Regionen · Kapitel 5
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
From the bustling old harbor, where the whale-watching boats depart, to the trendy Grandi district with the Harpa and Iceland's best food hall — the harbor area is Reykjavik's most creative and dynamic district.
Harpa Concert Hall
The Harpa (2011) is Reykjavik's architectural masterpiece — a concert hall and conference center at the old harbor, whose facade consists of kaleidoscopic glass elements, designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson. The facade reflects sea, sky, and city in constantly changing colors and patterns — different in every light, every season.
What you can experience
- Foyer: Freely accessible and worth a visit on its own. Experience the glass facade from the inside when the light falls through the geometric elements — particularly spectacular with low sun or northern lights.
- Concerts: Home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Regular concerts by international artists. Tickets from 3,000 ISK (approx. 20€).
- Tours: Architectural tours (30 min.) offer insights into the creation history — Harpa was built during the 2008 financial crisis and was the only project that was not stopped.
Old Harbor & Whale Watching
The Old Harbor (Gamli höfnin)
The old harbor is the maritime heart of Reykjavik — an ensemble of colorful fishing boats, warehouses, restaurants, and tour provider stands. From here, the whale-watching tours, puffin excursions, and boat trips to Viðey Island start. The harbor is also home to the Whales of Iceland Museum (life-sized whale models, impressive!) and several of the city's best fish restaurants.
Whale Watching
Reykjavik is one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. The nutrient-rich Faxaflói Bay attracts marine mammals magnetically:
- Species: Minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, occasionally orcas and blue whales.
- Season: April to October, best chances from June to August (success rate over 95%).
- Providers: Elding and Special Tours are the established providers. Classic tours (3 hours, approx. 80€) on larger ships, or express tours on RIB boats (inflatable boats, faster and closer to the whales, approx. 120€).
- What to expect: The trip leads out into the bay, past Lundey Island (puffins in summer). The whales often surface very close to the boat — humpback whales showing their flukes, minke whales curiously passing by, dolphins playing in the bow wave.
Tipp
Dress warmer than you think — on the water, it is always 5–10°C colder than on land, and the wind whips. Providers lend overalls and warming disposable suits, but your own warm layers plus a wind- and waterproof jacket are mandatory. And: take seasickness tablets an hour before the tour if you are sensitive.
Grandi District
The Grandi District (Vesturbugt/Grandi) west of the old harbor was once the center of Icelandic fish processing — today it is Reykjavik's most exciting district. Former fish factories and warehouses have been transformed into galleries, breweries, restaurants, and design studios.
Highlights
- Grandi Mathöll (Food Hall): Iceland's first and best food hall in a converted fish factory. Ten stalls with Icelandic and international dishes: fresh fish, lamb burgers, sushi, vegan bowls, craft beer. The atmosphere is best at lunchtime (11 am–2 pm). A lunch: 15–25€.
- Saga Museum: Icelandic history with life-sized silicone figures and an audio guide (also in German). Vikings, sagas, and volcanic eruptions — more entertaining than it sounds. Approx. 22€.
- Whales of Iceland: 23 life-sized whale models in a huge, dark room — a 25-meter-long blue whale model hangs from the ceiling. Impressive, especially for families. Approx. 24€.
- Marshall House: Gallery and studio house in a former fishmeal factory. Home to the Kling & Bang Gallery and the Living Art Museum — contemporary Icelandic art in raw industrial spaces. Free of charge.
- Bryggjan Brugghús: Craft beer brewery with a restaurant right at the harbor. Own beers, live music, and views of the fishing boats. Brewery tours available.
Viðey Island
The small island of Viðey is just a 15-minute boat ride from the old harbor and is one of the most beautiful day trips within Reykjavik. The island is uninhabited (except for a historic house), but full of history, art, and nature:
- Imagine Peace Tower: Yoko Ono's light tower (since 2007), which projects a powerful beam of light into the sky every year from October 9 (John Lennon's birthday) to December 8 — visible from all over Reykjavik. A peace monument that looks breathtaking at night.
- Viðeyjarstofa: One of Iceland's oldest stone houses (1755), now a café. Here you can enjoy coffee and cake while overlooking the bay.
- Nature: Bird watching (30+ species), coastal walks with views of Esja and the city, and in summer: the tranquility of an island without cars, without roads, without hustle and bustle.
- Richard Serra: Several pairs of basalt sculptures by the American artist are located on the island — minimalist art in a maximal landscape.
Ferry: From Skarfabakki harbor (15 min.), several times daily in summer, limited in winter. Included with the Reykjavik City Card.
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