What to see in Reykjavik
Reyjavik is a coastal city with a high quality of life, where you can breathe peace and tranquility. Curious gastronomy and beautiful landscapes await you in a place that you can discover on foot. You
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Laugavegur
The main commercial artery of the city center
If you wish to arrive by bus, lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 will serve you.
The Hlemmur bus station is just up the road.
It was built in 1885 by decision of the city council and is, therefore, one of the oldest commercial areas.
Its name translates as "the path of water" because it is in this area where the women washed their clothes.
Museums, hotels, bars and famous nightclubs in the city are concentrated in this area, making it a very popular place for tourists who want to know the city's leisure offer.
It has experienced economic setbacks in recent years, due to the popularity of other commercial areas.
It is the meeting point of many locals and tourists in Reykjavik, where you will find numerous leisure and restaurant areas to enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
Free
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Laugardalslaug
The largest swimming pool complex in Iceland
If you want to get there by bus, line 14 will serve you.
There is parking on site.
It was built between 1958 and 1968 under a design by Einar Sveinsson. During its history it has been enlarged twice.
The facilities include an indoor Olympic-size pool, a 400-square-meter pool, a 50-meter long outdoor pool, 8 hot pots at different temperatures, and a 17-square-meter steam room.
In the recreational center where it is located there is also a botanical garden, a sports park, a family park, a zoo, a sculpture museum and a large gymnasium, among others.
They are the second most visited thermal baths in Iceland.
Iceland is a land defined by water in its entirety, and as such you cannot leave Reykjavik without having enjoyed a swim in a pool, one of the favorite activities of Icelanders.
Children from 0-5 years: free Children from 6 to 17 years: 160 kr. Adults over 18 years: 1030 kr. Adults over 67 years: free.
+354 411 5100
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hallgrímskirkja
Impressive Expressionist-style church
If you want to get there by bus, lines 5, 15 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
It is defined as the “Reykjavik Cathedral”, due to its size and appearance, but it is not a cathedral but a church.
It is named after the Icelandic poet Hallgrimur Pétursson, known throughout the country for his hymns
Its construction ended in 1986 after 38 years of duration, and it was restored between 2008 and 2009.
It is the tallest building in the country at 74.5m tall and its design is said to be inspired by the basaltic lava flows of the Icelandic landscape.
It is located in the center and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is an icon of the city and an essential visit in Reykjavik.
Free entrance to the church. Entrance to the tower: Adults 1000 kr. Children (7-16 years): 100 kr.
+354 510 1000
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: daily, from 12pm to 3pm
Catedral luterana de Reikiavik
The Lutheran Cathedral in Reykjavik
If you want to get there by bus, lines 1, 3, 6, 11, 12 and 13 will serve you.
Parking in the surroundings depends on the public road.
It was built in 1787, but throughout its history it has undergone several reconstructions and remodeling due to structural deficiencies.
It has been the scene of different important historical events in the country, since here the establishment of the Kingdom of Iceland was celebrated in 1874 and the national anthem was also sung for the first time.
This simple temple with a stark interior has a font donated by Thorvaldsen to Iceland and is part of three copies. The other two are in the Church of Brahetrolleborg and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Copenhagen, both in Denmark.
This cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city and a great attraction for tourists who visit it, so you cannot miss it if you are in Reykjavik.
Free
+354209700
30 min - 1 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays during mass.
Tjörnin
Lake Reykjavik
If you want to get there by bus, lines 1, 3, 6, 11, 12 and 13 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
This small lake is located in the heart of the historic center of Reykjavik, and is essential for the birds of the region.
For this reason, when it freezes in winter, the authorities defrost a part by heating it with thermal waters to guarantee the survival of the swans, ducks and geese that live in the area.
In winter, when it freezes, locals use it for surface activities such as ice skating.
This lake is a fundamental point of the city and one of the best known since it has an important value for the fauna of the place.
Free
30 min - 1 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Perlan
One of the most distinctive landmarks of the city
If you want to get there by bus, line 18 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
Perlan was built on six water tanks that store a total of 24 thousand liters of hot water from the city.
