Visitor's Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland
Welcome to Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland! This city is a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're here for a short stopover or an extended stay, there's plenty to explore—from iconic landmarks and natural wonders to a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. Here's your guide to making the most of your visit to Reykjavik.
1. Explore Reykjavik's Highlights
Hallgrímskirkja: Start your journey with a visit to Reykjavik's most iconic landmark, Hallgrímskirkja. This towering church offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation tower. The architecture is inspired by Iceland's basalt lava flows, making it a must-see for visitors.
Harpa Concert Hall: Just a short walk from the church, you'll find Harpa, a stunning glass building by the harbor. It hosts concerts, conferences, and various cultural events. Even if you don't catch a show, the building itself is worth exploring.
The Sun Voyager: A beautiful sculpture located along Reykjavik's waterfront, The Sun Voyager (Sólfar) symbolizes hope, freedom, and the promise of undiscovered territory. It's a great spot for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Perlan: This futuristic building sits on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, you'll find a museum, a planetarium, and a man-made ice cave. The revolving restaurant at the top is a perfect spot for a meal with a view.
Reykjavik Art Museum: If you're an art lover, this museum is a must-visit. It features works by Icelandic and international artists across three different locations in the city.
Rainbow street: iconic walking street initially painted for pride, but became a permanent feature of the town.
Penis museum: Explore the world's largest collection of phallic specimens at Iceland's quirky and fascinating Penis Museum!
2. Dive Into Reykjavik's Natural Wonders
Golden Circle: This popular day trip from Reykjavik takes you to some of Iceland's most famous natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. It's a great way to experience Iceland's dramatic landscapes in a single day.
Whale Watching: Reykjavik is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Tours depart from the Old Harbor and offer the chance to see a variety of marine life, including humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins.
Northern Lights: If you're visiting between September and April, don't miss the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Reykjavik offers several tour options that take you away from the city's light pollution for the best viewing experience.
3. Hot Wells Swimming Spots Near Reykjavik
Sky Lagoon
A luxurious geothermal spa just outside Reykjavik, Sky Lagoon offers stunning ocean views, an infinity-edge pool, and a unique seven-step ritual experience that includes a cold plunge, sauna, and steam bath. It's a perfect blend of Icelandic tradition and modern wellness.
Blue Lagoon
One of Iceland's most famous attractions, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit. Located in a lava field, this milky-blue geothermal spa is renowned for its mineral-rich waters and luxurious amenities, including in-water massages and silica mud masks.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
For an adventurous soak, hike into the Reykjadalur Valley where you’ll find a naturally heated river. The further up you go, the warmer the water gets, making it a fantastic spot for a scenic and relaxing dip surrounded by nature.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
Located in the small town of Flúðir, the Secret Lagoon is Iceland's oldest swimming pool. Its natural surroundings, including bubbling hot springs and a small geyser, create a rustic and authentic hot spring experience.
Laugarvatn Fontana
Nestled by Lake Laugarvatn, Fontana combines hot spring pools with a natural steam bath directly over the bubbling hot springs beneath. It’s an ideal spot to relax and even dip into the cool lake between soaks. They also bake rye bread in the sand heated by the hot springs, eat it fresh with melting butter and smoked salmon.
4. Top Spots to View Volcanoes in Iceland
Fagradalsfjall Volcano: Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this volcano is easily accessible with a moderate hike. It’s perfect for witnessing recent lava flows and occasional eruptions up close.
Eyjafjallajökull: Famous for its 2010 eruption, this glacier-capped volcano offers stunning views from nearby trails. It's accessible with guided tours for those looking to explore safely.
Hekla Volcano: One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, Hekla is accessible via well-marked trails. The hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the potential to spot signs of volcanic activity.
5. Discover Reykjavik's LGBTQ+ Scene
Reykjavik is known for its open-minded and inclusive atmosphere, making it a great destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city hosts a vibrant gay scene with several bars, events, and annual festivals.
Kiki Queer Bar: As the most popular gay bar in Reykjavik, Kiki is the heart of the LGBTQ+ nightlife. Located on Laugavegur, the city's main shopping street, Kiki is known for its colorful atmosphere, fun music, and lively crowd. It's a great place to dance the night away or meet locals and fellow travelers.
Gaukurinn: This venue is an alternative bar and live music spot that is very LGBTQ+ friendly. Gaukurinn hosts a variety of events, including drag shows, queer karaoke, and live performances, making it a hub for the queer community in Reykjavik.
Pink Iceland: If you're looking for a more curated experience, Pink Iceland is the city's leading LGBTQ+ travel agency. They offer everything from guided tours to wedding planning services, all with a focus on inclusivity and personalization. Their Reykjavik Pride Tour is particularly popular.
Reykjavik Pride: If you happen to be in town during August, you can't miss Reykjavik Pride. The event has grown into one of the city's biggest festivals, with parades, parties, and cultural events that celebrate LGBTQ+ pride in a uniquely Icelandic way.
Reykjavik Bear: is Iceland's annual celebration bringing together the bear community and their admirers for a weekend of fun, parties, and camaraderie in the heart of Reykjavik.
6. Savor Icelandic Cuisine
Traditional Icelandic Dishes: Don't leave Reykjavik without trying some local specialties. Head to restaurants like Matur og Drykkur for traditional dishes like lamb, fish, and skyr. For a more adventurous palate, try Svið (sheep's head) or Hákarl (fermented shark).
Reykjavik Food Tour: For a more immersive experience, consider joining a Reykjavik food tour. You'll get to sample a variety of Icelandic delicacies while learning about the country’s culinary history.
Café Culture: Reykjavik has a thriving café scene. Stop by Kaffibrennslan or Reykjavik Roasters for some of the best coffee in town. These spots are also great for people-watching and relaxing between your adventures.
7. Practical Tips
FlyBus: best way to get from the airport.
Card is King: except for Amex thats seldom accepted.
Getting Around: Reykjavik is a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. However, if you're planning to venture out to the countryside, renting a car is the best option. Public buses are also available and efficient.
Weather: Icelandic weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes. Even in summer, it can get chilly, so pack accordingly.
Language: While Icelandic is the official language, most locals speak excellent English, so communication shouldn’t be an issue.
Reykjavik is a city that truly has something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences to a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Whether you're here to explore, relax, or connect with the local community, you're sure to have an unforgettable time. Enjoy your visit!
