Uncovering the Top 10 Must-Visit Spots in Reykjavík Iceland
Last Updated: Jun 26, 2023
Reading Time: 8 minutes
By: Shaun
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located on the southern coast of the country, on Faxaflói Bay. The city has a population of around 121,000 people and is the cultural, economic and political centre of Iceland. Reykjavík is known for its vibrant arts scene, its lively nightlife and its beautiful natural surroundings.
The city has a rich history dating back to the 9th century, when it was first settled by Norse explorers. The city has a strong Viking heritage and many of its landmarks and cultural traditions are rooted in this era. Today, Reykjavík is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with a thriving arts and music scene, a vibrant food culture and a wide range of shopping and entertainment options.
While Reykjavík is used as a starting point to visit the attractions in the South West of Iceland together with the Golden Circle, the city on its own has a lot to offer, so let’s go through the 10 Best Places To Visit In Reykjavík.
What are the best places to visit in Reykjavík?
1. Hallgrimskirkja Church
Hallgrimskirkja | Image by David Stanley on Flickr
Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran parish church that is also known as the Church of Hallgrimur. The idea for a new church in Reykjavík was first proposed in the late 19th century, but it was not until the mid-20th century that the church was finally built.
The church’s main tower is the tallest structure in Iceland and its organ is one of the largest in Europe with over 5,000 pipes. The bell tower houses two bells that were donated by Germany in 1985.
In the square right in front of the church, you cannot miss noticing the statue of Leif Erikson, a famous Icelandic explorer.
The church is open to the public every day and admission is free. Inside the church, visitors can take a lift to the top of the tower for spectacular views of the city, or they can explore the church’s crypt, which has a museum dedicated to Hallgrimur Petursson.
2. Harpa Concert Hall
Harpa | Image by urban requiem on Flickr
Another distinctive landmark is the city’s iconic concert hall, Harpa.
Harpa’s design is a fusion of Scandinavian and Icelandic influences. The building is constructed from glass and steel, with a facade made up of thousands of hexagonal panels in a range of colours. These panels give the structure a distinct aesthetic while also serving a practical purpose, as they can be adjusted to manage the quantity of natural light that enters the structure.
The main music hall at Harpa seats 1,800 people and is renowned for its excellent acoustics. The building also contains smaller performance spaces, conference rooms and exhibition spaces.
Harpa is home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, which throughout the year hosts a range of classical concerts, opera performances and ballet shows.
The venue also hosts rock and pop concerts, comedy shows and many other kinds of cultural events. There is always something happening at Harpa, so it’s worth checking the calendar of events to see what’s going on during your visit.
3. National Museum of Iceland
National Museum of Iceland | Image by Szilas on Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum of Iceland was established in 1863 with the goal of preserving and promoting Iceland’s cultural heritage. The museum is housed in a historic building in the city centre and offers exhibits and displays highlighting Iceland’s history, art and culture.
The National Museum of Iceland houses a collection of archaeological artefacts dating all the way back to the Viking Era. One can also find a number of exhibitions that explore the history of Icelandic art. The exhibitions feature many pieces by some of the country’s most prominent painters.
4. Sun Voyager Sculpture
Sun Voyager Sculpture | Image by Ron Kroetz on Flickr
Created by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, the Sun Voyager sculpture is located on the city’s waterfront and was unveiled in 1990. The sculpture is a symbol of the city’s hopes and dreams for the future.
The Sun Voyager symbolises a Viking ship and is made out of stainless steel. It represents the spirit of adventure and discovery that has always been at the core of the Icelandic people. The artwork also pays homage to the sun, a powerful and inspirational force in Icelandic culture and mythology.
5. Perlan
Perlan | Image by Vanessa S on Flickr
Perlan was built in 1991 and originally served as a water storage tank to hold the city’s hot water supply. However, in 2008, the building was renovated, expanded and repurposed as a museum. Today Perlan offers its visitors a chance to learn about Iceland’s natural history.
Perlan has a range of exhibits and displays and examines Iceland’s geology, vegetation and animals. Visitors can also learn more about the country’s unique ecosystem through interactive exhibitions and many hands-on displays. One also finds a simulation of the man-made ice caves built in Langjökull Glacier.
