The weather might be hotting up, but if you’re after a coolcation, this city in Iceland is getting brand new flights from the UK.
Icelandair is launching a new route between Edinburgh and Reykjavik, starting on September 12, 2025.
The airline said they will operate this seasonal service ‘either three or four flights a week’ until 12 April 2026.
Currently, there are tickets on sale on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the cheapest flights costing just £87.24 one way.
The new flight, which will take around two and a half hours, will be Icelandair’s second destination in Scotland, with an already existing service in Glasgow.
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Reykjavik is an increasingly popular city-break choice for those travellers looking for somewhere a little different.
The capital city has been called ‘full of life’, with a staggering 60% of the country’s population living there, and is praised for it’s ‘laid-back’ vibe.
From world-class restaurants to awe-inspiring natural scenery, there’s plenty of reasons to add Reykjavik to your ‘must-visit’ list.
Things to do and see in Reykjavík
If you’re heading to Iceland in September, when these new flights launch, you’re going to want to try and see the elusive Northern Lights.
While the city’s light population makes them a little trickier to witness than in other parts of the country, they’re best viewed from The Grotta Lighthouse.
Set against a rugged landscape and the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse is free to enter, and is just a 10 minute drive from the city centre. You’ll want to get there early though, as it’s a popular spot for those chasing the aurora.
And of course, no trip to Reykjavík would be complete without a dip in the Blue Lagoon, named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic.
The man-made geothermal spa is part of a sprawling complex, where you can get massages, cocktails and a delicious meal, but the highlight is relaxing in the turquoise waters, which are said to have healing properties. Be sure to book in advance, the cheapest packages are currently advertised at around £57.
For culture, you can’t miss the Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church that towers over the city. There’s also the Reykjavík Art Museum and the nearby Photography Museum for the art-buffs.
Be sure to take a trip to the vibrant Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street, where you’ll find colourful murals and street art. The main street also intersects with Klapparstigur Street, which gets painted in rainbow colors during Pride month.
And if you’re a foodie, Reykjavík is the city for you. Coffee culture is alive and well here, and be sure to order a delicious pastry on the side. Be sure to try and Icelandic love ball (or ástarpungar), a fried pastry similar to a donut, but with no hole, and raisins inside.
For fine dining, Brut and DILL both offer world-class seafood, and be sure to try the city’s famous hot dogs, which have been dubbed ‘the best in the world’ by none other than Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian.
The hot dogs are said to be stand-out due to the blend of lamb, pork and beef sausages, and the best are found at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a stand which has been selling them since 1937.
'Don't bother with Reykjavík's most popular tourist attraction — go here instead'
Metro’s Assistant Lifestyle Editor, Jessica Lindsay, recently spent three days in Iceland’s capital city. She shares her top tips for those planning a city break.
Jess says: ‘Everybody goes to the Blue Lagoon, and it can feel quite touristy and crowded, so I’d reccommend trying some different options.
‘Hvammsvík Hot Springs is a stunning alternative if you want to be at one with Iceland’s natural beauty, while Sky Lagoon is best if you’re after a pamper.
‘The Northern Lights is also likely to be on your Reykjavík to-do list, but if the skies don’t play ball, don’t be disheartened: head to the Perlan Museum’s domed planetarium and you can enjoy an immersive Aurora Borealis that’s almost as good as the real thing.
‘From the Punk Museum to the Phallological Museum, there’s plenty to see on foot. If you can though, schedule in a whale-watching boat trip, and consider hiring a car to explore the country’s jaw-dropping landscapes – including waterfalls and ice caves featured in Game of Thrones.’
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