Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital, serving as the gateway to the land of volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs. The city of barely 140,000 people has a surprisingly rich cultural offering, vibrant nightlife and world-class gastronomy. The colourful tin-roofed houses, the fresh ocean air and the friendly locals promise a memorable trip. Here are the 10 best programmes and sights you can discover from Reykjavík.
1. Hallgrímskirkja church
Iceland's largest church and Reykjavík's iconic emblem, whose 74.5-metre-high tower is visible from almost every point in the city. The facade, evoking basalt columns, was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, and construction lasted from 1945 to 1986. From the top of the tower, which you can reach by lift, an unparalleled 360-degree panorama opens over the city and the surrounding mountains. In front of the church stands the statue of the Viking explorer Leif Erikson, a gift from the United States to Iceland.
2. Harpa Concert Hall
Standing on the harbour front and opened in 2011, this concert hall is the crown jewel of Reykjavík's modern architecture. The geometric glass facade, designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson, offers a dazzling sight in both the sunlight and the Northern Lights. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera have found their home in the building. If you don't have time for a concert, a free walk inside the building and the harbour view are worth the visit on their own.
3. Blue Lagoon
Iceland's most-visited natural attraction is fed by seawater heated by the Svartsengi geothermal power plant, and is located about 50 km from Reykjavík. The 37–40 °C, milky-blue water is rich in silica and minerals, which have a beneficial effect on the skin. Be sure to book your ticket weeks in advance online, as the daily capacity is limited. The Retreat Hotel and Spa next to the lagoon is a stronghold of exclusive relaxation, but the basic ticket also includes a mud mask and a drink.
4. Golden Circle tour (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
Iceland's most popular day route connects three stunning natural sites on a roughly 300-km loop. In Þingvellir National Park you can walk on the boundary of the tectonic plates, in the Geysir geothermal area the Strokkur geyser shoots hot water into the air every 5–10 minutes, and at the Gullfoss waterfall the Hvítá river plunges in two steps into a 32-metre-deep gorge. The Golden Circle can be explored by car or on an organised tour, set aside at least half a day, but it deserves a whole day.
5. Laugavegur shopping street
Reykjavík's main street and liveliest pedestrian street, where boutiques, cafés, galleries and street-art works line up. The street's name means "hot spring road", as it once led to the nearby hot springs. Here you'll find the best Icelandic design shops, where a lopapeysa (a traditional Icelandic wool sweater) and local craft products can be bought. In the surrounding side streets, excellent restaurants offer local specialities from fermented shark to langoustine soup.
6. Sun Voyager sculpture
Standing on the seafront promenade and inaugurated in 1990, this steel sculpture is the work of Jón Gunnar Árnason, evoking a Viking ship in stylised form. The sculpture's official name is "Sólfarið", and it's a symbol of the journey towards the unknown, of hope and freedom. At sunset, when the sun sinks into the mountains right behind the sculpture, it's one of the most iconic photo spots in all of Iceland. From the sculpture, a pleasant walk leads towards the harbour, passing the Harpa Concert Hall along the way.
7. Perlan (glass-domed viewpoint)
Standing on the southern hills of the city and built on six former geothermal water tanks, this futuristic building is now an interactive natural-science museum and viewpoint. Inside Perlan, an artificial ice cave, a planetarium and exhibitions presenting Iceland's natural wonders await. From the top of the rotating glass dome, a 360-degree view opens over Reykjavík, the surrounding mountains and the ocean. In the fourth-floor café you can enjoy Icelandic pastries with an unparalleled panorama.
8. Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO)
We've already mentioned it as part of the Golden Circle, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site deserves attention as an independent sight too. Here, in 930, the Alþingi, one of the world's oldest parliaments, was founded, and the place remains a symbol of Icelandic national identity to this day. On the grounds of the park, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates dramatically separate, in the Silfra fissure you can even dive in crystal-clear water. Walking the marked trails you can also see the Öxarárfoss waterfall and the historic parliamentary site.
9. National Museum of Iceland
The museum presents Iceland's history, culture and everyday life from the Viking era to the present day. Among the most valuable exhibits are a 13th-century bronze Thor figurine and medieval manuscripts. The modern, interactive exhibition space makes the visit enjoyable for children too. The museum is located next to the campus of the University of Reykjavík, and offers a perfect refuge on rainy days.
10. Whale-watching tour
On the whale-watching tours departing from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, you can spot humpback whales, dolphins and, with luck, even a blue whale. The 3–3.5-hour boat trips run all year round, but you're most likely to encounter the sea giants between April and October. Most boats provide a warm overall, but bring your own warm clothing too, as it's always colder at sea. If you're prone to seasickness, take medicine before departure and stay in the rear part of the boat.
Practical tips
- Currency and payment: The Icelandic króna (ISK) is the official currency, but bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at the smallest hot-dog stand. Cash is rarely needed.
- Transport: Keflavík Airport is 50 km from the city, with a Flybus or Airport Direct transfer the journey is about 45 minutes. Within the city the Strætó bus system or walking is most practical.
- Weather: In Iceland you can experience "four seasons in a day", always carry a waterproof jacket, a warm layer and sunglasses. In summer, the white nights make it hard to sleep without blackout curtains.
- Geothermal baths: Besides the Blue Lagoon, the city baths favoured by locals (e.g. Laugardalslaug) are far cheaper and offer a more authentic experience. In the baths, showering with soap is mandatory before entering.
- Using an eSIM: On arriving in Iceland, with an eSIM you can access the internet immediately without buying a local SIM, especially useful for navigating the Golden Circle tour and checking the weather forecast.