Latest news with #PerlanMuseum
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
I've been to over 90 countries, but there's only one I want to return to again and again
I've been to 90+ countries and often only visit each one time — but I keep coming back to Iceland. There's so much to do in the country, from relaxing in lagoons to hiking glaciers. I've already visited Iceland several times. I love the adventure, local food, and people. Although I live in the US, I'm a born traveler at heart. I've been to over 90 countries and have no plans to stop exploring. However, my approach to travel is usually one-and-done. Why see the Colosseum again when I haven't seen the Great Pyramids or Antarctica? Yet, there's one country that keeps pulling me back: Iceland. I've already visited three times and definitely plan to return. I quickly fell in love with the country during my first visit I'd always wanted to visit Iceland, but I never prioritized it until a close friend convinced me to take the plunge. She planned most of our trip and got me excited about seeing the country's soaring waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and lava fields. Even better? It turns out that Iceland is less than a five-hour flight from where I live on the East Coast. As soon as I arrived, I could feel myself falling for the country. Our first stop was Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital city. In the heart of the old town, there's a huge road painted like a rainbow — a beautiful and unmistakable sign that all are welcome in Iceland. It brought me so much joy. Alongside shopping and museums showcasing Icelandic art, history, and culture, the city's personality comes through. The old town of Iceland is filled with quirky museums, including a Phallic Museum and a punk-rock museum located in an underground, abandoned restroom. Other uniquely Icelandic attractions, including the Lava Show, complete with real, red-hot lava, and the Perlan Museum, with an indoor ice cave, are also nearby. I was astounded by how much there was to do in Reykjavík, especially since it's a fairly small city with a population under 140,000. My trip just kept getting better as I experienced more of the country Although I could've happily stayed in Reykjavík, I ventured out to see what else Iceland had to offer. I started by soaking in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon and indulging in a multistep ritual inspired by traditional Nordic wellness practices. My life is stressful, and I find it hard to relax, but I felt rejuvenated when I left. I also visited a black beach with soaring basalt columns formed by volcanoes, hiked up a glacier, walked behind a soaring waterfall, and crossed a bridge spanning North American and European tectonic plates. Throughout the trip, I enjoyed the local cuisine. It's hard not to love a country obsessed with hot dogs and ice cream, but I also loved the gourmet meals I had in Reykjavík. A lot of the local pastries were astonishingly good — better than any I had in Paris. Moreover, the people I encountered in Iceland — considered the world's most peaceful country — were incredibly nice. They also seemed proud to show off their country. Once, while standing on the rooftop of a restaurant, someone asked my friend and me if we were tourists. I stiffened and wondered what was coming next. But when we nodded, they just led us to a higher part of the roof, where the views were even more stunning. Unexpectedly, I felt at home in Iceland. I loved the adventure, the food, and the people. I didn't want to leave. I've visited Iceland 2 more times since that trip — and I still plan to go back At first, it seemed unthinkable that I'd ever return to Iceland since there's still so much of the world I haven't seen. Yet, once I was back home in Washington, DC, my soul longed to return. I craved the vast, quiet, open landscapes that starkly contrast with my daily life in a big, busy city. When a planned family trip unexpectedly fell apart, I decided to take my children to Iceland — even though it'd only been three months since I first visited. This time, I booked an expedition cruise to the north. We saw puffins and whales, crossed the Arctic Circle, and hiked in mountains and lava fields so beautiful that the views didn't seem real. Five months later, I packed my baselayers and returned to Iceland again. I was obsessed with the idea of seeing the northern lights and experiencing the country in winter. Iceland looked totally different covered in snow, and I got to briefly see the northern lights. During this visit, I experienced Reykjavík's nightlife, visiting everything from an upscale rooftop bar to Lemmy's, a heavy-metal bar named after Motorhead's lead singer. To me, this was more proof that there's always something new to discover in Iceland, and I'm already plotting a return trip. Next time, I want to see a volcanic eruption. Read the original article on Business Insider Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business Insider
