10 must-see attractions for visitors in Reykjavik

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So much to see and so little time! Spend the night in Reykjavik or take a guided tour…

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It has a rich history and culture that is closely tied to the island nation’s Viking heritage and unique natural landscapes. The city was founded in 874 AD by Norse settlers, and it has played a significant role in Iceland’s political and economic development throughout the centuries. Reykjavik has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals that showcase Iceland’s art, music, and literature.

Reykjavik offers a variety of must-see attractions for visitors:

1 Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja is a famous landmark and one of the most notable attractions in Iceland. It is a Lutheran church located in the heart of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson, a famous Icelandic poet, and clergyman.

The church is renowned for its unique architecture, which is inspired by the basalt lava columns that are commonly found in Iceland’s landscape. It was designed by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson and took more than 40 years to build, with construction starting in 1945 and finishing in 1986.

The church stands 74.5 meters tall and offers stunning panoramic views of Reykjavik from its observation deck. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower to enjoy these views, as well as view the church’s impressive pipe organ.

Hallgrimskirkja is open to visitors daily, with admission fees for both the church itself and the observation deck. It is also used for religious services and concerts, making it a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike.

Location: Egilsgata

2 Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a modern and iconic building located in the heart of Reykjavik. The building was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and opened in 2011.

The design of the building is inspired by Iceland’s landscape and features a distinctive glass facade that reflects the surrounding environment. The building has won several awards for its unique design, including the prestigious Mies van der Rohe award in 2013.

Harpa is a cultural and social center that hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. It is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, making it a hub for the arts in Iceland. The building also features multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Visitors can take guided tours of the building to learn more about its architecture and design, as well as attend various events throughout the year. The building’s location along Reykjavik’s waterfront also provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.

Location: Austurbakki 2

3 Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is a sculpture located on the Reykjavik waterfront, near the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. It was created by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason and was unveiled in 1990 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Reykjavik’s founding.

The sculpture is designed to resemble a Viking ship, with its sleek, polished surface and curved lines. It is made of stainless steel and stands 9 meters tall and 18 meters long. The sculpture’s name, Sun Voyager, refers to the concept of sailing into the unknown and represents the spirit of discovery and adventure.

The location of the sculpture offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea, and it is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The sculpture has become an iconic landmark in Reykjavik and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements.

The Sun Voyager is open to visitors year-round and can be viewed from the surrounding pedestrian walkway. It is also conveniently located near other popular tourist attractions, such as the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and the Old Harbour, making it a great addition to any Reykjavik sightseeing itinerary.

Location: Rekagrandi 1

4 Old Reykjavik

The Old Reykjavik City Center is the historic heart of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city. The area is characterized by its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and charming atmosphere.

The Old City Center is a vibrant and lively area with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Icelandic Opera, the Reykjavik Art Museum, and the National Museum of Iceland. Visitors can easily explore the area on foot and take in the unique charm of Reykjavik’s historic city center.

5 Harbor

The Old Harbor is within walking distance of the Old City Center and a popular spot for whale-watching tours and seafood restaurants.

The harbor area also features various museums, including the Reykjavik Maritime Museum and the Whales of Iceland museum.

6 Street art

Reykjavik has a vibrant and growing street art scene, with many murals and other forms of street art on display throughout the city.

7 The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle: A popular day trip that takes visitors to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks, including Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geyser.

8 The blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in southwestern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík. It is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its warm, milky blue waters, and its unique location amid a lava field.

The water in the Blue Lagoon is rich in minerals, including silica and sulfur, which are believed to have therapeutic effects on the skin. Visitors can bathe in the lagoon’s warm waters, which are maintained at a temperature of approximately 37-39°C (98-102°F) year-round.

In addition to the spa facilities, the Blue Lagoon also has a hotel, restaurant, and several other amenities, making it a popular destination for travelers looking to relax and unwind in Iceland’s natural beauty.

9 Hofdi House

Hofdi House is a historic building located in Reykjavik, Iceland. It was built in 1909 as a private residence for a local businessman but is perhaps best known for its role in international diplomacy.

In 1986, Hofdi House hosted the Reykjavik Summit, a meeting between United States President Ronald Reagan and the Soviet Union General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. The summit was a critical moment in the Cold War, as the two leaders discussed arms control and the potential for nuclear disarmament.

Today, Hofdi House is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can take guided tours of the historic building. The house has been preserved in its original state, with period furnishings and decor, and visitors can learn about its history and the important role it played in shaping world events. The building and its surrounding area also offer picturesque views of the nearby waterfront and the mountains beyond.

Location: Felagstun 1

10 Grotta Lighthouse

Grotta Lighthouse is a small lighthouse located on the westernmost point of Reykjavik, Iceland. It was built in 1947 and stands on a small island called Grotta, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway that is submerged at high tide.

The lighthouse is a popular attraction for visitors to Reykjavik, who come to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding coastline and the nearby mountains. Visitors can also walk out to the lighthouse during low tide and explore the rocky shoreline, which is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins.

In addition to its natural beauty, Grotta Lighthouse has an interesting history. During World War II, the lighthouse was used as a lookout point by the British military, who were stationed in Iceland to protect shipping convoys from German submarines. Today, the lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Icelandic Maritime Administration, and is an important aid to navigation for ships entering and leaving Reykjavik harbor.

Location: Seltjarnarnes

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FAQ

The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you’re looking to see and do. If you’re planning to see the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is from September to April, when the nights are longest and the lights are most visible. However, it’s worth noting that Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, and even during the winter months, it’s not uncommon for the lights to be obscured by cloud cover.

