last edited Jan 24, 2020
What to See in Reykjavik
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Location Map of Reykjavik
Reykjavik
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Overview
Sites, Monuments, and Architectural Landmarks
Christ the King Cathedral Basilica
It is a Catholic cathedral. It is characterised by a cubic-shaped bell tower.
It is a Catholic cathedral. It is characterised by a cubic-shaped bell tower.
Lutheran Cathedral of Reykjavik
This is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating from the late 18th century.
This is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating from the late 18th century.
Hallgrímskirkja
This is a Lutheran church in central Reykjavik, with the statue of Leif Eiriksson, the discoverer of America, facing it. Built in concrete in the post-war period, its architecture resembles basalt organ pipes. There’s a lovely panorama from the top of its 73-metre spire.
This is a Lutheran church in central Reykjavik, with the statue of Leif Eiriksson, the discoverer of America, facing it. Built in concrete in the post-war period, its architecture resembles basalt organ pipes. There’s a lovely panorama from the top of its 73-metre spire.
Harpa
Originally intended as part of a vast urban project, this striking glass-and-steel building currently serves as a concert hall and convention centre.
Originally intended as part of a vast urban project, this striking glass-and-steel building currently serves as a concert hall and convention centre.
Perlan
Originally a geothermal hot-water reservoir, the "Pearl" was transformed into a tourist attraction in the 1990s, featuring a small museum, a panoramic terrace, an artificial geyser, and a revolving restaurant.
Originally a geothermal hot-water reservoir, the "Pearl" was transformed into a tourist attraction in the 1990s, featuring a small museum, a panoramic terrace, an artificial geyser, and a revolving restaurant.
Old Reykjavik
The historic and lively heart of the capital, with its colorful old houses and more recent buildings and monuments.
The historic and lively heart of the capital, with its colorful old houses and more recent buildings and monuments.
Museums
Reykjavik Art Museum
Iceland’s largest museum is dedicated to contemporary art, featuring permanent collections and temporary exhibitions across several distinct sites.
Iceland’s largest museum is dedicated to contemporary art, featuring permanent collections and temporary exhibitions across several distinct sites.
Whale Museum
Opened in 2015 near the harbour, the museum aims to introduce cetaceans (whales, orcas, dolphins, etc.) and their conservation to as many people as possible.
Opened in 2015 near the harbour, the museum aims to introduce cetaceans (whales, orcas, dolphins, etc.) and their conservation to as many people as possible.
Maritime Museum
Located in a former fish cannery at the harbour, this museum traces the maritime history of Iceland and its fishermen.
Located in a former fish cannery at the harbour, this museum traces the maritime history of Iceland and its fishermen.
National Museum
The museum tells the story of the country and the daily life of its inhabitants since the island was settled around the year 800. It’s THE museum for anyone interested in Iceland’s history.
The museum tells the story of the country and the daily life of its inhabitants since the island was settled around the year 800. It’s THE museum for anyone interested in Iceland’s history.
Arbaer Open-Air Museum
This is a museum of folk arts and traditions. It houses around thirty urban and rural houses typical of the 19th century.
This is a museum of folk arts and traditions. It houses around thirty urban and rural houses typical of the 19th century.
Saga Museum
The country's most popular sagas are recounted here, along with Iceland's medieval history, through tableaux featuring mannequins in period settings.
The country's most popular sagas are recounted here, along with Iceland's medieval history, through tableaux featuring mannequins in period settings.
Parks, Gardens, and Natural Spaces
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
South of the city, this is a (small) alternative to the famous "Blue Lagoon" with its sandy beach and geothermally heated waters where it’s pleasant to swim. Expect quite a crowd, though.
South of the city, this is a (small) alternative to the famous "Blue Lagoon" with its sandy beach and geothermally heated waters where it’s pleasant to swim. Expect quite a crowd, though.
Tjörnin
It's a small urban lake in the heart of Reykjavik. Various bird species nest here, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers.
It's a small urban lake in the heart of Reykjavik. Various bird species nest here, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers.
Nearby
Additional Information
Recommended
National Museum (Reykjavik)
★★★ The museum tells the story of the country and the daily life of its inhabitants since the island was settled around the year 800…
Worth a look / Other
Hallgrímskirkja
★★ This is a Lutheran church in central Reykjavik, with the statue of Leif Eiriksson, the discoverer of America, facing it. Built in concrete…
Arbaer Open-Air Museum
★★ This is a museum of folk arts and traditions. It houses around thirty urban and rural houses typical of the 19th century.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach
★★ South of the city, this is a (small) alternative to the famous "Blue Lagoon" with its sandy beach and geothermally heated waters where…
Old Reykjavik
★★ The historic and lively heart of the capital, with its colorful old houses and more recent buildings and monuments.
Lutheran Cathedral of Reykjavik
★ This is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating from the late 18th century.
Christ the King Cathedral Basilica
★ It is a Catholic cathedral. It is characterised by a cubic-shaped bell tower.
Harpa
★ Originally intended as part of a vast urban project, this striking glass-and-steel building currently serves as a concert hall and…
Reykjavik Art Museum
★ Iceland’s largest museum is dedicated to contemporary art, featuring permanent collections and temporary exhibitions across several…
Whale Museum
★ Opened in 2015 near the harbour, the museum aims to introduce cetaceans (whales, orcas, dolphins, etc.) and their conservation to as many…
Saga Museum
★ The country's most popular sagas are recounted here, along with Iceland's medieval history, through tableaux featuring mannequins in period…
Maritime Museum (Reykjavik)
★ Located in a former fish cannery at the harbour, this museum traces the maritime history of Iceland and its fishermen.
Perlan
★ Originally a geothermal hot-water reservoir, the "Pearl" was transformed into a tourist attraction in the 1990s, featuring a small museum…
Tjörnin
★ It's a small urban lake in the heart of Reykjavik. Various bird species nest here, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers.