Self-Isolating, Working From Home Tips

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Self-Isolating, Working From Home Tips

Ever since moving to Iceland 4 years ago, I have worked from home. All over the world, we are preparing to self-isolate in a hope of avoiding COVID-19 and slowing doing the growth of the Corona Virus. I thought it might be helpful to pass on some tips for working from home.

Create A Workspace

The dining room, a shared desk, a soft office aka bed (though you need to be pretty dedicated to working). You don’t need much to create an at-home office and if you are also home-schooling your kids, why not add them into the office with a small-scale desk. We brought up the coffee table from the basement and have set Mia up with a ‘corning office’ too. It’s actually kind of fun.

Get In The Zone

Nothing changes - you’re going to work, you just aren’t going into work. Set our alarm, get up, shower, get dressed, have breakfast, and go to work. Finish work, make dinner, catch up with the family, chill, go to bed.

As much as PJs or leggings are comfortable, don’t be tempted, you will not get in the right headspace. Dress for work, dress to send a signal to your brain. You don’t need a suit on but your PJs probably won’t cut it.

READ: Self Employed Uniform

It will be hard at first but it gets easier and you will find routine and productivity.

Pace Yourself, It Could Be A While

For some, this is the norm anyway, but for others, it can be hard. Day 1, 2, 3 of isolation and you might find yourself glued to your computer and even working longer than usual. But how long can you keep that up? Make sure you are looking up, moving your eyes and body, eating and fueling yourself, and drinking water.

To-Do lists

I use a bullet journal and plan out my week and days. I also have a desk weekly planner which I use to make notes on and scribble. I find writing out a to-do list for the week and then listing goals for each day gives me an overview and targets to meet. If you have a plan, goals, then you have a strategy in place. No plan and you’ll get no work done.

Switch Off Social

Don’t have Facebook open all the time. Try to only check your social media in break times - i.e. 11 am coffee break, lunch, 4 pm chill break. Right now it is easy to get sucked in and overwhelmed by all the news, stories, stats, and feeds. It can lead to anxiety. Try to limit how often you are exposing yourself to it all.

Communicate

If you usually work with colleagues then don’t lose this. Set up skype or Facetime calls, and use apps like Slack to communicate. Use your breaks to call family and friends, this is a great time to check in on people.

Playlists

If the task in hand suits, then I pop a Spotify playlist on. Often I find that fast paces music makes me work faster, so this can be beneficial. Depends on the task though.

No TV

This is not the time to have the TV on in the background, you will quickly lose your focus and get distracted. TED talks and skillshare online learning is one thing, Netflix is a completely different story.

Eat, Fuel Yourself

Whether you have stocked up sensibly or gone mad in the supermarket, plan meals and allocate who is cooking them if you’re sharing the duties. Meal planning is a great idea and will help you sensibly get through the larder and not waste food. Try to not eat at your desk. If you do have an outdoor space, use it. Get some fresh air, vitamin D, and enjoy the break.

Move Your Body

Hop on YouTube and find a stretching video, try Yoga with Adriene, and other at-home workout videos. This is a great way to start the day before you sit down at your desk. Do this with the kids too, look up Cosmic Kids Yoga.

I also use the app Calm for meditation and to help me wind down for the day. There are loads of yoga tutorials online if that’s your kind of thing. If your body is used to the daily exercise, keep moving.

How are you finding working from home?

Coronavirus, Recession...Don't Panic

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Covid19 Recession

It’s a scary time for all of us but if you are sitting at home, worrying about how this will affect your or your partners’ work/business, current and future clients and customers, and overall income then this post is for you. 

The Coronavirus is serious, no one is immune and COVID-19 is on all of our minds. As we self-quarantine all over the world, here are some things you (and your family) can do to help weather the Coronavirus storm.

watch the video

Create Helpful Content For Others 

Just like this post, keep posting relevant information to your audience. 

Provide More Value To Your Community

Both online and off. 

Do your part and help an elderly or unwell neighbor out. Pop a note through the door offering to get supplies and write your phone number on it so they can call if they are lonely. 

Your online audience probably looks to you for value and advice, they respect you and your reassurance possibly means a lot. So don’t go quiet. Spread love and support amongst worry and fear. Give relevant information, ideas of things to do at-home, easy meal ideas, Netflix watch lists, TED talk recommendations, how to help in your community, and link to other content creators who are doing great stuff. 

  • DO post ‘time to reflect’ posts, self-care ideas, money-saving tips, DIY tips

  • DON’T be negative, scaremongering, or add to any panic

Improve Your Business Structure 

Whether you run a physical business, online business, juggle clients, make products or run passive streams, this will affect you in some way. 

