Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost national capital and one of the most extraordinary cities on earth — a small city of 200,000 that punches so far above its cultural, culinary, and natural weight that the experience of arriving here for the first time consistently registers as one of the great travel revelations. Volcanoes and glaciers within an hour of the city. The world’s most powerful geothermal energy system powering the entire metropolitan area. A nightlife scene that was genuinely world-class before the tourism boom. And the Northern Lights, from September onward, visible from the city itself on clear nights. VV calls at Reykjavik as part of its extraordinary 2026 Iceland and Greenland itineraries.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is 45 minutes from Reykjavik — a vast outdoor geothermal spa in a lava field, its mineral-rich milky blue water maintained at 37–39°C year-round regardless of the air temperature outside. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland and must be booked well in advance, particularly for cruise port days. The combination of the steaming water, the black lava landscape, the steam rising from the surface, and the occasional snow on the surrounding fields creates one of the most visually extraordinary bathing experiences in the world.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous day trip — a route connecting three extraordinary natural sites: Thingvellir National Park (where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are visibly pulling apart, and where the world’s first parliament met in 930 AD), Geysir (the original geyser, whose name all geysers share, erupting every few minutes), and Gullfoss (a massive double waterfall descending into a glacial canyon). The full circuit is 300 kilometers and requires a full day. VV Shore Things offers Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik.
Downtown Reykjavik
The compact downtown around Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur streets has excellent restaurants (fish and lamb are the essentials — try Fiskmarkadurinn or Grillmarkadurinn), the Hallgrimskirkja church (the city’s architectural landmark, with an elevator to the top of the tower for city views), and the National Museum of Iceland. The city’s street art scene is extraordinary for a city this size.
The Eclipse Voyage Connection
VV’s 2026 Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice sailing positions the ship for the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse at 98.5% totality from Iceland. This is one of the most extraordinary and rare experiences available on any VV sailing. See the Eclipse Voyage guide for full details.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Book the Blue Lagoon before sailing. It sells out weeks and months in advance. Booking through VV Shore Things is the most reliable method.
- September onward: Northern Lights are possible. The aurora season in Iceland runs September through April. The lights are visible from the city itself on clear, dark nights — one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on earth.
- The Golden Circle requires a full day. If your port day allows it, the full Golden Circle is extraordinary. The half-day version covers Thingvellir and Geysir but misses Gullfoss.
Ready to Sail to Iceland?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Iceland is one of the most extraordinary destinations in the entire VV European network and 2026 is the last year VV sails here for the foreseeable future.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and stand between the tectonic plates
