of the best summer day trips in Iceland if you want a bit of everything. It is also a very popular weekend road trip for local families from Reykjavik, which tells you a lot.

This peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it packs so much into one incredible route. You get wild lava fields, fishing villages, black beaches, sea cliffs, dramatic mountains, and even a glacier-capped volcano, all in one of the most varied sightseeing days anywhere in the country.

It is a brilliant option for travelers who want something scenic, high-impact, and slightly different from the standard first-timer routes.

Best Snaefellsnes options:

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour
• Private Snaefellsnes Tour

Go Whale Watching or Puffin Watching from Reykjavik

Summer is definitely the best time of year to explore wildlife in Iceland.

Whale watching and puffin tours are fantastic activities that you can do right from the Old Harbour in the heart of Reykjavik. They are an easy way to add some exciting wildlife to your trip without overcomplicating the day, especially since both experiences are simple to fit in and usually take only 1 to 3 hours from start to finish.

This is another reason Reykjavik works so well as a base in summer. You can combine city time, food, sightseeing, and wildlife tours without turning your trip into a logistics puzzle.

Perfect summer add-ons from Reykjavik:

• Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
• Whale Watching RIB Boat Adventure
• Puffin Tours from Reykjavik
• RIB Boat Puffin Adventure

Soak in Hot Water Like an Icelander

Icelanders absolutely love geothermal bathing.

This is not just a visitor experience. It is part of everyday life here. We go to the pool, sit in the hot tubs, warm up, catch up, and reset. In summer, it is even better because it pairs so perfectly with a day out exploring.

There are three great ways to join in. First, you can visit a local swimming pool like Sundhollin or Laugardalslaug, which is one of the easiest and most authentic ways to experience Icelandic bathing culture. Second, you can head to Reykjadalur, where a short hike rewards you with a natural hot river in a beautiful valley. And third, you can treat yourself to one of Iceland’s famous lagoon spas, like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Laugaras lagoon or Hvammsvik.

If you ask me, doing at least one of these should be a must on any summer trip to Iceland. Better yet, try all three. It is a fun way to experience three very different sides of Iceland’s bathing culture.

While we do not focus on spa-only tours, some of our most popular summer itineraries combine sightseeing with a geothermal stop.

Best sightseeing + lagoon combination tours:

• Golden Circle + Blue Lagoon
• Golden Circle + Sky Lagoon
• Golden Circle + Laugaras Lagoon

Head to the Westfjords for a Wilder Side of Iceland

If you want to get away from the busiest summer routes and experience a quieter, more rugged, and more authentic side of Iceland, head to the Westfjords.

This is one of the most special parts of the country. The Westfjords feel more remote than almost anywhere else in Iceland, which is exactly why so many travelers skip them and why the people who do make it there often end up talking about them for years.

That remoteness is a huge part of the magic. The region is home to only a small fraction of Iceland’s population, and once you are there, you really feel it. The mountains rise steeply in every direction, waterfalls tumble down into quiet fjords, natural hot springs appear in unexpected places, and the whole region moves at a slower, older rhythm. In some parts, it genuinely feels like stepping back into an earlier version of Iceland.

It is also one of the best places in the country for wildlife. If you are hoping to see puffins, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and vast untouched landscapes all in one trip, the Westfjords are hard to beat.

That is exactly why we launched our 3-Day Westfjords Wildlife Tour.

Best off-the-beaten-path summer adventure:

• 3-Day Westfjords Wildlife Tour

Do a Full Ring Road Adventure

If someone asks me what the best way to experience Iceland is, this is usually my answer.

A full Ring Road trip is the ultimate Iceland adventure. It takes you all the way around the country, linking together the South Coast, East Iceland, the North, quiet fjords, black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and small towns into one unforgettable journey. It is no exaggeration to say that Iceland’s Ring Road is often regarded as one of the best road trips in the world.

Summer is hands down the best time to do it. The long daylight hours make longer travel days easier, more of the country is accessible, and the whole journey feels more relaxed and enjoyable.

