Just Back From: Iceland & Copenhagen
For this Just Back From, I spoke with a guest who traveled to Iceland and Copenhagen with her family this past August. I also shared my favorite spots from a trip to Copenhagen a few years ago.
On traveling to Iceland:
We flew to Reykjavik via Icelandair, which took about five hours. It was easy, and after arrival, we went right to the Blue Lagoon.
On where they stayed:
We were there for four nights, and we stayed at a few different places. We spent one night at the Panorama Glass Lodge, a series of glass houses available for rent in a very rural area. The houses are small, and the sleeping area is made entirely from glass—you look out and see the sky and surrounding nature. It was incredibly cool. The houses were spaced out from one another, so it was very private. The primary reason why people stay there is to see the Northern Lights. It is not a typical hotel, with a lobby and dining area—it was just the private rentals.
We also spent one night at the ION Adventure Hotel. It would have been amazing, but it was right next to a natural power plant, which was weird.
We also stayed at the EDITION in Reykjavik, which felt like their other properties—lots of white and greenery.
On their favorite activities in Iceland:
We visited the Blue Lagoon and Thríhnúkagígur Volcano and spent hours driving around. Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace.
On the Blue Lagoon:
We booked day passes to the Blue Lagoon through The Retreat, the lagoon’s hotel and private spa. We reserved a five-hour time block, and they provided us with private changing rooms and robes. They limit the number of guests, so it feels very private. To ensure everyone’s privacy, no cameras or phones are allowed. We did a unique massage treatment in the water where you're lying on a float in the water, receiving a massage while being gently dipped in the warm to stay warm. It is incredibly relaxing.
On Thríhnúkagígur Volcano:
The Thríhnúkagígur Volcano was a great experience. It is the only volcano in the world with an elevator that takes guests into the magma chamber.
On their favorite restaurant:
On our last night, we ate at OX in Reykjavik, a Michelin-starred restaurant. We had the best time there—it was really fun, and the meal was delicious.
On reaching Copenhagen from Reykjavik:
We flew Icelandair, and it took about two and a half hours. It was very easy.
On their hotel in Copenhagen:
We stayed at Villa Copenhagen. It is a very cool hotel in a converted old building with a gorgeous glass atrium. Our top-floor room was small but charming, with a slanted roof and rafters typical of the region.
Mindy’s Note: We stayed at Hotel d’Angleterre during our visit to Copenhagen a few years ago. One of the top properties in the city, it is a mid-sized hotel in the perfect location to walk around the city. I remember the rooms being nicely done but not particularly special.
On touring Copenhagen:
The highlight of our trip was a bicycle food tour with Cykelkokken, led by a chef who cooked for us as we explored the city. There was a cooking set-up attached to his bike; at one point, he was literally sauteeing while we biked. We made four or five stops to eat and learn about Copenhagen, and we loved the oyster course.
We also took a more traditional bike tour and a boat tour, which I highly recommend. It navigates the canals and the harbor.
Another highlight was the Jewish tour. Our guide was excellent, sharing rich historical insights as we visited the synagogue and the Jewish Museum.
Mindy’s Note: Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit, especially if you are with children. It blends classic amusement park fun with a beautiful European charm—imagine an amusement park where the rollercoasters and bumper cars were designed with a vintage flair. It isn’t Six Flags; it is the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled, sunny day. Also, a fun fact: Tivoli Gardens inspired Walt Disney’s Disney World.
On restaurants:
On our first night in Copenhagen, we ate at Kadeau, a two-star Michelin restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine. They have a farm on an island off the coast, and all the produce is grown there. The meal was delicious—very vegetable and fish-heavy.
We ate at Geranium, a three-star Michelin restaurant, on our second night. We loved it; the food was very sophisticated.
On our final night, we ate open-faced sandwiches at a food hall. It was a nice change to have something casual and low-key, especially after two nights of fine dining.
Mindy’s Note: Like this interviewee, I dined at Geranium and found it a fantastic experience, with an artistic presentation and delicious cuisine. I am thrilled to hear that it is still one of the best restaurants in the city. We also loved trying smørrebrød, a Danish staple of open-faced sandwiches. I can’t recommend them enough!