City Center & Highlights

The Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavik's landmark — and one of the most impressive church buildings in Europe. Its 74.5-meter-high facade made of concrete, reminiscent of basalt columns, dominates the city's skyline and is visible from almost everywhere. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson was inspired by Iceland's nature: by the basalt formations on the coast, by frozen lava flows, and the vertical drama of the Icelandic landscape.

The Tower

An elevator takes you to the observation deck at 73 meters high — the best panoramic view over Reykjavik. You see the colorful roofs of the old town, the Atlantic, the Esja massif on the horizon, and on a clear day, even Snæfellsjökull (Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth"). Admission Tower: 1,200 ISK (about €8). The church itself is free.

Leifur Eiríksson

In front of the church stands the statue of Leif Eriksson — the Viking who discovered America almost 500 years before Columbus. The statue was a gift from the USA to Iceland on the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing (Parliament) in 1930.

Laugavegur — the Main Street

The Laugavegur is Reykjavik's lifeline — a narrow, hilly street stretching from Hlemmur Square in the east to Lækjartorg Square in the west. The name means "Washway" — once, Icelanders used this path to the hot springs in Laugardalur to wash their clothes. Today, Laugavegur is a mix of shopping street, food mile, and party zone:

• Shopping: Icelandic wool sweaters (Lopapeysa) from 15,000 ISK, outdoor brands (66°North, Icewear), design shops (Kiosk, Hrím), bookstores (Eymundsson), record shops (12 Tónar — you get a coffee while browsing vinyl).
• Food: From hot dog stands to sushi restaurants, from the Sandholt bakery to fish restaurants. The café culture is pronounced — Reykjavík Roasters and Kaffitár are local favorites.
• Nightlife: On Friday nights, Laugavegur transforms into one big party mile — the Rúntur (Icelandic pub crawl) starts here and ends sometime on Saturday morning.

Skólavörðustígur — the Street to the Church

The Skólavörðustígur leads from Laugavegur directly up to Hallgrímskirkja and is Reykjavik's most charming street: colorful houses, galleries, ceramic studios, design shops, and the famous Rainbow Street (permanently painted in rainbow colors since 2018). Here also lies the best view of Hallgrímskirkja — framed by colorful facades and flanked by Icelandic design.

Tjörnin — the City Lake

The Tjörnin is at the heart of the city and is Reykjavik's tranquil spot. The small lake is home to over 40 bird species — swans, geese, ducks, and gulls. In summer, it's an idyllic park; in winter, it's frozen over and used by locals as an ice skating rink (when the ice is thick enough). On the southern shore lies the Hljómskálagarður park with sculptures and benches — perfect for a break.

Ráðhús (City Hall)

The modern City Hall (1992) stands directly on the Tjörnin and houses a huge 3D relief map of Iceland in the foyer, impressively showcasing the island's topography — glaciers, volcanoes, fjords within reach. Free and a great introduction to understanding Iceland's geography.

Austurvöllur & Althing

The Austurvöllur is Reykjavik's parliamentary square — a small, green space in front of the Alþingi (Parliament). The Althing is the oldest existing parliament in the world, founded in 930 AD in Thingvellir and since 1845 in Reykjavik. The current building made of dark basalt stone (1881) is unassuming — but the democratic tradition behind it is of world-historical significance. In summer, locals sit on the lawn and enjoy the sun.

Perlan — the Pearl

The Perlan (the Pearl) is a futuristic building on the Öskjuhlíð hill, constructed on six former hot water tanks — an architectural statement symbolizing Reykjavik's reliance on geothermal energy. Today it houses:

• Wonders of Iceland: An interactive natural history museum with an artificial ice cave (real ice, 100 meters long!), a planetarium with a Northern Lights show (when the real ones don't cooperate), and exhibitions on volcanoes, glaciers, and underwater worlds. Admission: approximately €32.
• Observation Deck: 360-degree panorama over Reykjavik, the mountains, and the ocean. Included in the admission price.
• Café & Restaurant: Coffee with a view or fine dining in the revolving dome (the restaurant rotates slowly — a complete panorama in about two hours).

Street Art

Reykjavik's facades are an open-air gallery. The city actively promotes street art, and the walls and gables of the downtown area are covered with murals — from political statements to Nordic mythology and surreal dreamscapes. The best spots:

• Laugavegur and side streets: The highest density of murals.
• Hverfisgata: Large-format works on house walls.
• Grandi district: Street art on warehouses and fish factories.

A walk through the city center is also a stroll through an art exhibition. No admission, no opening hours — just keep your eyes open.

Sólfar — Sun Voyager

The Sólfar (Sun Voyager) by Jón Gunnar Árnason is Reykjavik's most photographed sculpture — an abstract Viking ship made of stainless steel, standing on the shore of Faxaflói Bay and facing the sunset. The sculpture (1990) symbolizes the hope and longing for undiscovered land. At sunset, when the light reflects off the steel ribs and Esja glows in the background, it is one of the city's most beautiful spots.

Sæbraut — the Coastal Promenade

The Sæbraut is the coastal road that stretches from the old harbor along the bay to Laugarnes. The foot and bike path along the coast is perfect for a walk: to the left, the Atlantic with views of Esja and, in clear weather, Snæfellsjökull; to the right, the colorful houses of the city. In summer with the midnight sun, in winter with the Northern Lights — the Sæbraut is an experience in every season.

Grótta

At the western end of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula lies the Grótta Lighthouse — Reykjavik's best spot for Northern Lights. Just 15 minutes from the center, far enough from light pollution, with an unobstructed view north over the bay. At low tide, you can walk over to the lighthouse. In summer, a perfect place to watch the midnight sun.