Iceland has been a red-hot tourist destination for several years now. Everyone has been visiting Iceland, and for very good reason - this is a magical country filled with landscapes and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

Icelandic music has been at the forefront of the world stage for many years, including Bjork, Sigur Ros, Asgeir, Of Monsters Of Men, and Kaleo. It is not just the Icelandic musicians that are red hot right now but also Iceland's music scene.

Since 1999, Iceland has played host to the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, which is held each November. This festival is so popular that Iceland Air has built travel packages based around this festival. In addition, Iceland also used to play host to the Secret Solstice music festival that featured 72 hours of music, nature, and midnight sun.

This musical momentum has caught the eye of international musicians and, more recently, American artists. In 2022, Umphrey's McGee held their Röckjavik spectacular. In 2023, Wilco, The Disco Biscuits,  Greensky Bluegrass, Elvis Costello, and Pavement, will make the journey over to Reykjavik to hold multi-day performances at the Harpa and other venues throughout the city.

With that much momentum, we wanted to share some of our knowledge and first-hand experiences in Iceland that will familiarize you with Iceland and, in particular, Reykjavik.

This article is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to Iceland.  It is intended for music lovers who want to go see an Icelandic music festival or destination concert in Iceland and want to have some basic information about Iceland and some tips.  When you arrive at 6:30 AM at Keflavík that first morning, find yourself downtown by 9 AM and need some food and activities while you wait for your hotel or AirBnB to be available at 3 PM - we got you covered.

This country is absolutely stunning, the people are amazing, the food is delicious, and the landscape is unimaginably gorgeous.  We hope you enjoy your stay in Iceland for an incredible music experience, and we hope that some of our travel tips make your trip that much more special.  We know that Reykjavík is just but a small part of Iceland, and we encourage you to visit all corners of this remarkable country.

We cannot praise the Lonely Planet Iceland travel book enough.  This is filled with many many fun facts and is truly a pleasure to read.  It gives great anecdotes and entertains you much more than some of the other “dry” travel guides. 

There is no such thing as bad weather in Iceland —only bad clothing choices.

Iceland has a lot of weather - sun, rain, wind, snow - and sometimes all in one day. It changes a lot, so if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes because it will likely change again. About that wind - it can get intense, so don’t bother with an umbrella. The locals don’t carry them because the wind tends to destroy umbrellas. We recommend you have a jacket with a hood instead

What Food is Iceland Known For:  

• Skyr / Icelandic Yogurt
• Fish Soup
• Lamb/meat Soup
• Plokkfiskur (or Plokkari) - Cod and mashed potatoes in a cream sauce.  This is both hearty and comforting and should be experienced.  This is not served at every restaurant, but it is truly worth trying.

Food is very, very expensive. For example: a hamburger can cost $20, a steak can cost $40, and an appetizer alone can cost $20.

We have a few suggestions, so you don't have food anxiety and sticker shock throughout your stay:

• If your hotel has breakfast included, then we recommend eating a hearty breakfast.
• If you really need a hot meal, we suggest that anywhere you go, order fish soup. This is a hot and usually hearty meal. It is also usually the cheapest thing on the menu and costs anywhere between $15-$20.
• We tend to like having a snack during the day, like a small bag of trail mix or dried fruit.  Although you should try the local pastries. chocolates, and hot dogs, among other things, we tend to bring some of our own snacks.  Before you depart for Iceland, go to a Trader Joe’s or equivalent and stock up on snacks and protein bars or your favorite road trip foods.  Just NO fresh fruit, meat, or dairy - you won’t be able to get into the country with those.  (Check here to see what you can and cannot bring to Iceland.)

Keflavík Airport is a forty-five minute drive from the airport to downtown Reykjavik.  Depending on the number of people traveling, a cab could make financial sense.  However, most people use the buses to commute from the airport to downtown Reykjavik.

Flybus (Cheaper Option)

You can book online for seats on a large bus that will take you to the main bus terminal.  You will then transfer to a smaller shuttle bus that will take you directly to your hotel.  You’ll do the same in reverse to go back to the airport.  The shuttle will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the bus depot, then big bus back to the airport.  (Large buses aren’t allowed on Reykjavik’s downtown streets.)  This is a good option - particularly for arrivals, when you may feel like you have more time to spare.  You can’t check into your hotel until the afternoon, anyway.)  On the return, you may find that the extra time needed for the pickup and transfer eats into your final vacation moments.

