Iceland is a land of dramatic contrasts—fire and ice, light and dark—and an exceptional destination for mixing business with adventure. It’s ideally located between North America and Europe, making it convenient for international colleagues to fly in without excessively long journeys. From Keflavík International Airport, city bus route 55 runs regularly to Reykjavík for about $17, payable by cash or card onboard. For a more comfortable transfer, the Flybus service costs around $30 and connects the airport to the central bus terminal, from where hotels and city attractions are easily accessible. Reykjavík’s compact, walkable layout means meetings, restaurants and cultural sites are typically close together.
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The striking glass façade of the Harpa Conference Centre hosts concerts, conferences and corporate events for up to 3,500 guests. Situated next to the downtown area and surrounded by an expanding range of hotels, Harpa provides an ideal base for business gatherings while keeping leisure activities within easy reach. In short breaks between meetings, sample a classic hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, stroll Laugavegur—the city’s main shopping street—or visit top museums such as the interactive Perlan nature center or the National Museum of Iceland. For quick self-guided exploration, GPSmyCity offers concise walking tours like the Reykjavik Introduction Walking Tour and the Reykjavik Historical Buildings Tour.
After business commitments are complete, renting a car and setting out on a road trip is a popular way to extend the trip. Reykjavík is a logical starting point for scenic drives: rentals are affordable there, your journey begins and ends near Keflavík, and it’s convenient if meetings were held in the city. While car hire is available at the airport, many travelers find it simpler to arrange a vehicle in Reykjavík shortly before departure to avoid city parking challenges. Reykjavik Cars is among the economical options, with rates that can start at around $20 per day depending on season and availability.
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© WIESLAW JAREK | DREAMSTIME.COM
The 155-mile Golden Circle is Iceland’s most accessible scenic route and can be completed in a single day or enjoyed over two or three days while returning to Reykjavík each night. The route links compact, memorable attractions: Gullfoss (the Golden Falls); the Great Geysir area, home to the mostly dormant Great Geysir and the active Strokkur, which erupts roughly every 10 minutes; and Þingvellir National Park, the historic site of Iceland’s ancient parliament where visitors can walk along rifts and even snorkel or dive between tectonic plates.
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For travelers with a week or more, the 820-mile Ring Road (Route 1) offers a comprehensive tour of Iceland’s varied landscapes. Weather conditions can shift quickly and volcanic activity occasionally affects travel, so checking forecasts and road conditions before setting out is essential. Because you can begin the loop either eastward or northward, choose the direction with the most favorable weather and continue around the island from there. Along the Ring Road you’ll encounter iconic sites such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and expansive southern glaciers; dramatic fjords and fishing villages in the east; geothermal areas, whale-watching opportunities and northern lights in the north; and eclectic towns in the west with unique museums and notable dining options. No matter which route you choose, Iceland delivers powerful scenery and memorable experiences that blend work and leisure seamlessly.