Reykjavik

[Pintolager]

I'm off to Reykjavik next month for a bit of Whale watching and to hopefully see the Northern Lights as well as seeing some of the natural beauty in the area and was wondering if anyone has been and can give advice on what else to see and do while there and what to eat? I know they are big fish eaters and even eat Sheep's head  but don't fancy the latter.

[not on facebook]

Northern lights will blow yer mind fella

[Pintolager]

Hopefully I will be able to see them if the skies are clear of course. Read that Reykjavik is one of the best places to see them apart from northern Norway. They do look great but I suppose it is the same with anything, you just have to be there to actually experience them for yourself.

[SingingPostman]

It's twenty years since I was there so I can't give you any advice about bars and restaurants, although there was plenty of choice and the food was good all over the island - although hugely expensive at the time. I was there just before people like Blur started opening bars there and it suddenly became the trendy place to be.

The Blue Lagoon was worth the trip. A bummer to find out it wasn't naturally occurring but a good experience all the same to be so hot below the surface and be covered in ice above it. Most of the glacier/volcanic spots were worth a look. I'm not keen on guided tours but it was once place where it was the best way to get the most out of the time there. I was advised to go to the Hallgrimskirkja church for the view of the city from the top and I seem to remember that being worthwhile. The city looked like toy town from up there with all its coloured roofs.

Easily the safest and friendliest place I've ever been to and everyone has immaculate English.

On the plane out there Bjork, who had just made her first Top of the Pops appearance, was sat the other side of the aisle and picked her nose for most of the flight so don't eat the communal peanuts if she's in town.

[Pintolager]

Thanks for that SP. I too am not a fan of guided tours and me and my mate are considering hiring a car out there to go to some places, including The Blue Lagoon which sounds interesting and we will  probably go to the Church you mention for a view of the city. I think Iceland is supposed to be the most peaceful country in the world and the natives very nice as you say. I like to go places that the majority of tourists probably wouldn't think of going and seeing something different.

[SingingPostman]

Might be worth checking the dates but I had an idea that some of the inland roads were closed to non-essential traffic at certain times of year because of possible weather problems. I went in early November and I think it might have been something they were doing late November onwards.

You certainly won't be fazed by the traffic. Out of the city it made the West coast of Ireland look like rush hour Rome.

[Pintolager]

Cheers fella