welcome to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The city is the economic, political, and cultural center of the volcanic island nation. much of it lies on the peninsula jutting out to Faxafloi Bay, while the suburbs creep eastward and northward.
It is also the northernmost capital city in the world, making it one of the most easily accessible and a lot of convenient places to see the mesmerizing northern lights. aside from its natural wonders, Reykjavik is also home to some cultural attractions and eye-catching architecture.
Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Reykjavik. This list covers mostly the attractions in the city center and a few in the outskirts of the city. For farther attractions, we have a separate post: DAY trips FROM REYKJAVIK!
Wat is bedekt met deze gids?
Reykjavik walking Tour
Blue Lagoon
Secret Lagoon
Noorderlicht
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Perlan
Harpa
Lava Center
Magic Ice Reykjavik
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Einar Jónsson Art museum and Sculpture Garden
City Hall and Tjörnin (The Pond)
National museum of Iceland
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
DIY Food Trip
Guided Food Tour
The Elf School
Saga Museum
Reykjavik street Art
Laugardalslaug and other heated Pools
Árbæjarsafn
The settlement Exhibition
Maritiem Museum
Viðey Island
Fish and chips
Top Reykjavik hotels & ApartmentsSearch for a lot more Reykjavik Hotels!
Meer ideeën over YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️related Posts:
Reykjavik walking Tour
Reykjavik is a small city and a lot of crucial historical and cultural sites lie close to each other, so it is entirely possible to see lots of of them in a day, even on your own.
But if you want to have a better appreciation of the places, you can join a guided walking tour. An afternoon walking excursion of Reykjavik is available on Klook. here are just a few of the stops:
Statue of Leif Erikson in Reykjavik
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Höfði House
Harpa concert Hall
Perlan
Note that this is only a sightseeing excursion so you’ll need to pay separately if you wish to enter at your own time. The excursion also covers transportation and a multilingual guide.
✅ check rates or RESERVE!
Blue Lagoon
One of the desired things to do in Iceland is taking a dip in the blue Lagoon. The image of that milky blue water against the dark lava field and rock formations lure lots of tourists to the manmade lagoon. Yep, you read it right: manmade.
Photo supplied by Klook.
Unknown to lots of of us, the lagoon is the product of the nearby geothermal plant, supplying water into the lagoon. but there’s nothing to worry about as studies verified that the waters are safe and, in fact, beneficial to the skin because of its silica, salt, and algae content. and the water renews itself every two days.
The geothermal day spa is located between Reykjavik and Keflavik. You can either go there straight from the airport or make it your last stop before heading to the airport and fly out of Iceland. If coming from the airport, there are buses that directly shuttle visitors to the blue Lagoon. The travel time is about 20 minutes. the most efficient way of doing it is if you book your transfers with your ticket.
You can have the service pick you up at the airport and drop you off in Reykjavik City Center. due to its massive popularity, pre-booking is required. You need to reserve your slot days or weeks prior to your visit.
Address: Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavík, Iceland
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (weekdays); 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekends)
Standard Rates: ISK 6,400 (winter); ISK 7,900 (summer). additional ISK 5,000 for the transfers.
However, if that’s not ideal for you, you can also just go on a day excursion from Reykjavik. Klook uses roundtrip transfers from Reykjavik with their tickets. Slots are very limited so make sure you book in advance.
✅ RESERVE TICKETS HERE!
Secret Lagoon
The secret Lagoon is another manmade geothermal pool located in the countryside, a 90-minute drive from Reykjavik. constructed in 1891, it is considered the oldest geothermal bath in the country. The water here is supplied by natural hot springs from the geothermal area of Hverahólmi.
Compared to Blue Lagoon, it is less crowded and not as busy, so you can have a kicking back time here while enjoying the scenery. It has shower rooms for men and women, bar, and eating area. It also features a nearby small geyser that spouts steam and water every 5 minutes.
Address: Hvammsvegur, 845 Flúðir, Iceland
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Daily)
Standard Rates: ISK 3,000 (Adult); ISK 2,200 (Senior & PWD); complimentary (14 y/o and below, need to be accompanied by a guardian)
You can get to the secret Lagoon from Reykjavik by booking a roundtrip transfer or joining a day tour. Klook is using a package that is inclusive of an admission ticket, a bath towel, and roundtrip transfers.
✅ check photos or RESERVE HERE!
Noorderlicht
Aurora Borealis inReykjavik
The natural magical display of lights is inarguably the main reason why tourists wander off to Iceland. If you are an aurora dreamer or hunter, you need to plan your trip well because there are lots of aspects in play when chasing the “elusive” natural light show: sky clarity, solar activity, and the darkness of night, just to name a Enkele.