If you have clients and customers, your number one responsibility is to make sure you are focusing on them, keeping them happy, and delivering on your work. Do not get distracted. People will be feeling more vulnerable and it’s easy for them to not spend money, to not invest, to not buy so make sure you are delivering on your end and treating your clients and customers like gold. Always. 

Focus on the backend of the business

  1. Get those blog posts that are sitting in your draft folder finished and published.

  2. Add pin-able images to your site and start pinning on Pinterest, you will see a return with traffic increase and potentially sales too.

  3. Update your email sequencing, I use Mailerlite and recommend them

  4. Add new email opt-ins and refresh your email sign-ups, your list is invaluable at a time like this.

Passive Income

It’s not too late to start brainstorming ways to toughen up and possibly add more passive income. Passive income is a great way to invest your time into something which will add value and bring revenue over time, with less effort in time (making money in your sleep). 

For example, if you have ever thought about making a product then focus your time and mind on designing that product. If you have something to teach, a skill you can pass on, then consider planning the curriculum to teach an online course. These forms of ‘passive income’ can literally make you money whilst you sleep, and can be a huge undertaking initially but pay off in the long term. If you foresee a quiet period ahead, start thinking outside the box and diversifying in your business structure to help in a possible recession. 

As an entrepreneur, this hasn’t affected my business too much as of yet because all my work is online. I write blog posts, create social media content, upload videos to YouTube, sell products and teach online. If I need to meet someone, I can do that on Skype, FaceTime, zoom. 

Right now, more people are at home and looking for things to do so videos and courses are ideal. 

This is what I have added in the last year

Update Your Website & Graphics

Give your social media, online presence, and CV some love and possibly overdue attention. I often leave my CV and portfolio until I have some ‘downtime’ and can update the images and information. Social media is something we are often on every day but updating bio’s and header graphics can bring a new lease of life and possibly attract new clients. Offer to do this for others, you never know where it might lead also. 

Security Blanket

It’s human nature to panic, at times like this we can go into survival mode BUT this is not the time to panic. When we panic, we tend to make bad decisions and act out of character, dramatic and often selfish. Think about your long-term planning and goals. Don’t act on fear now. Be mindful of your spending. Don’t panic buy, hoard supplies, or binge on something. 

The best way to weather a storm is to be prepared - this is when a ‘rainy-day fund’ of cash comes in very handy. We all know ‘cash is king’ meaning having access to money, not having it tied up in bonds, stock, property, etc. Recessions happen, and they will happen again, so if you don’t have a fund then start to make one and don’t touch it. Stash a 3-6 month budget, you may be very grateful for it someday. 

Recessions Happen

Learn from this, and the last recession, and prepare for the next recession. Be proactive and plan so you can ride the wave of recession. 

READ - How I Survived The Credit Crunch

If You Have Money, See The Opportunity

It sounds bad but if you have some money to play with, if you’re lucky enough, then this is the time to seek out opportunity and invest in the stock market. At times like this, the stock market is very reflective of the situation and fear. If you can see opportunity whilst everyone else is panicking then you will come out on top. Think long term, play the long game. Investors invest in stock at times like this because they know the market will turn around, eventually. 

Keeping Little Kids Entertained At Home

I have Mia home right now - not because we are quarantined, just to be clear - so here is some Instagram accounts that might help if you’re at home with little people:

And remember to go out for fresh air, a walk around the block or to a local park probably won’t mean interacting with too many people and if it does, try to keep a 2m distance apart.

Invest In Yourself

  • Catch up on reading

  • Binge-watch Netflix

  • Catch up on vlogs (wink wink)

  • Use this time to learn and take an online course like Skillshare

  • Watch some TED talks, teach your kids stuff

  • Teachers Pay Teachers - an inexpensive online store to help you teach any subject

  • Get some fresh air (try to stay 2m apart from others)

  • Have a spa day

  • Clean the house, declutter

  • Stick a good playlist on and have a dance party (just you, haha)

  • Finish those craft projects

  • Jump on YouTube and learn a new skill (knitting, editing, whatever)

  • FaceTime friends and call people

  • do some ‘quick meals for busy mums’ meal prep - amenuforyou

This Craziness Will Pass

Do Not Panic.

Stay home, stay safe. 

Take care of yourself.

Invest in yourself, use this time wisely. 

