Reykjavik: things to do and sights in Iceland's capital
Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and a port on the Atlantic Ocean.
The city covers 244 square kilometres and had 138,772 residents on 1 January 2025.
Icelandic settlement began in Reykjavik with the arrival of Ingolfur Arnarson from Norway.
Things to do in Reykjavik: Hallgrimskirkja, Laugavegur and Tjornin
Hallgrimskirkja takes its name from Hallgrimur Petursson, the Icelandic poet and cleric who wrote the Passion Hymns.
He lived from 1614 to 1674.
The church stands 74 metres high and is operated by the Church of Iceland.
Its design is said to echo the shapes of Iceland's rock formations, mountains and glaciers.
A lift carries visitors to the tower viewing deck, which overlooks Reykjavik and the mountains around it.
Inside the church are two large pipe organs.
Laugavegur is the main commercial street in central Reykjavik, with restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Tjornin is a lagoon in the city centre beside a barrier beach and City Hall.
Between 40 and 50 species of water birds frequent the lagoon.
City Hall contains a large three dimensional map of Iceland.
A private walking tour in Reykjavik covers stories, legends and landmarks.
There is also a self guided walking tour of Reykjavik with an audio guide app.
A private walking tour in Reykjavik explores Icelandic punk history.
What to see in Reykjavik: Harpa and the Sun Voyager
Harpa's opening concert was held in May 2011.
The Danish practice Henning Larsen Architects designed the building.
Jon Gunnar Arnason created the Sun Voyager in stainless steel.
The sculpture is described as a boat of dreams or a tribute to the Sun.
Inside Perlan
Perlan contains an ice cave measuring 100 metres in length.
Ice, snow and ash were used to build it.
Its planetarium presents Aroora, a show about the northern lights.
Thermal pools and hot springs
Laugardalslaug is a public thermal bathing and swimming complex in Reykjavik.
It has eight hot pots with differing water temperatures.
There is a private tour to Hvalfjordur and Hvammsvik hot springs.
Food tours
An Icelandic food tour covers history, culture and cuisine.
There is also a private vegetarian Icelandic food tour in Reykjavik.
Whale watching and northern lights cruises
A whale watching boat tour in Reykjavik takes place on a superyacht.
There is also a Reykjavik northern lights cruise on the North Atlantic Ocean.
Where to stay in Reykjavik: facts about the centre
Laugavegur is the main commercial street in central Reykjavik, with restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Tjornin is a lagoon in the city centre beside a barrier beach and City Hall.
Weather in Iceland
Weather in Iceland can change sharply and suddenly, particularly inland and during winter.
Day trips from Reykjavik
The Golden Circle forms a loop of about 300 km from Reykjavik through Iceland's southern uplands and back.
Its main stops include Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and the geothermal area at Haukadalur.
Iceland's annual parliament gathered at Thingvellir from 930 until its final session there in 1798.
Thingvellir received World Heritage status in 2004.
The national park occupies a rift valley on the Mid Atlantic Ridge at the boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Gullfoss descends in two drops of 11 and 21 metres in the canyon of the Hvita river.
There is a private Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik.
A full day tour in Iceland combines the Golden Circle and Langjokull glacier.
A full day tour from Reykjavik visits Snaefellsnes and Kirkjufell.
There is also a private guided glacier lagoon day trip in Iceland.
The Bridge between continents is a footbridge built from steel and wood in Iceland's Southern Peninsula Region.
It connects the Eurasian and North American plates.
Seltun is a solfatara in Krysuvik, within the municipality of Hafnarfjordur.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see in central Reykjavik?
Laugavegur is the main commercial street in central Reykjavik, with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Tjornin is a lagoon in the city centre beside a barrier beach and City Hall. City Hall contains a large three dimensional map of Iceland.
What is in the centre when considering where to stay in Reykjavik?
Laugavegur is the main commercial street in central Reykjavik, with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Tjornin is a lagoon in the city centre beside a barrier beach and City Hall.
What is inside Perlan?
Perlan contains an ice cave measuring 100 metres in length. Its planetarium presents Aroora, a show about the northern lights.
What weather should I consider when choosing a time to visit Reykjavik?
Weather in Iceland can change sharply and suddenly, particularly inland and during winter.
How long is the Golden Circle route from Reykjavik?
The Golden Circle forms a loop of about 300 km from Reykjavik through Iceland's southern uplands and back.
