Iceland is amazing so where better to spend New Year, especially when one of our favourite bands is playing at the amazing Harpa.
Throw in a New Years Eve 10k race and the chance to do a one day one road trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and it was something we just couldn’t say no.
In the short space of time we were there we managed to cram in a lot. Concert, 10k race, The craziest New Years Eve you can imagine, Snæfellsjökull Peninsula roadtrip, Secret Lagoon and Gullfoss Waterfall. An action packed 4 days in the best place on earth.
Sigur Ros at Harpa
We celebrated our 10th wedding aniversary at The Bivouac Masham with an Icelandic theme and finished the ceremony off with Sigur Rós – Hoppípolla so the opportunity to see them in Iceland at New Year as part of the Norður Og Niður (North & Down) Festival was an opportunity we couldn’t miss.
Gamlárshlaup Ír (New Years Run), Reykjavik 10k
Each year 100’s of running from all over Iceland end the year with a fast 10k race. Most wear fancy dress and all wear a smile.
The race starts outside Harpa Convert Hall and goes along the coast past teh famous Sun Voyager sculpture to a turnaround point at 5km where you do a 180 and return along the same route.
If you’re a runner in Reykjavik for New Year then this is a must. The atmosphere is amazing and and runners all friendly and cheerful.
Official website – https://netskraning.is/gamlarshlaupir/
Seltjarnarnes Peninsula
Seltjarnarnes Peninsula is just a few minutes from downtown Reykjavík so made for a perfect afternoon of exploring after the 10k race.
Surrounded by the ocean, it draws visitors and locals alike for inspiring walks and thrilling cycling paths with panoramic views of magnificent nature, the mountains and the sea.
View the capital area from Grótta lighthouse.
New Years Eve Reykjavik
New Years Eve in Reykjavik is like nothing else.
Snæfellsjökull Peninsula Road trip
Up early and on the road before dawn for a road trip to
Stop 1 – Kirkjufell Mountain
The Secret Lagoon
Gulfoss Waterfall
Getting there
Where to stay
Tips
- Pretty much everywhere is closed on New Years Day. If you are planning a trip anywhere make sure you take food and drink with you because it will be impossible to find anything on the road
- Pack some microspikes in your suitcase. We recommend Kahtoola Microspikes
- It’s going to be cold, really cold so take lots of layers