THE CITY OF ICE LAND
The world’s most northerly capital combines colourful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design and a wild nightlife.
Reykjavik is by far the largest municipality in Iceland and as well the capital city of the country.
Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland according to Landnama, the Book of Settlement, built his farm on the peninsula where the city stands today. Arnarson is said to have decided the location of his settlement using a traditional Norse method. He cast his high seat pillars into the ocean when he saw the coastline, then settled where the pillars came to shore, though not many scholars would argue that this romantic story is fully credible. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” or Reykjavík, after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.
The greater Reykjavik area
Reykjavik is by far the largest community in Iceland today and located in southwestern Iceland. The capital area, which counts five different municipalities, has about 60% of Iceland’s total population. The other municipalities are Kópavogur, Gardabaer, Mosfellsbaer, and Hafnarfjordur.
The city area coastline is characterized by peninsulas, coves, straits, and many small islands, e.g. Videy Island. It offers a good natural harbour and therefor fishing has always been a huge part of the city. Across the bay, Mount Esja (914 m) rises, the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavik.
The northernmost capital in the world
Reykjavik is the northernmost capital in the world. It is, despite the fact that it is by far not as large as many other capitals, thrumming with life. It has a very interesting art scene, as the many famous Icelandic bands and artists can testify. There are many superb museums and attractions to visit. The city is colourful and the people welcoming.
Approximately 100.000 people live in Reykjavik proper, but in the greater Reykjavik area over 60% of Iceland’s population live.
Things to do in Reykjavik
Whale Watching From Reykjavík
Concerts
Art Galleries
Museums
Restaurants & Bars
Shopping
Sightseeing
Soak in local swimming pools
The capital of Iceland is a growing city and very much alive. Whether you visit in summer or winter, there will be so much to do. There are many day tours and activities to choose from, e.g. whale watching, and the city also offers many different museums, art galleries and all kinds of shows and concerts.
You can choose from a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses. Whether you’d like to try out Icelandic cuisine, a la carte restaurants, or are in the mood for fast food, you should have no trouble finding a restaurant that suits your needs. But please, don’t forget to stop by the small hot dog stand, called “Bæjarins bestu”, and try out our very special Icelandic hot dog. It’s a treat, we promise.
The newest food trend in Iceland happens to be food halls but they pop up bi-monthly! Our favourite ones downtown are Hlemmur Matholl and the Grandi Matholl in the hipster district Grandi.
There are also a few shopping malls if you’re in the mood for shopping, the largest ones being Kringlan and Smaralind. Kringlan is not far from the city centre, while Smaralind is in Kopavogur. There you’ll find many popular brands and stores. However, if you are looking to stay in the downtown area the main high street is called Laugavegur and hosts many of the best shops, pubs, bars and restaurants.
If you’re traveling with your family, there are so many pools in the city, with geothermal water. Icelanders love to sit in hot tubs and pools, and often you can find lively debates and discussions in the tubs, especially before noon. We also recommend that you take the time to pay a visit to the Blue Lagoon, only a 40-minute bus ride from Reykjavik. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Of course, the city is the starting point for many travellers, whether they are going on a simple day tour or a multi-day road trip across Iceland. You can find many activities in Reykjavik, e.g. you could go whale watching and then enjoy a great night on the town.
You can also go on many great day tours in Reykjavik that will last a day and take you to the many great places that are near the city. You can go on a Golden Circle tour or visit the South Coast, The Glacial lagoon, The Blue Lagoon, or the Black Sand Beach. Many tourists actually stay in Reykjavik but embark on day tours like these to see the surrounding area.
Reykjavík Nightlife
The Reykjavik nightlife is great, especially during weekends and there are plenty of bars and clubs to visit. Every weekend there are concerts and shows, make sure you ask about what’s happening when you are in Iceland. Every year there are music festivals in Reykjavik, Secret Solstice Festival in late June and Iceland Airwaves in November, both offer great line-up with both local artists and international superstars.
The Reykjavik Pub Crawl
This small city is also the starting point for many hunters of the elusive Northern Lights. Seeing the Northern Lights can be a bit difficult in a light-polluted area as Reykjavik is, but only a short drive away are heaths, where the only lights you see are the headlights of your car, which is ideal to see the Northern Lights. Make sure you check out our Northern Lights tours. We offer many tours with local expert guides and special Northern Lights hunters.
Being in Reykjavik for Christmas and New Year’s eve is extraordinary and unlike anything else.
Reykjavik attractions
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Statue of Leif Eiriksson
Solfarid Sun Voyager Sculpture
Harpa Concert Hall
The Pearl or Perlan
Whales of Iceland Museums
Kolaportið Flea Market (Saturday-Sunday 11 am – 5 pm)
There are many attractions in Reykjavik and you should try and find the time to see the city. The city center offers many great sights and the city is unique in so many ways. You won’t find the towering skyscrapers of America or the age-old narrow streets, which time has seemingly forgotten and seemingly unchanged since Roman times, as in Europe. Reykjavik is somewhere in between and yet miles away. With its small quirky houses and both tiny and open spaces. It is colorful, modern, charming and old all a the same time. So, don’t forget to bring your camera along, you are bound to find many great photo opportunities.
We recommend a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja church, which can be found standing on a small hill downtown Reykjavik. A statue of Leif Eiriksson, the Icelandic Viking that found America, stands in front of the church. Hallgrimskirkja church is a popular tourist attraction, just don’t forget to enter the tower and go to the top. It will offer you a great view of Reykjavik.
