Reykjavík & Surroundings

Reykjavík is the smallest capital in Europe — and that's exactly what makes its charm. The entire city center can be explored on foot, and around every corner awaits a surprise: a tiny café with the best coffee in the world, a shop for Icelandic knitwear, a street art mural on a corrugated iron facade, or a hot pot where locals spend their evenings.

The city was founded around 874 AD by the Norwegian Viking Ingólfur Arnarson, who named the bay "Smoky Bay" (Reykjavík) — because of the steaming hot springs. Today, it is the vibrant heart of Iceland: Two-thirds of all Icelanders live in the Greater Reykjavík area.

Plan 2–3 days for Reykjavík and its surroundings. The city deserves more than just a transit to the airport.

What many do not expect: Reykjavík has an astonishingly cosmopolitan atmosphere. The art scene is lively, the music scene has produced world stars like Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, and Kaleo. In November, the Iceland Airwaves festival takes place — one of the best indie music festivals in the world, where concerts are played in every bar, church, and bookstore. And the design and fashion scene is internationally recognized despite the city's small size.

Iceland's Landmark

The Hallgrímskirkja is the most prominent building in Iceland and visible from almost everywhere in the city. The 74.5-meter-high Lutheran church was built from 1945 to 1986 — over 41 years! — and its facade of concrete columns is reminiscent of the basalt columns found throughout Iceland's nature.

The architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed the church in 1937 but did not live to see its completion. The expressionist architecture divides opinions: Some find it brutalist, others see in it the perfect connection of Icelandic nature and architecture — the soaring columns imitate the hexagonal basalt columns found at Reynisfjara, Svartifoss, and Dverghamrar.

The tower (elevator + a few steps) offers the best 360° panorama over Reykjavík: The colorful roofs of the city, the sea, the mountains, and in clear weather even the Snæfellsjökull glacier 120 km away. In front of the church stands the statue of Leifur Eiríksson, the Viking who discovered America 500 years before Columbus — a gift from the USA in 1930 for the 1,000th anniversary of the Alþingi.

The Klais Organ — a Masterpiece

Inside, besides the simple elegance, the massive Klais organ with 5,275 pipes impresses, installed in 1992 by the German organ-building company Johannes Klais from Bonn. It is 15 meters high and weighs 25 tons. The acoustics in the high church are exceptional — regular organ concerts take place (Thursday and Sunday, admission approx. 3,500 ISK/23€). The Klais organ makes the Hallgrímskirkja one of Iceland's most important concert halls for classical music.

On Sundays at 11 am, a service with organ music takes place — a moving experience even for non-believers.

Architectural Masterpiece at the Harbor

The Harpa Concert and Conference Hall at the old harbor is Iceland's most impressive modern building. The facade, designed by the Danish-Icelandic artist Ólafur Elíasson, consists of 714 irregular glass honeycombs in a quasi-crystalline pattern he called "quasi-bricks." The honeycombs are backlit with colored LED lights and glow in different colors depending on the light and time of day — a kaleidoscope that brings the Northern Lights to earth. At night, the light installation is a spectacle that illuminates the entire harbor front.

The architecture is by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects and the engineering firm Batteriið Architects. The building opened in 2011, in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The construction almost didn't survive — after the crash, the project was on the brink, and many Icelanders protested against the costs. Today, Harpa is a symbol of Iceland's resurgence and won the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award of the EU for contemporary architecture in 2013.

The building houses the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra (Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands), the Icelandic Opera, and several concert halls (the largest seats 1,800 people). Even without a concert, the visit is worthwhile: The entrance hall with its geometric light patterns is freely accessible, and the restaurant Kopar on the ground floor offers top-notch cuisine with a view of the harbor.

The Harpa Shop offers selected Icelandic design — from ceramics to jewelry to vinyl from Icelandic bands. A significantly better quality souvenir shop than most on Laugavegur.

Iceland's Nature Under a Glass Dome

The Perlan ("The Pearl") sits atop the Öskjuhlíð hill south of the city center and is unmistakable: A glittering glass dome rests on six former hot water storage tanks from the 1930s, which once secured the city's geothermal supply. Today, the building houses one of Iceland's most modern natural history museums.