Yes, we might all catch some for of the Corona Virus so keep that in mind but by staying home we are all doing our bit to help slow the spread down, and that way the health care services can cope better. It’s not worth risking the health of others. You might feel that you are healthy and not affected, or could fight it off BUT it’s not necessarily you that you need to be concerned with - think of those you could carry it to.

how are you coping, do you have a plan in place?

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Sonia Nicolson

Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.

Do What You Love, and the sh*t that comes with it

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Do What You Love, and the sh*t that comes with it

What does ‘doing what you love’ really mean, and look like?

Since moving to Iceland 4 years ago now, I have worked for myself. Working for myself is an easy phrase to type or say but the action of making it happen and being successful, as in profitable, is a different story. Working for myself looks like running this blog, posting on Instagram (now 2 accounts), collaborations, filming editing and uploading videos to YouTube, running an Etsy shop, commissions, online course creation, client interior and architecture projects and all the marketing and admin that come with it. I don’t say yes to everything, it’s not all fun and games. I’ve learnt many lessons along the way so I wanted to take a minute and discuss what working for yourself and ‘doing what you love’ really looks like.

Build a life you love

People today seem to think that they can find their passion and do that every day, all day long. Easy, right? Your life will be amazing. Your work will be wonderful. You’ll never be bored. You’ll never get stressed. You’ll never have money worries, and you’ll only do what you want to do.

In reality, all that is kind of false.

Everyone’s an Entrepreneur

I feel like I hear this everywhere I turn right now. On blogs, Instagram, podcasts, YouTube, Facebook. Maybe that’s just a reflection of what I’m listening to and attracting but is it true? Are we in a generation of entrepreneurs?

Most entrepreneurs start out either with an idea or a solution. The main aim is to make a difference, either in someone’s life or as an impact on the world. A lot of these entrepreneurs will claim they can teach you how to ‘build a life you love’, ‘'build your business’, ‘build your following’, etc and a lot of them are very successful at it - if you’re willing to put in the hard work then hopefully you’ll see results. This can, of course, make a difference in your life, work and purpose. But then it doesn’t appeal or apply to everyone. Not everyone wants to, or should, be their own boss.

80/20

Running your own business can take about 80% of your time (spent on marketing, admin, etc) to allow for the creative part, that part that you’re really passionate about, and there’s only 20% of your time remaining. It’s a juggle and a struggle, and it’s not often how you imagined you’d be spending your time.

Live a Creative Life

As creatives, our personalities don’t necessarily lend themselves to being the boss - at least not straight away. My advice is to build up loads of experience, learn from others. Work in different companies, on different projects, with different clients, and budgets, and problems. Try hard, ask questions, work late, stick around, sit in on meetings you don’t need to be in (if allowed), offer ideas, find solutions, build your confidence.

I’m not one to quote Oprah but she said “Are you going to get bored with your job, yes. Are you going to get restless, yes. Are you going to love every second of it, no”…“Your job is not always going to fulfil you.” And of course she’s right, there will be days where you don’t feel like going…go anyway. “Your job is not who you are, it’s just what you’re doing on the way to who you will become.”

Building a working framework isn’t glamorous

Routine is important in life, in work, in our jobs and in building a framework for our future self. Think of your future self. Think back 1, 2, 5, 10 years ago and imagine what you would say to yourself about growth and personal development. Now think 1, 2, 5, 10 years ahead and start working on what that future self needs, now. Massive question…Are you happy in your life, where it’s going and in what you have achieved so far? If no, doing just read on, it’s time to make a plan and start it today.

Become an Expert

Routine can be boring, mundane but the action of doing something over and over and over again, eventually makes you become an expert. Over that time you will no doubt get good at it. Now apply this thinking to your skillset, especially the items you aren’t so keen on; sketching, CAD, writing, presenting, making phone calls.

This has helped me with things like working under pressure. Sure, it gets easier with time, you learn how to respond to pressure and priorities. Juggling it all is something I still find challenging, and probably will for a long time; projects, clients, employees (haha Ingimar), contractors (both online and off), suppliers (both online and off), and deadlines.

Clients

Working with clients is possibly one of the best and most challenging parts of my work. The best for obvious reasons; you wouldn’t be working without them, but clients often don’t understand the process, or that they might not be your only client at one time, yet they will demand your attention and creativity whether you’re ready or not. I’ve had a client give a project brief on a Monday and they’ve expected ideas to follow pretty much instantly.