On the premises there is an observation deck, a restaurant and a cafeteria.
In 2017 the Icelandic Glacier Exhibition was inaugurated containing a 100m long ice tunnel where visitors enjoy a glimpse into the past, present and future of Iceland's glaciers.
Other exhibitions are "The Wonders of Iceland", which show the underwater world of the country or "Water in Icelandic nature", which analyzes how water defines the country.
This museum and its rotating dome are one of the most visited places in Reykjavik, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the city.
Adults: 4,490 kr. Children: 2,490 kr. Family (2 adults-2 children): 9,990 kr.
+3545669000
2 h - 4 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: daily from 12pm to 6pm
Museo Nacional de Islandia
Interesting historical museum about the country
If you want to arrive by bus, lines 1, 3, 6 and 12 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
It was inaugurated in 1863 as a Museum of Antiquities, but changed its name in 1911.
Before reaching its current location, it passed various buildings, such as the Cathedral, the former state prison.
The museum's collection houses about 100,000 objects, of which 2,000 objects and 1,000 photos are on permanent display.
The museum exhibits various utensils and tools from the first Viking settlements, such as the Statuette of Thor of Eyrarland.
This museum seeks to preserve the historical evidence of Iceland and in it you can discover a fundamental part of the past of the country and the city of Reykjavik, so you should not miss it if you are discovering the place.
Adults: 2000 kr Under 18 years: free Students and over 67 years: 1000 kr.
+3545302200
2 h - 4 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: from 10am to 5pm (closed from Monday, September 16 to April 30)
Viajero del Sol
Iconic sculpture of the city
If you want to get there by bus, line 3 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
It is the work of Jón Gunnar Árnason, made to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the city.
It represents a boat of dreams, an ode to the sun, and refers to a new territory to discover, a dream of hope, progress and freedom.
This famous sculpture is in an ideal location to admire Mount Esjan, which is why it is a popular spot in the city.
This sculpture is an essential visit in Reykjavik, as it is a symbol of the city and an iconic place to take pictures.
Free
15 min - 30 min
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
The Einar Jónsson Museum
The city's first art museum
If you want to get there by bus, lines 5, 15 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
In 1909 Einar Jónsson offered his works as a gift to the Icelandic people on the condition that a museum be made to house them, but the English Parliament did not accept it until 1914.
The author decided that the museum would be located on top of a mountain on the outskirts of the city, being the first building to be built on the hill.
Since it was he who drew up the building's construction plan, this is said to be his largest sculpture.
This museum houses the works of Einar Jónsson, the country's first sculptor and highly valued by Icelanders, making it an ideal visit to continue learning about local traditions and culture.
Adults: 1000 kr. Under 18s: free
+3545513797
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm (Monday closed)
Kolaportið
Iconic flea market of the city
Keep in mind that in many market stalls they will only accept cash.
It is socially accepted to haggle over prices at this flea market.
If you want to arrive by bus, lines 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
In this market you will find all kinds of objects, from second-hand books to Icelandic food, including clothes, shoes or DVDs.
One of the star objects of the market is the “lopapeysa”, the traditional Icelandic wool sweater with a distinctive pattern, since here you can find it for much more affordable prices than in other stores and sold by its own artisans.
This second-hand market is an icon of the city as it unites tradition with uniqueness, and has become, over time, a symbol of life in Reykjavik.
This covered market in the city is a practically essential visit during your stay, as it is a meeting point of 100% Icelandic essence.
Free
+3545625030
30 min - 1 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm
Harpa
The headquarters of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra
In Harpa, thematic guided tours are organized sporadically, so I recommend you consult the billboard to be able to take advantage of them during your visit to the city.
I especially recommend going to a night show during your stay in the city.
If you want to arrive by bus, lines 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
The project to build this wonderful building began in 2007 but was halted for a time due to the 2008-2009 crisis, and was resumed when the government took over its financing.