The exhibition "Wonders of Iceland" is excellently done and ideal for informing yourself about Iceland's nature before the actual trip:

• Ice Cave: A walkable, 100-meter-long tunnel made of real ice that simulates the inside of a glacier — with ice sculptures, blue light, and temperatures below zero. Perfect if you can't make it to a real ice cave in Vatnajökull
• Planetarium: Northern Lights show in a 360° dome — the next best alternative if you don't catch real Northern Lights
• Underwater World: Interactive exhibition about Iceland's marine ecosystem, whales, and fishing
• Volcano Exhibition: Films and simulations of Iceland's most active volcanoes

The 360° observation deck on the dome (included in the museum ticket) offers a fantastic panoramic view over Reykjavík, the mountains, and the sea — next to the Hallgrímskirkja tower, the best viewpoint in the city. On the ground floor, there is a café, and the surrounding Öskjuhlíð forest (one of the few forests in Iceland) is ideal for a walk.

1,200 Years of Icelandic History

The Þjóðminjasafn Íslands (National Museum) near the University of Reykjavík tells the complete history of Iceland from the Viking Age to today — and is surprisingly modern and well-curated. The permanent exhibition „Þjóðveldið til lýðveldis" (From Commonwealth to Republic) guides you chronologically through the epochs:

• Viking Age (874–1262): Original swords, jewelry, tools, and the famous Bronze Door from Valþjófsstaður (around 1200) — one of Iceland's most significant medieval artworks with scenes from chivalric romance
• Middle Ages & Foreign Rule: Church art, the harsh life under Danish rule, plague, and volcanic catastrophes
• Modern Era: Independence movement, the fishing revolution, the NATO base in Keflavík, the 2008 financial crisis

Particularly impressive: The original manuscripts of the sagas, old looms, and the replica of a Viking longhouse. The museum also has an excellent section on Icelandic textile art — the famous Lopapeysa knit sweaters have their historical context here.

The Main Shopping Street

The Laugavegur is the heart of Reykjavík — the main street that runs from the Hallgrímskirkja down to the harbor, lined with boutiques, cafés, bookstores, galleries, and restaurants. This is where the city's life pulses, and where the legendary Rúntur — the Icelandic pub crawl on weekends — begins.

The name means "Washing Road" — in the 19th century, women carried their laundry to the hot springs in Laugardalur for washing, and Laugavegur was their path there.

Notable places along Laugavegur and in the vicinity:

• Skólavörðustígur: The side street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja — galleries, design shops, the famous Handknitting Association of Iceland (Handprjónasambandið), where you can get genuine Lopapeysa sweaters (from about 20,000–30,000 ISK/133–200€ — hand-knitted from Icelandic sheep wool)
• Tjörnin: The small lake in the center with swans and ducks. Perfect for a walk. Frozen in winter — ice skating!
• City Hall (Ráðhús): Located by Tjörnin, with a huge 3D relief map of Iceland in the foyer (free) — perfect for planning your travel route
• Austurvöllur: The central square in front of the Alþingi (Parliament) — meeting place, sunbathing (yes, in summer!), and historical site of protests. The "Pots and Pans Revolution" took place here in 2008
• Grandi Harbor District: The up-and-coming district at the old harbor with the Whales of Iceland exhibition (life-sized whale models!), the FlyOver Iceland simulation, and trendy restaurants
• Sólfarið (Sun Voyager): The iconic stainless steel sculpture on the waterfront by Jón Gunnar Árnason (1990) — an abstract Viking ship looking out to sea and mountains. Iceland's most photographed artwork and the perfect sunset spot

Reykjavík's Colorful Walls

For a city of its size, Reykjavík has an astonishingly vibrant street art scene. The colorful corrugated iron houses provide perfect canvases, and the city actively encourages mural painting. The best murals can be found in the following districts:

• Laugavegur & Side Streets: Around the main street and Hverfisgata, you'll find the highest density of murals — from huge whale paintings to abstract art and political statements
• Grandi Harbor District: The old warehouses and fish factories are increasingly adorned with large-scale murals
• Breiðholt & Grafarvogur: In the suburbs, there is surprisingly good street art that most tourists miss

Particularly well-known are the works of Sara Riel, Guido van Helten (whose photorealistic portrait of an Icelandic fisherwoman on a house wall in Grandi became world-famous), and the collective Urban Nation. Every summer, the Wall Poetry Festival takes place, where international artists create new murals.

