Michael Hirsch

10/04/2024

Checking In: Hotel Alda on Reykjavik's Shopping Street

Arriving in Reykjavik, I checked into Hotel Alda, a sleek boutique hotel right on Laugavegur, Reykjavik’s main shopping street. The location is ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action. After dropping my bags in a room that was modern yet cozy, I wandered downstairs to discover that the hotel had a sauna and an outdoor hot tub—a real treat when you're in need of relaxation after a day of sightseeing in the cold.

In the evenings, I found myself gravitating toward the hot tub, surrounded by the brisk air. Soaking in the warm water while staring up at the winter sky was a surreal experience. It was a perfect balance of comfort and Iceland’s raw nature.

Pubs and Dining: A Taste of Iceland

One of the highlights of Reykjavik was the pub scene. Just down the street from the hotel was a place called Bastard Brew & Food, a lively pub that quickly became my favorite spot. The Bastard had a great atmosphere, and it was the ideal place to mingle with locals and other travelers over a pint of craft beer. The vibe was casual and laid-back, making it an excellent hangout for evenings filled with laughter and conversation.

Every morning, Hotel Alda provided a fantastic breakfast spread. Iceland is big on seafood, and there was plenty of fish on the menu, even at breakfast. If you’re a fan of fresh, local ingredients, you’re in for a treat. Each morning, I fueled up with fish dishes, fresh bread, and strong Icelandic coffee—perfect to prepare for a day of exploring.

Exploring Reykjavik: Hop-On/Hop-Off and More

Reykjavik may be a small city, but it’s packed with character. One of the easiest ways to get a feel for the place is the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour. The tour is informative and gives you a great overview of the city's landmarks. I learned so much about Reykjavik’s history, from Viking lore to modern-day Icelandic culture.

Unfortunately, my highly anticipated Northern Lights tour was canceled due to cloudy skies—a risk you always run with those unpredictable Icelandic winters. However, that didn’t dampen my spirits, as there were plenty of other things to keep me occupied.

Must-See Attractions: Whale Museum & Volcano Show

During my stay, two experiences stood out: the Whales of Iceland Museum and the Iceland Volcano Show. At the Whale Museum, life-size models of these majestic creatures were on display, and I was blown away by the attention to detail. The museum dives deep into the importance of whales in Icelandic culture and the fragile balance of marine ecosystems. It’s a humbling reminder of the power and beauty of nature.

The Volcano Show was an equally jaw-dropping experience. This isn't your average museum exhibit. Here, they actually recreate real lava flows right in front of you! Seeing molten rock form and cool right before my eyes was an awe-inspiring experience. It’s hard to describe the primal energy you feel when witnessing lava up close—it’s as if you’re watching the Earth breathe.

Stepping into History: The House Where Reagan and Gorbachev Met

One of the more unexpected highlights of the trip was visiting Höfði House, where in 1986, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met for a historic summit that helped end the Cold War. This moment in history felt particularly tangible in Iceland’s quiet, introspective atmosphere. Walking through the halls, I could almost imagine the tension and hope that filled the air during those meetings.

Cold Weather & Cozy Pubs: People-Watching in Reykjavik

Now, I had big plans to see more of Iceland’s natural wonders beyond the city limits—waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers. But here’s the catch: Iceland in the winter is cold—really cold. So, when the temperatures dipped even further, I did what any seasoned traveler would do: I adapted.

Instead of freezing my toes off chasing waterfalls, I spent my remaining time people-watching in the many pubs scattered throughout Reykjavik. Icelanders are an incredibly warm and friendly bunch, and sitting in a cozy pub, sipping on local beer while listening to their conversations (and sometimes joining in), made for some of my favorite memories of the trip.