It was officially opened in August 2011 although concerts were already being held since May of the same year.
The façade is made up of numerous glass hexagons that allow a play of reflections on the outside due to the effects of the sun, and favor a bright and clear interior.
It has four main rooms representing the four elements and is the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and also the Icelandic Opera.
He received the Mies van der Rohe Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2013.
Harpa is a huge concert and conference center located in front of the sea, attractive in itself, where you can also enjoy nightly shows during your stay in Reykjavik.
Variable depending on the show you want to see.
+3545285000
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: daily from 12pm to 6pm
Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum
Interesting museum with works by the pioneering Icelandic sc
If you want to get there by bus, lines 2, 5, 14, 15 and 17 will serve you.
There is free parking.
It houses and exhibits the largest collection of his sculptures, both inside and outside the building.
It offers a very enriching experience for children, as it has exhibits that allow them to play and learn at the same time.
The building is inspired by vernacular Mediterranean architecture, and is the work and design of the sculptor, offering a unique experience as it is considered an independent work of art from the artist. It was his home for many years.
This museum is one of the components of the Reykjavik Museum of Art, which is distributed in three unique buildings in the city, thus forming the largest network of art museums in Iceland.
This museum is the former home and workshop of the sculptor, and is the perfect place to preserve and display his work. A very interesting visit to continue discovering the city.
Adults: kr 1840 Students: kr 1100 Disabled visitors and under 18s: free Guided tours: kr 20,000 + admission price
+3544116430
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: From May to September, daily from 10am to 5pm From October to April, from 1pm to 5pm Closed: December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1. On December 26 it opens from 1pm to 5pm. Guided tours for groups are offered Monday through Friday during opening hours.
Esja
The quintessential mountain for hiking
Helicopter tours are offered to discover Reykjavik from the air and, weather conditions permitting, offer to land on one of the Esja peaks.
It is located 10km from Reykjavik, so the fastest option to get there is by private car.
If you want to arrive by public transport you will need to make stops: take bus no. 15 at Hlemmur bus station and get off at Haholt (Mosfellsbaer), there you can catch bus 57 which will leave you at the foot of Esja.
It is a volcanic mountain range with several peaks, among which Þverfellshorn stands out, because its 780m high allows you to enjoy beautiful views of all of Reykjavilk.
The image of this volcano has influenced the real estate value of the city, since it is a great attraction for both nature lovers and experts in research or climbing.
The highest summit is at 914m, and offers various walking trails and outdoor recreation areas.
This is the quintessential place for climbing and hiking in Iceland, so if you are a nature lover, you should not miss this beautiful landscape, especially in winter.
Free
2 h - 4 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Árbær Open Air Museum
Open-air museum where you can discover the past of the city
If you want to arrive by bus, lines 5, 12, 16 and 24 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
It is a living museum that allows a journey through time to discover the way of life in ancient times.
It is the representation of an old village with restored houses, exhibitions and demonstrations, set with costumed guides, herding animals and traditional crafts.
This unique open-air museum was founded in 1957.
This visit is essential if you are discovering Reykjavik, since here you can learn an important part of its history.
Adults: 1740 kr Students: 1120 kr Under 17s and visitors with disabilities: free
+3544116304
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: From September to May, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. From June to August, from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Christmas period December 24, 26 and 31 only guided tour at 1:00 p.m. December 25 and January 1, closed Guided tours every day of the year at 1:00 p.m.
Landnámssýningin / The Settlement Exhibition
Interesting exhibition on the settlement of the city
If you want to get there by bus, lines 1, 3, 6, 11, 12 and 13 will serve you.
There is parking nearby.
This exhibition is based on the archaeological excavation of the ruins of one of the first houses in Iceland and other finds from different excavations in the center of the city.
It is one of the oldest human structures found so far in the country.
The facilities also display objects from the Viking age found in the city center and on the island of Viðey.
According to written sources, Iceland's first settler made his home in the same place where this ancient dwelling was excavated, which adds even greater importance to the find.
This exhibition also has a practical area for children where they will find antique table sets and replicas of toys from the Viking Age.