The Marshall House gallery at the harbor houses contemporary art as well as a studio by Ólafur Elíasson (the Harpa designer) and the Gallery Kling og Bang — Iceland's most important address for contemporary art.

Beach Feeling at the Arctic Circle

It sounds absurd, but Reykjavík has a beach with warm water. At Nauthólsvík, a small bay south of the Perlan, a geothermal pool has been created, heated with hot water to a pleasant 15–19°C (in summer). There is also an artificial sandy beach with imported yellow sand, hot pots (38–40°C) at the edge, and a changing house.

On sunny summer days (yes, they exist!), Icelanders are here in swimwear, playing volleyball, and enjoying the midnight sun — a surreal image at 64° North. In winter, the hardy come for ice swimming in the icy sea and warm up afterward in the hot pots.

Iceland's Only Flea Market

The Kolaportið is Reykjavík's legendary flea market — the only one in the country — and takes place every Saturday and Sunday in an old warehouse by the harbor. Here you'll find a chaotic, wonderful jumble:

• Secondhand Clothing: Vintage Lopapeysa (wool sweaters) for a fraction of the new price — sometimes from 3,000–5,000 ISK (20–33€) instead of 25,000+ ISK in stores
• Books & Vinyl: Used Icelandic books, saga editions, vinyl from Icelandic bands
• Icelandic Curiosities: Old crockery, lava jewelry, handmade soaps
• Food: Hákarl (fermented shark — try a small piece here before ordering a whole dish!), Harðfiskur (dried fish), Brennivín, homemade jams

The atmosphere is authentically Icelandic — locals come here, not just tourists. Haggling is common (unusual in Iceland otherwise!), and the sellers love to tell stories about their goods.

Iceland's Favorite Tradition

Bathing in hot water is not a tourist gimmick for Icelanders but everyday culture. Every small village has a public swimming pool (Sundlaug) with hot pots, and in Reykjavík, the "pools" are the social meeting point par excellence — this is where people gossip, discuss, and relax. The pools are to Icelanders what the local pub is to Germans: the place where the community works.

Blue Lagoon

The most famous thermal bath in the world is located 20 minutes from Keflavík airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The milky-turquoise water (38–40°C) is rich in silica, algae, and minerals and is created as a by-product of the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant — the warm water is directed into the lava field after electricity production and collects in the lagoon. The location amidst black lava fields is surreal, especially with snow or Northern Lights.

The Comfort package (from 12,990 ISK/87€) is the entry ticket, Premium (from 16,990 ISK) offers a bathrobe, slippers, and a second drink. The exclusive Retreat Spa (from 79,990 ISK/533€) is a separate luxury area with an underwater lava tunnel, private changing rooms, and a multi-hour spa experience.

Sky Lagoon

The newer alternative to the Blue Lagoon, just 15 minutes from the center in the Kársnes bay. The infinity edge offers a breathtaking view over the open sea to the mountains of the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Skjól Ritual (7 steps of wellness: warm bath → cold pool → sauna → cool mist → steam bath → sea salt scrub → warm relaxation) is a highlight and included in the Pure Pass (from 9,990 ISK/67€).

Advantages over the Blue Lagoon: Closer to the city, more modern, less crowded, cheaper entry price, and the sea view is spectacular.

Public Pools in Reykjavík

Much more authentic and cheaper than the Blue Lagoon — and the real Icelandic experience:

• Vesturbæjarlaug: Small, quiet, with a view of the mountains. The locals' insider tip. Three hot pots with different temperatures (38°, 40°, 42°C) and a steam bath
• Laugardalslaug: The largest pool in the city with a water slide, 50m pool, and several hot pots. Perfect for families. The entrance is next to the Botanical Garden
• Sundhöllin: Iceland's oldest swimming pool (1937), centrally located on Laugavegur. Recently renovated with a new rooftop hot pot — perhaps the best-located hot pot in the city
• Nautholsvik Beach: Geothermally heated sea beach (only in summer)
• Árbæjarlaug: In the suburb, family-friendly with slide and play area

Entrance: about 1,200 ISK (8€) — a fraction of the Blue Lagoon. And you bathe with the locals!

