Reykjavik accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Land of Fire and Ice” and “The City of Sagas”.
Reykjavik known for: aurora borealis (Northern Lights) viewpoints, puffins (seabirds), Viking heritage, museums, music festivals, Icelandic cuisine, nightlife
The world’s northernmost capital city, Reykjavik is located on Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavik means “smoke cove”, “smoky bay” or “bay of smoke” in Old Norse. For a true Icelandic experience it’s best to explore more of Iceland when possible. Route 1 (Iceland Ring Road) encircles the country for 821 miles, beginning and ending in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik main attractions: Hallgrimskirkja (modern cathedral), Perlan (natural history museum – park setting, futuristic revolving glass dome, fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar), Sun Voyager (seaside stainless-steel boat sculpture), Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre (glass honeycomb concert hall / conference center – national opera, symphony), FlyOver Iceland (flight simulator), Lava Show, National Museum of Iceland, Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street (colorful shop-;lined street), Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Center (science museum), Árbær Open Air Museum (open air museum – relocated old houses, farm, historical / folklore displays), Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach (golden-sand beach – lagoon with warmed water, hot tubs, snack bar), Safari Quads ATV & Buggy Operator Iceland, Solhestar (horseback riding service), Viking Horses (horseback riding service), Íslenski Barinn – The Icelandic Bar (Icelandic restaurant), Seabaron (seafood restaurant), Old Iceland (Icelandic restaurant), Reykjavík Kitchen (Icelandic restaurant), Brauð & Co (bakery), Sandholt (bakery)
Surrounding Reykjavik points of interest: Sky Lagoon (thermal baths), Old Akranes Lighthouse, Þórufoss (waterfall – Game of Thrones filming location), Cozy Campers (RV rental agency), Northern Light View Point – Seltjarnarnes (tourist attraction), Kvika Footbath – Seltjarnarnes (thermal bath), Brautarholt Golf Club, Ráðagerði Veitingahús (restaurant)
Outwardly: Blue Lagoon (thermal baths / resort), Kerið Crater (scenic lake / 4000 BC volcanic crater – reachable on foot), Strokkur Geyser (geothermal geyser – erupts every 8-10 minutes), Secret Lagoon (geothermal pool / spouting geyser – bar, eating area, showers, est. 1891), Bridge Between Continents (walkway linking North American & Eurasian tectonic plates), CampEasy Iceland (mobile home rental agency), Brúarfoss (bright blue waterfalls – remote destination), Reykjanesfólkvangur (nature preserve – lava formations, crater lakes, bird cliffs, bubbling geothermic fields), Garður Old Lighthouse, Seltún Geothermal Area, Brimketill Lava Rock Pool (natural pool carved out of eroded lava shoreline – viewing platform, giant waves), Glymur Waterfall (cascading waterfall into a canyon – Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, reached via rugged trail), Hveradalir Geothermal Area (geothermal mud baths), Thríhnúkagígur Volcano (extinct volcano – reachable via scenic hike, open-elevator descent into crater)
Reykjavik main airport: Keflavík International Airport
Airport car rental agencies: Blue Car Rental, Geysir, Zero Car Iceland, AVIS, Enterprise, IceRentalCars, Reykjavik Rent a Car
Ferry service: Viðey Ferry (connects the city’s Old Harbour / Skarfabakki pier to Viðey Island)
Reykjavik Christmas market: Jólaborginr (“Yule Town” – Ingólfstorg Square, city-center)
Reykjavik top events: Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, Ascension Festival, Reykjavík Fashion Festival, The National Festival (Þjóðhátíð), LungA, Bræðslan, Reykjavík Food and Fun Festival, Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, Secret Solstice Festival, Reykjavík Fringe Festival, Reykjavík Arts Festival, Viking Festival, Culture Night
More fun things: Golden Circle Iceland Scenery Tour, Whale Watch, FlyOver Iceland, Food Tasting
Reykjavik currency: Icelandic króna
Legal drinking age: 20 years old
Good to pack for Land of Fire and Ice is thermal clothing. Keep in mind that Reykjavik winter “nights” can last 20-hours straight. Near-permanent darkness occurs from early-December through early-January. On the flipside Reykjavik remains light for most of the summer (mid-May to late-July). Typically bars remain open until around 4:30 AM (weekends) and 1 AM (weekdays). An upside to Reykjavik’s dark winters is the Northern Lights. Reykjavik accommodations are some of Northern Europe’s best. Before we get to Reykjavik accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.