There’s a better chance of seeing the aurora when the sky is clear or less cloudy and there’s ample solar activity, normally between the months of September to April. a lot of of the time, you need to get out of the city to see the northern Lights (farther north). Some even go on camping, while others join guided tours.
But if you’re lucky, the lights can be so bright that they can still be clearly visible in the city center. On the 28th day of September in 2016, the city turned off its city street lamps and encouraged the residents to do the same to appreciate the dazzling dancing of lights over the city.
Another thing to consider is your intended length of stay. The longer your stay, the greater chance of seeing it. but then again, it’s still not guaranteed. If you plan to stay 2-4 days, make sure that you plan your schedule well and prioritize this. Tijd is alles.
For a a lot more convenient experience, you can book a northern Lights excursion on Klook!
✅ check rates or RESERVE HERE!
Hallgrímskirkja Church
One of the tallest in Iceland, this colossal structure looks like a sentinel guarding the capital.
Hallgrímskirkja Church
Following an expressionist type of architecture, this Lutheran church resembles and reflects the Icelandic topography, which is characterized by mountains, glaciers, and basalt cliffs. It features a 73-meter high tower that is open to the public and one of the significant landmarks in the city. It was constructed from 1945 to 1986 and was named after the poet Hallgrímur Pétursson.
You can climb to the top to admire one of the most breathtaking views of the city, for a fee.
Address: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Nearest Bus Stop: Egilsgata / Barónsstígur stop (Bus 5, 15)
Opening Hours: Church 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Wednesday – Saturday), 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Sundays); Tower 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM (Wednesday – Sunday); closed (Mondays & Tuesdays for both church and tower)
Admission Fee: Tower ISK 1,000 (Adult), ISK 100 (7-16 y/o)
Perlan
Perlan is a modern landmark with excellent structural design. In English, it literally indicates “Pearl”, from which the building’s shape takes after. Perlan is a museum that showcases the natural wonders of Iceland, particularly glaciers, volcanoes, and water.
Image supplied by Klook
Learn how Iceland pertained to be from all the natural phenomenon that occurred over the millennia, mirroring how a pearl is formed — layer upon layer of natural “coating”. Interactive state-of-the-art exhibits will keep you entertained while learning. The museum is perched on six hot water tanks on Öskjuhlíð hill in the city center. These water tanks supply the city of Reykjavik.
The museum boasts the world’s first indoor manmade cave made of ice, a glass dome, an observation deck, and a planetarium. It also has a restaurant and a gift shop.
Address: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
Nearest Bus Stop: Perlan stop (Bus 18)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Fee: Wonders of Icelandic Nature ISK 4,490 (Adult), ISK 2,290 (6-17 y/o); Áróra – northern Lights exhibition ISK 2,690 (Adult), ISK 1,490 (6-7 y/o)
Perlan is one of the most checked out attractions in Reykjavik. If you want to book and reserve your ticket in advance, Klook is using a package that includes the museum entrance fee, ice cave, and glacier exhibition access, and observation deck access. You also have an option to include Áróra northern Lights film in the package.
✅ check rates or RESERVE TICKETS HERE!
Harpa
This modern building’s cutting-edge architecture has won a lot of awards. The sensational structure is made of steel and glass panels that afford the guests the view of the surrounding mountain and the old harbor that is part of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Image by means of Klook
It serves generally as a concert hall and a conference center with features that attract different types of visitors. It is also the home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and houses the offices of the Icelandic Opera.
Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Nearest Bus Stop: Harpa stop (Bus 3)
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Admission Fee: FREE
You can visit Harpa on your own, but there are also guided excursions where you will be led to different concert halls and other interesting amenities!
✅ RESERVE YOUR SLOT HERE!
Lava Center
The Lava center is located southeast of Reykjavik, where five volcanoes lie close. From the city center, it is easily accessible by bus; the travel time is about 1.5 hours.
Image by means of Klook
Launched in 2017, the building is dedicated to exhibitions that focus on volcanoes and earthquakes, and geologie in het algemeen. Er zijn interactieve tentoonstellingen, displayhallen en meeslepende gangen die volwassenen en kinderen zullen prikkelen. Er zijn ook simulaties en filmbepogingen! Al deze worden opgezet om te vertellen hoe IJsland werd gevormd en wordt nog steeds gevormd door vulkanische activiteiten en andere natuurlijke gebeurtenissen.
Adres: Austurvegur 14, 860 Hvolsvöllur, IJsland
Dichtstbijzijnde bushalte: Hvolsvöllur Stop (bus 52). Je moet nog steeds 9-10 minuten lopen naar het Lava Center vanuit de bushalte.
