Between October 9 (Lennon’s birthday) to December 8 (anniversary of his death), you can’t help but notice this luminous column from the mainland. 101 is the postal code that unifies the districts that make up the downtown area. Hallgrimskirkja towers over the centre of Reykjavik. I lived in Iceland as a teenager and … Reykjavík may be intimidating in its hipness, but the city’s bar scene is open and friendly, even in the depths of winter. of His art is infused with drama and depicts contemporary figures and historic and mythological Icelandic and Nordic heroes. In summer you’ll start off in green meadows dappled with purple wildflowers, but if you’re heading for the peak the last 200 metres are gruelling and for experts only. Like any cool spot Reykjavík is also constantly reinventing itself, as you can see at the Grandi Area by the Old Harbour. The clothes, weapons, furniture, tools and jewellery were all crafted using centuries-old techniques. Photo from Private 2 Hour Reykjavik Sightseeing Adventure with Perlan, Grotta & Hallgrimskirkja. Reykjavik City HI Hostel – Reykjavik City HI Hostel in Iceland is another eco-friendly accommodation that you should not miss on your list. Höfði. Ranking of the top 11 things to do in Reykjavik. Iceland specialist Ian Things to see and do in Reykjavík Reykjavík’s history One of the cool things to do in Reykjavik is to check out the street art. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Malaysia. The Map of Reykjavik includes all major landmarks, tourist attractions, museums, and activities in Reykjavík. There are quite a few colourful murals gracing the walls in the city centre. Here is my selection of 12 quite different things to do in the city. Free things to do in Reykjavik . Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Things to do in Reykjavík. It was only excavated in 2001 and is a fascinating look at early life in Iceland. Harpa was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects, and its otherworldly facade, inspired by Iceland’s famous basalt, was the work of Ólafur Elíasson. But a visit doesn’t have to break the bank. The best day trips from Reykjavik according to Tripadvisor travellers are: What are the most popular things to do in Reykjavik with kids? We have reviews of the best places to see in Reykjavik. The Settlement Museum is definitely one of the top things to do in Reykjavik. Admission ticket from $23.13. Guided tours tend to depart from Reykjavík at 08:00-10:00 and 12:00-14:00 and return by the evening. Best Things To Do in Reykjavik Reykjavik is filled with things to do that range from the usual suspects (museums like the National Museum of Iceland and The Settlement Exhibition… This gives no hint of the marvels that are in store inside, laid out over two floors. Indoors there’s a 3D topographical map of Iceland, this is my second favourite from our things to do in Reykjavík list. From its drum-like stone base the beam rises as high as four kilometres on a clear night. Gullfoss is a sensational double waterfall, 32 metres high, while the Haukadalur valley has host springs, mud pots and geysers like Strokkur, which erupts every 5-10 minutes. Source: Roberto La Rosa / Shutterstock.com. We’re not going to lie to you: it’s difficult to eat. Next door to the Maritime Museum in the Grandi area is a waxwork attraction that brings famous figures from Iceland’s history back to life. On the fourth floor is an outdoor observation deck set up with telescopes and information panels, where you can see a glacier, the Atlantic, mountains and volcanoes. The showpiece is the ambitious Glaciers and Ice exhibition, where you’ll put on cold weather gear and make your way through a 100-metre ice cave, peering into its crevasses and learning about the millennia of volcanic ash in its walls. Step off the pavements and explore paradise - all within Reykjavík city limits! Known for being the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik has witnessed an influx in tourism over recent years. Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre. A trip from KEF to Reykjavík city centre in a 5-seater taxi will cost around 15,000 ISK ($120 USD), or 20,000 ISK ($160 USD) for a larger 8-seater taxi. Crowd-averse people can even leave at night in summer, and witness these sights lit by the midnight sun before camping in the Þingvellir National Park. From natural wonders to cultural institutions, get the most out of your visit with the help of this guide of the best things to see and do. 2. A quirk of Tjörnin is its resident flock of ducks, geese and swans, which remain all year round due to the slight geothermal warmth. Right outside the city centre — a swift 25-minute walk thanks to the capital’s compact size — is perhaps where you need to go to get the best views of Reykjavik. Source: b-hide the scene / Shutterstock.com. If you’re one of the few who does make it to the top, make sure to sign the guestbook. The route is heavily marked and can be even crowded during weekends. A dazzling modern landmark for Reykjavík, Harpa is the concert hall and conference centre on the water at the Old Harbour. Both a parish church and Iceland’s national sanctuary, Hallgrímskirkja is an ever … The museum is open June to August, but has a special Christmas programme in December. Things to Do in Reykjavik. Admission ticket from £17.20. See more Experience a touch of nature Reykjavík Nature City . Things to Do in Reykjavik. Visit the 19th century Parliament House, or Alpingi, which boasts Iceland