Wild Hot Pots

Away from the commercial thermal baths, there are hundreds of wild hot springs in Iceland that are freely accessible. Some of the best near Reykjavík:

• Reykjadalur: 45-minute hike (3 km) through a steaming valley near Hveragerði — at the end, a hot stream where you bathe naturally. The most popular natural experience near Reykjavík
• Seljavallalaug: A 25m pool from the 1920s, built into a mountainside at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull. 15 min. hike, free, surreal
• Landbrotalaug: Tiny natural hot pot on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula — space for 2–3 people, but the location is magical

Whales Right Off Reykjavík

From Reykjavík's old harbor, whale watching tours depart year-round into Faxaflói Bay. The chances of sightings are 90–95% in summer and 70–80% in winter. Frequently spotted are:

• Minke Whales: The most common species, year-round. Compact and fast, often curious about boats
• White-Beaked Dolphins: In large groups, playful. Often jump alongside the boat
• Humpback Whales: Especially May–September, spectacular jumps and tail fluke shows
• Orcas: Rare, but possible (more likely in winter in Breiðafjörður Bay)

Providers

The three major providers from Reykjavík:

• Elding: The largest provider, large boats, classic tour 3h (from 13,490 ISK/90€). Also Northern Lights boat tours in winter
• Special Tours: Similar, also with RIB speedboats (closer to the whales, but wetter and colder)
• North Sailing: Environmentally conscious with CO₂-neutral ships, also from Húsavík (the better option for whale watching!)

Whales of Iceland — the Museum

If the weather doesn't cooperate or you want to delve deeper into whales: The Whales of Iceland exhibition in the Grandi Harbor District features 23 life-sized whale models, including a 25-meter-long blue whale. Audioguide (also in German), interactive stations, and VR experiences. Especially recommended for families.

Reykjavík's Food Scene

For a city of this size, Reykjavík has an astonishingly diverse culinary scene. From Michelin-recommended restaurants to the legendary hot dog stand — you eat as well here as nowhere else on the island.

The Classics

• Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Iceland's most famous hot dog stand by the harbor (since 1937). The "Eina með öllu" (one with everything: crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade) is a must. 590 ISK (4€). Bill Clinton ordered here in 2004 — without mustard. The Icelanders never forgave him
• Sægreifinn (Sea Baron): At the harbor, famous for the lobster soup (Langoustine Soup) — a must! About 2,800 ISK (19€). The rustic charm with the fishing nets and old boats is authentic. Also whale skewers and grilled fish on sticks
• Hlemmur Mathöll: The Food Hall in the former bus station — various stalls with Icelandic, Asian, Mexican, and international cuisine. Perfect for trying and significantly cheaper than individual restaurants. Highlights: Flatey Pizza (best pizza in Iceland) and Kröst (excellent fried chicken)

Fine Dining & Upscale Cuisine

• Dill: Iceland's only Michelin-starred restaurant (since 2017). Chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason serves a 7-course menu (from 24,900 ISK/166€) with exclusively Nordic ingredients — fermented, pickled, smoked, and from the earth. Reservation weeks in advance necessary
• Grillið: Fine dining on the 8th floor of the Saga Hotel with 360° panoramic view over Reykjavík. For decades, the upscale institution of the city. Tasting menu from 19,900 ISK (133€). For special occasions — the view alone is worth the price
• Grillmarkaðurinn (Grillmarket): Modern Icelandic cuisine with local ingredients — lamb, fish, langoustine. Stylish ambiance in the basement. 15,000–25,000 ISK per person (100–167€)
• Óx: The most exclusive experience: Only 11 seats, in the basement of Sumac. The chef cooks an intimate menu right in front of you. From 39,990 ISK (267€). Book months in advance!

Mid-Range & Recommendations

• Messinn: Fish restaurant with skillet dishes — fresh catch of the day in cast iron pans. Fantastic value for money for Reykjavík. Main course from 3,900 ISK (26€)
• Café Loki: Directly opposite Hallgrímskirkja. Traditional Icelandic cuisine: Plokkfiskur, lamb soup, rye bread, and the infamous Hákarl tasting set (fermented shark with Brennivín). The best place to be brave
• Snaps Bistro Bar: French-Icelandic cuisine, excellent lunch menu. Cozy atmosphere, popular with locals
• Fish Market (Fiskmarkaðurinn): Sushi and Icelandic fusion cuisine — sounds strange, works fantastically. Especially the langoustine tempura

