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Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital of a sovereign state, set on a bay in the southwest of the island. Most of the country's population lives in or near the city, which has grown from a small trading town into a modern capital known for its colorful houses, geothermally heated pools and creative culture. Mountains and the sea frame almost every view.
Hallgrímskirkja, the concrete church inspired by basalt columns, dominates the skyline and offers views from its tower. Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are the main shopping streets, leading downhill toward the pond of Tjörnin and City Hall. The Settlement Exhibition displays the remains of a Viking-age longhouse found in the city center, and the National Museum of Iceland traces the nation's history. On the waterfront, the glass Harpa concert hall glows at night, and the Sun Voyager sculpture faces the bay. The Old Harbour and Grandi district have restaurants and museums, Perlan offers exhibits on glaciers and nature, and Grótta Lighthouse is a popular spot for sunsets and, in winter, northern lights.
Reykjavik suits travelers who want a city base for touring Iceland. Summer brings near-constant daylight, winter is dark but atmospheric, and public pools are part of daily life.
WiserMap travel guideReykjavik Iceland Geothermal Pools and Northern LightsPlan Reykjavik with Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, the Sun Voyager, the Old Harbour, Perlan, geothermal pools, Viðey, food, where to stay and when to see the lights.Read the guide
Hallgrímskirkja is the tall white concrete church on a hill above central Reykjavik, designed to evoke basalt columns. Its plain interior holds a huge pipe organ, and an elevator takes you up the 74-meter tower for the best view over the colorful city roofs. The statue of Leif Erikson stands in front. The tower needs a ticket.
Harpa is Reykjavik's concert hall and conference center on the harbor, famous for its glass facade of geometric panels designed with artist Olafur Eliasson that light up at night. You can walk through the foyers for free, join a guided tour or attend a concert by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Sun Voyager is a steel sculpture of a Viking-like ship by Jon Gunnar Arnason, set on the seafront path along Saebraut. It is a dream boat and an ode to the sun, with views across the bay to Mount Esja. It is free and open at all times. Visit at sunset or under the northern lights in winter.
Perlan is a glass-domed building on top of hot water tanks on Oskjuhlid hill. Inside is Wonders of Iceland, a nature museum with a real ice cave tunnel, glacier and volcano exhibits and a planetarium show about the northern lights. An observation deck circles the dome. Free shuttle buses run from downtown.
The Settlement Exhibition, part of Reykjavik City Museum, is built around the excavated ruins of a Viking-age longhouse from the 10th century, discovered under the city center. Multimedia displays show how the first settlers lived. A section of wall is even older, from about 871. It takes about an hour.
The National Museum of Iceland traces the country's history from the Viking settlement to today. Highlights include the carved Valthjofsstadur church door, old silver, costumes and everyday objects. It is near the university, a pleasant walk from the center. Allow two hours, and check opening hours in winter.
Laugavegur is Reykjavik's main shopping street, with clothing stores, wool shops, bars and cafes. Skolavordustigur rises from it toward Hallgrimskirkja, with a rainbow-painted pavement, design shops and galleries. Prices are high, so look for happy hour deals in bars. It is the heart of the city's nightlife.
Tjornin is a pond in the city center surrounded by colorful houses, the National Gallery and churches. Ducks, swans and geese live here, and in winter it partly freezes for skating. City Hall stands on its edge and holds a large relief map of Iceland, free to view. The walk around the pond is about a mile.
The Old Harbour is where whale watching and puffin tours leave, with seafood restaurants in old fishing huts along the docks. Farther west, the Grandi area has turned warehouses into cafes, galleries, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum and the Whales of Iceland exhibition. Whale tours run all year, weather allowing.
Grotta is a small island with a lighthouse at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, just west of Reykjavik. It is reached by a causeway at low tide; the island is closed in the spring nesting season. A small geothermal foot bath sits by the shore. It is a good spot to see the northern lights away from city lights.
Videy is a small island a short ferry ride from Skarfabakki harbor. It has walking paths, one of Iceland's oldest stone buildings, and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower, a beam of light shown on set dates each year. Bikes can be borrowed in summer. Ferries run daily in summer and only on weekends in winter.
Laugardalslaug is Reykjavik's largest public geothermal pool, with an outdoor 50-meter pool, hot pots, a cold tub, a steam bath and a water slide. Local pools are the city's social hub and much cheaper than spas. Follow the rule to shower without a swimsuit before entering. The Laugardalur park has a zoo nearby.
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