10 Amazing Things to do in Reykjavik

Miniature, colourful, and remote, Reykjavik is the perfect destination for a two-day vacation. This capital city offers many attractions and activities to visitors. Here are the 10 best things to do in Reykjavik.

Weather in Iceland

The weather in Reykjavik is primarily cold. Iceland has very long winters and barely existing summers. In winter, the average temperature is around 33° to 35° F (1° to 2° C). However, on rare occasions, the temperature could drop to as low as 14° F (-10° C).

In summer, the temperature is usually around 50° to 57° F (10° to 14° C). While this is the usual weather, sometimes the temperature goes up to 77° F (25° C). The weather is usually calm and cloudy.

The perfect time to visit depends on what you want to do in Reykjavik. So, if you are looking for some summer activities, plan your visit for the fall from June to August. Moreover, the rest of the year is perfect for winter activities.

Best Things To Do In Reykjavik

While Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital, it has a distinctive, small-town vibe. The houses are wooden, the shops are packed with local designs, the restaurants serve aromatic dishes, and the cafes are predominantly family-owned. All of these are built around a working harbour.

That being said, this small city has an edge. Reykjavik is full of culture, creativity, and brilliant architecture. In addition, Iceland is blessed with a unique nature and is home to different spices.

Hallgrimskirkja Church

Hallgrimskirkja Church is the first attraction to catch your eye in Reykjavik. It is located in the centre of the city and is visible from anywhere in the city, making it very easy to find.

This well-known church, the largest church in Iceland, opened in 1986 after being under construction for more than 40 years. The famous church of Hallgrimskirkja was named after pastor and poet Hallgrimur Petursson.

Gudjon Samuelsson, the architect who designed Hallgrimskirkja, was fascinated by the shapes of the basalt rock columns surrounding Svartifoss Waterfall. Thus, the building’s style is inspired by Icelandic nature.

The church features a colossal pipe organ designed and constructed by the German organ builder Johannes Klais of Bonn. The organ weighs over 25 tons and is 15 meters tall. It is pretty powerful and capable of filling the church’s massive space.

While the church itself is a sight to behold, most visitors come to the church to climb its tower, which is over 74 meters high. The tower offers a fantastic view of the whole city. We advise you to go up there and experience the breathtaking view.

The Hallgrimskirkja Church is an operating church. However, it is still open to the public to visit. The opening hours differ according to the season you see the church. In winter, from October to April, the church opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The tower closes a bit earlier at 4:30 p.m.

In summer, from May to September, the church opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. The tower closes at 8:30 p.m., making it a perfect spot for seeing the cityscape covered by soft light from the sunset.

No entry fees are collected to enter the church. However, an entry fee is required to visit the church’s tower. The adult ticket is ISK 900, and it is ISK 100 for children.

Saga Museum

The Saga Museum tells Iceland’s early history, including a full account of the story of the early settlers. It shows the history of the Saga Age in Iceland from the late 800s until the 1550s.

The Saga Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the captivating history of the Vikings. It recreates significant historical moments with wax figures and offers audio-guided tours.

Throughout the tour, visitors can touch the lifelike figurines. The audios tell the stories depicted in the wax figures. During the tour, you are encouraged to snap pictures of the scenes and figures in the museum.

Another attraction is the silent movie playing in the museum’s entertainment area. The film tells how the museum’s owner, Ernst Backman, brought it to life.

The entertainment area also features a dress-up space to try on authentic clothing. Children can enjoy themselves as well, playing with wooden swords and shields.

National Museum of Iceland

Check 1,200 years worth of history at the National Museum of Iceland!

The National Museum of Iceland is located in old Reykjavik. Its collections have been collected since 1863 and were moved to its current location in 1950. The building is rather nondescript, which makes the marvels inside surprising.

The National Museum of Iceland is a two-story museum that houses 2,000 antiquities from all over the country. Its exhibits provide a superb overview of the country’s history and culture.

The museum offers a rich experience to its visitors by having free smartphone audio guides. These audio guides give a thorough account of the details found at the museum. You can check the audio guides on the museum’s website. 

The National Museum of Iceland encompasses various sections. The most exciting section is the one describing the Settlement Era. It is found in the first story and includes the introduction of Christianity and the chieftain’s rule. This section also has swords, drinking horns, silver hoards, and an influential bronze figure of Thor on display.

The most precious artefact in the museum is found on this floor. This is the 13th-century Valþjófsstaðir door. This church door is famous for its carvings of the story of the knight, its loyal lion, and a group of dragons.

The second floor of the museum houses collections from 1600 to today. These collections show Iceland’s struggle under foreign rule and explain how the country finally gained independence. Visitors can view simple objects, including gaming pieces made from cod ear bones and a wooden doll that doubles as a kitchen utensil. 