The museum also has an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of Reykjavík and the surrounding landscape.
6. Tjörnin
Tjörnin | Image by Philippa on Flickr
In the centre of Reykjavík, surrounded by a myriad of the city’s renowned landmarks and attractions, one can visit the lake called Tjörnin. This is a favourite spot amongst the locals for strolling, jogging and cycling and it also serves as a venue for hosting outdoor events and activities.
One of the most unique aspects of Tjörnin is that it is home to a variety of swans, ducks and geese. In the winter, the lake freezes over, making it a great location for practising some ice skating and a slew of other winter sports.
7. Árbæjarsafn
Árbæjarsafn | Image by Anna Guðmundsdóttir on Flickr
The Árbæjarsafn museum is located in the Árbær district and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the city’s cultural heritage. It features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the city’s history, art and culture.
At Árbæjarsafn one can find a collection of historic buildings that have been moved to the museum grounds from their original locations around the city. These buildings feature a farmhouse, a schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop. They truly offer visitors a unique glimpse into the daily life of Reykjavík in the past.
8. The Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum | Image by Mosbatho on Wikimedia Commons
The Maritime Museum of Reykjavík offers its visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich maritime history.
The museum opened its doors in 1992 and exhibits the importance the sea has to the people of Iceland. From ancient fishing vessels to modern-day ships and technology, the museum offers something for everyone.
The full-scale reproduction of the Gokstad ship, a Viking vessel discovered in Norway in the late 1800s, is one of the museum’s highlights. The model was created following ancient Viking shipbuilding techniques, giving visitors an idea of what it might have been like to sail aboard such a ship.
Another popular exhibit at the museum is the exhibition on the Cod Wars. These were a series of confrontations between Iceland and the United Kingdom in the 1950s and 1970s over fishing rights in the North Atlantic. The exhibit includes artefacts, photographs and interactive displays that tell the story of this important chapter in Iceland’s history.
9. The Saga Museum
Klaus Nahr | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr
Another attraction close to the Maritime Museum is the Saga Museum. The museum offers visitors a unique and immersive look at the country’s rich history, from its Viking roots to the present day.
At the Saga Museum, visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like in mediaeval Iceland. The museum features a range of exhibits, including full-scale replicas of Viking-era homes, workshops and other buildings, as well as a variety of artefacts and interactive displays.
One of the highlights of the museum is the “Saga Walk”, a guided tour that takes visitors through a series of lifelike scenes that depict key moments in Icelandic history. The tour is led by actors in period costume, who provide a lively and engaging narrative that brings the past to life.
10. Esjan Mountain
Esjan Mountain | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr
Esjan, also known as Esjan Mountain, is a mountain located just outside the capital city of Reykjavík and is visible from many parts of the city.
The mountain rises to a height of about 1,000 metres (3,281 feet) above sea level and is part of the Reykjavík City Park, an area of about 46 square kilometres (18 square miles) that also includes the Heiðmörk nature reserve.
The trek to the peak of Esjan is around 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) long. The trek is well worth the effort, as you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area, including Reykjavík, the neighbouring mountains and of course, the Atlantic Ocean. The summit is marked by a large stone, which was built by hikers to mark the highest point of the mountain.
Conclusion
Reykjavík is a destination that truly has something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s architecture and history, indulging in the local cuisine, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Reykjavík is a must-visit destination.
We hope that with our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Reykjavík, you’re sure to have a trip you’ll never forget. So get ready to explore this incredible city!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Reykjavík?
The best time to visit Reykjavík depends on what you're looking for. Summer is the peak tourist season, with long days and mild temperatures, while winter offers the chance to see the Northern Lights and enjoy winter sports. Spring and fall offer a balance of both, with fewer crowds and milder weather.
How long should I spend in Reykjavík?
It's recommended to spend at least 3-4 days in Reykjavík to fully experience everything the city has to offer.
Do I need to rent a car to get around Reykjavík?
It's not necessary to rent a car to get around Reykjavík, as the city is easily walkable and has a reliable public transportation system. However, if you plan to explore outside of the city, renting a car is recommended.
