I'm Rachel...and I've BEEN to Reykjavik!

Now that I have visited Reykjavik I can present my analysis of the destination from the perspective of a destination manager.

In my previous post I revealed my expectations – I can now reveal how my perceptions compared…

•          To feel welcome – be invited in to a creative and unique culture by the proud locals

This absolutely was the case as we met many friendly locals including our tour guide who really gave us a great insight into Icelandic culture and values.

•          Experience new nightlife – try to keep up with the locals during runtur – Skál!

On our budget we managed to enjoy a few bars but at almost £9 per pint of beer we could not enjoy the full runtur experience!

•            Discover more Icelandic music - already a fan of Icelandic alt bands (Sigur Rós, Fufanu) 

The bars we visited played some interesting music and the Harpa hosted some great musical talent which we unfortunately did not quite have enough time to enjoy.

•          Breath-taking landscapes – try to take them in and not live through a lens

We were so lucky to see the landscape against a crystal blue sky and coated in fresh glittering snow, I couldn’t close my eyes on the long coach journeys as I could not believe my eyes at how mesmerising Icelandic nature really is!!!

•          Venture in to the wilderness – embrace nature by being in it and not just seeing it

I really did get to have multiple mini adventures! A highlight being when I conquered ice and unstable terrain to experience a 360-degree experience of Seljalandsfoss – something only a few of us managed.

•          Test limits when it comes to culinary experiences – *cough*fermented shark*cough*

Now this is something I wanted to try however by budget just simply could not stretch to try foods which would not sustain my appetite! I did try some of the fish dishes however they were not amongst the unique Icelandic delicacies I had hoped to try,

•          Cold bitter weather – prepare to wrap up and keep feet comfy

Wow – how lucky we were! With no wind chill and bright sunshine at times I was comfortably warm the whole time – even the evening did not bring an unwanted chill. My snow boots were perfect for walking and even sufficed in the evenings.

•          To need a lot of money! A warning all travel experts agree upon

Take this statement and add ‘a WHOLE lot of money’. Although I managed I would have liked to have a little more money to enjoy the city to its fullest – my budgeting skills were put to the test!

•          Imagining North of the Wall – Game of Thrones fans will know

Funnily I did not find this. Upon learning of the Icelandic sagas I pictured the destination in more of a Lord of the Rings fantasy world.   

I hope to return in the future and experience a different part of Iceland!