I've been to over 90 countries, but there's only one I want to return to again and again
Although I live in the US, I'm a born traveler at heart. I've been to over 90 countries and have no plans to stop exploring. However, my approach to travel is usually one-and-done. Why see the Colosseum again when I haven't seen the Great Pyramids or Antarctica? Yet, there's one country that keeps pulling me back: Iceland. I've already visited three times and definitely plan to return. I quickly fell in love with the country during my first visit I'd always wanted to visit Iceland, but I never prioritized it until a close friend convinced me to take the plunge. She planned most of our trip and got me excited about seeing the country's soaring waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and lava fields. Even better? It turns out that Iceland is less than a five-hour flight from where I live on the East Coast. As soon as I arrived, I could feel myself falling for the country. Our first stop was Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital city. In the heart of the old town, there's a huge road painted like a rainbow — a beautiful and unmistakable sign that all are welcome in Iceland. It brought me so much joy. Alongside shopping and museums showcasing Icelandic art, history, and culture, the city's personality comes through. The old town of Iceland is filled with quirky museums, including a Phallic Museum and a punk-rock museum located in an underground, abandoned restroom. Other uniquely Icelandic attractions, including the Lava Show, complete with real, red-hot lava, and the Perlan Museum, with an indoor ice cave, are also nearby. I was astounded by how much there was to do in Reykjavík, especially since it's a fairly small city with a population under 140,000. My trip just kept getting better as I experienced more of the country Although I could've happily stayed in Reykjavík, I ventured out to see what else Iceland had to offer. I started by soaking in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon and indulging in a multistep ritual inspired by traditional Nordic wellness practices. My life is stressful, and I find it hard to relax, but I felt rejuvenated when I left. I also visited a black beach with soaring basalt columns formed by volcanoes, hiked up a glacier, walked behind a soaring waterfall, and crossed a bridge spanning North American and European tectonic plates. Throughout the trip, I enjoyed the local cuisine. It's hard not to love a country obsessed with hot dogs and ice cream, but I also loved the gourmet meals I had in Reykjavík. A lot of the local pastries were astonishingly good — better than any I had in Paris. Moreover, the people I encountered in Iceland — considered the world's most peaceful country — were incredibly nice. They also seemed proud to show off their country. Once, while standing on the rooftop of a restaurant, someone asked my friend and me if we were tourists. I stiffened and wondered what was coming next. But when we nodded, they just led us to a higher part of the roof, where the views were even more stunning. Unexpectedly, I felt at home in Iceland. I loved the adventure, the food, and the people. I didn't want to leave. I've visited Iceland 2 more times since that trip — and I still plan to go back At first, it seemed unthinkable that I'd ever return to Iceland since there's still so much of the world I haven't seen. Yet, once I was back home in Washington, DC, my soul longed to return. I craved the vast, quiet, open landscapes that starkly contrast with my daily life in a big, busy city. When a planned family trip unexpectedly fell apart, I decided to take my children to Iceland — even though it'd only been three months since I first visited. This time, I booked an expedition cruise to the north. We saw puffins and whales, crossed the Arctic Circle, and hiked in mountains and lava fields so beautiful that the views didn't seem real. Five months later, I packed my baselayers and returned to Iceland again. I was obsessed with the idea of seeing the northern lights and experiencing the country in winter. Iceland looked totally different covered in snow, and I got to briefly see the northern lights. During this visit, I experienced Reykjavík's nightlife, visiting everything from an upscale rooftop bar to Lemmy's, a heavy-metal bar named after Motorhead's lead singer. To me, this was more proof that there's always something new to discover in Iceland, and I'm already plotting a return trip. Next time, I want to see a volcanic eruption.