To experience the full Ring Road properly, you really want a full 7 to 10 days. That is exactly why our 7-Day Complete Ring Road Tour is such a special trip. It gives you the full Iceland experience in one beautifully planned journey, with the country’s biggest highlights, stunning variety from region to region, and the kind of pacing that lets you enjoy the adventure instead of racing through it.

Best longer summer adventure:

• 7-Day Complete Ring Road Tour

Head into the Highlands

The Highlands are another one of the biggest reasons summer in Iceland feels so special.

This is Iceland at its wildest: the vast interior of the country, filled with colorful mountains, black deserts, steaming geothermal areas, glacial rivers, and landscapes that feel completely out of this world. For most of the year, this part of Iceland is closed off by snow, and it is only in peak summer, usually from late June or July onward depending on conditions, that the Highland roads begin to open.

That is when places like Landmannalaugar and Kerlingafjoll become possible to explore. Landmannalaugar is famous for its rhyolite mountains, natural hot spring bathing, and some of the most unforgettable hiking in Iceland. Kerlingafjoll feels even wilder, with dramatic mountain scenery, steaming valleys, and a real middle-of-nowhere feeling that is hard to beat.

That said, the Highlands are not casual. Most Highland roads require a proper 4x4, and many are not allowed for regular rental cars at all. This is why the Highlands are still mostly explored by locals, experienced drivers, and travelers who are properly equipped.

Landmannalaugar is the most realistic Highland adventure for many visitors with the right 4x4, but for most travelers, there is already more than enough epic summer adventure to be found through Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Snaefellsnes, the Westfjords, and the Ring Road.

What to Eat and Drink in Iceland in Summer

Summer in Iceland is not just about waterfalls, road trips, and the midnight sun. If you really want to understand a place, start with its food.

Food is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to connect with a country, and that becomes even better when you make Reykjavik the base of your trip.

The long summer days make it easier to slow down and enjoy Reykjavik’s culinary scene properly. You can grab pastries and coffee in the morning before a day tour, sit down for a late lunch, and finish the day with drinks and dinner while it still feels like afternoon outside.

Summer food in Iceland is less about one single iconic seasonal dish and more about a whole seasonal mood: grilled lamb, fresh seafood, ice cream, hot dogs, bakery stops, skyr, rhubarb desserts, and those long bright evenings where food becomes part of the adventure.

That is exactly why our Reykjavik Food Walk fits so well into a summer itinerary. It gives visitors a genuinely local introduction to Icelandic food, Reykjavik, and the city’s personality, all in one easy and very tasty experience. It is fun, useful, and one of the best ways to start a trip, which is why we always recommend it for your first day in Iceland.

For more inspiration, have a look at our local culinary guides:

• The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
• What to Eat in Iceland - Top 10 Traditional Foods
• Best Coffee Shops and Bakeries in Reykjavik

If you want the most fun and delicious way to get introduced to Icelandic food and the city itself, start with our Reykjavik Food Walk.

Is Summer the Best Time for an Iceland Road Trip?

For most travelers, yes.

Summer is the easiest, most flexible, and for many people the most enjoyable season for an Iceland road trip. The days are longer, weather conditions are usually friendlier, and the country opens up in a big way. Whether you plan to self-drive or join guided tours, summer is when an Iceland road trip makes the most sense.

Spring and autumn can also be beautiful times to visit, often with fewer tourists and smaller crowds. The trade-off is that the weather becomes more unpredictable, and access can be a little less straightforward. Winter, meanwhile, is a completely different kind of adventure. That is when Iceland turns snowy, darker, and more dramatic, with northern lights, ice caves, and a much more wintry atmosphere. But it also becomes harder to explore, road conditions are tougher, and spending long days outside is much less comfortable.

That is why I usually see summer and winter as two completely different versions of Iceland. Summer is all about long bright days, road trips, freedom, and seeing as much of the country as possible. Winter is more about mood, contrast, and a few very special seasonal experiences.

So yes, for a classic Iceland road trip, summer is the best time to come. And if you end up loving it, you may just have to come back another year and see Iceland in winter too.