Airport Direct (More Expensive Option)

We really like Airport Direct's Premium Option.  You get into a small shuttle van that holds eight passengers and can take you directly to your hotel.  This door-to-door service without transfers in a smaller and more personable van might be just what you need after your red eye flight to Iceland.  

While everyone is different and has their travel essentials, we have some recommendations based on our travels to Iceland.

• Cash - You likely won’t need it.  Almost everyone takes credit cards.  If you want Icelandic krona, use an ATM when you get there.
• Credit Cards - If you can, know the PIN to your credit card.   The majority of the time, swiping or card + signature work just fine.  However, if you are renting a car, knowing your PIN may come in handy.  This is the only kind of card that will work in many gas pumps around the country. 

We have some recommendations on what you should pack when traveling to Iceland.

Make sure to bring the following, even in summer.

• You will want to pack a windproof and waterproof jacket.  The wind in Iceland tends to rip right through traditional jackets.
• Wool sweater/heavy sweater. 
• Hat
• Hiking Boots/closed-toe, waterproof shoes with good tread
• Sunglasses or a hat with a brim.  We have found that being at 66 degrees North the sun can be a bit harsher on the eyes than in the United States.  You may consider bringing something for your eyes.

We also recommend purchasing some Icewear clothing or better yet, go to The Handknitting Association of Iceland located on Skólavörðustígur 19, to shop for some local hand-knitted clothing.  When returning home you may just find that your woolen Icelandic Loapeysa is the warmest item of clothing you now own - Icelandic clothing has evolved over the centuries to keep people warm and if it can keep you warm in Iceland it can keep you warm at home!

Iceland is not like America.  You are not going to have 24 hour pharmacies except in Reykjavik and even there you will only find one or two all night pharmacies. Supermarkets don’t sell the variety of over the counter medicines that Americans are used to finding at home.  Pharmacies are more like banks - limited days and hours.

Make sure to bring all medicines and for that matter medicines that you think you may need in a pinch.  Think about bringing emergency items such as temporary crown glue and monistat.   As summed up so well in one online blog:

Most music festivals and destination events take place in Iceland's capital - Reykjavik and that is why we are focusing on this city.  Approximately 65% of Iceland's total population lives in Reykjavik and surrounding cities.  Although most of what we discuss happens in "The 101" or downtown Reykjavik (and the downtown zip code number) - there are stunning and amazing parts of the city beyond "The 101" with incredible walks along the harbors, stunning natural gardens, and breathtaking museums.  This guide can hopefully help you gain your bearings and provide some useful tips and recommendations for your first stay in Reykjavik.

For a nice bathroom, you can always go to the Harpa. We also suggest the Lebowski Bar on Laugavegur 20a.  Restrooms can be found on the lower level of each of these recommended destinations.  At the Lebowski Bar the restrooms are adorned with humorous paintings of all of The Big Lebowski’s main characters.  Come for the bathrooms, stay for the White Russains.

There are quite a number of coffee shops in Reykjavik.  However, we recommend Reykjavik Roasters located at Kárastígur 1.  This is one of our favorite casual coffee shops in all of Iceland. and is just a few blocks off of the main street in downtown Reykjavik.

More options that we have enjoyed include:

• Hygge
• Brikk
• Mokka Kaffi

12 Tonar Records

This is our favorite record shop in Reykjavik and we really appreciate their selection and staff.  The staff is extremely personable and if you want to listen to an album before buying it they will sit you down with a portable CD player and let you listen to something before you buy it.  Recently 12 Tonar put a full service bar and coffee shop in the back of the shop so you can purchase something to drink while you browse and listen to music.

As we mentioned earlier, food is extremely expensive.  Here are just a few places we can recommend in downtown Reykjavík.  In addition to our recommendations you can find a guide to Vegan and Vegetarian food options.

Sandholt Bakery (Breakfast/Lunch)

This bakery is on the main strip in downtown Reykjavik and has sit down and take away options.  In fact, their sandwiches are some of the best we have ever had and Sandholt has  become a near daily stop for us.  New sandwiches go into rotation every day including vegetarian and pescatarian options.