The National Museum of Iceland is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the front desk. The adult ticket costs ISK 2000 ($15.31), and children under 18 can access the museum for free.

Viðey Island

One of the most magical things to do in Reykjavik is to visit Viðey Island. It is a tiny island, covering only around 1.7 square km. The entire island can be easily explored in only a few hours.

Viðey Island is where history and art come hand in hand. On the island, you can check Iceland’s oldest churches. Investigations have found evidence that the island has had settlers since the 10th century.

Viðey Island was the first building to be constructed of stone in the whole of Iceland. This is the Viðey house. The house is considered one of Iceland’s oldest buildings. Make sure to buy a visit to the house to enjoy the unique atmosphere it has. 

While Viðey island holds historical importance, its popularity among tourists is due primarily to the Imagine Peace Tower. This fantastic art piece was conceived to memorialise the great singer John Lennon. The monument symbolizes both peace and joy. “IMAGINE PEACE” is written in 24 languages on the tower.

The tower is lit yearly on John Lennon’s birthday, 9 October, until his death, 8 December. Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow and the one who gifted him this power, visits the island annually to light the tower and celebrate John Lennon’s memory. When the building is lit, it sends its beautiful lights to the sky, creating a breathtaking view that can be seen from Reykjavik.

You must take a ferry from the city to reach the island from Reykjavik. You can catch the ferry from Ægisgarður Harbor and the Skarfabakki Pier during the summer. Due to its small size, the island can be explored on foot or by bike. It has well-marked paths that help visitors discover the island quickly.

Kolaportið Flea Market

One of the great things to do in Reykjavik is to visit Iceland’s only flea market!

Kolaportið is a flea market in a giant warehouse near Reykjavik’s old harbour. The market has a vintage vibe. Most local visitors go to get good deals on different items. The market is an excellent place for tourists to mix with locals and maybe practice some of their haggling techniques.

The market will amaze you with the outstanding collection of things it sells. You can buy different things, from vintage fashion to various Icelandic goods. Other items sold at the market include fresh liquorice, classic Icelandic wool sweaters, affordable souvenirs, and others.

The market is also known for used books and decorative pieces. It also sells traditional dishes, including dried fish and fermented shark. Your Icelandic experience would never be complete without trying these famous conventional delicacies.

The Kolaportið Flea Market opens only on the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The earlier you go, the better your chances of avoiding the crowds. One thing to keep in mind is to carry cash with you since market vendors do not accept credit cards.

The Rauðhólar

Natural beauty is another thing that Reykjavik enjoys. Right outside the city of Reykjavik is located the Rauðhólar (the red hills). These are remnants of a cluster of pseudo craters about 5200 years old. A visit to the Rauðhólar is one of the most incredible things to do in Reykjavik.

The existing Rauðhólar is only a part of the original 80 craters that were there. The gravel from those was taken and used in construction. Some of the famous constructions that used that gravel was at the Reykjavik airport and some other road buildings were built around World War II.

These uses of the gravel resulted in a decrease in its amount. Since the year 1961, the Rauðhólar has been protected against such uses. The security was further increased a couple of years later to ensure the Rauðhólar was safe and protected.

To reach the Rauðhólar, venture to Reykjavik’s outskirts and Heidmork Nature Reserve. The reserve can be reached by taking a bus from the downtown area. You can also rent a car or go on a long bike ride. Inside the nature reserve is the distinctive Rauðhólar. They have beautifully contrasting red and black colours.

The nature reserve is a perfect place for a picnic or even a nice cookout. The spot is also very suitable for a walk. If you are into more physically challenging activities, you can take a volcanic landscape horse riding tour from different tourism companies.

Street Art

Go on a hunt to discover the beautiful street art of Reykjavik.

While most cities worldwide consider street art a type of vandalism, Reykjavik has street art as one of its distinctive features. The art pieces that cover the streets of Reykjavik started to appear in the 1990s. Over the years, the art has increased and taken a new dimension.

Some of these art pieces are apparent and can be easily spotted upon entering the street. Others are not as much and require walking in different directions to spot it.

The art on the streets of Reykjavik has two types. The first is the bright colours and complex murals that are usually commissioned. The other type is the earthy-coloured storytelling tags that different graffiti artists create without commission.

What brings these two types together is that they both have the city walls as their canvas and the city as their exhibition. Both types are stunning and have their unique vibe. You will enjoy looking at all the art pieces.

So take the time to go on a hunt to see the different murals and tags around the city. This hunt is one of the unique things to do in Reykjavik.

Attend Elf School

At the centre of the modern city of Reykjavik is the school that tells the story of Iceland’s biggest myth, elves. Whether you believe in the magical elves or think they are a myth, the elf school should be on your list of things to do in Reykjavik.

