Whales, Rainbow Streets, and Reykjavík’s Quiet Surprises — A Solo Trip with No Plan

There are places where planning makes sense. Reykjavík, I found, isn’t one of them.

Landing in Iceland, I skipped the spreadsheets and set out with little more than a windproof jacket, my lightweight waterproof backpack, and a soft plan to chase quiet moments. The city did the rest.


Day 1: Whale Watching with a Side of Windburn

 From the harbour, I boarded the Amelia Rose — a modest red boat known for skipping the tourist fluff. The sea was calm, the crew kind, and the upper deck freezing. I climbed up anyway. Three layers deep and gripping hot coffee, I caught a lucky sight: a pod of dolphins, flanked by two minke whales. They sliced through the grey water with casual grace, as if they knew we’d sailed out just for them.

Tip: bring gloves and a second hat. The wind at sea isn’t shy.

Rainbow-painted street leading to Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik

Day 2: Rainbow Street and Museum Stops

 Back on land, I wandered down Skólavörðustígur, better known as Rainbow Street. It’s colourful, cliché, and worth every step. I ducked into Svarta Kaffid for a bowl of thick meat stew — no menu, just warmth and sourdough.

From there, a stop at the Icelandic Phallological Museum (yes, that one) proved far more educational than expected. Then I ended the day in Hallgrímskirkja’s quiet pews, listening to a local play organ to an almost-empty room.

Whale watching from a red tour boat in Reykjavik, dolphins spotted in the water

Day 3: Downtown Bites & Slow Walks

 Rain came and went. I didn't rush. A grilled cod dish at Messinn and a strong espresso at Reykjavík Roasters was more than enough adventure for the day. I liked that this city didn’t demand too much.

Overlooking Reykjavik harbour with colourful houses and grey skies

Iceland didn't overwhelm me with things to do — it just gave me space. And sometimes, that's all a solo trip needs.


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