“It doesn’t matter what you do and how much you love it, you will still have a tonne of sh*t you have to deal with in order to do what you love.” - Marie Forleo

Wearing all the hats

Facing the good and the bad in business is a necessity, it’s just how it works. Working for myself means I wear many hats, some I don’t like as much as others, some I wish I didn’t have to wear (especially on Monday mornings). For me, like many, that’s unanswered emails and following up on phone calls. But my biggest pet business peeve is having to chase up fees from clients who haven’t paid - it’s so disrespectful and rude.

Be your own Boss, in time

Having said all that, I love it and it’s all worth it. I love Layoutlines, I love Iceland Family Life, I love my work, I love working for myself and I love that I’m building my little empire. But remember it takes time. Respect the time it takes to build your empire. Those who rush, make mistakes.

Yes, I get impatient at times, I want to see the numbers higher and the pressure less. But all of that comes from my boss; me. That’s what being your own boss sometimes looks like. And that’s completely normal, we all do it. So I keep on writing these blog posts, picking up my camera, doing commissions, designs for clients, chasing fees, opening emails, and replying to DMs. You just have to do the ‘sh*t’ to make the good stuff keep happening.

Let’s embrace all the stuff we don’t necessarily love about building our empires and think of our future self. Turn up to work, even when we don’t want to. And once we are in a routine, going with the flow, open to new ideas - that’s when the magic will happen. What do you think?

An Instagram Guide To Reykjavik

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Instagram is like a travel photobook and I often look up places I am visiting to see what it looks like and get some ideas for posts too. So if you are like me, and are planning a trip to Reykjavik, here are my top 10 Instagram spots in Reykjavik - why not tag me @sonianicolson so I can see where you went.

Hallgrimskirkja Church (front & back of church)

Known as the big church, but note it is not the Cathedral in Reykjavik and sits proudly on the hill smack bang in the centre of town. It’s said to be inspired by an erupting geyser, and its bold and brutal architectural form certainly is dramatic. Go inside to take in the calm and minimal Scandi interior, listen to the magnificent organ, and take the lift to the top to enjoy 360 views across the city (on a clear day).

Icelandic Houses (in general)

Walking around downtown, you’ll see many picturesque corrugated-iron-clad houses, in many colours. Many of these houses have been in the same family for generations and are protected by the citi’s Planning Regulations. The original houses were typically constructed in timber with a stone coal store but after a large fire broke out years ago, construction changed to concrete. The corrugated iron was imported from the UK and used to cover wooden external work to protect it from the harsh Icelandic winter storms.

A cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co

Food, coffee, yay. This bakery is a treat for the eyes, nose, and stomach. The shopfront displays an abstract mural depicting Iceland’s landscape complete with mountains, moss, snow, volcanic eruptions, and the Northern Lights - or that’s what we see in it. Step inside and grab yourself a delicious cinnamon bun.

Street Art on & around Laugavegur (Tie Mural, etc)

The city has many murals on display across its buildings, by local and international artists. This is encouraged and some are well worth a wander to see.

Polar Bears on Laugavegur

A little touristy but the Polar bears standing guard on Laugavegur make for a fun picture - don’t worry, they’re not real and are washed every year.

‘Rainbow Road’ - bottom of Skólavörðustígur

The city used to paint a rainbow in different locations every year in chalk before they decided to paint it permanently in 2019 at the bottom of Skólavörðustígur. You can get a great picture from here, looking up towards Hallgrimskirkja.

Sólfarið (Sun Voyager sculpture)

This Viking ship sculpture, located in the bay, makes for a very dramatic picture with Mt Esja in the background.

Harpa Concert Hall

Come in and get warm. This beautiful modern concert hall is a fabulous public building so enjoy the outside but also pop in to warm up, use the toilet, get free WiFi and enjoy the views from the 5th floor. The building is inspired by fish scales and the glass is illuminated at night in colours to show off a display resembling the Northern Lights.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur’s for a traditional hot dog

Order a hot dog ‘with everything’ to fully enjoy the Icelandic hot dog experience, and have a look inside the hut to spot a picture of Bill Clinton at this very hot dog stand - which has withstood recent modern developments all around it.

Tjorinn (the pond and City Hall)

Get your bearings. Inside the city hall is a topographic map of Iceland which gives a great perspective of the landscape, its glaciers, and coastline. The pond outside freezes over in winter and locals skate on it, but a small section is kept defrosted for the resident swans and ducks.

Bonuses, in & around Reykjavik

  1. Grotta Lighthouse (and foot bath)

    Just outside the city, head west along the coast until you get to the Grotta Lighthouse. This makes for a nice, but windy, walk but there is a little thermal pool here which is big enough to sit with your feet in and enjoy the view. This is also a good spot for the Northern Lights, if you can see them here then it is worth a drive further from light pollution.

