Sights and activities in Reykjavik
Tjörnin – a small lake which provides a scenic view ringed by colourful houses and surrounded by many of Reykjavik’s main sights.
Hallgrímskirkja – an iconic concrete church perched atop a hill overlooking the entire city, marked by its soaring tower and the striking statue of Leif Erikson, the famous explorer. Hallgrímskirkja’s architecture is a unique example of expressionist design, with a form specifically inspired by Iceland’s dramatic natural features.
Austurvöllur Park – a favourite meeting place for locals, perfect for spending sunny days relaxing on the grass.
National Gallery of Iceland – Iceland’s leading art museum that provides a visual interpretation of the country’s soul with a large collection of Icelandic art through the ages.
Reykjavik Art Museum – a museum in three locations, each dedicated to the work of an individual well-known Icelandic artist.
Kolaportið Flea Market – set inside the old Customs House by the harbour, Kolaportið is a well‑loved indoor market in Reykjavik. Browse seafood stalls, antiques, Icelandic knitwear and quirky souvenirs.
Sights and activities near Reykjavik
The Blue Lagoon – a tourist favourite as it’s on the road from Keflavík airport to town, this outdoor thermal spa is fed with the heated wastewater of a nearby geothermal power plant. Less than an hour from Reykjavik by car or shuttle bus, it makes a convenient and very relaxing stop on the way in or out of town.
Hiking – being so small, you can easily escape the city and find yourself in rugged nature within a very short time. Multiple hiking areas surround the city and there are specific walking trails available for hikers.
Whale watching – many species of whale make the seas surrounding Iceland their home and the bays near Reykjavik are a perfect place to see them frolic. Take one of the whale watching tours out onto the open water and see these majestic creatures in the wild.
Þingvellir – the original seat of Icelandic parliament, this national park combines human and natural history in a beautiful setting. From Reykjavik, you can reach it in less than an hour by car.
Gullfoss – located approximately 2 hours from Reykjavik by car, this is an amazing example of the countless waterfalls that dot the country. Gullfoss is only 32 m high but gushes millions of litres of water across its edge, creating a sight not to be missed.
Geysir geothermal area – part of the Golden Circle tour route along with Þingvellir and Gullfoss. Although Geysir itself, from which the word ‘geyser’ originates, is now mostly inactive, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, sending columns of hot water into the air. This spectacular site is less than 2 hours away from Reykjavik.
Reykjadalur – known as the ‘Steam Valley’, Reykjadalur is a true marvel that invites you on a scenic hike to natural hot springs. There, you can relax in warm water while taking in the awe-inspiring surroundings. You can reach the Reykjadalur parking lot in less than an hour by car from Reykjavik.
Hvalfjörður Fjord – a serene fjord just about one hour from Reykjavik by car. Dive into Iceland’s tranquil wilderness and admire breathtaking views of volcanic mountains and majestic waterfalls.
Langjökull Glacier – one of the largest glaciers in Iceland, situated around 2.5 hours from Reykjavik by car. Embark on an adventure of a lifetime by exploring the ice tunnels, snowmobiling routes and beautiful glacier vistas of this ice-kissed wonderland.
Hafnarfjörður – located about 20 minutes from Reykjavik by bus or car lies this beautiful coastal town that will utterly charm you with its lava fields, folklore and adorable cafés. Often called the ‘Town of the Elves’, Hafnarfjörður feels like a place straight out of a fairytale. To make it even more unique, the town is also home to the Viking Village, a themed hotel and restaurant where visitors can experience the Viking culture.
Shopping in Reykjavik
Design shopping – Reykjavik has developed into something of a haven for design, with a multitude of boutiques and individual designers popping up, selling trendy goods in all fields from homeware to clothing and art pieces to jewellery.
Traditional Icelandic goods – Iceland is well known for traditional products made from wool and other natural products. Many tourist-oriented shops can be found selling various wares like the ever-popular wool sweater, blankets, local foods and art.
Shopping district – your best bet for finding shopping opportunities is to head to Laugavegur shopping street. You’ll find a mix of designer boutiques, smaller brand stores and tourist wares here.
