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Reykjavík

Iceland

Reykjavík

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PDF Guide

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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ReykjavíkGuide was updated:
Visitors to Reykjavík are thrilled by the pure energy at the heart of Iceland’s capital city: be it from the boiling thermal springs, the natural green energy, or the lively cultural scene and fun-filled nightlife. The world’s northernmost capital is framed by the majestic Mount Esja, which keeps a watchful eye on the city, and the blue waters of Faxaflói Bay. On a sunny day, the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier appears crystal-like on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.

Do & See

Glaciers, geysers, hot springs, and volcanoes are the exotic attractions that have drawn tourists to Iceland for a long time. Reykjavík itself has recently become one of the world’s greatest weekend destinations and hosts visitors from across the world. Reykjavík also offers splendid architecture, fantastic shopping, and a raft of cultural delights with Iceland’s amazing natural wonders just around the corner.
Hallgrímskirkja — The Church of Hallgrímur

Hallgrímskirkja — The Church of Hallgrímur

Hallgrímskirkja is an iconic part of Reykjavík's skyline and at 74.5 metres tall, it is one of the tallest structures in the country. The gigantic church on the hill was a controversial project, but Icelanders have come to embrace their monumental tower in all its brutalist glory. The concrete mountain which took over 40 years to construct was inspired by the unusual columnar basalt formations along Iceland’s coast. You can admire the building inside and outside, go to the top of the tower to catch the view or attend an organ concert. The church is named after Hallgrímur Pétursson — a 17th-century minister and poet who wrote the 'The Passion Hymns'. The book remains popular to this day.

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Harpa

Harpa

One of Reykjavík's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit while in Iceland is Harpa, the city's concert hall and conference centre, as well as home to the Icelandic Opera and the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra. Located by the old harbour, near the centre of Reykjavík, this striking bit of contemporary architecture boasts a glass facade, which covers the entire building featuring honeycomb panels, which change colours during the day as they reflect the sky and the ocean. At night, a light show makes the building look even more magical.

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Sun Voyager

Sun Voyager

On the waterfront, only a few minutes from Harpa sits the most famous sculpture in Iceland, the Sólfarið or the Sun Voyager. Made of steel and resembling a Viking ship — although this was not the artist's intention — the Sun Voyager is, according to its creator Jón Gunnar Árnason, an ode to the sun, a dreamboat symbolising the promise of undiscovered territory, the dream of hope, progress, and freedom. This is also one of the best spots for a picture in Reykjavík, with Mount Esja providing the perfect backdrop.

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The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is without a doubt the most well-known geothermal spa in Iceland. The signature milky-blue water makes a stark contrast to the surrounding black lava fields and creeping grey moss. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The water temperature stays at 39°C year-round, snowfall or sunshine. Most visitors make the spa their first or last stop, since it's conveniently located only 15 minutes from the Keflavík International Airport (and around 30 minutes from the capital city). If you are buying a tour, it makes most sense to combine the spa visit with the Golden Circle day trip.

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See Iceland's Northern Lights

See Iceland's Northern Lights

Watching the northern lights or aurora borealis dance across the sky is, without a doubt, on the bucket list of most travellers visiting Iceland. Although there are no guarantees that you will see them on your visit, with luck and some planning, there is a high chance of catching this spectacular display. You can spot the northern lights in the Icelandic skies from late August through May, but the peak season to witness this stunning natural phenomenon is between October and April.

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