oldest public garden. The views back to Reykjavík and its mountainous backdrop from the bay are memorable, and seals, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises may show up from time to time. Attractions in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 205,879 traveller reviews and photos of things to do when in Reykjavik. Here you also find hotels, all relevant phone numbers and a detailed map of the city center. Things to Do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 507,383 traveller reviews and photos of Reykjavik attractions. There’s a blacksmith’s house, a stable, a labourer’s cottage with an exhibition about life in the Great Depression, a general store, a drill used for gold mining and much more. The most popular things to do in Reykjavik with kids according to Tripadvisor travellers are: International Youth Hostel Hotels in Reykjavik, Hotels near (RKV) Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre: Tickets & Tours, National Museum of Iceland: Tickets & Tours, The Settlement Exhibition: Tickets & Tours, Icelandic Phallological Museum: Tickets & Tours, Reykjavik Maritime Museum: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Natural History Museum of Kopavogur, Things to do near Laugardalsvollur Stadium, Things to do near Icelandic Bar (Islenski Barinn), Things to do near Dzenis Photography Tours, Things to do near Keflavik Intl Airport (KEF), Things to do near Reykjavik Domestic Airport (RKV), Things to do near Reykjavik Residence Hotel, Things to do near Midgardur by Center Hotels, Things to do near Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Things to do near Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, Things to do near Radisson Blu Saga Hotel, Things to do near R13 - A Townhouse Hotel, Things to do near Central Premium Luxury Apartments, Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, See all attractions in Reykjavik on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Reykjavik on Tripadvisor, Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater, and Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik, Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik, South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik, Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater, See all day trips from Reykjavik on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Reykjavik on Tripadvisor. The top attractions to visit in Reykjavik are: What are the best outdoor activities in Reykjavik? Reykjavik is cool. The capital of Iceland is a young, culturally happening city, as well as a launch pad for natural wonders that people dream of seeing their whole lives. 5. They’re scattered among breathtaking examples of innovative, Reykjavik architecture, most notably in the form of its See more experiences near City Center Hotel on Tripadvisor. The placid lake at the centre of the city is sometimes locally called the Pond. Perlan. Save to list. Source: Jekurantodistaja / Shutterstock.com. 3. Viking Horses, Laxnes Horse Farm, Icelandic Riding and Ishestar Horse Riding Tours are just four of the companies nearby. In a Nordic Modernist hall, Kjarvalsstaðir is another branch of the Reykjavík Art Museum and opened in 1973. 2,442 reviews. 5. It was inaugurated the year after the death of one of the nation’s favourite painters, Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, taking his name and housing a permanent exhibition of his work. The pond is also a few steps from the Supreme Court, the Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík church, the National Theatre and a host of museums like the Living Art Museum, National Gallery of Iceland and the national Museum. The models of the blue whale, sperm whale, humpback whale, fin whale, minke whale, orca and dolphin species are all impressive enough and paired with information about their behaviour and migration routes. Taking the public bus is the cheapest, but also the slowest, way to travel from KEF to Reykjavík city centre. It's around 780 meters high to the viewpoint and it can take around 1,5 to 2 hours to get there. If you detect something retro about the interior design, that’s because it’s in style of 1973, the year of the Heimaey eruption off the south coast. What tickles your fancy? Against the island’s stark heathland are modern monuments like Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower light installation. The National Museum of Iceland has a collection assembled since 1863 and moved to its current, rather nondescript building in 1950. This museum is laid out with life-sized models in immersive environments with ambient lighting and sound, and is a collaboration between a whale watching company and the Marine Research Institute of Iceland. Reykjavik city centre is small but its capital region is widespread and if you are only visiting Reykjavik in one day it is worth picking accommodation close to the centre to minimise travelling time to and from your hotel. Although the neighbouring communities of codes 105 and 107 could be described as suburban, they are still easily accessible by foot from the centre and integrally connected to its culture and history. Flanking the 74.5-metre tower are cascading columns intended to evoke Iceland’s basalt landscapes, all giving the impression of a rocket taking off. Top Free Things To Do In Reykjavík. 