Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Hi, I'm Karen!Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Hi, I'm Karen!Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Reykjavik may be small, but it’s packed full of endless attractions. Visitors to the Icelandic capital can bathe in geothermal waters, spot the northern lights, and escape to the surrounding countryside for numerous outdoor activities. Reykjavik is also a cosmopolitan capital city with a unique culture and food scene to boot. Take the guesswork out of your first visit to Reykjavik by following these tips on what to see and do.
Perched on a hill in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja) appears to shoot toward heaven on curved white concrete wings, dominating the city’s skyline for miles.
Just as impressive at ground level, the church also offers an unmissable view of the city and its surroundings. Take the elevator up to the top and admire the postcard-perfect image of the city’s colorful roofs below.
Get a taste of Iceland’s unique swimming culture by visiting one of Reykjavik’s public swimming pools, such as Sundhöllin in the city center, or the enormous Laugardalslaug hot springs which feature two swimming pools, seven hot tubs, a steam bath, and a giant water slide.
Much like British people going to the pub, soaking in a public hot tub is a social pastime for Icelanders. It's a great way to have an authentic local experience and make new friends. Just remember to shower first.
Discover Reykjavik’s Harpa, a concert hall and conference center that’s one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Home of the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the shimmering building was designed by renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Its glass façade features honeycombed panels that change colors as they reflect the sky and the ocean.
Admire the exterior by strolling along the seashore, then pop inside for a closer look and to browse the shops or eat at one of the restaurants. The best way to experience Harpa is by attending an event, so check out the calendar to see what's on.
Reykjavik ist zwar klein, aber voller eigenwilliger Attraktionen. Besucher der isländischen Hauptstadt können in geothermischen Gewässern baden, das Nordlicht beobachten und mit einer einzigartigen Pferderasse durch die umliegende Landschaft reiten. Wenn es Ihr erster Besuch ist, möchten Sie die besten Dinge einpacken. Hier sind unsere Top-Tipps für Ihr erstes Mal in Reykjavik.
Machen Sie eine Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus-Tour
Sie können sich ein Bild von der Gestaltung der Stadt machen und die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten ausschalten, indem Sie eine Hop-on-Hop-off-Bus-Tour unternehmen. Mit diesen Touren können Sie Ihre Reiseroute anpassen: Steigen Sie an einer beliebigen Haltestelle aus und verbringen Sie so lange, wie Sie möchten.
Buchen Sie die Blaue Lagune im Voraus
Die Blaue Lagune mit ihrem mineralreichen geothermischen Wasser ist eine der geschäftigsten Attraktionen von Reykjavik. Planen Sie Ihren Besuch also mit Bedacht. Buchen Sie Ihr Ticket im Voraus und besuchen Sie es entweder auf dem Weg vom Flughafen in die Stadt oder auf dem Rückweg, um Zeit zu sparen.
Reise um den Goldenen Kreis
Islands Goldener Kreis besteht aus dem Thingvellir-Nationalpark, dem Geysir-Geothermiegebiet und dem Gullfoss-Wasserfall und ist auf einem Tagesausflug von Reykjavik aus leicht zu erreichen. Sie können sogar eine zusätzliche Aktivität hinzufügen, z. B. Schneemobilfahren auf einem Gletscher.
Gehen Sie auf Aurora-Jagd
Wenn Sie während der Wintermonate zu Besuch sind, haben Sie gute Chancen, das Nordlicht zu entdecken. Am besten machen Sie jedoch eine Tour, die von Führern geleitet wird, die wissen, wo Sie die besten Aussichtspunkte finden. Wenn Sie sie nicht sehen, können Sie bei vielen Touren am nächsten Abend wieder teilnehmen, um eine weitere Chance zu erhalten.
Reiten Sie ein Islandpferd
Das süße, wollige und außergewöhnlich robuste Islandpferd ist eine Ikone der Nation. Ihr Reiseveranstalter holt Sie in Reykjavik ab, bevor er Sie mit Ihrem Berg zusammenbringt, der Sie dann durch die Landschaft, vorbei an Bergen, Seen und Lavafeldern führt.
Nehmen Sie einen Bissen aus der Lebensmittelszene
Verlassen Sie Reykjavik nicht, ohne traditionelle isländische Gerichte wie Skyr (ein joghurtähnliches Milchprodukt) und isländische Lammsuppe zu probieren. Ein geführter Rundgang führt Sie zu einigen der besten Restaurants der Stadt, darunter das älteste Restaurant und ein beliebter Hot-Dog-Stand.
Reykjavik is a maritime city, so soak up some fresh sea air with a whale-watching cruise to Faxafloi Bay from the city’s Old Harbour. If you visit during summer, combine whale watching with a cruise to Akurey to see its puffin colony. Budding anglers should take the opportunity to catch their dinner on a sea angling tour aboard a traditional wooden fishing boat.
If you're visiting during the winter months, you have a reliable chance of spotting the northern lights, but it’s best to do so away from the bright lights of the city. A number of aurora-hunting tours depart from Reykjavik each night.
These tours are led by guides who know where to find the best viewing spots depending on the evening’s conditions, so you can be sure to maximize your chances of experiencing the magical phenomenon. If you don’t see them, many tours will let you join again the following evening for another chance.
Cute, woolly, and exceptionally sturdy, the Icelandic horse was first brought to the island by the Vikings. Today, Icelandic horses remain beloved icons of the nation.
Several rural farms offer horseback riding tours, including pickup from Reykjavik, that match you with your mount and lead you on a ride across the moss-covered countryside past mountains, lakes, and lava fields. You’ll also get the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s unique fifth gait, the smooth tolt.
Reykjavik is the jumping-off point for trips around Iceland’s Golden Circle. The famed driving route is made up of three top natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
Even if you don’t have much time in Iceland, you can easily do the trip in one day by booking a tour with hotel transfers. You can even add on an additional activity, such as snowmobiling on a glacier.
Dive into the fascinating history of the small island nation at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum’s extensive collection provides insights into the earliest settlements of the Middle Ages through to the emergence of the independent Icelandic nation. "The Making of a Nation" permanent exhibit is staged as a journey through time, starting with a ship used by Iceland’s early settlers to images of Reykjavik's modern and bustling airport.
Related: 9 Under-the-Radar Museums in Iceland
Perhaps Iceland’s most famous attraction, it’s not difficult to understand the appeal of the Blue Lagoon, which is around an hour’s drive south of Reykjavik. Soaking in the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool is the perfect way to relax after a day spent exploring the city. For the full pampering experience, add on a treatment at the spa, cocktails at the swim-up bar, and dinner at the restaurant.
Set aside at least one evening to experience Reykjavik’s lively nightlife scene. If it’s the weekend, celebrate like a true Icelander by embarking on a runtur (“pub crawl”) downtown, largely in and around Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. If you’re not sure of where to go, book a guided nighttime tour and let your guide lead you to some of the best spots in town.
