Iceland is the land of volcanoes, geysers, glaciers and waterfalls. The unique nature makes the island state an attractive travel destination in northwestern Europe. Especially in the summer months Iceland convinces with hardly any precipitation and pleasant temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees. The Icelandic airline PLAY shows how a perfect long weekend around Reykjavik can look like.

1. one-day road trip: Golden Circle

Especially during a short stay in Iceland, it is worth spending a day exploring the so-called "Golden Circle". The panoramic route can be discovered as part of a guided tour or alternatively with a rental car. It leads from Reykjavik in the southeast to Selfoss, runs north to the Geysir area and Gullfoss Waterfall, and finally ends in the west at Thingvellir National Park before the road leads back to the capital. Despite its popularity with tourists, the stops along the 230-kilometre route are well worth a visit.

2. the natural spectacle of Gulfoss Falls

The Gulfoss waterfalls are considered a highlight of the Golden Circle tour. They are two gigantic waterfalls that rise from the river Hvítá and have a height of eleven and 20 meters, from which the water rushes down. The natural spectacle is a real experience, especially when the sun is shining, because it froms a large rainbow directly above the waterfalls and presents a unique backdrop. From the big parking place, the waterfalls can be reached by following a well developed wooden path. A branch of this wooden path leads to the restaurant "Gulfoss Kaffi". The simple, but nevertheless cosy restaurant with a fantastic view offers cold and warm meals as well as drinks for the tourists, whereby the freshly prepared lamb soup is considered a real insider tip.

3. a historical city tour through Iceland's capital

City tours are especially recommended for short stays. In just a few hours, you will ideally hear interesting information about the most important sights of a city from a local. The history and culture of Iceland - the land of fire and ice - goes back to the time of the Vikings and you can follow in their footsteps on a historical city tour. You can explore the streets of Reykjavik with your own Viking guide and dive into another time. Over a shared traditional lunch, you'll learn secrets about the Viking Age that many other tourists miss. Nevertheless, the sights of a "classic" city tour are not left out. Also, on this tour no way leads past the Hallgrímskirkja, the largest church building in Iceland, and the "National Theatre of Iceland".

4. an evening in the blue lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist destination and for good reason: The lagoon, formed in 1976, lies in the middle of a unique, black lava landscape with its milky-blue water and offers its visitors a unique bathing and wellness experience in a dreamlike setting. The water is said to be particularly good for the skin due to a special mineral content which counteracts diseases such as psoriasis. It has a temperature of approx. 39 °C all year round and renews itself every 48 hours. In addition to a "mud bar" where different face masks can be tried, it is possible to enjoy pre-booked spa treatments or try a smoothie, lemonade, glass of wine or cocktail in the "Blue Lagoon Bar" - three alcoholic drinks are allowed per person here. The spa is open until 11pm in the summer months and it is recommended to book an appointment from 8pm or 9pm to end the day here after extensive sightseeing.   

5. try Icelandic street food

With all the adventures that you want to experience in a short time, the culinary arts should not be neglected either: If you want to try real Icelandic cuisine at fair prices, you should take a detour to the "Icelandic Street Food". This cosy restaurant with only a handful of seats offers only a few fresh dishes prepared by the friendly staff. These include lamb or fish soup, traditionally served in bread, or roast leg of lamb.

 

 

 

 

 

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For travellers to Iceland, who have already been vaccinated against Covid-19 or have recovered, no quarantine is necessary and an extended weekend trip is therefore possible without any problems. At the beginning of the trip, only the result of a negative PCR or antigen test, maximum 72 hours old, must be able to be presented.