Magnus Skarphedinsson, the school’s founder and director, has spent around 30 years studying these hidden creatures in Iceland. To get a clear account of the elves, Skarphedinsson has interviewed more than 1,400 people, both locals and foreigners, who have encountered the magical creatures.

Through all of the interviews, Skarphedinsson managed to collect 1,400 stories. That made him an elf expert. Based on these interviews and his studies, Skarphedinsson opened the elf school to teach others about elves.

Contrary to popular belief, elves do not resemble Santa’s helpers in any way. However, there are around 15 types of elves. While the school has a full curriculum, you can still learn about elves in the three-hour session the school offers for visitors.

The school also offers five-hour classes for curious travellers. These classes include a tour of hidden folk habitats and end with coffee and pancakes with the school’s headmaster. The school is in session on Friday afternoons in Reykjavik and costs $64 per person (with tea and pancakes included).

The Blue Lagoon

Enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon!

The Blue Lagoon is a manmade hot spring located right outside the city of Reykjavik. It is an outdoor spa visited by people from around the world. The water is always warm or close to hot, at 39° c.

This outdoor spa offers several services to help you relax and wind down. From different massages to soulful cocktails, the blue lagoon will give you the relaxation you deserve.

The secret to enjoying the Blue Lagoon is choosing the right time to visit. The Blue Lagoon is open daily from around 8:00 a.m. and closes at around 9:00 p.m.; opening hours vary depending on the season. The best time to go is hours before the closing time, as this is the time when the spa is the least crowded.

However, even if you do not go at the last 4 hours before closing, the spa is never too crowded to be enjoyable. The number of people at the lagoon is constantly monitored and limited to ensure sanitary water.

Make sure to book your spot at the spa weeks before you go. Once you have secured your place, plan to spend at least four hours at the lagoon. This way, you can relax at the spa, allowing yourself time to go through all the procedures before entering the water and having your own “me” time.

The spa packages range from $57 to $80, depending on your chosen treatments and amenities. These are for adults. Kids under 13 can enjoy the spa free of charge. If you bring your kids with you, make sure to follow the spa’s rules regarding them. These rules are not strict, yet they are essential to ensure that all visitors, adults and kids alike, have a good time.

The rules for children at the spa are very simple. First, no children under 2 years old are allowed. Second, for safety reasons, they must be monitored by an accompanying adult. Each adult cannot monitor more than two children. Lastly, children must be respectful towards all present visitors so everyone can have an enjoyable, relaxing experience.

Check the Blue Lagoon’s official website for bookings and exact opening hours. Make sure to book ahead to avoid missing the coolest things to do in Reykjavik!

The Northern Lights

We have saved you the best for last!

The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s defining characteristics. This magical phenomenon is on most people’s bucket lists. So, if you are in Iceland, do not waste this one-in-a-lifetime experience. It is one of the most magical things to do in Reykjavik.

While Iceland is a country that believes in magic, the Northern Lights have a scientific explanation. They are electronically charged particles from the sun that collide with the upper atmosphere.

There are different reasons why the lights are visible clearly. The first one is having a clear sky. Then, you need to go away from the city lights. Also, it needs to be nighttime so the sunlight does not compromise your sight.

If everything goes your way and you are in the right place at the right time, you will be treated to one of the great natural spectacles. The lights are breathtaking. They are swirling bands that range from pale green to pink, yellow and blue.

One last note: The lights appear in the sky from mid-August to early May. So, avoid visiting Reykjavik in the summer to behold this fantastic sight. Most travellers plan their travels around this natural phenomenon.

For an even more magical experience, plan your Blue Lagoon spa visit during the Northern Lights. This will guarantee that you will watch the lights while you are enjoying a relaxing spa treatment.

Not to Miss While in Reykjavik

One of the things to do in Reykjavik is taste the famous Icelandic hotdogs. These are one of Iceland’s most famous dishes. While hotdogs might be well-known in other countries worldwide, the Icelandic ones are the most delicious.

Another thing you should not miss while in Reykjavik is the Sun Voyager Sculpture. It is a metal sculpture located next to the Sæbraut road in Reykjavík. This art piece looks a lot like a Viking warship, even though it is not. Icelandic sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason builds the sculpture as an “ode to the sun”, symbolizing light and hope.

Your visit to Reykjavik would never be complete without going to the Phallological Museum. Yes, as its name suggests, this museum is a penis museum. The museum has on display 282 penises from 93 different species of animals, including humans. The museum is a mix of scientific studies and humorous puns. Your visit to the museum will be one of the weirdest yet most fun things to do in Reykjavik.

Another dish to try in Reykjavik is Hákarl. It is a fermented shark meat that might be a bit (or a lot) stinky. You might not like this dish, but it is the seal that stamps your Iceland visit as “authentic.”

Well, this is your ultimate guide to the most amazing things to do in Reykjavik. Is it time to plan your itinerary to visit the magical city?

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