Legend has it that Ingólfr Arnarson (Bjǫrnolfsson) was Reykjavík’s first permanent settler circa 874 AD. It’s thought that Bjǫrnolfsson settled in the area with his wife Hallveig Fróðadóttir and foster brother Hjǫrleifr Hróðmarsson. The Book of Settlements (Landnámabók) sets Sunnfjord’s Rivedal Valley (western Norway) as Bjǫrnolfsson’s birthplace. The Bjǫrnolfsson legend was revisited by medieval Icelandic chronicler Ari Þorgilsson, who suggested that Irish monks had actually arrived prior to Bjǫrnolfsson. There was no argument from Þorgilsson that Bjǫrnolfsson was the first Norse settler. According to Þorgilsson the monks left the Reykjavik area because they did not wish to live amongst Norse pagans. Bjǫrnolfsson is thought to have chosen the Reykjavik area for its natural thermal baths (smoky bay), and by using the traditional Norse method (Öndvegissúlur – high seat pillars). In Icelandic-Viking halls, two ornate pillars with a high seat between them represented the head of the household’s authority and connection to the gods. Gods like Thor would be carved into the high pillars. The Norse settlement at Reykjavik remained farmland until the 18th century. Following the Danish governor’s dismissal Skúli Magnússon became the first Icelander to be appointed bailiff (senior Danish-crown liaison) in 1749. With royal permission (King Frederick V of Denmark) Magnússon established Innréttingar (corporation) in 1752 to promote industrial development. Wool, fish and fur would soon become front-running industries. Magnússon built Iceland’s first stone house Viðeyjarstofa Manor House on Viðey Island (1753-1755). Iceland’s first prison, Stjórnarráðshús opened in 1764 (Reykjavik). Monopoly-trade was abolished in Iceland circa 1786 and the Danish Crown granted Reykjavik a town charter (official founding as a trading center). The Reykjavík Cathedral was consecrated in 1796. Prior to 1880 (when Danish trade monopoly officially ended) Iceland’s trading rights were limited to Danish Crown subjects. Post-1880 local industries would help promote Icelandic merchant influence, with Reykjavik becoming Iceland’s primary commercial port. Following Germany’s invasion of Denmark and Norway during World War II Allied Powers were sent to Reykjavik (April 9, 1940). The British built Reykjavík Airport while the Americans built Keflavík Airport. Establishing the country as a republic and a parliamentary democracy, the Constitution of Iceland was adopted on June 17, 1944. Reykjavik hosted the 1972 World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. In 1986 Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met at the Reykjavík Summit, a catalyst to the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Iceland’s capital and largest city, Reykjavík is home to around 140,000 “Reykvíkingurs”. Hallgrímskirkja marks Reykjavik’s tallest building at 244 feet. Over 60% of Iceland’s population lives in Reykjavik. One of the world’s cleanest and safest cities, Reykjavik is also surrounded by a range of natural landscapes (think “Lord of the Rings” – countryside, nature preserves, forest trails, waterfalls, islands, mountain ranges, canyons, geothermal geysers, thermal baths, volcanoes, lava fields, fissures). Reykjavik is characterized by a unique subpolar, oceanic climate. Summers are cool, while winters are relatively mild (record low temp – -12.1 °F, record high temp – 78.3 °F).
Reykjavik local foods: various fish & seafood, hangikjöt (smoked lamb), skyr (cultured dairy product), kleinur (fried dough), laufabrauð (traditional Christmas bread), bollur (pastry)
Popular drinks: brennivín (“Black Death” signature distilled spirit – clear unsweetened schnapps), vodka, Icelandic beer (lager mostly)
With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Reykjavik accommodations that will help make for an unforgettable experience.