If you’re planning to see Iceland’s natural beauty, the summer months of June to August are the best time to visit. During this time, the days are long, the weather is mild, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. This is also the best time to go hiking and trekking, as the trails are snow-free and accessible.

If you’re looking to combine Northern Lights viewing with other activities, Spring and Fall are the best options. During these seasons, the weather is milder, days are shorter and the Northern lights can be seen,

It’s worth noting that Iceland can be a popular destination, especially during the peak summer months, so it’s a good idea to book accommodation and activities well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Yes, Reykjavik, Iceland is generally considered to be an expensive city to visit or live in. The cost of living in Iceland is relatively high due to a variety of factors, including its isolated location, small population, and high standard of living.

In particular, food and drink, accommodation, and transportation costs in Reykjavik are relatively high compared to other European cities. For example, a simple meal at a restaurant can cost around 2,500-4,500 ISK (20-35 USD), while a beer can cost around 1,200-1,800 ISK (10-15 USD). Additionally, accommodation costs can also be high, with the average nightly rate for a hotel room in Reykjavik ranging from 15,000-25,000 ISK (120-200 USD) or more.

However, there are ways to save money while traveling in Reykjavik, such as staying in hostels, cooking your own meals, and using public transportation. Additionally, visiting during the shoulder or off-season can also help you save money on flights, accommodation, and activities.

Reykjavik is best known as the capital city of Iceland and its cultural and economic center. It’s a vibrant city with a unique blend of traditional Nordic charm and modern cosmopolitanism. Some of the most popular attractions and activities in Reykjavik include:

The Northern Lights: Reykjavik is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, a natural light display in the sky caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Blue Lagoon: A geothermal spa located just outside Reykjavik, known for its milky blue waters and therapeutic properties.
Icelandic Sagas: Reykjavik is home to the Saga Museum, where visitors can learn about the country’s fascinating Viking history and its legendary sagas.
Hallgrimskirkja: The largest church in Iceland, Hallgrimskirkja is an iconic landmark in Reykjavik and offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its tower.
Culture and Arts: Reykjavik is a hub for Icelandic arts and culture, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing the country’s rich history and artistic heritage.
Local Cuisine: Reykjavik is known for its delicious local cuisine, including traditional Icelandic dishes such as smoked lamb, fermented shark, and skyr (a type of Icelandic yogurt).

Overall, Reykjavik is a fascinating destination with a wealth of natural beauty, history, and culture to discover.

No, Iceland does not use the Euro. The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK), which is divided into 100 aurar. Although Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), it is not a member of the European Union (EU), and therefore does not use the Euro.

Visitors to Iceland can exchange their currency for Icelandic króna at banks and exchange offices, as well as withdraw cash from ATMs using their debit or credit cards. Many businesses in Iceland also accept major international credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash when traveling to Iceland, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas where credit card acceptance may be limited.

The number of days you need to spend in Reykjavik largely depends on your interests, budget, and travel style. Here are some factors to consider:

Activities: Reykjavik is a vibrant city with plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy, including visiting museums, exploring art galleries, going shopping, trying local cuisine, and taking day trips to nearby natural wonders. If you want to see and do as much as possible, you may need 3-5 days in Reykjavik.
Budget: Iceland can be an expensive destination, so your budget may determine how long you can afford to stay in Reykjavik. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to limit your stay to 2-3 days.
Season: Iceland experiences long summer days and short winter days, and the activities and attractions available may vary depending on the season. For example, in the winter months, you can see the Northern Lights and go ice caving, while in the summer months, you can go hiking, whale watching, and enjoy the midnight sun. You may want to plan your stay accordingly.
Itinerary: If you’re planning a longer trip to Iceland, you may want to spend a few days in Reykjavik at the beginning or end of your trip to acclimate to the time zone and explore the city. Alternatively, if you’re only interested in Reykjavik, you may be able to see and do everything you want in 2-3 days.

Overall, I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Reykjavik to get a taste of the city and its culture, but you could easily spend more time there if you want to see and do more.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Iceland. In fact, it’s a mandatory subject in Icelandic schools from a young age, and most Icelanders speak it fluently. Many Icelanders also speak other languages, such as Danish, German, French, and Spanish.

When visiting Iceland, you should have no problem communicating in English, as it’s the most common language spoken by tourists and locals alike. Most signs, menus, and tourist information are also available in English.

Iceland is famous for many reasons, including its stunning natural beauty, unique geology, fascinating culture and history, and innovative approach to renewable energy. Here are some of the main reasons why Iceland has become a popular destination for travelers and an object of fascination for people around the world:

Natural Wonders: Iceland is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls. The country’s otherworldly landscape and raw natural beauty have made it a magnet for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts.
Northern Lights: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, a natural light display in the sky caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The phenomenon can be seen from various locations in Iceland from September to April.
Culture and History: Iceland has a rich cultural and historical heritage that dates back to the Viking age. The country is famous for its Icelandic sagas, a series of medieval literary works that tell the stories of Iceland’s early settlers and their heroic deeds.
Geothermal Energy: Iceland is a world leader in the use of renewable energy, particularly geothermal energy, which is harnessed from the country’s abundant underground hot springs and geysers. Iceland’s innovative approach to sustainable energy has made it a model for other countries around the world.
Outdoor Activities: Iceland offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and whale watching. The country’s vast and varied landscape provides plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration.

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