Metro
19-05-2025
- Metro
'Full of life' capital city to get new UK flights for just £87
The weather might be hotting up, but if you're after a coolcation, this city in Iceland is getting brand new flights from the UK. Icelandair is launching a new route between Edinburgh and Reykjavik, starting on September 12, 2025. The airline said they will operate this seasonal service 'either three or four flights a week' until 12 April 2026. Currently, there are tickets on sale on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the cheapest flights costing just £87.24 one way. @kelseyinlondon 🇮🇸 9 best things to do in Reykjavik ⬇️ ❄️ 1. Perlan Museum Walk through a real ice cave, marvel at the Wonders of Iceland exhibit + catch the sunset from the restaurant that has a rotating floor! 🍕 2. Lunch at Ráðagerði A sensational Italian restaurant right near the Grótta Lighthouse. Deffo get a peach spritz and their delicious pepperoni and hot chilli honey pizza. 💦 3. Sky Lagoon Try the 7-step spa ritual and soak in the warm geothermal lagoon with views across the Atlantic. 🌌4. View the Northern Lights Head to Aurora Basecamp for one of the best spots to see the northern lights in the Reykjavik area. 🎄5. Hafnarfjörður Christmas Markets Only 25 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður is home to charming festive markets & magical light installations in Hellisgerdi. 🖼️ 6. National Gallery of Iceland Spend an hour or two checking out their current exhibitions of Icelandic art – which you can get for free with your Reykjavik City Card. ⛪️ 7. Hallgrimskirkja The tallest church in Iceland where you can get a lift up to the tower for incredible views over Reykjavik. 🍣 8. Dinner at Sushi Social Treat yourself to the freshest seafood Nigiri and the best sushi in Reykjavik at this vibey restaurant. 🎵 9. Harpa Concert Hall Reykjavik's dazzling glass concert hall by the harbour is a must-visit for its stunning architecture & cultural events. I highly recommend getting this city card for free access to lots of museums, galleries & fun activities in Reykjavik as well as unlimited bus travel within the city. For more Reykjavik recommendations + a detailed 2 day itinerary, head to my blog (link in bio) for more info! AD – part of a partnership with @Visit Reykjavik 🇮🇸 Reykjavik in December. Reykjavik food. Reykjavik Christmas market. Reykjavik winter activities. Reykjavik restaurant. Reykjavik places to go. Reykjavik itinerary. ♬ original sound – Kelsey💗London Travel Creator The new flight, which will take around two and a half hours, will be Icelandair's second destination in Scotland, with an already existing service in Glasgow. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Reykjavik is an increasingly popular city-break choice for those travellers looking for somewhere a little different. The capital city has been called 'full of life', with a staggering 60% of the country's population living there, and is praised for it's 'laid-back' vibe. From world-class restaurants to awe-inspiring natural scenery, there's plenty of reasons to add Reykjavik to your 'must-visit' list. If you're heading to Iceland in September, when these new flights launch, you're going to want to try and see the elusive Northern Lights. While the city's light population makes them a little trickier to witness than in other parts of the country, they're best viewed from The Grotta Lighthouse. Set against a rugged landscape and the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse is free to enter, and is just a 10 minute drive from the city centre. You'll want to get there early though, as it's a popular spot for those chasing the aurora. And of course, no trip to Reykjavík would be complete without a dip in the Blue Lagoon, named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic. The man-made geothermal spa is part of a sprawling complex, where you can get massages, cocktails and a delicious meal, but the highlight is relaxing in the turquoise waters, which are said to have healing properties. Be sure to book in advance, the cheapest packages are currently advertised at around £57. For culture, you can't miss the Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that towers over the city. There's also the Reykjavík Art Museum and the nearby Photography Museum for the art-buffs. Be sure to take a trip to the vibrant Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, where you'll find colourful murals and street art. The main street also intersects with Klapparstigur Street, which gets painted in rainbow colors during Pride month. More Trending And if you're a foodie, Reykjavík is the city for you. Coffee culture is alive and well here, and be sure to order a delicious pastry on the side. Be sure to try and Icelandic love ball (or ástarpungar), a fried pastry similar to a donut, but with no hole, and raisins inside. For fine dining, Brut and DILL both offer world-class seafood, and be sure to try the city's famous hot dogs, which have been dubbed 'the best in the world' by none other than Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian. The hot dogs are said to be stand-out due to the blend of lamb, pork and beef sausages, and the best are found at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a stand which has been selling them since 1937. Metro's Assistant Lifestyle Editor, Jessica Lindsay, recently spent three days in Iceland's capital city. She shares her top tips for those planning a city break. Jess says: ' Everybody goes to the Blue Lagoon, and it can feel quite touristy and crowded, so I'd reccommend trying some different options. 'Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a stunning alternative if you want to be at one with Iceland's natural beauty, while Sky Lagoon is best if you're after a pamper. 'The Northern Lights is also likely to be on your Reykjavík to-do list, but if the skies don't play ball, don't be disheartened: head to the Perlan Museum's domed planetarium and you can enjoy an immersive Aurora Borealis that's almost as good as the real thing. 'From the Punk Museum to the Phallological Museum, there's plenty to see on foot. If you can though, schedule in a whale-watching boat trip, and consider hiring a car to explore the country's jaw-dropping landscapes – including waterfalls and ice caves featured in Game of Thrones.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent 48 hours in Europe's most affordable city — 'nobody knows where it is' MORE: Spain rocked by anti-tourist protests disrupting holidays for thousands of Brits MORE: Teenager arrested after another boy was stabbed to death at beach party