This archaeological exhibition is an interesting visit to make in Reykjavik, as it allows you to continue discovering details of its history.
Adults: 1740 kr Students: 1120 kr Under 17s and visitors with disabilities: free
+3544116370
1 h - 2 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Hours: daily from 9am to 6pm
Þingvellir
Famous place where the English parliament met
Due to its distance from Reykjavik (about 44km) the fastest and most comfortable way to get there is by private car.
There is parking nearby.
It is possible to book guided tours that, in addition to showing you the city, take you to the Þingvellir National Park and the volcanic region of geysers.
It was declared a National Park in 1928 due to its historical importance and its tectonic and volcanic characteristics.
It lies north of Iceland's largest lake, Þingvallavatn, and is part of The Golden Circle, the country's most famous tourist route.
It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
The valley is one of the most important historical places in Iceland, because it was here that AlÞingi, one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, was founded in 930.
This institution met annually to resolve, dispute and punish criminals. Between 999 and 1000 they proclaimed Christianity as Iceland's official religion.
This beautiful natural site is interesting in itself, but it has a special value in the history of the city and the country, so you should not miss it if you are going to spend several days in Reykjavik.
Free
2 h - 4 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Strokkur
The fourth highest geyser in the world
Due to its distance from Reykjavik, the fastest and most comfortable way to get there is by private car.
There is parking in the area.
It is possible to book guided tours that, in addition to showing you the city, take you to the Þingvellir National Park and the volcanic region of geysers.
It erupts every 4-8 minutes on average, and reaches 15 to 20 meters in height, although it has managed to reach 40 meters.
It became known in 1789 after an earthquake unblocked the geyser conduit but another earthquake closed it again in the 20th century. However, in 1963, the local inhabitants managed to clear the conduit and unblock the geyser again with due advice from the Geysir Committee.
It is part of the Haukadalur geothermal area, where there are mud pools, fumaroles, algae deposits, and other geysers.
Near Strokkur is the Great Geysir, the oldest known and one of the most impressive examples of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it has stopped expelling water due to the stones that tourists threw inside.
It is one of the most famous geysers in Iceland and one of the great tourist attractions of the country, so I advise you not to miss the experience if you are going to spend several days in Reykjavik.
Free
1 h - 2 h
Guided tours that cover several places, including this one, are around 10am in total.
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
Seltjarnarnes
The place to see the Northern Lights
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik is from late August to mid-April, so if your stay in the city takes place between these months, I recommend visiting the island of Grótta to enjoy this wonderful natural spectacle.
If you want to get there by public transport, bus line 11 will serve you.
It obtained its current political form after World War II and was created as a municipality in 1947.
It has one of the highest population densities in Iceland, and its leisure options include the public swimming complex with whirlpools.
It is also famous for the Kvika geothermal pool, which attracts many tourists to dip their feet in the water.
On its peninsula there is a nature trail that leads to the island of Grótta, known for its lighthouse and the diverse birdlife that inhabits the area, but even better known for being an area with little light pollution, perfect to enjoy the northern lights during its epoch.
This area is well known, especially for its geothermal pool, but also for the northern lights that can be seen in the area. If you are going to be several days in Reykjavik, you should not miss it.
Free.
2 h - 4 h
Subject to business hours
No ticket needed
4 Ratings
alichispix
Reykjavik es una ciudad con muchos atractivos, me muero por darme un Chapuzón en Laugardalslaug y visualizar un gran paisaje en la terraza del museo Perlan. ¡mágico!
09/08/2020
yaizam
Gracias a esta guía estoy ansiosa de poder visitar Reykjavik, me encantan los lugares curiosos y este es uno de ellos.
27/07/2020
pablomarmol
excelentes vistas y atractivos, Reykjavik está en mi lista de viaje.
25/07/2020
albertoruiz
Hace unos días ví fotos de la ciudad con nieve a día de hoy 😯, me quedo en la piscina conociendo la ciudad con esta guía.
21/07/2020