Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is the country’s largest city. It’s also one of its most popular tourist destinations. It’s also considered to be the safest and cleanest city on the planet. One of the top things to do in Reykjavik is to visit its many cultural sites to learn about its riveting viking past and discover how it turned into the beautiful city that it is today. The city is also a jumping point to visit natural treasures like the Blue Lagoon and Mount Esja.
Hallgrimskirkja is Iceland’s largest church and is one of the most popular places to visit in Reykjavik. This Lutheran church is one of the tallest structures in the country and is notable for its architectural design, which was inspired by the country’s mountains and glaciers. For a fee, you can access the church’s tower, where you will be treated to a jaw-dropping view of the beautiful city.
Nature often influences the architectural designs of Reykjavik. This is true for Harpa, which has a design inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscape. It is a popular concert venue that has hosted live shows featuring famous artists like Sigur Rós and Björk. Famous music festivals are sometimes held here as well, like Iceland Airwaves and Reykjavik Midsummer Music.
Perlan is a building complex sitting at the top of Öskjuhlíð Hill and is one of the top tourist attractions in Reykjavik. Inside, you’ll find numerous exhibits like the Wonders of Iceland that chronicle the formation of Iceland and how life in the country evolved throughout the years. The breathtaking snapshots of the nature photographer Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson are also on display. There’s even a planetarium where you can watch a short film about the Aurora Borealis, a mini-ice cave to explore, and a restaurant!
Right next to Sæbraut Road and the town center, you’ll find the Sun Voyager, one of the must-sees in Reykjavik. It is a stainless steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason and it resembles a viking ship and is said to symbolize hope and freedom. This intriguing piece of public art is a popular photo stop for tourists. Not only does it have a peculiar skeletal-like design, it is also backdropped by the scenic Faxaflói Bay. If you drop by during sunrise or sunset, you’ll be able to take the best shots of yourself standing beside this cultural marvel.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Reykjavik for those looking to unwind. Here, you’ll find locals taking a dip into the ocean, which you can do so as well for free. There’s also a hot tub near the shore as well as a sauna, which you can also access for free. If you’re looking to take a break from sightseeing, this is one of the best places to visit. You can enjoy the scenery while you sit back and relax while immersed in a pool of soothing hot water.
Laugavegur is one of Reykjavik’s most historic and oldest streets. It’s a popular shopping destination for tourists because it has shops that are only exclusive to the city and country. If you’re looking to purchase Icelandic souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else, then this is the best place where you can shop. It’s also home to many restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a wonderful place to get acquainted with the local culinary, beer, and nightlife trends.
If you’re itching to learn about the history and culture of Iceland and Reykjavik, then you should visit the National Museum of Iceland. This institution houses a huge collection of cultural artifacts, all lovingly curated to chronicle the country’s riveting past from its viking roots and medieval era to contemporary times. There are audio guides up for rent and you can listen to interesting narratives and trivia as you explore the museum.
Tjornin is a small lake in central Reykjavik. Most tourists are able to walk by and enjoy the peaceful and gorgeous scenery of the area because it is close to numerous museums and the City Hall. It is referred to as “The Biggest Bread Soup in the World” because a lot of swans and ducks call the lake their home, and locals and tourists often toss bread into the lake to feed them. The lake freezes during the winter, which allows people to go ice skating.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik, you can go to Kollafjörður Bay and ride a ferry to visit Videy, a small island just off the coast of the Bay. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and go on relaxing walks or work up a sweat by jogging. You can even bring a bike and cycle around the island.
The Árbær Open Air Museum was built as a way to preserve the “old Reykjavik.” It takes the form of a village. There, you’ll find old-fashioned houses, some of them with grass on the roof. There’s also a farm, stables, a church, and more where you can find exhibits that will inform you about what life was like before. There are even actors who will show you the kinds of work that people had to do back then. It’s open all year except on the Christmas holidays. It also offers guided tours early in the afternoon.
Reykjavik is considered to be one of the cleanest, safest, and most beautiful cities in the world. It’s also close to natural treasures like the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon, plus it’s one of the best starting points for Northern Lights tours.
There’s a phenomenon in Iceland called the “Midnight Sun” which illuminates the country with sunlight even at night. This usually happens during the months of June to August. The temperature during this period is also warm and pleasant.
The best location in Reykjavik for tourists to stay in is the City Center, also known as Miðborg. This area is close to the city’s most important attractions like the Sun Voyager, Hallgrimskirkja, Tjornin, and a whole lot more.