June 14: Puffins, Rainbows, Lava, and a Memorable Night Out in Reykjavik

Morning: Puffin Express Boat Tour

We kicked off our day with a Special Tours Puffin Express boat tour, heading out into Faxaflói Bay to see Iceland’s famous puffins up close. The boat ride offered great views of the city and coastline, and we were lucky to spot plenty of puffins nesting on the small offshore islands—colorful beaks and all. It was a fun and lively start to the day, and a great way to experience Reykjavik from the water.












Midday: Reykjavik Stroll—Hot Dogs, Shopping, and Sights

Back on land, we set out to explore downtown Reykjavik on foot. For lunch, we couldn’t resist the city’s legendary Icelandic Hot Dogs, grabbing a classic “with everything” from a popular stand. Energized, we browsed the shops along Laugavegur Street, Reykjavik’s main shopping artery, picking up a few souvenirs and enjoying the local vibe.





The Cat Guy






We made our way up to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark, and admired the sweeping city views from its steps. Nearby, we visited the Leif Eriksson Monument at Skólavörðuholt, honoring the Norse explorer believed to have reached North America centuries before Columbus. From there, we strolled down the colorful Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street, a vibrant stretch painted in rainbow hues that’s become a symbol of Reykjavik’s creativity and inclusivity.














Evening: Lava Show—Front Row Science and Hospitality
After a short rest at the hotel, we headed to the highly anticipated Lava Show at 6 pm. Our tickets included balcony seats, a backstage tour of the furnace, and a unique piece of lava glass to take home. The show was fascinating, bringing the science and spectacle of real molten lava to life in a safe, up-close setting.
















 





After raving about the experience to Johanna, one of the show’s lava experts, she surprised us with an offer to stay for the next performance. We enjoyed a drink overlooking the water, and then Johanna brought us in early and set us up right in front of the lava pit for an even more immersive view. Her presentation was fantastic—engaging, informative, and even better than the earlier show. Afterward, she gifted us a delicate glass string she had made herself, and even called a cab for us, along with a great dinner recommendation. Johanna definitely earned a glowing review from us!
























Night: Food Hall Feast and a Bartender’s Masterpiece
For dinner, we followed Johanna’s advice and headed to the Hafnartorg Gallery food hall, the most impressive of Reykjavik’s food halls we’d seen. We split a delicious shrimp dish, but what really caught our attention was the bartender (and owner), whose creative cocktails were mesmerizing to watch. Rob asked about the “Bartender’s Choice” menu, and after a few quick questions, the bartender spent five minutes crafting a custom gin masterpiece just for him. Toni promised to return tomorrow for her own cocktail. 

               














From puffins and rainbows to molten lava and mixology magic, today captured the quirky, creative, and unforgettable spirit of Reykjavik!




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