Things to do in Reykjavik
You go to Iceland to explore the natural wonders that are all over the island. Ticking off the best things to do in Reykjavik is a must for your trip!
Tours and things to do in Reykjavik
Soak in the Blue Lagoon • Map
Take a day excursion from Reykjavik to enjoy the country’s legendary thermal springs. It’s best to book in advance and if you prefer going when it’s not crowded, choose to go either the early morning or evenings.
Drive the Golden Circle
Another popular day trip to see 3 of the major sights 100km from Reykjavik. There’s the powerful hot spring, Geysir, a lovely waterfall, Gullfoss and the Viking site, Þingvellir, where the world’s first democratic parliament ruled.
Enjoy Whale-Watching and Puffin-Spotting
Yes, you can enjoy a safari in Iceland! Embark on a boat trip from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor to spot puffins (year-round) and whales (in the summer). We recommend Reykjavik Sailors and Whale Safari. You can also combine a Viking experience with your sightings if you sighn up for a Reykjavik Viking Adventure.
Go Inside the Volcano • Map
For a fun adventure, enjoy a full-day excursion Inside The Volcano, which takes you to the extinct Þríhnúkagígur volcano, about 3 hours’ drive from Reykjavik. Hike to the crater (it takes about an hour) and then go 120m down in an elevator until you reach the 4,000-year-old magma chamber. Kids have to be over the age of 12.
Enjoy Glacier-walking and Ice Climbing
There are numerous day tours to the famous Sólheimajökull glacier, which is the accessible part of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Walk on the glacier, explore the ice cave beneath the Katla Volcano – or enjoy both, anytime between September and April. Only for those who are fit and healthy. Book through Icelandic Mountain Guides or Arctic Adventures.
Chase the Northern Lights
The magical Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) light up the sky from late August to late April. There are several excursions to enjoy this bucket list adventure, which lasts about 4 hours in total and sets off from Reykjavik at 9 or 10pm. You can also see the Northern Lights in summer! It’s a simulation, but well worth viewing if you’re in town. Just head for Aurora Reykjavik, near the harbour.
Go Snowmobiling
A popular pastime in this part of the world, snowmobiling can be enjoyed from Reykjavik on Langjökull glacier, located near the Gullfoss waterfall. You don’t need experience for this, so book through Mountaineers of Iceland.
Visit the Hallgrímskirkja • Map • +354 510 1000
Enjoy some sightseeing while you’re in town, including a visit to see the famous church in Reykjavik, a city landmark with its legendary 5,275-pipe organ. For spectacular panoramic city views, take the elevator up the church tower.
Tour the Harpa Concert Hall • Map • +354 515 7733
This iconic music venue in Reykjavik is renowned for its innovative contemporary architecture and incredible acoustics. Home to the Icelandic Opera as well as the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, it hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year. If you can’t attend a performance, then enjoy a daily guided tour.
Explore the Perlan • Map • +354 566 9000
This planetarium and exhibition center focuses on Icelandic nature and includes encounters with tcreatures under the water, a visit to a man-made Ice Cave and displays of active volcanoes. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the wrap-around viewing deck.
Take the kids to the Reykjavik Zoo & Family Park • Map • +354 411 5900
A family-friendly activity that keeps the kids amused for hours. At Reykjavik Zoo you can see all sorts of animals including seals and Icelandic ponies. You’ll also find a petting zoo, a playground with a mini racetrack, fairground rides and a huge trampoline.
Admire the Sun Voyager • Map
You must see Reykjavik’s iconic Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront, created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. With the snow-capped mountains as its backdrop, it’s also a great spot to view the sunset.
Take the Omnom Chocolate Tour • Map • +354 519 5959
The gourmet chocolate factory in Reykjavik is quite an experience, not only because everybody loves chocolate, but because in Iceland it’s devoured with gusto in various unusual flavors, such as licorice and drunk raisins. Tours leave at 2pm on weekdays and last about an hour. It’s best to book online at least one day before.
Visit Viðey Island • Map
Embark on an adventure to explore this little uninhabited island. To get there, you take a boat trip to Viðey, 1km north of the cruise ship harbour. This islet is home to an abandoned fishing village which you pass en route to discover the remains of a monastery built in the 13th century. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to the iconic Imagine Peace Tower created by Yoko Ono to honor John Lennon.
Go Horseback Riding
This is horse riding with a difference, on sturdy Icelandic horses riding through lava fields. There are a number of stables in Reykjavik offering rides for those with various levels of experience. Enjoy a 90-minute ride or longer through the countryside. Book through Laxnes, Islenski Hesturinn, or Reykjavik Riding Centre.
Explore Reykjavik on Foot
Citywalk offers walking tours around the city, taking in its main attractions and offering an insight into Reykjavik’s history and culture. You can also enjoy a pub crawl! For even more fun, enjoy the iconic Haunted Walk that focuses on Icelandic legends and ghosts. If crime fiction fascinates you, take the one and a half hour Dark Deeds tour run by Reykjavik City Library.
Reykjavik Museums and Art Galleries
Reykjavik Art Museum • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • Map • +354 411 6400
This museum focuses on contemporary Icelandic art. Its located in 3 separate places but the most central is the Hafnarhús. The museum displays a variety of art genres, including abstract sculpture, installations, paintings, photographs and videos.
Whales of Iceland • Old Harbour • Map • +354 571 0077
Europe’s largest whale museum is located in Reykjavik, offering displays of life-size models of 23 different species of whales found in Icelandic waters. For great insight, download the museum’s app before you visit.
Reykjavik Maritime Museum • Old Harbour • Map • +354 411 6340
Learn all about Iceland’s historic centuries-old relationship with the sea, including fiery Viking voyages and the country’s thriving fishing industry. Check out the guided tours on offer on the coastguard ship, Óðinn.
Saga Museum • Old Harbour • Map • +354 511 1517
A living museum where you learn about Iceland’s history – everything from the country’s first settlement to the devastation caused by the Black Death. You can also dress up in costume, if you like.
Icelandic Phallological Museum • Hlídar • Map • +354 561 6663
Unusual educational museum focusing on the phallus.
National Gallery of Iceland • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • Map • +354 515 9600
Housing an incredible collection of Icelandic art, this gallery rotates its displays and also includes exhibitions of prominent local artists.
National Museum • Vesturbær/Old Reykjavik • Map • +354 530 2200
A comprehensive look at Iceland’s history, from the country’s earliest Nordic settlement to the 21st century. Offers an excellent insight into Iceland’s history, traditions and culture.
Einar Jónsson Museum • Downtown/101/Miðborg • Map • +354 551 3797
The country’s iconic sculptor, Einar Jónsson is honoured in this fascinating museum. The artist drew inspiration from Icelandic folklore, which you can see around the city as well in the museum’s sculpture garden.
Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum • Laugardalur • Map • +354 553 2906
Visit the former studio of local sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson, famous for his abstract sculpture. The studio is located by the sea and displays a selection of unique, innovative masterpieces.
Árbær Open Air Museum • Outskirts • Map • +354 411 6304
A great outing for the whiole family, this open-air museum features a number of historic 19th century buildings as well as various displays, including one of toys throughout the ages. In the summer, there’s a café open.
Guides to Reykjavik