It’s a sort of unwritten, gold-rimmed rule: The more enticing the location, the more rewarding strategy sessions and networking will likely be. That makes Iceland’s easily walkable capital city ideal for business and entertaining colleagues between meetings. Happily, Reykjavík is more accessible than ever, thanks to an ever-growing collection of cruise ships making port there.

Loosely translated, Reykjavík means “bay of smoke,” perhaps due to the spectral mists that often drape the watery surface of Faxaflói Bay. Take advantage of the ethereal quality of this natural display by treating your associates to a walking tour or a three-hour, guided whale-watching expedition with local outfitter Icelandia. Before setting off from the city’s Old Harbour, participants are supplied with a warm pair of coveralls to wear for the duration of the adventure; handy for staying cozy while scanning the water for minke, blue whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises.

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If weather doesn’t make cruising possible, whales can still provide an entertainment option at Whales of Iceland, where museum exhibits include hand-sculpted, life-sized models of the majestic creatures native to Icelandic waters. Tours include an audio guide narrated by marine experts and biologists. The museum is located in the Grandi harbor district, once the epicenter of the area’s fishing industry. The on-site Big Little Whale Café serves coffee, tea and pastries; the center can also be booked for private meetings and events.

Locations such as the whale museum, The Settlement Exhibition and Gamla Bíó venue — which opened as a cinema, became an opera house and now serves as a multifunctional space for events, meetings and performances — help make this capital both distinct and unforgettable.

“Reykjavík will astound visitors with its unique setting,” said Sigurjóna Sverrisdóttir, manager, Meet in Reykjavík, Iceland Convention Bureau. “The combination of culture, safety, comfort and easy access to thrilling, otherworldly nature and wellness opportunities for your business event is unrivaled. Whether creating new stakeholder relationships or nurturing existing ones, Reykjavík’s location midway between North America and Europe is the perfect setting for an event.”

Start the work day with something delicious and local. Consider one of the city’s best breakfast spots and meeting spaces on the harborfront at The Reykjavik EDITION in the lobby-level Tides Restaurant. Coffee by Reykjavík Roasters and tea from Tea People prove the perfect accompaniments to local eggs and seafood selections served with delicious, fresh-baked breads and pastries.

While this swish new property boasts all the expected bells and whistles for events and meetings, it also offers a selection of unique spaces available to reserve: Tölt Cocktail Bar with custom nibbles; the Corner Suite with massive windows overlooking Mount Esja and the sparkling harbor; and Sunset, a private space ready for a local city DJ or other entertainment to take the stage. For additional fun, try Sunset’s photo booth and 1980s-style arcade.

For some of the city’s best bagels and doughnuts, bring your clients to Deig Bakery at Reykjavík Exeter hotel. Already popular with local residents, this bakery gained widespread renown after being featured on the Icelandic episode of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil.

For power lunches with a distinctly local vibe, head to Brút Restaurant, included in the MICHELIN Guide and located on Pósthússtræti street within one of Reykjavík’s most storied buildings. In the space between the thick flagstone floors and the industrial-vibe ceiling, lunch-goers can enjoy expertly prepared, ultra-fresh seafood and shellfish in a friendly, low-key setting. Diners can also indulge in a huge selection of seafood dishes at The Fish Company, all dreamed up by owner-chef Lárus Gunnar Jónasson and served in the historic, 19th-century Zimsen building.

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Downtown, the glittering glass edifice housing Harpa Concert Hall stands out as a landmark on the waterfront. But not everything happens at night in this waterside cathedral to the arts; in addition to world-class musical and theatrical performances, Harpa is fully equipped to handle both large-scale and intimate conferences and meetings. During the day enjoy an ever-changing selection of exhibits, tours and other offerings. This includes Circuleight, a 20-minute performance offering the perfect way to break up a day of strategy sessions. Immersive in nature, this truly Icelandic experience plunges viewers into a world where the elements of lava, basalt stone, glaciers, water, flora, algae, living organisms and volcanic gases are brought to life against a backdrop of original music by Icelandic composer, songwriter and singer Högni Egilsson. Doors open daily every half hour 11 a.m.–6 p.m., and ticket reservations are encouraged.

Experiences in this compact capital also extend to memorable wellness journeys. Your business associates can board a ride share, taxi or Reykjavík Excursions shuttle transfer for the short, 10-minute or so ride from central city to the new Sky Lagoon complex. This oceanside geothermal lagoon offers soaks with views of the wild sea and sky and experiences that include the Seven-Step Ritual. This involves soaking in the main geothermal pool, forays into steam baths and saunas, time to relax in the heat of a traditional “turf house,” and an invigorating Sky Body Scrub with sea salt. What could be more perfect for leaving your clients and colleagues in a positive frame of mind?