Reykjavík
Visited in February 2013
At a glance
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Reykjavíkurborg
- Population
- 138,772
- Best time to go
- June to August, or September to March for the Northern Lights
- Main airport
- Keflavík International (KEF)
- Coordinates
- 64.13°N, 21.93°W
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Overview
The world's most northerly capital is small, colourful and easy to explore on foot. Reykjavík is also the base for most trips around Iceland, with glaciers, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes a short drive away.
Summer brings near 24-hour daylight; winter brings short days and the chance of the Northern Lights. Either way, do as the locals do and spend an evening in a geothermal pool.
Things to see
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Photo: Steinninn, CC BY 4.0 Hallgrímskirkja
The striking concrete church that towers over the city. Take the lift up the tower for views of the rooftops.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Ivan Sabljak, arkitekt: Hennings Larsens in Denmark, CC BY-SA 3.0 Harpa Concert Hall
A glass honeycomb on the waterfront, especially beautiful in low winter light.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, CC0 Sun Voyager
A steel sculpture of a Viking-style ship on the seafront path, best at sunset.
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Photo: Helmut Seger, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum of Iceland
The story of the country from the first settlers to today.
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Photo: Tanya Hart, CC BY-SA 2.0 Perlan
A glass dome on hot water tanks with an indoor ice cave, a planetarium show and a viewing deck.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Nickspix, CC BY-SA 4.0 Golden Circle day trip
Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs and Gullfoss waterfall in one loop.
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Photo: AstroAnthony, CC BY 4.0 Northern Lights tour
From September to March, guides drive away from the city lights to find clear skies.
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Photo: Ivan Sabljak, CC BY-SA 3.0 Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
Soak in milky geothermal water. Sky Lagoon is closer to town; the Blue Lagoon is near the airport.
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Photo: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 Whale watching
Boats leave from the Old Harbour to look for minke whales, dolphins and puffins in summer.
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Photo: Meltwaterfalls, CC BY-SA 1.0 Swim at a local pool
Neighbourhood pools such as Sundhöllin and Vesturbæjarlaug are where Reykjavík socialises.
Where to stay
Downtown Reykjavík
Around Laugavegur and the old town, with restaurants and bars on your doorstep.
Hotels in Downtown ReykjavíkOld Harbour
Waterfront hotels near Harpa and the tour departure points.
Hotels in Old HarbourHlemmur
At the eastern end of Laugavegur, with a food hall and slightly lower prices.
Hotels in Hlemmur
Getting around
The centre is very walkable and the city buses (Strætó) cover the suburbs. Most sights outside the city are reached by tour or hire car; book a 4x4 and check road conditions in winter.
Keflavík airport is 50 kilometres away. Flybus and other coaches meet every flight and take about 45 minutes to the city.
When to go
June to August is the warmest time, with midnight sun and all roads open. September to March is the season for the Northern Lights, though days are short and weather can close roads. Book tours with free cancellation in winter.
Plan your trip to Reykjavík
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.