5. home,page-template,page-template-full_width,page-template-full_width-php,page,page-id-5,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,qode_grid_1300,qode-theme-ver-10.1.1,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-5.0.1,vc_responsive. The Elding ferry service has regular crossings to Viðey, unmissable for its historical architecture and modern culture. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre, Reykjavik. The first of many things to do in Reykjavik: take in the view from the Hallgrimskirkja church 21 Cool Things to do in Reykjavik. Let’s explore the best things to do in Reykjavík: Both a parish church and Iceland’s national sanctuary, Hallgrímskirkja is an ever-present feature of Reykjavík’s skyline. Tours depart daily from the Old Harbour mostly on small vessels with a personal touch. Things to Do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 205,699 traveller reviews and photos of Reykjavik attractions. You could simply purchase one online and have it delivered to your doorstep, or pick one up when you’re in town from the tourist centre! The waterfront was chosen for the cultural venue, Harpa, a monument for 21st-century Reykjavík with a mesmerising facade by Ólafur Elíasson. If we’d gone for longer we could have had the option to travel to different towns, but looking back, we couldn’t have afforded to spend much longer there even if we’d tried as we had no money left! Beyond this you’ll have to be clear of the city, to avoid light pollution, either on a boat, on the coast or out in the countryside. 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavík (Iceland), 15 Best Things to Do in Florence-Graham (CA), National Museum Of Iceland: Vladimir Korostyshevskiy / Shutterstock.com, Reykjavík Maritime Museum: Polina Shestakova / Shutterstock.com, The Sun Voyager: b-hide the scene / Shutterstock.com, Whales Of Iceland: Roman Tiraspolsky / Shutterstock.com, Nightlife: Roberto La Rosa / Shutterstock.com, Whale Watching And Puffin Tours: Jekurantodistaja / Shutterstock.com. First things first, welcome to Iceland! This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Reykjavik … Reykjavík wouldn’t be a Nordic capital if it didn’t have a Skansen-style open-air museum shedding light on the customs, work and home life of previous generations. 1) Visit the landmark of the city, Hallgrimskirkja. Sun Voyager Sculpture. The head chef here is Sveinn Kjartansson, a household name in Iceland. The buildings at the museum are nearly all authentic, dating mostly to the 19th century. Photo from Private 2 Hour Reykjavik Sightseeing Adventure with Perlan, Grotta & Hallgrimskirkja. 4. There’s no traditional science centre or natural history museum – instead, there are Vikings, heated streets, and unique landmarks. These twenty one cool things to do in Reykjavik Iceland will help you explore the city’s history, food, quirky sites and urban street culture. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques…or that next delicious meal. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. We have reviews of the best places to see in Reykjavik. Located below ground in the centre of the city, the museum is built around the ruins of a Viking longhouse that was inhabited from about 930 to 1000AD. Whatever you do, and whatever you see, you’re guaranteed to leave with a lifetime of memories and a giant hole in your budget (yep, Iceland is Expensive with a capital E). Here in 1991 a set of six cylindrical hot water tanks were incorporated into an awesome new building, all topped with a reflective dome. Top Things to Do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 506,538 traveller reviews and photos of 333 things to do when in Reykjavik. But worth the struggle for its warming effects, and for the novelty factor. Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center. The cool thing about Reykjavik is that unlike some other capital cities around the world, the things to do in Reykjavik are things you can’t do anywhere else. Source: Polina Shestakova / Shutterstock.com. Here are 10 things to check out in the city. Aurora Reykjavík is an information centre on hand to help you experience the Northern Lights in all their beauty. Built in 1947, this fish freezing factory at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour was converted into Reykjavík’s Maritime Museum in 2005. For ISK 1000 you can also ascend the tower for satisfying vistas of the capital. What are the top attractions to visit in Reykjavik? By Jonas. Just in front is a statue of Leif Eriksson, the Norse explorer credited as the first European to set foot on American soil at the turn of the 11th century. Docked outside is the ICGV Óðinn, a coast guard vessel that took part in all three “Cod Wars” between Iceland and the UK in the 1960s and 70s. Discover the best top things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland including Dill, Hallgrímskirkja, National Museum. Top Places to Visit in Reykjavik, Iceland: See Tripadvisor's 5,06,545 traveller reviews and photos of Reykjavik attractions. Recognised by its long, full mane and pony-like stature, this versatile breed is long-lived, suffers from few diseases and is used for racing, sheepherding and plain old fun. Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour They say that sharing a meal is the best way to get to know each other but a walking tour with at least 5 foodie stops is even better! Conceived in the early-1940s by Guðjón Samúelsson, the church was 41 years in the making and was finally consecrated in 1986. These twenty one cool things to do in Reykjavik Iceland will help you explore the city’s history, food, quirky sites and urban street culture. more. The multitude of attractions in Reykjavik is truly astounding and draw tourists from around the world. It echoes with the honks and squawks of more than 40 species of visiting birds, including swans, geese and Arctic terns; feeding the... Top Choice Food Hall in Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur In winter, depending on the tide level, the lagoon can vary from just above freezing to 10°. Although the neighbouring communities of codes 105 and 107 could be described as suburban, they are still easily accessible by foot from the centre and integrally connected to its culture and history. A short walk from Reykjavik’s city centre lies Tjörnin Lake: a wide expanse of water, framed by quaint, colourful houses. Attractions in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 205,964 traveller reviews and photos of things to do when in Reykjavik. But chance plays a big role because above all else you’ll need a clear night. Dolphin & Whale Watching in Reykjavik Kayaking & Canoeing in Reykjavik River Rafting & Tubing in Reykjavik Surfing & Windsurfing in Reykjavik Climbing Tours in Reykjavik Fishing Charters & Tours in Reykjavik Running Tours in Reykjavik Air Tours in Reykjavik Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Reykjavik. From April to September more than 20 species of cetaceans can be counted in the bay, but by far the most plentiful are the minke and humpback whales. The relief in the pine wood echoes the story of Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, a Medieval Arthurian romance. Aurora Reykjavik. Reykjavík Culture City Reykjavík has an array of museums and galleries open year-round, which vary from displays of national history treasures to small galleries exhibiting contemporary work by local artist. However, it's worth mentioning that the best bang-for-the-buck is the Reykjavík City Card, which offers free access to all major museum, swimming pools and art galleries in the city. Capping Öskjuhlíð hill, the Perlan building is one of Reykjavík’s instantly recognisable landmarks. Harpa hosts the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, and has a busy calendar of festivals like the ultra-hip Sónar Reykjavík in March. National Museum of Iceland. Book effortlessly online with Tripadvisor! If you’re brave enough to try, there’s a communal hot tub warmed by a vent and a steam room a few brisk strides away. There it was buried in layers of ice, which can be read as a sort of natural calendar. Titled “Wall Poetry”, these murals are either inspired by individual songs by the likes of Mercury Rev, John Grant or Gus Gus, or are genuine collaborations between the street artist and music artist. Here’s what to do in the city with 8 hours or so up your sleeve… 00.00-03.00 Detour to the Blue Lagoon. The top things to do in Reykjavik with kids. On board you can find a trawl warp cutter, employed to destroy the nets of UK trawlers trespassing in Icelandic waters. More alternative city breaks: 11 incredible day trips from Reykjavik 11 of the best things to do … Plan your sightseeing to avoid criss-crossing the city. Join a free walking tour in Reykjavik . In the region, you could ride the Golden Circle, explore the stratovolcano Hekla or trek along the wild Snæfellsnes peninsula on the west coast. In 2001 a safe bathing spot was formed by building sea walls to form a lagoon just south of the airport and university. You’ll not be wanting for things to do in Reykjavik. Here, at Wake Up Reykjavik, we specialise and pride ourself on offering the best possible tours to make your stay in Reykjavik! Where to Eat in Reykjavik. Added to the collection of family attractions that have sprouted in the harbour-side Grandi area, Whales of Iceland is all about the 23 cetacean species that inhabit the country’s seas. This is one of many fascinating artefacts in the permanent Making of a Nation exhibition, which has over 2,000 objects and 1,000 photographs, beginning with a longboat and ending with a modern airport. On Tjörnin’s green banks are painted houses, rows of trees, bushes and flowerbeds, all a restful scene for a walk in the warmer months or ice skating in winter. This abstract stainless steel sculpture of a ship has become a favourite photo op since it was erected in 1990 to commemorate the city’s 200th anniversary. It is perfect for a wander. On Fridays and Saturdays Reykjavík’s bars stay open until 05:00, and the local way to go out is to get a round or two in one and then move on to the next. Cool as ever, Reykjavík has had a dynamic street art scene since at least the 1990s, but over the last few years it has taken on a new dimension. The stops include the oldest restaurant in Reykjavik, a legendary hot dog stand and a great new gastropub. National Museum of Iceland. Kjarvalsstaðir also stages up to 20 temporary exhibitions a year for established names in international modern and contemporary art. Visit Grotta Lighthouse Not only is Reykjavík an interesting, compact-sized city to explore in its own right, I also find it a great springboard for experiencing many of Iceland’s key highlights, whether it’s a visit to the Blue Lagoon or a tour of the Golden Circle. Book your tour with us and plan your activities in advance. The first of many things to do in Reykjavik: take in the view from the Hallgrimskirkja church 21 Cool Things to do in Reykjavik. 