  2. Reykjavik’s’ Old Harbor

    A great area to wander around, grab some fish and chips or lobster soup, and explore the harbour. Seabarinn is a good spot for some lobster soup.

  3. Perlan

    A few minute’s drive south of the centre is Perlan or the Pearl. This is the city water tower but home to a fabulous exhibition on Iceland with a planetarium of the Aurora Borealis and an artificial ice cave. The cafe on the top floor is great and the views from here on a clear day are fabulous.

  4. Cafe Flóran Bistro

    The cafe is located in the City’s botanical gardens and is only open in the summer months, check their Facebook page. The cakes here are delicious and the setting is beautiful.

  5. Árbæjarsafn Open-Air Folk Museum

    A very cool outdoor exhibition displaying buildings from years gone by. Step inside an old Icelandic home, see objects from the past and learn about construction and more. Staff are in costume and the site is near Elliðaárdalur where the waterfall below is.

  6. Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden

    This sculpture garden is right beside Hallgrimskirkja, walk over the road and turn left. The garden is a little escape and full of bold and dramatic pieces which represent biblical stories or that of the Icelandic Sagas.

  7. Nauthólsvík geothermal beach

    Out near the domestic airport and past the University buildings is Nauthólsvík which is a nice little beach where you can spot some brave souls swimming but also you can enjoy the small pool here. Check times as it does close for cleaning.

  8. Mt Esja

    A hike that rewards you with a view across to the city, Mt Esja is the ‘table mountain’ of Reykjavik.

  9. Imagine Peace Tower

    The light that shines straight up from an island in the bay is the Yoko Ono Peace Tower. This is only light in winter but can be seen from all over Reykjavik.

  10. Elliðaárdalur Waterfall

    A beautiful park with an incredible waterfall right in the city, Elliðaárdalur is a fabulous walk and the waterfall is easy to find and well worth it.

Reykjavík City Guide - A Local's City Guide

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If you are planning a trip to Reykjavik, what better than to read a Reykjavik City Guide written by an expat and an Icelandic local? I moved here 4 years ago now and have spent a lot of time wandering the streets, capturing Instagram posts, sketching, and making new friends in the downtown pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Ingimar is a local, having lived in Reykjavik most of his life. So, we combined our faves of the city and created the following Reykjavik City Guide - go on, bookmark this post.

How To Get There

Flying into Iceland, you will probably land at Keflavik Airport which is about 40 minutes from Reykjavik. If you’ve hired a car then head to your pick up but if you are looking for an airport transfer, either buy your ticket onboard Icelandair or at the desks in the arrivals terminal.

If you have any Tax-free shopping to claim on your way out, the desk for this is to the left - in between arrivals and departures. It’s worth noting that most Icelanders head to duty-free for their booze before baggage claim to save some dosh so if you’re planning on enjoying a little drink, join them.

Welcome to Iceland, you just landed on the moon

What To Visit, See, Do…

Parliament Square

A great place to start, or use as a meeting point, is Parliament Square. Yes, that stone building in front of you is the Icelandic parliament, built in 1881 and features a crown in the centre on the roof which was placed there in the time of the Danish rule. You can pretty much just walk right up to the front door. From here, plan your walking tour or enjoy some of the restaurants and bars nearby.

Reykjavik Cathedral

Next to the parliament, on the left in the below picture, is the Reykjavik Cathedral. The Cathedral has a beautiful wooden, dark interior and is often candle-lit. If you get a peek inside then you are lucky, the Cathedral is used for state services only.

Tjörnin Pond

Behind the Parliament is the Tjörnin Pond which freezes over in winter and locals ice skate on it. The city keeps a small section of the pond heated and defrosted for the resident swans and ducks. A walk around the pond shows off some local architecture, often now B&Bs or embassy buildings.

City Hall & its Topographical Map

Pop inside the City Hall for a look at the huge topographical map of Iceland. It will give you a good perspective of the landmass versus population, towns, and cities are painted in orange.

The Blockhead

Outside, where the ducks and swans often gather hoping to be fed, is a sculpture of a Bureaucrat aka ‘blockhead’. The building beside the Bureaucrat is Iðnó, the Culture House, and has a nice little cafe inside if you want a cuppa and a warm-up.

Harpa Concert Hall

This magnificent building stands proud on the coastline and was a survivor of the last recession. It’s a love/hate building but worth a visit. Pop inside to wander around this public building, use the toilets, and free WiFi, and take the lift to the 5th floor to enjoy the views. Inspired by fish scales, the modern glass facade is beautiful and takes on a new life when the sun catches the light and colour in the glass and mirrors. At night the facade displays a light show replicating the dancing Aurora of the Northern Lights.

