Choose from 46 Fun Things to Do in Reykjavik
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Snaefellsjokull National Park
Dominated by a 700,000-year-old glacier-topped stratovolcano, Snæfellsjökull National Park embodies Iceland’s moniker, the land of fire and ice. Covering an area of more than 65 square miles (170 square kilometers), the park has lava fields, basalt sea cliffs, black- and golden-sand beaches, caves, and peculiar lava formations.
The Basics
Most visitors explore the park on day trips or multi-day trips from Reykjavik. Organized day trips typically include other sites within the park, such as Mt. Kirkjufell, the Lóndrangar rock pinnacles, Sönghellir cave, Skarðsvík beach, and black-sand Djúpalónssandur beach, as well as towns and villages on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula such as Hellnar, Arnarstapi, Stykkishólmur, and Grundarfjörður. On 2-day tours of the region, visitors may have the chance to hunt for the elusive Northern Lights after dark.
Things to Know Before You Go
- 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.
How to Get There
Snæfellsjökull National Park is situated at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on Iceland’s west coast, about 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Reykjavik. As attractions within the park are dispersed, it’s best to go by car or as part of an organized tour.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during the summer months, when daylight lasts longer, temperatures are typically warmer, and services are operating. Get there in the morning to maximize your exploring time.
Snæfellsjökull’s Literary Connections
Snæfellsjökull has long been known to literary-minded Icelanders, having been the setting for the legendary Icelandic saga, Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss. The glacier also famously featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, where it served as the entrance to the center of the Earth.
Address: Klettsbud 7, Hellissandur, Iceland
From $ 139
Hafnarfjordur
With its natural fjords encircled by lava fields and bustling port bobbing with fishing boats, Hafnafjörður makes a lively alternative to neighboring Reykjavík and at just a 20-minute drive from the capital, it's become a popular retreat for both locals and tourists. As the gateway to the scenic Reykjanes peninsula, Hafnafjörður's spectacular surroundings are its main draw and hiking, bird watching, horse riding and whale watching cruises are all popular activities.
There's plenty to see and do in the town itself too, and visitors can soak in one of Hafnarfjordur's three thermal pools, learn about the town's history at the Hafnarfjordur museum, explore the bubbling mud pools at Hellisgerdi Lava Park or visit for one of the many atmospheric seasonal events, like the annual Viking Festival in June or the festive markets held over the Christmas period.
Practical Info
Hafnarfjordur is located on the Reykjanes peninsula about six miles (10 km) south of Reykjavik and can be reached by bus year-round.
Address: Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
From $ 47
Fimmvörðuháls Volcano
Positioned right between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers in southern Iceland, Fimmvörðuháls roughly consists of a 25-kilometer-long and 1,000-meter-high pass accessible to visitors between mid-June and late-August. Its location makes it one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the country, with some travelers opting for a six-day trip by adding in
Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk nature preserves. The Fimmvörðuháls trail alone takes between eight and 10 hours to complete.
There are two mountain huts "“ the first one is modern and the second is quite rudimentary "“ along the route. The journey from Skógar to Thórsmörk is one of the most memorable hiking experiences in the country, if not the world, as it offers splendid panoramas of south Iceland, and of the new lava fields formed by the infamous Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010.
A small eruption actually took place at Fimmvörðuháls following months of earthquakes under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, just a few weeks before the big outbreak. This eruption produced a 300-meter-long fissure on the northern part of the pass, creating two new craters that later on erupted toward Thórsmörk, briefly stopping tours and hikes in the process. A small reminder that Iceland, despite being on everybody's lips lately, is still a very wild, unpredictable place to travel to.
Practical Info
It is not advised to attempt hiking at Fimmvörðuháls outside of tourist season or without a guide and proper equipment; the geography and terrain provide conditions for violent Nordic storms, and all visitors should be prepared for drastic and sudden changes in weather. This hiking trail is accessible from the famous Skógarfoss Waterfall, which is located about two hours outside of Reykjavik (154 kilometers) via route 1, Iceland's Ring Road. Parking is easily accessible and free of charge at Skógarfoss. It is also possible to book day tours from Reykjavik or Seljalandsfoss, or, alternatively, to reach the start of the hiking trail by public transit with buses 11 and 51 from Reykjavik.
Address: Iceland
From $ 271
Inside the Volcano
Iceland, the "land of fire and ice," is a hotbed of volcanic activity. It's one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet, yet the Thrihnukagigur volcano has been dormant for thousands of years. Because no recent eruptions have sealed it shut, Thrihnukagigur is the only place in the world where you can safely descend directly into a volcano's magma chamber.