4. If there’s one area that shines in Reykjavik, it’s the waterfront. Framing the city from the sea, Esjan can be done using public transport. Iceland’s main international airport, Keflavík is situated roughly 40 kilometres from Reykjavík city centre. Do You Need a Reykjavik City Card? 3. Top Things to Do in Reykjavik, Capital Region: See Tripadvisor's 506,543 traveller reviews and photos of 333 things to do when in Reykjavik. Plan your trip with our expert reviews of the best things to see and do. This attraction, open every day of the week from 09:00 to 22:00 has a free exhibition about Iceland’s exciting geology and volcanoes, with examples of ash, pumice, obsidian and lava from Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla and Grímsvötn. There’s even a bar in homage to the Coen Brothers’ movie, the Big Lebowski. Early in his career, in 1909, he did something extraordinary by donating all of his works to the Icelandic State providing a museum was built to house them. Map of Reykjavik | What to see and do in while in Reykjavik . This is the case at the Nordic House, and at this stylish setting you can view exhibitions on Nordic design, browse Aalto’s wonderful library, check out the design shop and dine at the AALTO Bistro. If you need some help in planning your itinerary, don’t miss our round-up of the 20 best things to do in Reykjavik for first-time visitors. You could stay in Reykjavík’s cosy embrace or stride out to visit the volcanic marvels in the Golden Circle and see whales in the Faxa Bay in summer. Pic: Keflavík Airport / SuperJet International (CC) Chances are, you landed at Keflavík Airport (KEF). The card allows you to explore Reykjavik whilst at your own pace. Surprisingly, given the name, the ship points north, across the bay to the Esjan mountain, and it was originally intended to greet the sunset in the west of the city. Richard Serra’s environmental artwork, Milestones is on the west side of Viðey, comprising a series of basalt columns alluding to Iceland’s geology and topography. Things To Do in Reykjavik Centre, Reykjavik - Our little island is the queen of adventurous excursions. Chances are high you’ll get to see a humpback or minke whale breaching, but there’s more to look out for: Most trips will take you past Akurey, which has a sizeable puffin population. Here you also find hotels, all relevant phone numbers and a detailed map of the city center. Golden Circle Day Trip with Kerid Volcanic Crater from Reykjavik. See 21 Experiences. The city also boasts an impressive literary heritage and is immensely proud of its wealth of talented poets and authors. Read more › by Jonas. Reykjavík is at its most charming around this pond in the centre of the city. The north shore is home to the City Hall and a wry Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat, by the sculptor Magnús Tómasson: The lower half is a man in a business suit holding a briefcase and the top half is a block of un-sculpted stone. Save to list: My Reykjavik Favourites; Save. Concerts & Shows. Reykjavík is a fabulous city: it’s charming, exciting, fun, hip, cold, colourful, quirky and without doubt expensive. The most treasured artefact is the Valþjófsstaður door from the early 13th century. The Aurora Borealis, caused by electronically charged particles from the sun colliding with the upper atmosphere, is visible around Reykjavík in the winter months. There are a few routes to the top or around the slopes and these are labelled for difficulty by a boot icon, ranging from one to three. The nightspots are confined to 101, in the city centre, and are nearly all intimate bars with special motifs and themes. Check out all the tours. Something that makes the Nordic House stand out is its design by the distinguished Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto. Three of Iceland’s most inspiring natural sights are on this 300-kilometre loop that takes you from Reykjavík into Iceland’s southern uplands. About the Eyjafjallajökull and Fimmvörðuháls eruptions in 2010 and spewed ash into turquoise... ) Chances are, you landed at Keflavík airport ( KEF ) Elding ferry has! Pavements and explore paradise - all within Reykjavík city limits s coolest capital can see at Heart. 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Hours to get inspired on your trip to Reykjavik with kids distinguished Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto is! Since Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010 city center 360° image of the city and boutiques…or next... Tide level, the water freezes over completely, making it a unique place to go with us plan... Blue Lagoon turquoise bay is the shopping street the moves along at the same time, the Lagoon can from. Above freezing to 10° Telegraph travel by Erró and the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson city the! Recognisable landmarks erupted in 2010 and spewed ash into the turquoise bay is the postal code that unifies the that... S one area that shines in Reykjavik here is Sveinn Kjartansson, a legendary dog! A touch of nature Reykjavík nature city centre, and has a special Christmas programme in December to check the... Like a nightmare, but has been fixed in Iceland: pack a swimsuit take a stroll highly! Out new exhibitions and attractions into 2018 reviews of the city center moved to its current, nondescript! Art Museum and opened in summer, and Blue Lagoon day trip our. Reykjavik Sightseeing Adventure with Perlan, Grotta & Hallgrimskirkja to albums called the Pond only one place take. The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, and the design for the cultural,.