Choose from 46 Fun Things to Do in Reykjavik
Skógafoss
- Skógafoss is a must-see attraction for nature lovers and those who want to check off Iceland’s most important sites.
- Waterproof clothing is recommended—Iceland’s weather changes quickly and you can get soaked by the spray, especially when it’s windy.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- The climb to the top of the fall’s stairway is fairly demanding, but there are also plenty of photo opportunities from the bottom.
Snaefellsjokull National Park
- Snæfellsjökull National Park is a must for nature lovers and adventurers.
- Wear hiking boots and warm layers, including a rainproof outer layer.
- Because of the rough, uneven terrain, Snæfellsjökull National Park may be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
National Gallery of Iceland
Founded in 1884 to house the personal art collection of Icelandic lawyer Björn Bjarnarson, the National Gallery was originally based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and a number of key works by Danish artists like Joakim Skovgaard, Christian Blache and Peter Krøyer nod to its birthplace. Landing on Icelandic shores in 1916, the gallery was adopted as a department of Iceland’s National Heritage Museum, making it the country’s oldest art institution.
Skálholt
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National Museum of Iceland
- The National Museum of Iceland is a must-visit for those with an interest in history.
- The museum’s free smartphone audio guide provides a wealth of illuminating insights.
- Children under 18 and people with disabilities get free entrance.
- Your entrance ticket also gets you into the Culture House, home of the National Library and Archives.
- The on-site Cafe Kaffitar serves light refreshments, coffee, and Icelandic delicacies.
- The Museum Shop sells books on Icelandic culture and handcrafted souvenirs.
Sun Voyager (Solfar)
- Solfar is a must-see for art enthusiasts and culture lovers.
- There is no charge to see the sculpture.
- Solfar sits on Reykjavik’s Sculpture and Shore Walk, a popular trail that leads to landmarks, including Harpa Concert Hall and the Partnership sculpture by Pétur Bjarnason.
Seljalandsfoss
Plunging from a height of around 60 meters, Seljalandsfoss might not be Iceland’s widest or mightiest waterfall, but it’s certainly one of its most famous, forming a dramatic arch of water that dominates the picturesque Thórsmörk valley. Surrounded by wild flowers in the summer months and floodlit after nightfall, a visit to Seljalandsfoss provides ample opportunities for snap-happy tourists, but its most distinctive feature is its narrow chute of water, which allows a breathtaking vantage point from behind the falls. Uniquely, a footpath runs all the way around the waterfall, allowing visitors to get within meters of the rushing water, standing amidst the spray at the foot of the Eyjafjöll Mountains.
Reykjanes Peninsula
- Reykjanes Peninsula is a must-visit for scenery-seekers, photography enthusiasts, and outdoors lovers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm layers.
- Some sites on the peninsula, including the Blue Lagoon, are wheelchair accessible.
The Pearl (Perlan)
- Spot sites including the Snæfellsjökull glacier, Keilir volcano, and Mount Esja from the telescopes on the observation deck.
- The temperature is kept at 14°F (-10°C) in Perlan’s ice cave. Vests are provided to keep guests warm.
- The entire museum, including the ice cave, is wheelchair accessible.
- In addition to the Út í bláinn restaurant, Perlan also houses a café and gift shop.
Strokkur
Opened up by an earthquake in 1789 and reactivated by human intervention in 1963 after being blocked by a second earthquake, Strokkur has been erupting regularly ever since. Cradled in a 3-meter wide crater, Strokkur’s highly anticipated eruptions begin with the formation of a pulsing bubble of hot water, which reaches temperatures of around 200 °C before a rush of steam breaks through and shoots into the air. The geyser now stands among Iceland’s most popular natural attractions, located in the Haukadalur geothermal area and a much-visited sight along the Golden Circle route from Reykjavik.
Langjökull
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Thingvellir National Park
Althing was Iceland’s initial version of Parliament, and reflected the governmental style of Iceland’s early Norwegian settlers. In the ancient Norse culture, individual chieftains ruled disparate geographical areas but worked collaboratively with other chieftains to create a balance of power; this collaboration required annual face-to-face gatherings of chieftains and their extended clans. These gatherings would last two weeks or more, accompanied by temporary dwellings and markets, as well as entertainment like storytelling, feasts and sports tournaments.