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Kirkjutorg 4
Reykjavík Cathedral
Hotel amenities: restaurant, snack bar, wine bar, continental breakfast, cathedral, parliament & lake views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, kitchenettes, cooking hobs
Nearby restaurants / bars: Icelandic Street Food (Icelandic restaurant), Messinn (seafood restaurant), Fröken Reykjavík Kitchen & Bar, Bergsson (restaurant), Skolabru Restaurant, Gandhi Indian Restaurant, Klauster Bar, Icelandic Craft Bar
Nearby misc.: The Secret Cellar (music & comedy club), IDNO (café), Icelandic Deli, The Unknown Bureaucrat (sculpture)
Within feet:
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- Reykjavík Cathedral
- The Parliament House
- Hljomskalagardurinn
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Within 3.7 miles:
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- Elliðaár River
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Within 23 miles:
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- Bláfjöll Ski Lift
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Kvosin Downtown Hotel is 23 miles from Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (executive suite): $814
Cost per person (six people): $136
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Tryggvagata 18A, 102
Reykjavik Harbour
Apartment amenities: breakfast (surcharge), kitchen, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, parking
Nearby restaurants: Le KocK (restaurant / bar / bakery), Ramen Momo (Ramen restaurant), Lóla Restaurant, Thai Cuisine House (Thai restaurant), Biang Reykjavik (Chinese restaurant)
Within feet:
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- Reykjavik Harbour
- Reykjavik City Hall
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Black Pearl Luxury Apartments is 45 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Penthouse): $1,791
Cost per person (six people): $298
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Vatnsstígur 2
The Offices of the Cabinet of Iceland
Hotel amenities: soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, modern kitchen facilities, tea / coffee makers, communal laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk
Nearby restaurants: BrewDog Reykjavik (bar & grill), Reykjavík Meat (restaurant), Austur-Indíafélagið (Indian restaurant),
Nearby misc.: Vínberið (chocolate shop), Bíó Paradís (movie theater), Memoria Collective (tattoo shop)
Within feet:
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- The Offices of the Cabinet of Iceland
- Solfar Sun Voyager
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- The Parliament House
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Within 2.4 miles:
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- Imagine Peace Tower
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Within 3.4 miles:
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- Smáralind Shopping Cente
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Reykjavik Residence Hotel is 23.4 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (three-bedroom apartment): $715
Cost per person (six people): $119
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
Laugavegur 34
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Hotel amenities: restaurant, terrace, city views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, bathrobes, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk
Also in the area: Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Within feet:
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- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
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Within 3.3 miles:
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- Smáralind Shopping Center
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Sand Hotel is 23.4 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (king suite): $1,503
Hotel Reykjavik Saga
12 Lækjargata
Harpa | Icelandic Street Food
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), spa, gym, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, concierge services
Also in the area: Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Within feet:
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- Harpa (concert hall / conference center)
- Icelandic Street Food (Icelandic restaurant)
- Laugavegur
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Hotel Reykjavik Saga is 51 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Executive Suite): $1,815
Cost per person (three people): $605
Alda Hotel Reykjavík
Laugavegur 66
Laugavegur Shopping Street
Hotel amenities: bar, private balconies, sea / city views, sauna, gym, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, bicycle rentals
Nearby restaurants / bars: Brass Kitchen & Bar (restaurant), Old Iceland (Icelandic restaurant), Reykjavík Chips (fast food restaurant), Ræktin (bar)
Nearby misc.: Kaktus Espressobar (café), Barber (barber shop), Rakarastofa HERMAN Barbershop, Rokk & Rómantík (clothing store)
Within feet:
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- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Solfar Sun Voyager
- Reykjavik Art Museum: Kjarvalsstadir
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- Vesturbaejarlaug Swimming Pool
- Kringlan Shopping Mall
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Alda Hotel is 23.5 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (king suite): $421
Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Adalstraeti 16
The Settlement Exhibition
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), gym, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, laundry facilities, business center, meeting rooms, conference space, airport transfer
Nearby restaurants / bars: Fiskmarkaðurinn / Fish Market (fish restaurant), Uppsalir Bar & Café, Hjá Jóni (restaurant), Skúli Craft bar
Within feet:
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- The Settlement Exhibition (interactive local history museum / 10-century Viking settlement remnants)
- Parliament House
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Hotel Reykjavik Centrum is 45 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $535
Canopy by Hilton
Smidjustigur 4
Solfar Sun Voyager
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, coffee machines, desks, tiled bathrooms
Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Le Bistro (French restaurant), PUNK Restaurant, Mat Bar (restaurant), Kaffibarinn (bar), The Irishman Pub (Irish pub)
Nearby misc.: Canopy Coffee Bar, Joe & the Juice (juice shop), Mink Viking Portrait (portrait studio), Barber shop Genti (barber shop), Wake Up Reykjavík (tour operator)
Within feet:
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- Solfar Sun Voyager (sculpture)
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- National Museum of Iceland
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Within 1.2 miles:
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- The Pearl
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Within 1.5 miles:
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- Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
- Kringlan Shopping Mall
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Canopy by Hilton is 23.3 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (king suite): $439
Cost per person (three people): $146
Hotel Von
Laugavegur 55
Svarta Kaffið
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, breakfast (surcharge), free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, laundry facilities
Nearby: ÓX (fine dining restaurant), Dill Restaurant (fine dining restaurant), Hereford (steakhouse), Bon Restaurant, SwirlandRoll Japanese Pancakes (dessert shop) Bónus (supermarket)
Within feet:
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- Svarta Kaffið (Icelandic restaurant)
- Laugavegur
- Iceland Phallological Museum
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Hotel Von is 44 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $534
Hotel Kriunes
Kriunesi Vatnsenda, Kópavogur, 203
Lake Ellidavatn
Hotel amenities: restaurant, furnished terrace, sauna, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks, tea / coffee making facilities, fireplace lounge, daily breakfast, free parking, boat / kayak / bicycle rentals
Also in the area: Icelandic Apartments
Within feet:
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- Lake Ellidavatn
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Within 1.6 miles:
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- Arbaejarlaug Swimming Pool
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Within 5.9 miles:
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- University of Iceland
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Hotel Kriunes is 25.8 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (family junior suite): $347
Cost per person (five people): $69
The Swan House by Heimaleiga
Lindargata 34-36
National Museum of Iceland
Aparthotel amenities: free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kitchenette, hairdryers, airport shuttle service
Nearby:r Bernhoftsbakari (bakery), Port 9 (wine bar)
The Swan House by Heimaleiga is 5 minutes from Keflavík Airport.
Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
Hafnarstraeti 17-19
The Parliament House Reykjavik
Hotel amenities: restaurant, lobby bar, wellness spa, fitness center, balconies, flat-screen TVs, continental breakfast
Nearby restaurants / bars: Caruso (Italian restaurant), Grillmarkaðurinn (Icelandic restaurant), Frederiksen Ale House (restaurant), Gaukurinn (bar)
Nearby misc.: Te & Kaffi (coffee shop), Lækjartorg (park)
Within feet:
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- The Parliament House Reykjavik
- Reykjavík City Hall
- Reykjavik Old Harbour
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Within 1.9 miles:
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- Laugardalsholl Stadium
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Within 3.6 miles:
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- Smáralind Shopping Center
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Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel is 23.2 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (premier suite): $571
Iceland Parliament Hotel
Thorvaldsenstraeti 2-6
Austurvöllur
Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast (surcharge), spa, gym, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, luggage storage, meeting rooms
Also in the area: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Within feet:
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- Austurvöllur (park)
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Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton is 58 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Approximate cost per night (Parliament Suite): $2,733
Cost per person (four people): $683
Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments
Vatnsstígur 10B
Reykjavík City Hall
Apartment amenities: terraces, balconies, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, free parking
Nearby restaurants / bars: Scandinavian (restaurant), Smakkbarinn (restaurant), Public House (gastropub), Vedur (bar), Kaldi Bar/Cafe
Nearby misc.: Cupcake Cafe, Cafe Babalu,, Mengi (art venue), Fotografi (art gallery), Art Gallery 101, Reykjavik Record Shop, Smekkleysa (record store), 12 Tonar (record store), The Handknitting Association of Iceland, Krua Thai, Bio Paradis (movie theater)
Within feet:
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- Reykjavík City Hall
- The Sun Voyager
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Within 2.3 miles:
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- Imagine Peace Tower
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Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments is 23.4 miles from Keflavík Airport.
Approximate cost per night (three bedroom): $540
Cost per person (seven people): $78
Miðborg Apartment
Miðborg, RVK
Volcano Express
Apartment amenities: 3 bedrooms, balcony, free Wi-Fi, kitchen, washer, garage parking
Also in the area: The Swan House by Heimaleiga
Within feet:
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- Volcano Express
- Sun Voyager
- Harpa
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Miðborg Apartment is 49 minutes from Keflavík International Airport.
Approximate cost per night: $1,176
Cost per person (five people): $235
So there they are, Reykjavik accommodations that will help make for an outstanding experience. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Iceland!