Iceland Personal Experience – journeygems.co.uk

We recently returned from an amazing family trip to Reykjavik, and I honestly think it was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had as a family. We flew from East Midlands, which took about 3.5 hours, making it a convenient destination for families with young children. Traveling with our two kids, aged 2 and 4, we found Reykjavik to be incredibly welcoming and easy to explore. We went during the October half term and the temperatures didn’t go above 1 degree, so you must wrap up!

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was seeing the Northern Lights. Watching those shimmering colours dance across the sky was simply magical and something I don’t think we will ever forget. We also went whale watching, which cost around £70 for our Group, and it was such a thrill to see whales in their natural habitat. The kids loved it, especially seeing the splashes and the massive animals up close. We did an 8am trip, which was perfect as the sea was much calmer, so we recommend a morning viewing, rather than the afternoon session. We also visited the city museum (Perlan Museum), which was reasonably priced at about £10 per adult and free for children, and the 360-degree city view from the observation tower gave us a fantastic perspective of Reykjavik’s beautiful landscape. It was really interactive, which was ideal for the young kids and there was a little ice cave experience. There was also a volcano 4D experience, which was probably the highlight. You experience the inside of a volcano before, during and after an eruption – truly a one of a kind experience (although the young kids were a bit scared with the movements).

You can also visit the ice caves (it would have cost us approx. £!50 – £200 for a group of 4), however, we decided against it with our little kids – the ice cave experience at Perlan is much more child friendly and a lot cheaper.

We also spent some time relaxing at the Blue Lagoon. Entry costs around £50 per adult and about £25 per child aged 2 and over (ID is needed for anyone around 2-4 years old to prove they are 2 years old, otherwise, they will not be allowed in at all). You’ll need to bring some form of ID if you want to access additional services like mud masks or drinks. We did it as a booked excursion so the coach picked us up outside the hotel, which made the trip hassle-free, but you can also rent a car or organise a private tour if you want more flexibility. The Blue Lagoon is a truly relaxing experience with its warm, mineral-rich waters and beautiful surroundings. It’s a highlight and worth the trip.

Reykjavik offers loads of food options, and we found eating out to be reasonably priced, with meals ranging from £10 to £20 per person for casual dining. We mostly walked everywhere in the city as it’s very walkable, which was great with small children. Taxis and Uber are also available if you prefer not to walk or want to save time.

Overall, this trip exceeded all our expectations. The scenery, the activities, the friendly people, and the relaxed atmosphere made it a truly special experience for our family. We felt like we discovered something truly unique and memorable. If you’re considering a family holiday somewhere different, we can’t recommend Reykjavik enough. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression and we will definitely be returning someday. It was, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable and enriching trips we’ve ever done together.

Q: Where is Iceland located?
A: Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
Q: What is Iceland famous for?
A: Iceland is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, and the Northern Lights.
Q: When is the best time to visit Iceland?
A: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August) for midnight sun and mild weather, or in winter (December to February) for the Northern Lights.
Q: What are popular attractions in Iceland?
A: Key attractions include the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir), Vatnajökull Glacier, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Q: Is Iceland expensive to visit?
A: Yes, Iceland is generally considered expensive, especially for accommodation, dining, and activities, but there are budget options available.
Q: What is the climate like in Iceland?
A: Iceland has a subarctic and cold oceanic climate, with cool summers and cold winters, especially inland and in the north.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?
A: Citizens of the Schengen Agreement countries do not need a visa for short stays. Check specific visa requirements based on your nationality.
Q: What language is spoken in Iceland?
A: The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Q: What kind of outdoor activities can I do in Iceland?
A: Popular activities include hiking, ice climbing, whale watching, geothermal bathing, and exploring glaciers and volcanic landscapes.
Q: How do I get around in Iceland?
A: You can rent a car, join guided tours, or use domestic flights to reach distant locations.