By the year 930, the public land of the Thingvellir region had been chosen for this purpose, as it was deemed accessible from much of the country, which is full of (then-insurmountable) obstacles like huge mountains, glaciers and wide rivers. While communal gatherings here ultimately strengthened the Icelandic culture, the power of the Althing system eroded over time, proving ineffective at keeping more influential chieftains in check. The country was folded into the kingdom of Denmark in the late 1300s, kicking off a long period of decline that included the Black Plague and other deadly diseases; Danish imposition of the Reformation and later, a crippling trade monopoly; and many violent volcanic eruptions.
Though it evolved to represent the voices of an increasingly feudal system of land ownership, the Althing continued to be held at Thingvellir until 1798, when it was moved to the growing capital of Reykjavik. Within two years, it would be dissolved by royal decree, but re-established in 1848; it was this fateful move that prompted Iceland’s eventual autonomy as a sovereign state with its own flag and government.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
- There is only one swimming pool at the Secret Lagoon, so advance reservations are recommended.
- Visitor facilities include a snack bar, showers, and changing rooms; towels and swimsuits are available for rent.
- All visitors must shower thoroughly before swimming in the lagoon.
Skaftafell National Park
With no roads traversing the region, hiking, glacier hiking and ice climbing are the main ways to get around in Skaftafell and a vast network of trails are mapped out by the Skaftafell Visitor Center, which now acts as an information center and exhibition space for the entire Vatnajokull National Park. Dotted with active volcanoes, fast-flowing glacial rivers and lava-sculpted peaks, Skaftafell’s highlights include the dramatic Svartifoss waterfall (Black Fall), tumbling 20 meters over a cliff of black basalt, the scenic Morsárdalur valley and the looming ice caps of nearby Öræfajökull, Iceland’s highest peak.
Reykjadalur
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Vatnajokull National Park
- Dress in layers, bring waterproof boots, and be prepared for the weather to change unexpectedly.
- A park entrance fee is charged on a per-vehicle basis.
- Hiking trails are marked according to level of difficulty and indicate which are appropriate for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
Reykjavik Cruise Port
- Most Reykjavik shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the cruise port.
- Shore excursions range in duration from hour-long boat trips and tours of Reykjavik to 6-hour Golden Circle tours.
- Choose a private tour for a customized itinerary that ticks off all the must-see sights on your list.
Eyjafjallajökull Volcano
- The Eyjafjallajökull volcano is a must for nature lovers.
- Eyjafjallajökull is still an active volcano, and as such, is best explored in the company of an experienced guide who can brief you on safety practices.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes and warm, rainproof clothing.
- Due to uneven surfaces near the volcano, it’s not recommended for wheelchair users.
Viking World
- Viking World is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- The museum café offers spectacular views over the harbor.
- The museum and café are wheelchair-accessible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
- There is an admission fee, but children under 14 get in free.
Videy Island
Across the water from Reykjavik lies Videy Island. Once the main harbor until Reykjavik took over in 1943, the first settlement on the island dates from the 10th century. These days birds are the main inhabitants of the island with around 30 species coming to breed there. For humans, there is a restaurant, located in Videyjarstofa house, the first stone and cement building in Iceland, which dates from 1755. The island was once home to Augustine monks until 1539 when the reformation began in Iceland. There are also walking tracks and horse-riding.
Videy Island has another unusual function - it houses the Peace Tower memorial erected for John Lennon by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon. First lit in 2007, the memorial is a huge laser which beams into the sky from the 9th of October (Lennon's birthday) until December 8th (the date of his assassination) each year. Iceland was chosen as the site due to its peaceful nature and cheap, natural electricity.
Practical Info
Regular local ferry services run hourly between Skarfabakki - Sundahofn harbour and Videy Island daily and takes about twenty minutes. Bus number 5 takes you from Reykjavik to the Sundahofn harbor.