Things to do in Reykjavik

Visitors to Reykjavik will find that the city is situated in close proximity to the spectacular landscape of the surrounding countryside, and there are numerous possibilities for planning outdoor activities and excursions. In addition, there are a number of historical attractions and museums in the city which should not be missed.

Austurvllur

Austurvöllur is a green square in the heart of the Old City, where the 19th century Parliament House (Althingishús) is located. This is one of the country’s oldest stone buildings, and the seat of the world's oldest functioning parliament, dating from 930 AD. You’ll find a statue of Jón Sigurdsson, the 19th century nationalist who led Iceland to independence, in the centre of Austurvöllur.

Hallgrms Church (Hallgrmskirkja)

The Hallgrímskirkja, completed in 1974, is Reykjavík's most imposing structure. Its tower is 75 metres high, and it is a focal point that can be seen from many miles away. If you climb the tower, you can enjoy truly spectacular views of the city and the beauty of the surrounding area.

Perlan

Perlan, also known as the ‘Pearl’, sits atop Öskjuhlíd hill, and was built in 1991 as a monument to the significance of Iceland's geothermal waters. You’ll find indoor and outdoor art exhibits and musical performances here as well as fountains that spurt like geysers. There are six huge tanks filled with the hot mineral waters, and a viewing platform above them. Under the glass dome is a revolving restaurant offering great food and fabulous views at somewhat steep prices.

Lutheran Cathedral

The site of the Lutheran cathedral has been the location of a house of worship since the year 1200. The current small church was actually built during the years 1788 to 1796, and is the building in which Iceland's sovereignty and independence were blessed. Iceland's national anthem, which is actually a hymn, was first sung here in 1874. You will see a hand-carved baptismal font in the church, which was created and presented to the church in the 19th century by master sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

City tours

A number of tours are available, ranging from half-day city tours to glacier exploration lasting for several days. For tours around Reykjavik, Allrahanda Excursions at Funahófdi 17 is a popular choice (www.alrahanda.is). Reykjavik Excursions handles tours in and around the city as well as to more distant attractions (www.re.is). If you’re interested in whale watching, tours are offered from April to October by BSÍ Travel (www.bsi.is).

Museums

Reykjavik has a variety of museums to entice visitors. Art galleries and museums display the works of Icelandic and foreign artists. In addition, there are two museums devoted to Icelandic history and an excellent museum specialising in the natural sciences. Visual arts flourish here, in the city’s twin flagships: the National Gallery and the Municipal Art Museum (Kjarvalsstaðir). 

The National Gallery of Iceland is housed in a building that was originally constructed as an icehouse. It became the trendiest nightspot in Reykjavík in the 1960s; however, it was gutted by a fire in 1971, and restored as a gallery housing an outstanding collection of  20th century Icelandic art and also works of 19th century Danish artists. There are lovely views of the lake from the museum’s coffee shop.

The Reykjavik Art Museum (Listasafn Reykjavikur) is housed in three locations including the Harbour House (Hafnarhúsid), the Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum and the Kjarval Gallery, displaying the breadth of Icelandic culture and works of international artists. The Harbour House boasts six exhibition halls, housing changing exhibitions of modern Icelandic and international artists. The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum is focused on the artist’s work, displayed in his former home and studio. The third location, the Kjarvalsstadethir Gallery, features works by international as well as Icelandic artists of the 20th century. The gallery has a shop and a cafeteria, which overlooks the Perlan and Miklatún Park. 

The Árbæjarsafn Museum is an open-air museum, located just east of the city, built around the old farm of Árbær. It was founded in 1957 by the City of Reykjavík as both a folk and architectural museum. Most of the houses here were moved from the centre of Reykjavík. The oldest of these is Smiðshús, which was built in 1820. The museum sponsors a programme of exhibitions and events, such as the Christmas Exhibition, Handcraft Days and Haymaking Days.