Openingstijden: 10:00 – 16.00 uur (donderdag – zondag)
Toegangsprijs: ISK 2.990 – 3.647 (Volwassene), ISK 1,495 – 1.903 (6-17 J / o), gratis (5 J / o en hieronder). The Ticket Covers Exhibition, Cinema en Observation Platform Toegang.
Boek uw ticket online in ontwikkeling via Klook!
✅ Haal je ticket hier!
Magic Ice Reykjavik
Magic Ice Reykjavik ligt in het stadscentrum, een Noorse franchise met vier andere bestaande locaties in Noorwegen. Het concept is een ijskunstgalerie en een sub-zero-ijsbar-ervaring.
Foto door middel van klook
De galerij benadrukt het deel van de Vikingen in de IJslandse geschiedenis door middel van kristalheldere ijsschermen en ijssculpturen. De bar is ook gemaakt van ijsblokken en serveert drankjes in een ijsglas.
Adres: Laugavegur 4, 101, 101 Reykjavík, IJsland
Dichtstbijzijnde bushalte: þjóðleikhúsið Stop (bus 1, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14). Vanaf daar loopt u richting Smiðjustígur naar de hoek waar Mat Bar zich bevindt en loop loop totdat u Laugavegur bereikt.
Openingstijden: 11:00 – 11:00 PM (zondag – donderdag); 11:00 – 12:00 AM (vrijdag en zaterdag)
Toegangsprijs: ISK 3.900 (welkomstdrankje, handschoenen en poncho inbegrepen)
Boek de Magic Ice Experience Online via Klook! U kunt een gedrukte kopie of een mobiele voucher presenteren.
✅ Reserveer hier uw slot!
IJslands fallologisch museum
Voor degenen die naar het linker veld leunen, is een onconventionele attractie die je nieuwsgierigheid kan wekken het IJslandse fallologische museum.
Dit familie-manused Museum opgericht door een gepensioneerde opvoeder, Sigurður Hjartarson, heeft dit familie-managed museum meer dan 300 reproductieve organen van land en zeemandjes in IJsland verzameld – momenteel de grootste ter wereld. Vanaf zijn vroegere locatie in Laugavegur, verhuisde het naar een grotere locatie en wordt beheerd door de zoon van de oprichter.
Afgezien van de echte exemplaren, heeft het museum ook voor items en ambachten die zijn geïnspireerd door de mannelijke genitaliën.
Adres: Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, IJsland
Dichtstbijzijnde bushalte: Arnarhóll / Lækjartorg Stop (bus 3, 14)
Openingstijden: 10:00 – 19:00 uur (dagelijks)
Toegangsprijs: ISK 2.200 (regulier), ISK 1.800 (verminderd)
Einar Jónsson Art Museum en Sculpture Garden
Als u van plan bent om Hallgrímskirkja-kerk te controleren, overweeg dan om nog een halte te maken in het Einar Jónsson Art Museum en Sculpture Garden, gelegen in de buurt op Skolavorduhaed Hill.
Het museum herdenkt de werken van Einar Jónsson, een beroemde IJslandse beeldhouwer. Zijn werken werden geboren uit particuliere en overheidscommissies (openbare monumenten) en persoonlijke projecten. Enkele jaren later hebben hij en zijn vrouw de sculptuin achter het gebouw opgezet. Het museum werd geopend in 1923, terwijl de sculptuurtuin in 1984.
Adres: Eiríksgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, IJsland
Dichtstbijzijnde bushalte: EGILSGATA / BARÓNSSTÍGUR STOP (BUS 5, 15)
Openingstijden: 10:00 – 17:00 (dinsdag – zondag); Gesloten (maandag)
Toegangsprijs: museum ISK 1.000 (volwassen), gratis (minder dan 18 jaar); Sculpture Garden Gratis
Stadhuis en Tjörnin (de vijver)
Tjörnin is een lagune-draaide-meer (of -pond) ideaal in het hart van de stad. De oever van het meer wordt geëmbigd met een verhard trottoir die zowel voetgangers als fietsers geschikt is.
Ongeveer 50 waterbird-soorten bezoeken regelmatig het meer, dus het is ook een favoriete plek om te ontspannen en te ontspannen. Tijdens de winter, wanneer het water bevriest, wordt het meer een locatie voor schaatsen. Het stadhuis van Reykjavik ligt aan de noordelijke oever van het meer. Naast het beheer van het administratieve centrum van de stadsregering functioneert het gebouw ook als een locatie voor kunst-exposities en andere evenementen. Het herbergt ook een grote 3D-kaart van IJsland.
Adres: Tjarna