Church, mosque or temple
Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík's tall, rocket-like church, with a tower you can ride up for rooftop views.
City · Iceland · Capital Region
Reykjavík
Iceland's colourful capital and the starting point for most trips, with striking architecture, museums and a lively cafe and music scene.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Reykjavík matters
Reykjavík is small enough to explore on foot yet full of character. Painted corrugated-iron houses, a soaring church tower, a concert hall with a glittering glass facade and streets lined with cafes, galleries and shops give it a creative, laid-back feel. Hot springs warm the city's pools, so locals meet in outdoor hot tubs in all weather. It's also the starting point for the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and the south coast, and a lively base for northern lights tours in winter.
Talking points
- It is one of the northernmost capitals in the world.
- Geothermal energy heats most homes and public pools.
- Day trips reach waterfalls, geysers and glaciers.
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What to see in Reykjavík
National park · UNESCO
Thingvellir National Park
Reykjavík, Iceland
A rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart, and the site of Iceland's firs...
Spa and wellness
Blue Lagoon
Reykjavík, Iceland
A geothermal spa in a lava field with milky blue water, between Keflavík airport and Reykjavík.
Entertainment
Harpa Concert Hall
Reykjavík, Iceland
A waterfront concert hall with a glittering glass facade inspired by basalt, and views over the harbour.
Shopping
Laugavegur
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík's main shopping street, lined with design shops, cafes, bars and street art.
Museum
Perlan
Reykjavík, Iceland
A glass-domed hilltop museum with an indoor ice cave, exhibits on Icelandic nature and a viewing deck.
Monument
Sun Voyager
Reykjavík, Iceland
A steel sculpture of a ship skeleton on the Reykjavík waterfront, facing the sea and Mount Esja.
Spa and wellness
Laugardalslaug
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík's biggest swimming pool complex, where locals soak in hot tubs and swim outdoors all year.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.