Sandholt is one of the only places open in the early morning.  If you’re arriving in Reykjavik in the early morning and you can’t get into your hotel room, Sandholt is a good spot to get a coffee and/or breakfast.  You can wait in line to get a table for sit-down service.  (There is always a wait.)  If you’re only looking for takeaway, ignore the line and go straight to the counter.  People don’t often realize there are two  lines, but now you’re in the know.   There are picnic tables around the corner, through the alley entrance to the hotel next door, where you can sit and eat.

Brauð & Co (Breakfast / Lunch)

Braud is a staple for anyone in Reykjavik.  We love their bread and baked goods.  However one items holds a special place in your heart  - their Pretzel Croissants are magical and should be tried.

Brikk (Breakfast / Lunch)

This is another breakfast stop that we just love.  This is just a little south of the old harbor but well worth the walk.  When you go in there you can first pick one of their fresh breads and then pick one or more small spreads.  We thoroughly enjoyed ordering a coffee and experiencing a breakfast like we never had it before. A spectacular way to spend a morning in Reykjavík.

Ramen Moma (Lunch / Dinner) $$

This is seriously some very very good soup!  Located only a few blocks West of the Harpa (towards the old Harbor).  You can get vegetarian broths and also choose between Ramen and Udon noodles

Valdis (Ice Cream) $

This is a wonderful ice cream chain in Reykjavik.  The flavors change every day and are really great.  It may be cold in Iceland, but they still love their ice cream year round.  There are two locations - one in the Grandi neighborhood, just beyond the old marina and the other central in downtown.  The two locations don’t always have the same flavors on the same day so you will just have to stop by each location and try these unique flavors for yourself.

Cafe Babalu (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner / Snack)  $

We enjoyed this casual, low-key, and eclectic cafe. It is a wonderful cafe where you can sit down and have a coffee prep soup or grilled cheese sandwich. We recommend this cafe for some casual downtime.

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur (Lunch / Dinner / Snack)  $

This is a famous if not legendary hot dog stand in Reykjavik that has been on every travel show.  Get one with “everything”.  If you really enjoy this hot dog stand, go to a grocery store where you can bring home some of the unique mustard to use at home.

Kafe Loki (Lunch / Dinner / Deserts) $$

Located across the street from Hallgrímskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik you will find Kaffi Loki.  This is a traditional Icelandic home style restaurant serving classic Icelandic cuisine.  Truly a delicious and unpretentious restaurant.  If you want to try some of their home made Rye Bread Ice Cream for take away we wouldn't blame you.

Hlemmur Food Hall (Lunch / Dinner / Late Night) $-$$

Hlemmur Food Hall stands where a bus terminal once stood and has now it has been transformed into a fantastic food hall.  Over the years the vendors have changed, however the quality and diversity of choices remains consistent and wonderful.  We would suggest going here if your group has diverse tastes and cannot decide on one particular type of food or you want a greater variety of food choices.

ROK (Lunch / Dinner) $$$

This is a wonderful place to eat, but expensive enough where you may want to save this for your last meal. This is right opposite the big church in Reykjavik, the Hallgrímskirkja.  Look for the turf-covered roof.

There are two grocery stores in the downtown area that are both within easy walking distance of most hotels - Bonus, a fairly bare-bones option but has everything you need, and Kronan, which is more mid-range.

PROTIP:  Go into the supermarket and buy some Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt).  If you thought that the Skyr was good in North America then you are going to be delighted with the flavors that are available in Iceland.  

Outside of Reykjavík

If you’re hitting the road, restaurants are more plentiful now, and gas stations always have food.  Depending on your traveling style, there’s a lot to see and explore in Iceland, and making lunch in the car may be a better way to go instead of sitting in a restaurant.   For this reason, we recommend that you bring an insulated supermarket bag and an unfrozen ice pack.  Bring the unfrozen ice pack if your lodging has a refrigerator.  Having an insulated bag or ice pack will allow you to keep any refrigerated goods you buy in an Icelandic grocery store a little longer.  Ice packs are easily packed in your check-in luggage and can keep you making the most out of your daylight hours in Iceland.

In addition to walking the streets of Reykjavik and taking in the sights, we wanted to point out a few things to see or recommended tour companies. 