Our top recommendations for Iceland summer road trips:

• One highlight-packed day: Classic Golden Circle + Laugaras Lagoon
• A perfect 2-day adventure: 2-Day South Coast Tour
• The ultimate full-country journey: 7-Day Complete Ring Road Tour
• A wilder off-the-beaten-path option: 3-Day Remote Westfjords Wildlife Tour

How Long to Spend in Iceland in Summer?

We see travelers visit Iceland for every kind of trip length, from 24-hour layovers to a full three-week Iceland extravaganza. In the end, it depends entirely on how much time you have and what kind of trip you want. That said, summer is the season where extra days really pay off.

At Wake Up Reykjavik, the most common trip length we see is probably 3 to 5 nights. Think long weekend plus a little extra. That is a great amount of time and gives you plenty of room to enjoy Reykjavik properly, explore 2 to 3 of the natural wonders or attractions you are most excited about, and still leave time to relax and enjoy being on holiday in Iceland.

For a trip like that, my best recommendation is to base yourself in Reykjavik and focus on a few high-payoff experiences without trying to do too much. A great mix could be the Reykjavik Food Walk in the city, plus classics like the Golden Circle, South Coast, or Snaefellsnes tours.

If you are visiting in summer and have 7 days or more, your options open up in a big way. You can still use Reykjavik as your base and add more day tours, or you can step up to bigger adventures like our 2-Day South Coast Adventure, 3-Day Westfjords Wildlife Tour, or the Complete Ring Road Adventure, where you get to experience Iceland properly instead of just sampling one part of it.

My honest advice? Be realistic about how much time feels ideal for you right now. If you only have a few days, stay based in Reykjavik and choose 1 to 3 experiences you are genuinely most excited about. Do not overcommit. You will probably fall in love with Reykjavik either way and already be thinking about your next trip before this one is over.

Top Summer Events in Iceland

Summer is festival season in Iceland. There are far too many great events to include in one guide, but if your trip happens to line up with one of the big summer celebrations, it can make the whole experience even more memorable. Here are a few of my favorites to know about.

Iceland’s National Day (June 17)

This is Iceland’s biggest national celebration, and it is a fantastic day to be in Reykjavik. The city center fills up with parades, concerts, street performances, family activities, and a really fun local atmosphere. It is one of the easiest events for travelers to join because you can simply head downtown and there is no way you can miss it. Just show up and soak it all in.

Fishermen’s Day (First Sunday in June)

This is a very local event and a great one for visitors who want to experience something local and family-friendly. It celebrates Iceland’s deep connection to the sea, with harbor events, games, entertainment, and activities built around the country’s fishing heritage. In 2026, it falls on June 7.

The First Weekend of August, or Merchants’ Weekend

This is the single biggest holiday weekend of the Icelandic summer. Because most businesses close on the first Monday of August, Icelanders treat it as the perfect excuse to pack their bags and leave town for a long weekend with friends, whether that means camping, staying in summer houses, or heading off to festivals around the country.

Almost every town in Iceland seems to host some kind of family festival, outdoor concert weekend, or local celebration. It is a huge road-trip weekend, and the whole country feels like it is on the move. In 2026, Verslunarmannahelgi falls from July 31 to August 3.

The most famous event of them all is Þjóðhátíð in Vestmannaeyjar, the biggest and most iconic festival of the weekend. If you want the most legendary version of this holiday as a foreign visitor, this is the place to be. Picture a small volcanic island off Iceland’s South Coast, where the main stage sits naturally inside a valley surrounded by mountains and the entire town turns into one big festival for a few wild summer days. Just know that ferries and accommodation get booked up very early, so this one takes real planning in advance.

If you are staying in Reykjavik, Innipúkinn is the city’s answer to the same weekend. It is a long-running downtown music festival with a more intimate indoor feel, which makes it a fun and much easier option for travelers based in the capital.

Other great festival weekends around the country include Ein með Öllu in Akureyri, a big family-friendly celebration in the north, and Neistaflug in Neskaupstaður in East Iceland, another well-loved music festival that takes place over the same holiday weekend.