Budget Tips

• Noodle Station: Authentic Thai noodle soups for 1,890 ISK (13€) — the cheapest hot meal in the city center
• Bónus Supermarket: The cheapest supermarket in Iceland (recognizable by the pink pig logo). This is where backpackers cook
• Bakari Sandholt: The best bakery in Reykjavík — croissants, cinnamon rolls, and rye bread. Breakfast from 1,500 ISK (10€)

Rúntur — Iceland's Pub Crawl

Icelandic nightlife is legendary — and bizarre. During the week, the city center is deserted. But on Friday and Saturday nights, Reykjavík transforms:

• The Icelanders "pre-drink" at home (alcohol in bars is extremely expensive: 1,500–2,000 ISK/10–13€ per beer)
• From 11:30 pm, the bars and clubs on Laugavegur fill up
• The partying goes on until 4–5 am — the Rúntur (literally: "round tour") means hopping from bar to bar. The atmosphere is lively, open, and inclusive

Craft Beer Scene

Remarkable for a country where beer was banned until 1989: Reykjavík's craft beer scene has exploded. The best addresses:

• Micro Bar: The best selection of Icelandic craft beer — 14 taps with rotating beers from Borg, Einstök, Gæðingur, and more. Small, cozy, knowledgeable bartenders
• Skúli Craft Bar: 14 taps, plus hundreds of bottled beers. The best IPAs in Iceland
• Kaldi Bar: The house brewery of Kaldi (Iceland's most popular craft beer brand from Árskógssandur in North Iceland). Cozy, good food
• Bjórgarðurinn (Beer Garden): The most beer garden-like place in Reykjavík with a large terrace
• Kaffibarinn: The cult bar of Reykjavík — once co-owned by Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz). Café by day, club by night. Queue at the door on weekends
• Lebowski Bar: Big Lebowski theme, White Russians, and bowling ball lamps. Quirky and charming

Duration: 3–4 hours | Distance: approx. 4 km | Best Time: Morning (10 am–2 pm)

1. Hallgrímskirkja (Start)
Begin at Iceland's landmark. Take the elevator up the tower (1,200 ISK/8€) for the 360° panorama over the city. In clear weather, you can see Snæfellsjökull 120 km away. In front of the church: the Leifur Eiríksson statue.

2. Skólavörðustígur (5 Min.)
Reykjavík's prettiest street leads downhill towards the center. Stop at the Handknitting Association for an original Lopapeysa, and at Rammagerðin for high-quality Icelandic design.

3. Laugavegur (2 Min.)
Turn left onto the main street. Stroll through boutiques, bookstores, and cafés. Coffee break at Reykjavík Roasters (best coffee in town) or at Sandholt Bakari (best bakery).

4. Hlemmur Mathöll (5 Min.)
At the eastern end of Laugavegur: the Food Hall in the former bus station. Perfect for a snack — Flatey Pizza, Kröst Chicken, or an Icelandic fish soup.

5. Tjörnin & City Hall (10 Min.)
Go back and turn towards Lake Tjörnin. Swans and ducks, colorful houses all around. In City Hall: the fantastic 3D relief map of Iceland (free). In summer, the small park blooms.

6. Austurvöllur & Alþingi (5 Min.)
The central square in front of the Parliament. The "Pots and Pans Revolution" took place here in 2008. The small Dómkirkja (cathedral) is modest but historically significant (consecrated in 1796).

7. Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (3 Min.)
A must: order "Eina með öllu" (one with everything). 590 ISK for Reykjavík's most famous hot dog. The line moves quickly.

8. Old Harbor & Grandi (5 Min.)
Stroll to the old harbor. Whale watching boats, fishing boats, the Sægreifinn (lobster soup!). Continue into the Grandi district: Whales of Iceland, Marshall House Gallery, trendy restaurants, and breweries.

9. Harpa (5 Min.)
The concert hall with the Ólafur Elíasson glass facade. Go inside and admire the play of light. The shop has good Icelandic design.

10. Sólfarið / Sun Voyager (10 Min.)
Walk the waterfront promenade east to the iconic Viking ship sculpture. The perfect finish — especially at sunset when the stainless steel sculpture glows golden and the mountains across the bay are bathed in violet light.