Travel Guide of Reykjavík in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay. Its latitude is 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Reykjavík

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Laugavegur

Laugavegur is the primary commercial artery of downtown Reykjavík, Iceland and one of the oldest shopping streets. The name means "wash road", as it used to lead to the hot springs in Laugardalur where in olden times the women of Reykjavík took their laundry for washing.

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2 - Imagine Peace Tower

The Imagine Peace Tower is a memorial to John Lennon from his widow, Yoko Ono, located on Viðey Island in Kollafjörður Bay near Reykjavík, Iceland.

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3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik

   6 km away

Get yourself some hot drinks and delicious waffles, and tuck in while you watch the Northern Lights dance in Iceland's skies. That's the dream evening when you join this comfy, cozy bus tour from Reykjavik. Your expert driver and guide will take you out to their secret spots, where the city lights don't detract from the neon green Northern Lights. Dress up warm and don't forget your cameras. You'll get some basic information from your guide on how to get the best pictures of the lights. This tour depends on weather and sightings are not guaranteed. But don't worry if you don't see the lights on your first trip - simply join again on another night for free.

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4 - Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík

The Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík is a church which is apart from the State Church. It is an independent Lutheran Free Church of Iceland. It lies in the centre of the Icelandic capital, by the lake Tjörnin. The Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík congregation was established in Reykjavík in the autumn of 1899. It had an initial membership of 600 which soon rose.

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5 - Búðir

   6 km away

Búðir is a small hamlet in Búðahraun lava fields in Staðarsveit, which is in the western region of Iceland, on the westernmost tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula where Hraunhafnará falls to the sea, the original old name of Búðir having been Hraunhöfn.

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6 - Helicopter tours in Reykjavik

   6 km away

  Fly over the magnificent erupting Geldingadalur volcano site on a panoramic helicopter flight! On arrival at Reykjavik domestic airport, you'll meet your pilot who will accompany you on this helicopter flight to the Þórisjöku...

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7 - Reykjavik

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay. Its latitude is 64°08' N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state.

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8 - Seltjarnarnes

   10 km away

Seltjarnarnes is a town in the Capital Region of Iceland. Seltjarnarnes is beside Reykjavik. It took on its current political form shortly after the Second World War and was formally created as a township in 1947.

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9 - Glacier hiking in Reykjavik

   6 km away

Get off the beaten track and experience movie-like landscapes as you make your way through the amazing blue and black ice cave of Kötlujökull glacier. It all kicks off in the comfort and excitement of a Super Jeep as you drive to...

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10 - Snorrabraut

Laugardalur is a district of Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. It is just east of the city centre and contains various recreational facilities including the main stadium.

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11 - Grótta

Grótta is a tied island at the extreme end of Seltjarnarnes in the Capital Region of Iceland. During high tide the tombolo is completely submerged, turning Grótta into an island.

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12 - Wildlife Experiences in Reykjavik

   7 km away

Set sail from Reykjavik on a whale-watching excursion! Go in search of Minke whales and humpback whales, while also admiring the view of the mountains and islands around Reykjavik. When the weather is clear and favourable, you may even catch a glimps...

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13 - National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland was established on 24 February 1863, with Jón Árnason the first curator of the Icelandic collection, previously kept in Danish museums.

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14 - Harpa

Harpa is a concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavík, Iceland. The opening concert was held on May 4, 2011. The building features a distinctive colored glass facade inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.

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15 - Sightseeing Tours in Reykjavik

   7 km away

Discover one of Iceland's most picturesque areas on this not to be missed 12-hour, Snæfellsnes Peninsula sightseeing tour from Reykjavík! Welcoming explorers ages 6 and up.Located in the western part of Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is c...

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16 - Skógar

   11 km away

Skógar, literally forests, is a small Icelandic village with a population of roughly 25 located at the south of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, in the municipality of Rangárþing eystra.

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17 - Capital Region

   12 km away

Greater Reykjavík is a region in southwestern Iceland that comprises the national capital Reykjavík and six municipalities around it. Each municipality has its own elected council.

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18 - Þjóðvegur

   12 km away
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19 - Hafnarfjordur

   13 km away

Hafnarfjordur Free Church is a church in the Free Lutheran congregation of Iceland, located in Hafnarfjordur. The church was founded on 22 April 1913. It's Iceland's third largest religious body, after the Reykjavik Free Church and the Church of Iceland. Sr. Einar Eyjólfsson has been the church priest since 1984, accompanied by another priest, sr. Sigríður Kristín Helgadóttir, since 2000.

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20 - Suðurlandsvegur

   21 km away

Hella is a small town in southern Iceland on the shores of the river Ytri-Rangá and has, as of 2011, 781 inhabitants. Hella is situated 94 kilometres to the east of Reykjavík on the Hringvegur between Selfoss and Hvolsvöllur.

