I’ve been to a lot of places around the world, but no doubt – one of the most precious spots on the planet is Reykjavik.

Rainbow Street in Reykjavik at night in the winter — Rainbow Street in Reykjavik at night; December 2022

How Do I get to Reykjavik From The Airport?

Unfortunately – it isn’t easy or cheap getting from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik. It costs around $60 USD for a round-trip bus ticket, so it’s best to book them in advance if you can. For frame of reference, I landed at 10:45AM – and didn’t get to my hotel until around 1:20PM.

Do I Need Warm Clothes For Iceland?

Yes, it is paramount that you bring warm clothes to Iceland – especially if traveling there in the winter. I went to Reykjavik in December: and here’s something I’d do differently – bring snow boots and warm or thermal socks. If you are prone to your extremities getting numb quickly in below freezing temperatures like me: it’s a necessity.

In fact, I was so cold in Reykavik – it had to be a rotation of going inside somewhere, and then braving the cold outside for photos.

person showing shoes and grey leggings in the snow — Sneakers with traction won’t cut it in the Winter in Iceland…

Is December A Good Time to Go to Iceland?

Yes, December, while cold, is one of the most magical times to visit Iceland – especially as Reykjavik will be lit up with beautiful, colorful Christmas lights.

People wandering the streets of Reykjavik close to Christmas; December 2022

There’s isn’t a whole lot to do in Reykjavik: but here are my recommendations if you don’t have much time while in transit in Iceland!

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Is It Worth Going Up Hallgrímskirkja Church?

Yes, it is absolutely worth going up Hallgrímskirkja! Not only is the church visually pleasing (I have never seen a church with this type of architecture before), but the views from the top are truly extraordinary.

View from the top of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik; December 2022

With the colored roofs, mountains in the background, and lake in the distance – every snow dusted added to the magic.

The sun voyager

After a break inside a café, I ventured back out to the Sun Voyager. The actual Sun Voyager itself is just a landmark, but the surrounding views… honestly, may have been on par with the views I’ve seen in New Zealand.

View from the Sun Voyager in Reykjavik with water and dirty slushy ice and mountains — View from the Sun Voyager in Reykjavik; December 2022

Wander the streets of Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a precious town. It has it’s own unique charm – and feels like something precious tucked away in a corner isolated from the rest of the world. Both to de-numb my feet and explore the little shops – I think dedicating some time to getting lost in Reykjavik is always a good idea.

The cute houses of Reykjavik; December 2022

Exploring the streets of Reykjavik during Christmas — Exploring the streets of Reykjavik; December 2022

Reykjavik at night during Christmas time with a bench and melting snow — Reykjavik at night during Christmas time; December 2022

Rainbow road

In the midst of that wandering, I stumbled upon a cute area reminiscent of the Castro District in San Francisco.

Book a hotel with a good location

Since Reykjavik is so tiny and so cold during the winter – I recommend booking a hotel that’s close to everything. I stayed at Hôtel Leifur Eiríksson which was just across the street from the main church. I even got lucky with my room – and had a perfect view!

View of Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik at night; December 2022

journal with pastry roll — Lobby of Hôtel Leifur Eiríksson in Reykjavik; December 2022.

Want to see my time in Reykjavik in real time?

Watch my YouTube video below!

A Day in Reykjavik