Solfar/Sun Voyager

Further along the coastline, about a 10-minute walk past Harpa, you will spot the Sun Voyager (Sólfar) sculpture by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason which depicts a Viking ship. In the background is Mt Esjan giving a dramatic backdrop.

Reykjavik Houses

There are still a lot of residential streets in the downtown area of Reykjavik and many of the streets are heated using geothermal wastewater, which is great in the winter and avoids icy pavements. The houses are often painted in different colours and make for a fab Instagram picture or two. I love sketching them, the corrugated iron cladding and little windows are very Scandinavian and charming.

Central Square

A maximum 10-minute walk from anywhere, Central Square is a good place to locate yourself. With skateboarders in the summer and ice skating in the winter, there’s always something going on. See the steam from the extract vents in the picture below, pop your hands in your gloves, and onto these pipes to warm up. From here you can either head to the Old Harbour or Flea Market, up to Hallgrimskirkja church via shops and cafes, or Parliament and Tjörnin Pond.

Rainbow Road

Reykjavik is a small city and only has 2 ‘shopping streets’; Skólavörðustígur & Laugavegur. Both are relatively touristy and most Icelanders head to either Kringlan or Smáralind Shopping Malls. Walking on Skólavörðustígur you will see a rainbow painted on the road. A rainbow was temporarily painted in different locations around the city each year for the annual Pride Parade, and in 2019 the city decided to make this a permanent feature.

Leifur Eiríksson Statue

At the top of Skólavörðustígur and right in front of Hallgrimskirkja you will see a sculpture of the Viking, Leifur Eiríksson, who is said to be the first Icelandic settler (who Icelanders claim is Icelandic and not Norwegian). This statue was a gift from America to commemorate Iceland's 1000th anniversary of Alþingi, the parliament of Iceland.

Hallgrimskirkja

The church sits proudly at the top of Skólavörðustígur and is well worth a walk around before going inside to see the magnificent organ and enjoy its music in a very calm interior. Take the lift to the top for a small price, and enjoy 360 views across the city (on a clear day).

Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden

Located across from Hallgrimskirkja is the slightly gothic, beautiful Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden and Museum. Free entry so take 5 and wander around the small collection of sculptures inspired by biblical stories, seasons and nature, and the Icelandic Sagas. This park is even more beautiful if there’s been a fresh snowfall.

Cafe Loki is nearby if you are looking for a snack, they have Icelandic Lamb Soups or try the Rye Bread Ice Cream - and there’s a fabulous mural of the Sagas upstairs on the restaurant’s wall.

Museums/Exhibitions

I’m not one to spend a lot of time in museums or exhibitions when I travel, a gallery maybe but I usually prefer to wander the cityscape. Having lived here in Reykjavik for a few years now, I will be honest, I have only been to a few places and so will recommend those.

Perlan - Wonders Of The World

The Aurora Planetarium is well worth the show, and cost, and the Ice Cave is pretty cool too (cool). Pop up to the cafe on the top floor and enjoy the views across the city from inside, with a lovely warm coffee.

Flyover Reykjavik

I haven’t been yet but I’ve heard only good things - it’s on our list to do, soon.

Árbær Open Air Museum

This museum is on the outskirts of Reykjavik but is worth a visit if you’d like to see what Iceland looked like in years gone by. Wander around old houses and see people dressed in Icelandic National costumes.

Local Pools

One of the best things about Iceland is its geothermal energy and you can enjoy this whilst soaking in a ‘hot pot’ at a local swimming pool. There are loads to choose from but in Reykjavik, we recommend the following. Please note that you will have to shower before going in the pool - it’s only at the Blue Lagoon that this is a little more ‘private’.

read: all about the local pools

  1. Vesturbaejarlaug

    A great authentic experience with locals, a big outdoor pool with hot pots and one large hot pool - bus route 11, 13

  2. Laugardalslaug

    Right next to the national stadium, mix of locals and visitors. The pool is huge and offers lots of hot pots, plus a heated saltwater pool good kid pools, and slides - bus route 12, 14

  3. Sundhollin

    Possibly the most central, large indoor and outdoor pool with hot pots

    *Senior Citizens swim for free

Aurora / Northern Lights

If you are traveling in winter then yes, you might be lucky enough to get to see the magical Aurora dancing in the night sky. But to see the Northern Lights, you need darkness (so the summer months are out), a cloudless sky (if you can see the stars then there’s a chance), and a good forecast (3-4 and upwards is worth a hunt) and a good bit of luck. The best months for getting lucky in spotting the Aurora are September, October, and March, April.