Reykjavik Pride (Early August)

Reykjavik Pride is one of the best-loved events of the summer and brings huge energy to the city. It is colorful, joyful, and very easy for travelers to join, whether that means watching the parade or simply enjoying the atmosphere around town. In 2026, it runs August 4 to 9.

Culture Night (August)

Culture Night, or Menningarnótt, is one of the biggest days on Reykjavik’s summer calendar. The whole city comes alive with performances, exhibitions, concerts, events, and celebrations from morning into the evening. The best part is that the events are free, which makes this a fantastic opportunity to experience a huge variety of local art, music, and culture all across the city.

The highlight of the festival comes in the evening, when Arnarhóll hill in downtown Reykjavik turns into the city’s main stage and some of Iceland’s biggest names in music perform open-air concerts from 19:00 to 22:00. The night ends with a fireworks show over the city.

In 2026, Culture Night is scheduled for Saturday, August 22.

What to Pack for Iceland in Summer

As a local, my go-to outfit for road trips and everyday summer exploring is usually a good T-shirt or base layer, a wool sweater or fleece, solid outdoor pants, and proper boots. I also always bring a waterproof jacket and a hat in my daypack or keep them in the car. That way, it is easy to add a layer or strip one off as the weather changes.

Here is the compact list I would keep in mind:

• Layers: Bring clothes you can easily add and remove.
• Waterproof outer layer: A proper rain jacket is essential.
• Decent shoes: Good walking shoes or light hiking shoes will make a big difference.
• One smarter outfit: Worth packing for a nice dinner out in Reykjavik.
• Swimsuit: Between pools, lagoons, and hot springs, you will almost certainly use it.
• Sleep mask: Very helpful if you struggle to sleep without full darkness.

Pack for Icelandic summer like a sensible optimist. Hope for sunshine, but prepare for wind, rain, and quick changes just in case.

Secret Local Tips for Visiting Iceland in Summer

Because you made it this far, here are a few local tips I genuinely think will make your trip even better.

Go to Sundhollin or Laugardalslaug

Believe me, I understand the hype around the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and all the fancy lagoons. They are incredible. But do not stop there. If you are staying in Reykjavik, make time for a dip in at least one of the city’s real local swimming pools too.

It is one of the easiest and most authentic ways to experience everyday life in Iceland. Go in the morning to kick-start your day, or in the evening to unwind before bed.

Sundhöllin is my favourite. Laugardalslaug is the largest pool in Reykjavik and another great choice, especially for travelers with kids.

A Cheat Code for Long Days on the Road

Before heading out of town to explore Iceland, make a quick stop at 280 Bakery, Braud & Co., or BAKABAKA to stock up on delicious & freshly baked pastries for the drive. This is one of the best local habits you can copy in Iceland, and it will make any day on the road even better.

Start Your Mornings Somewhere with Good Local Energy

Two of my favorite cafés in central Reykjavik are Kaktus Espressobar and Plantan. Both are great choices if you want top-notch coffee, homemade breakfast, and a genuinely local vibe before a tour or day trip. Maybe I will see you there!

End Your Day on a High Note

If you want a cozy drink in central Reykjavik, Bingo Drinkery is a favorite with our team at Wake Up Reykjavik. The cocktails are excellent and creative, the atmosphere is warm and easy to love, and the location makes it feel like a bit of a hidden gem. You will find it hiding in plain sight on the second floor by Reykjavik’s rainbow street, with the entrance tucked behind the building.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

At Wake Up Reykjavik, we like to think of ourselves as your happy local friends in Reykjavik, and it is our job to help in any way we can so your Iceland experience is as fun, smooth, and memorable as possible.

Do you need help choosing the best tours for your group? Would you like our personal restaurant recommendations, or even help with reservations? Or do you have a weird question that only a local could answer?

Feel free to send us an email at info@wakeupreykjavik.com and we’ll get you sorted.

And hopefully, we’ll see you this summer on the Reykjavik Food Walk!