Senior travel: Reykjavík
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 45 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Sólfar (Sun Voyager)Step-free: yes · about 20 minNone.
- Austurvöllur squareStep-free: yes · about 25 minNone on the main paths.
- HallgrímskirkjaStep-free: yes · about 45 minA short stair above the tower lift.
- HarpaStep-free: yes · about 45 minNone on the main route.
- Old Harbour (Gamla höfnin)Step-free: yes · about 45 minSteps or gangways to boats.
- Sundhöllin (Reykjavík swimming pool)Step-free: check (check before you go) · about 90 minA few steps at the entrance.
Getting around in Reykjavík
The centre is compact and fairly flat, but ice, wind and the hill to Hallgrímskirkja slow wheelchairs and strollers in winter. Newer buildings, Harpa, buses and the big museums have lifts and ramps; older shops and cafés often have a step.
- Pavements:
- Level and heated in parts of the centre; Laugavegur has uneven sections and street furniture.
- Buses:
- Strætó buses have low floors and a ramp; the driver can help (check per route).
- Taxis:
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be booked through taxi companies; book ahead.
- Slope:
- The climb from Laugavegur to Hallgrímskirkja is short but steep.
- Pools:
- Public pools have lifts or ramps and accessible changing rooms (check each pool).
- Ice and snow:
- Winter pavements are cleared but can be slippery; ask the hotel about cleared routes.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Iceland guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Tap water:
- Cold tap water is clean and needs no filter; hot water smells of sulphur, which is harmless.
- Cold and wind:
- Wind chill makes 5 °C feel near freezing: wear layers and a windproof shell.
- Sun:
- UV can be high on clear summer days, and snow glare is strong in spring.
- Sleep:
- Summer light and winter dark disturb sleep; bring an eye mask and blackout curtains.
- Hot pots:
- Do not stay in a hot pot for more than 20–30 minutes at a time; drink water.
- Insurance:
- EU visitors carry an EHIC or GHIC; others need travel insurance with medical cover and evacuation.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.