Read: the northern lights in Iceland

Where To Eat

(I’ll do a much longer Reykjavik Guide to Food and Drinks soon)

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

The famous hot dog stand at Tryggvagata 1 is where Bill Clinton visited and you can spot his picture inside. It’s worth a visit - even if you’re not all that into hot dogs. This little stand has survived recent modern developments all around it and is a treasure that stays open into the wee small hours. Opt for a hot dog ‘with everything’ for the full experience.

Mathöll Indoor Market

There are a few of these around the city but the easiest might be either Hlemmur or Grandi. The vendors change but the food is good and it’s a great way to please a large group.

ROK

Frakkastígur 26a (opposite Hallgrimskirkja church) is a newly renovated restaurant in a lovely old Reykjavik house, complete with a grass roof. The food is tapas-style Icelandic with a twist, and everything is good - cocktails too.

Brauð & Co.

For a very hipster and typically Icelandic cinnamon bun. They have a few locations around Reykjavik but this one at 16 Frakkastígur is very cool, just look at that mural. What do you see? Northern lights, snow, volcanos, midnight sun, bubbling lava? And, yes, it smells amazing.

Where To Party

When it comes to nightlife, Reykjavik is a relatively small city so don’t get your hopes too high. There are more and more bars popping up downtown and, to be honest, it’s been a while since either the Viking or I were out on the town so we’ll try our best here.

Download the app ‘Appy Hour’ and search out the happy hours to enjoy your bar brawl. We like Kaldi (cosy interior), Íslenski barinn (also good for food), Lebowski Bar (which has a small dance floor at the back), Slippbarinn (good for a chat and a drink), Kol Restaurant (amazing food and great cocktails too)

Kiki is the best nightclub in Reykjavik, in my opinion. It’s a queer bar, as it states on their sign. The music’s good and you don’t get hassled.

Music Festivals are big here so it’s worth checking out Sonar Reykjavik (February), Secret Solstice (June), and Iceland Airwaves (November).

Keep your costs down and buy your booze at the airports duty-free, along with all the Icelanders.

Also, it’s worth saying that the ‘Beer’ in shops and petrol stations is non-alcoholic.

Where To Stay

There are lots of hotels to choose from, from old to new, small to a large chain. We haven’t ever done a staycation but we like the look of the following.

  • CenterHotel Plaza

  • Midgardur by Center Hotels

  • Sand Hotel by Keahotels

  • Fosshotel Reykjavík

  • Rey Apartments

Loft and KEX are two of the most popular hostels in Reykjavik, both have loads going on and are often busy so you will meet other travellers easily. Loft offers Water Colouring which I sometimes go to.

Airbnb is a great option for Iceland and if you are hiring a car then you don’t need to stay downtown or central.

On a Budget?

Iceland is expensive. Be warned.

Book trips ahead, look into discount cards such as CITYCARD and try to cook for yourself instead of eating out. Do not shop at the local mini supermarkets downtown, or if you do please be warned that they are overpriced. Instead, opt for the larger chains such as Bonus (the logo is a big pink pig) or Krona.

Again, if you plan to drink, consider buying your alcohol at the airport duty-free.

Bonus Tips

Street Art

There’s loads of great street art in and around Reykjavik, this is encouraged and often paid for by the city. Some of these murals are stunning and some leave a lot to the imagination. Here are some of the ones you’ll no doubt spot as you walk around the city centre.

Polar Bears on Laugavegur

Whatever you do, whether in the summer or winter, we are sure you’ll have a great trip here in Reykjavik. If you have any questions, please pop them in a comment below or drop us a message. And, don’t forget to get a friendly hug from the Polar Bears standing guard on Laugavegur.

tag us in your trip @sonianicolson

5 Things To Do In Iceland

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Iceland is on many people’s bucket list these days, thank you cheap flights, and it’s well worth a trip but what should you have on your itinerary? Having lived here for 3 years now, here are my top 5 things to do in Iceland.

1. Reykjavik

You don’t come to Iceland to see the capital city but you will probably make a stop here so let’s cover it and then get onto the real stuff.

You can easily walk around the city in the morning and have it covered. Start off at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church - this is not the Cathedral but it is a beautiful modern building said to be inspired by an erupting geyser, in the heart of the city. For a small fee, you can take the lift to the top and enjoy the 360’ views across the city.