Located downtown and on the water is the majestic multi-purpose concert hall Harpa.   The hall hosts exhibitions, concerts, cultural events, and festivals such as The Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. The Harpa is the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the offices of the Icelandic Opera.

You can take a boat right from the harbor of downtown to see whales. puffins or view the Northern Lights.

For puffins, it is a thirty-minute boat ride to an island outside of downtown on a small island in the bay.  We recommend the following tour companies:

• Special Tours
• Mr. Puffin

Northern Lights can be quite elusive.  Sometimes they appear out of thin air, and sometimes they remain covered by clouds.  Have no fear; Iceland has a dedicated website that helps forecast the Northern Lights.

Sky Lagoon

If you really need a spa day or feel like you need to recover after a multi-day concert or music festival then we recommend you try out the Sky Lagoon.  It is only minutes away from downtown Reykjavik and accessible by car, taxi, or bus.  This spa opened in 2021, and we have heard nothing but great things about this place.

All tour companies offer similar packages, eg. Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Fridheimar greenhouse.  These can be easily booked online or stopping into a tourist office along Laugavegur.  We have tried several tour companies and have nothing but good things to say about Reykjavik Excursions and East West.   Look at the next section where we discuss some of these destinations

Besides what we have outlined below, you can visit Must See Iceland for year-round experiences of activities to do in Iceland.  Iceland really has something for everyone - and some mind-blowing experiences that you can only find in Iceland.

Blue Lagoon

Everyone goes to the Blue Lagoon.  If this is your first time in Iceland or the entrance fee was included as part of your tour package then we recommend you get to experience it.  This is, however filled to the brim with tourists and lacks any of the laid-back comforts of other spas and hot pots.  If you are only day-tripping from Reykjavik, this is a great geothermal hotspot to luxuriate in.   Be warned, if this is not included in your tour package then you may find that it is quite expensive as an ala cart visit.

ProTip:  Bring your own towel.  The nature baths, including the Blue Lagoon will charge you for use of a towel or towels simply won’t be made available.  

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is just 25 miles outside of Reykjavik and is worth the visit.  There are a multitude of things to see just a short drive from downtown Reykjavik and almost every tour company has a Golden Circle tour package.  You can visit Thingvellir for great hikes and learn about some of Icelands history.  Visit Geysir, after which all others geysers are named for.  Visit the breathtaking waterfall Gullfoss.

HOT POTS, Spas, and Pools

Most Golden Circle tours include a stop at a geothermal spa (hot pot gone fancy).  Options include:  Krauma, Fontana, and the Secret Lagoon.  Hot pots can also be found randomly on the side of the road.  Some are naturally occurring streams, others are basic pools with huts for changing clothes.  Bring your own towel!

Icelanders take their swimming and hot pot/spa time seriously.  None of these spas or local pools are chlorinated so the pre-pool protocol is important.  Pool goers are expected to shower naked, THEN put on their bathing suits.  No dirty bodies in the clean water.

Pro Tip for Women:  If you plan on visiting more than one spa or hot pot, bring a bikini - even if you don’t think you have a “bikini body”.  Embrace the body positivity and it’s far easier putting a two-piece on a wet body, than a one-piece.    

Top 30 Hot Springs and Swimming Pools in Iceland

Fridheimar

Have you ever been out for a meal in a greenhouse? This greenhouse is fully functioning and produces an exceptional amount of locally grown tomatoes in Iceland.  There is truly no other experience than dining among tens of thousands of tomatoes growing all around you.  We recommend going and enjoying a unique food experience at this restaurant - the tomato soup is about as amazing as it comes.  

 Krýsuvík

There is a seriously amazing geothermal mud area near the blue lagoon.  It has bubbling 400-degree mud.  This destination makes you feel like you are on another planet and looks like something out of a movie, and smells unworldly.  It is one of those places that no one tells you about, but we find is worth the visit.

Snaefellsness Peninsula

This is a short drive north of Reykjavik, and there are many day tours here.  The peninsula is dotted with waterfalls, the iconic Black Church at Budir, and of course Kirkjufell, an iconic mountain that gained fame for its role in Game of Thrones.

Note: DC Music Review nor its staff have received any compensation or affiliate codes for these recommendations.  These are unsolicited recommendations for music fans and by music fans.