Your Friend in Reykjavik

11/10/2026

Your Icelandic word for the week: gluggaveður (GLUG-ga-veh-thur). It means "window weather" and describes the kind of day that looks lovely from inside. Bright sun, blue sky. Then you open the door to wind and cold.

October is full of days like this, which makes it a confusing month to dress for. On our tours this time of year, we see all kinds of fashion choices, some more practical than others.

What we recommend is layers you can add and take off: a thermal or merino base, a warm mid-layer like a wool sweater, and a windproof, waterproof shell on top. Add a hat and gloves you can stuff in a pocket, and shoes that don't mind puddles, and you're all set!

10/10/2026

Here's a quick guide to seeing the Northern Lights from Reykjavík. You need three things: darkness, clear skies and solar activity. October gives you plenty of the first. The other two, as always, are up to nature.

A few things that help:

• Check the aurora and cloud forecast from the Icelandic Met Office (vedur.is) each afternoon.
• Get away from street lights. Even a short trip out of the city makes a difference.
• Stay flexible. Keep more than one night free if you can.
• Be patient. The lights often come and go in waves.

We can't promise the sky will cooperate. But we can get you to the right place at the right time.

https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/northern-lights-tours-iceland/

09/10/2026

Happy Leif Erikson Day to our friends in the United States.

The statue of Leifur Eiríksson that stands in front of Hallgrímskirkja was a gift from the United States in 1930, marking a thousand years of Iceland's parliament, the Alþingi.

Which means the statue is older than the church behind it. Hallgrímskirkja wasn't finished until 1986.

Next time you're standing at the top of Skólavörðustígur, give him a nod. He's been waiting there for a while.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXVcCQ5XLbQ

Did Iceland get to America first?Born in Iceland around 970, Leif...

09/10/2026

Tonight at 9PM, on what would have been John Lennon's birthday, the Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey is switched on again.

Yoko Ono's column of light rises from the island every year until 8 December. On a clear night you can see it from all over Reykjavík, from the harbour, from Sæbraut and from the top of Hallgrímskirkja.

Want to see it up close? Viðey is a short ferry ride from the city. One thing though; check the ferry timetable before you go, as it runs less often in winter.

08/10/2026

You can learn quite a lot about Iceland over dinner.

Why the dried fish? What makes the rye bread so dark? And who was the first to look at a shark and think, “Lunch”?

Come hungry. Bring questions. Our Reykjavík Food Lovers Tour takes care of the rest.

https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/tour/reykjavik-food-lovers-tour/

07/10/2026

Reykjavík means "Smoky Bay".

According to the old accounts, Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland's first recorded settler, named it after the plumes rising from the hot springs along the shore. Not smoke at all, but steam.

Over a thousand years later, that same geothermal heat warms the city's homes, pools and pavements.

06/10/2026

Some people say Iceland only has two seasons. Fall in Reykjavík would like a word. 🍂

Golden leaves, blustery walks, and very good excuses to duck into a warm café. We’ve put a little of it into our latest video.

Have a watch, and come enjoy next season with Your Friend in Reykjavík. 💙

Some people say Iceland only has two seasons. Reykjavík in autumn w...

05/10/2026

Boots on the trail or just admiring the view from Reykjavík?

Either way, Mount Esja (914 m) always delivers.

Formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and carved by Ice Age glaciers, Esja is the ultimate backdrop to the capital.

As autumn sets in, hikers still have time to tackle the classic trail up to Steinn for panoramic views over the city and Faxaflói bay—just be sure to pack microspikes or crampons, as the upper slopes get icy fast this time of year! 🥾❄️

04/10/2026

We're thinking ahead to winter!🎄

And we like to celebrate the Christmas season with some delicious festive beers!

Join us at the beginning of December, where we will introduce you to the beautiful Icelandic nature, as well as some amazing local microbreweries, on a special holiday booze cruise.

We look forward to seeing you! Skal!

02/10/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend.

Long nights are returning to Reykjavík.