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10-Day New Year Celebration in Iceland: Reykjavik & Akureyri

Viewed by 115 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Reykjavik, Iceland

10:00AM

City Hall & Tjörnin Lake

Start your day with a visit to the City Hall, home to beautiful architecture and stunning views of Tjörnin Lake.
Walk to City Hall from your accommodation, around 15 minutes.
ISK 500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Loki

Savor authentic Icelandic cuisine like rye bread and smoked salmon.
Just a 5-minute walk from Tjörnin Lake.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church and ascend the tower for panoramic city views.
A 15-minute walk from Cafe Loki.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Sun Voyager

Take a relaxing walk to the Sun Voyager sculpture for great sunset photos.
A 10-minute walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Itto

Enjoy sushi and Japanese dishes at Itto for a delightful first night's meal.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 3,500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Day

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Indulge in pastries and coffee at Sandholt Bakery to fuel your day.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

National Museum of Iceland

Explore Iceland’s history and culture at the National Museum.
Public bus takes about 20 minutes.
ISK 1,500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at AALTO Bistro

Enjoy local ingredients at AALTO Bistro for a refreshing lunch.
A 15-minute walk from the National Museum.
ISK 2,300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Reykjavik Art Museum

Immerse yourself in modern Icelandic art at this renowned museum.
Short 10-minute walk from AALTO Bistro.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Old Iceland Restaurant

Savor traditional dishes with a modern twist at Old Iceland Restaurant.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 3,200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature Day Trip

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Golden Circle Tour

Join a guided tour of the Golden Circle, including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Meet your tour group at a designated spot in Reykjavik, about a 30-minute walk.
ISK 10,000, 8 hours, including travel.

5:00PM

Return from Tour

Relax back at your accommodation after an eventful day in nature.
Included in the tour.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at Svarta Kaffið

Refuel with soup served in a bread bowl at Svarta Kaffið.
Short walk from your accommodation.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Journey to Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

9:00AM

Travel to Akureyri

Catch a morning flight or bus to Akureyri, the ‘Capital of North Iceland’.
Book your flight or find the bus terminal; the ride will take about 1-hour flight or 5-hour bus.
ISK 5,000, Travel time varies.

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Ilmur

Enjoy an energizing lunch with a fjord view from Cafe Ilmur.
Short walk from the bus terminal or airport.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the enchanting Akureyri Botanical Gardens.
A 15-minute walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bryggjan Restaurant

Dine at Bryggjan for fresh seafood and delightful culinary offerings.
15-minute walk from the gardens.
ISK 3,500, 1 hour
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Day 5: Adventurous Day in Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Greifinn

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring Icelandic specialties.
A 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching tour from Akureyri; witness the majesty of these beautiful creatures.
Meet at the tour operator’s office, around a 15-minute walk away.
ISK 7,500, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kaffi Ilmur

Enjoy light bites and local treats at Kaffi Ilmur.
Walking distance from where the tour ends.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Akureyri Church

Explore Akureyri Church for beautiful architecture and local lore.
A short walk of 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Rúben Pizza

Refuel with delicious pizzas at Rúben Pizza, a local favorite.
Just a 10-minute walk from the church.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour
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Day 6: Northern Nature and Relaxation

Akureyri, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Amour

Start your day with coffee and pastries at Café Amour.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit to Lake Mývatn

Discover the stunning landscapes of Lake Mývatn, known for its geothermal features.
Join a local tour for transport and guidance.
ISK 6,000, 5 hours.

4:00PM

Lunch at Dimmuborgir

Enjoy lunch in stunning surroundings after exploring the rock formations.
Lunch package available through the tour.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Akureyri

Travel back to Akureyri for an evening of relaxation.
Return travel included in the tour.
N/A, N/A

7:30PM

Dinner at The Hamburger Factory

Enjoy a tasty meal with a range of burgers using local ingredients.
A short walk from your accommodation.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour
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Day 7: Travel Back to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Travel to Reykjavik

Head back to Reykjavik either via an early flight or scenic bus ride, taking in Iceland's picturesque landscapes.
Book in advance for various transport options.
ISK 5,000, 1 hour flight or 5 hours bus ride.

3:00PM

Lunch at The Laundromat Cafe

Grab a light lunch featuring comfort fare at The Laundromat Cafe.
Within walking distance from the bus terminal or airport.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Shopping on Laugavegur Street

Browse unique shops along Laugavegur Street for souvenirs.
A stroll from the cafe.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sjavargrillid

Savor fresh seafood at Sjavargrillid, renowned for their delicious meals.
A short 10-minute walk from Laugavegur.
ISK 4,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Prepare for New Year’s Eve

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Glo

Have a healthy breakfast at Glo, featuring fresh salads and smoothies.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Blue Lagoon

Experience the serene waters of the Blue Lagoon, pampering yourself with spa treatments if your budget allows.
A bus transfer that takes around 45 minutes.
ISK 8,000 (entry only), 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Blue Lagoon Restaurant

Enjoy a light lunch with stunning views within the Lagoon.
Located within the Blue Lagoon complex.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Reykjavik

Travel back to Reykjavik and prepare for celebratory festivities.
Bus transfer back to Reykjavik.
N/A, N/A

8:00PM

New Year's Eve Dinner at Við Tivoli

Join locals for a festive dinner at Við Tivoli, popular for its vibrant New Year’s Eve environment.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the center.
ISK 4,500, 2 hours

10:30PM

Fireworks Celebration

Step outside at midnight to revel in breathtaking fireworks, a true Icelandic tradition.
Short walk to a viewing area.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 9: Recovery Day

Reykjavik, Iceland

10:00AM

Late Breakfast at Joe & the Juice

Post-celebrations, enjoy a refreshing juice and sandwich at Joe & the Juice.
A 10-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Relax in the Park

Stroll through Laugardalur Park, soaking in the natural beauty.
Nearby and easily walkable.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Savor traditional Icelandic street food, including lamb soup and fish and chips.
A quick bus or taxi ride.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Perlan Museum

Explore the interactive exhibits and stunning views at Perlan Museum.
10-minute taxi ride.
ISK 1,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Apotek Restaurant

End your day with fine dining, mixing traditional and modern Icelandic cuisine.
A 10-minute walk.
ISK 4,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at 101 Reykjavik Street Food

Enjoy your last breakfast in Iceland with a mix of delicious local snacks.
A 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Shop for last-minute souvenirs you might have missed.
Laugavegur Street is perfect for shopping.
Free (optional), 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Try an iconic Icelandic hot dog at this famous stand for a local experience.
Located near the harbor, a 10-minute walk.
ISK 500, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Departure

Head to the airport for your departure flight, filled with wonderful memories from Iceland!
Use Flybus or taxi to the airport.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Reykjavik
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