The Basics
Thrihnukagigur is a relatively new sightseeing destination. It was only discovered, by an Icelandic cave explorer, in the 1970s and opened up to tourists in 2012. Travelers can experience it by booking a guided tour. It's about a half-hour south of Reykjavik and tours typically begin with a 2-mile (3-kilometer) hike to the volcano across a lava field. Visitors then board an open elevator for a 6-minute journey that descends 700 feet (213 meters) into the magma chamber. There you are free to explore the dormant volcano's cave floor, its vividly colored rocks, and frozen magma icicles, for usually around 35 to 40 minutes. After returning to the surface, visitors are typically rewarded for their efforts with a bowl of traditional Icelandic meat soup.
Tours involve a moderate amount of walking but helicopter tours are available for those unable to do the hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to wear good hiking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.
- Wearing a warm jacket and outdoor clothing is strongly recommended as it is usually very cold inside the crater.
- Thrihnukagigur is a must-see attraction for geology enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- There is a cozy "base camp" by the volcano with restrooms, coffee/tea, a souvenir shop, and Wi-Fi.
- Tours involve a moderate amount of walking but helicopter tours are available for those unable to do the hike.
How to Get There
Thrihnukagigur is in southwest Iceland, about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, via the Golden Circle or Ring Road, or a 50-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. There is no public transport to the site. You can skip the hassle of driving by booking with a tour that includes pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik hotels.
When to Get There
Tours usually only run during the spring and summer months and take place during the day"”check with the operators to confirm. If you want a more personal experience, you can book a private tour, which typically run in the early mornings. Iceland's long summer days and short nights make getting up early a breeze.
Go Inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano
Iceland is the only place in the world where you can venture inside a volcano's magma chamber. Thrihnukagigur is easily accessible from Reykjavik and makes for a straightforward day trip, especially if you book a tour that includes round-trip transport.
Address: Reykjavik, Iceland
Admission: Varies
From $ 408
Bessastadir
One of Iceland's most impressive buildings, located in Alftanes, just outside Reykjavik, the Bessastadir is the official residence of the Icelandic president. Dating back to 1761, the striking edifice once housed one of Iceland's first educational institutions, before being donated to the state in 1940. After the Independence of Iceland in 1944, the Bessastadir became the official residence of the President and First Lady of Iceland and remains so today.
The Bessastadir is also renowned for its church, one of the oldest stone-made structures in Iceland, dating back to 1796 and featuring exquisite stained glass windows, painted in 1956 in honor of Asgeir Asgeirsson's (Iceland's 2nd president) 60th birthday.
The Bessastadir is also renowned for its church, one of the oldest stone-made structures in Iceland, dating back to 1796 and featuring exquisite stained glass windows, painted in 1956 in honor of Asgeir Asgeirsson's (Iceland's 2nd president) 60th birthday.
Address: Alftanes, Iceland
From $ 47
Silfra Fissure
The Silfra fissure is a water-filled crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, where the two continents drift apart from each other. Water travels from the Langjökull glacier through porous lava rock during a journey that takes between 30 and 100 years before seeping into the fissure.
The Basics
Many visitors see the Silfra fissure during trips to Thingvellir National Park. To truly appreciate the fissure, it's best to go diving or snorkeling in the transparent water, which is lined with volcanic rocks.
Only PADI-qualified divers with dry-suit certification can dive in the fissure, but snorkeling is available to all travelers, even those with no prior experience. Guided snorkeling tours of the fissure typically depart from Reykjavik. Some organized tours include other activities, such as spelunking in Gjábakkahellir or Leiðarendi lava caves. Other tours make stops along the Golden Circle at sights including Haukadalur, a geothermal valley home to Gullfoss waterfall and the great geyser and nearby Strokkur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Silfra fissure is a must for adventurous travelers.
- The water temperature in the fissure hovers around 37.5°F (3°C). Tour operators provide dry suits to keep participants warm.
- Participants must be able to swim and be in good health.
How to Get There
The Silfra fissure is located within Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world's first parliament met in the 10th century. Driving from Reykjavik to the fissure takes around an hour.
When to Get There
Because the water that feeds Silfra travels underground, it maintains a constant temperature and doesn't freeze over. For this reason, snorkeling and diving tours are available year-round. Silfra is busier in summer; get there early in the day when crowds are thinner.
The Underwater World at Silfra
The Silfra fissure isn't home to a multitude of marine life"”most fish prefer the warmer waters of Thingvellir lake"”but it is a breeding ground for many different types of algae. It also boasts some of the clearest waters in the world, with the natural purification process ensuring divers enjoy visibility exceeding 328 feet (100 meters).
Address: Iceland
From $ 185