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21 - Þjóðvegur 1

   21 km away
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22 - Kleifarvatn

   25 km away

Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, situated in the southern part of the peninsula. It is located on the fissure zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

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23 - Akranes

   25 km away

Akranes is a port town and municipality on the west coast of Iceland, around 20 km north of the capital Reykjavík. The area where Akranes is located was settled in the 9th century, but did not receive a municipal charter until 1942.

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24 - Keilir

   26 km away

Keilir is a subglacial mound or perhaps a conical tuya on Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland.Basal area is 0.773 km2, summit area 0.004 km2, basal width 0.99 km, summit width 0.07km, volume 0.0362 km3.

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25 - Hvalfjörður

   26 km away

Hvalfjörður is situated in the west of Iceland between Mosfellsbær and Akranes. The fjord is approximately 30 km long and 5 km wide. The origin of the name Hvalfjörður is uncertain.

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Pictures and Stories of Reykjavík from Influencers

20 pictures of Reykjavík from Alice Donovan Rouse, Preston Goff, Evelyn Paris and other travelers

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Why should you visit Reykjavík ?

Travel to Reykjavík if you like:

  🌲 Ecoregion     🏞️ Loch     🛣️ Road trip     🌲 Forest     🏘️ Town     🗼 Landmark  

How to visit Reykjavík ?

To get to Reykjavík, most travelers fly into Keflavík International Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers from the city center. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to the city, which takes about 45 minutes.

When planning your trip, it's essential to book some experiences in advance. The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located between the airport and Reykjavík, often requires booking in advance due to its popularity. Additionally, if you're visiting during the winter months (September to April) and plan to join a Northern Lights tour, it's best to reserve your spot early.

Costs in Reykjavík can be higher than in other European cities, but there are ways to save money. Accommodation and food can be expensive, but by booking in advance and choosing budget-friendly options, you can lower your expenses. Many attractions and natural sights in and around Reykjavík are free to visit or have minimal entrance fees.

Some of the best things to do in Reykjavík include exploring the city's unique architecture, such as the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall. For a taste of Icelandic history and culture, visit the National Museum of Iceland and the Saga Museum. Don't forget to take a stroll through the vibrant streets of downtown Reykjavík and visit the old harbor area.

For dining options, try Icelandic Street Food for traditional and affordable Icelandic dishes or Sægreifinn for delicious seafood, including their famous lobster soup. For a more upscale dining experience, dine at Grillmarkaðurinn, which offers a variety of Icelandic ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.

When choosing where to stay, consider the centrally located Kex Hostel for budget travelers, offering both dormitory-style and private rooms. For a more upscale experience, stay at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre or the Alda Hotel, both located within walking distance of major attractions.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, explore the inside of a volcano by joining the Inside the Volcano tour. This unique adventure takes you into the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano, where you'll descend 120 meters into its magma chamber. This one-of-a-kind experience is only available in Iceland and offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological wonders of this island nation.

Learn More about Reykjavík

On the Icelandic coast, Reykjavik is the country's capital and largest city. It includes the National Museum and the Museum of the Sagas, which tells the story of the Vikings in Iceland. The Hallgrímskirkja, an impressive concrete church, and the Perlan, with its rotating glass dome, offer unobstructed views of the sea and the surrounding hills. The Blue Lagoon spa, powered by a geothermal plant, is a perfect example of the island's volcanic activity and is located not far from the village of Grindavík.

Iceland's largest city, Reykjavik is the world's most northerly capital. A charming town with picturesque tinted houses, this small European capital is a trendy city where young people like to party, go to art galleries and enjoy the thermal baths. Reykyavik is also a great starting point for your next adventure to the black cliffs of Dyrholaley, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle... Many great adventures to come !

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Reykjavík

Is there Northern Lights in Reykjavík ?

Yes, it's possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik! In fact, Reykjavik is the only capital city besides Nuuk, Greenland where you can see the Northern Lights. Reykjavikers swear they can see the lights from their bedroom windows during bright auroras !

Is Reykjavík safe ?

Reykjavík is a friendly and very safe capital city, which is why it's heralded as a great destination for families and solo travellers in Iceland. Crime rates are low and there are no “bad” neighbourhoods in Reykjavík.

What does Reykjavík mean in Iceland ?

Reykjavik therefore means “smokey bay” or “bay of smoke”.

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   More Travel spots to explore around Reykjavík

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Reykjavík

  🗼 Landmark spots     🏘️ Town spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏞️‍ Waterfall spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     Panorama spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     ❄️ Tundra spots     🌲 Ecoregion spots     🏞️ Loch spots     🏰 Place of worship spots     🏖️ Shore spots     ❄️ Glacier spots     Driving spots     🏖️ Coast spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ❄️ Fjord spots     🌲 Forest spots     ❄️ Glacial landform spots     🚢 Lighthouse spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🛣️ Off-roading spots     🌲 Plain spots     🏨 Resort spots     🏞️ River spots     🏖️ Sailing spots     🏰 Church spots  

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