Back down in the streets, wander around to enjoy the local architecture and by this, we mean the cute corrugated iron-clad houses. Pick up a cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co. on Frakkastígur before taking some pictures of the Polar bears on Laugavergar or the Sun Voyager sculpture in the bay. Walk along to Harpa, the concert hall, and enjoy the glass facade which is illuminated at night to replicate the dancing Aurora. Enjoy some lobster soup, fish & chips, or Icelandic lamp downtown or in the old harbor - or just snack on a hot dog from the famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur stand on Tryggvagata.

There are loads of cafes or kaffi houses around to warm up in, plentiful street art to spot and museums or galleries to take shelter in.

2. Head out of the city

Iceland is all about nature, yeah Reykjavik is a pretty cool city but once you leave the traffic and buildings behind then you discover the real Iceland. The waterfalls, moss and lava, secret pools, glaciers and icebergs, black sand beaches, volcanos, and geysers - there is just so much to see. 

Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón, aka the glacier lagoon on the South Coast, is by far my favorite spot and I still stand in absolute awe at it. Sure, it’s just a lagoon of ice, surrounded by ice, but it is so captivating and serene at the same time. The blue is so blue, the calm is “oh so quiet“ - ok I will stop now but you have to add it to your list if you are doing a road trip.

Thingvellir Techtonic Plates

As you head out of the city to the famous Golden Circle, take some time to wander the paths between the tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park. This is where the Eurasian and American plates meet, and for the more adventurous travelers, you can scuba dive between them.

The Hot River Hike

Hike to the hot river at Reykjadalur, a fabulous 45-60min hike that gives you stunning views out to the Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) and there’s a pretty cool waterfall on the way. Take a towel, swim stuff, and a drink to enjoy as you sit in the hot river and think about where you are.

Glacier hike anyone?

It’s pretty awesome that you can book to join a tour and do a hike on one of Europe’s biggest glaciers. I did the hike on Sólheimajökull which was pretty easy and most would be able to enjoy this experience. You get a hard hat and crampons so it’s safe and your guide will lead the way.

Walk in a volcanic landscape

Other than the Blue Lagoon, the area around Keflavik is a pretty special, and often quieter place. Head towards Grindavik and check out Gunnuhver, a geothermal landscape where you can see the stream rising and earth bubbling around you from all the volcanic activity.

3. chase waterfalls

You really can chase waterfalls in Iceland, they are everywhere and they are all unique and beautiful in their own way. Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, is located in the northeast of Iceland but you don’t have to do a huge road trip to see some.

On the South Coast you will first come across Seljalandsfoss and then Skogafoss, the first of which you can actually walk behind. On the Golden Circle, you will visit Gullfoss but there are many lesser-known falls to visit as you drive around.

4. Geothermal pools

The Blue Lagoon is the first pool that comes to mind when talking about Iceland. It is iconic and well worth a visit, it can be very romantic too. As are many things in Iceland it’s pricey so book ahead and splurge for the ticket that includes the masks and a drink from the swim-up bar - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience so you may as well do it right.

The slightly less famous pool, and therefore slightly quieter (and cheaper) is the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir. It certainly isn’t a secret anymore but it is one of Iceland’s oldest pools and worth a quick dip.

If you’re on the South Coast then you can make a stop off at the ‘hidden’ (from no one these days) Seljavallalaug which is fed by a natural spring and sits nestled in a valley under the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Try out the local pools too, way more budget-friendly and fun experience. The largest one is Laugardalslaug, next to the national football stadium, or head to Vesturbæjarlaug where the hipsters hang out and Bjork has been spotted.

Wherever you go in Iceland, you will see some stunning landscapes. Park sensibly, stay off the moss, respect nature and you will have an amazing trip.

5. The Northern Lights

If visiting Iceland in the winter then you probably have the Northern Lights on your bucket list. Yes, they are magical and an incredible sight to see but you need a good forecast, dark cloudless starry sky, and a lot of luck to spot them. Whether you head out on a tour or on your own, head away from light pollution. You don’t need to go too far, just outside the city is great, and simply look up. If Aurora is dancing you will see her.

Personally, I have seen good lights from November to February, and tend to have a little look from our balcony (yup, we are that lucky) at around 11 pm and have gotten lucky. On the forecast, there is a scale and I would say if it reads 3-4 then you have a chance but 4+ is worth going on a drive out of the city. If you are dedicated then head out from 9 pm till 1 am, no later as it’s not worth spoiling the next day for. Good luck.

what were your favourite things in Iceland or what are you looking forward to?