Taking you to the top trendy and historic bars in Reykjavik, youll sample locally made beers, down a few shots, and learn about the countrys former prohibition and the modern craft beer culture. While religious visitors from all around the world can take part in mass, anyone is welcome to see the beautiful architecture and walk around the property for some quiet time. Reykjavik has endless opportunities for adventure, from a vibrant art and music scene to a treasure trove of world-renowned cultural and historical attractions. Even in the heart of the city, the landscapes are jaw-dropping, and its the perfect home base to venture out on some truly spectacular day trips. This is one of many fascinating artefacts in the permanent Making of a Nation exhibition, which has over 2,000 objects and 1,000 photographs, beginning with a longboat and ending with a modern airport. While visitors are unable to tour the inside, it remains a beautiful and monumental piece of history. Take a guided literature walk with the free Reykjavk Culture Walks and find locations central to your favorite Icelandic books. At the tourist-favorite Perlan Museum & Viewpoint, visitors can learn all about glaciers, volcanoes and wildlife; the local ecosystems at risk as glaciers melt; experience what -10 C feels like; and soak in panoramic views of the Snaefellsjokull glacier and Reykjavik. While the direct route is about two hours each way, youll want to book a tour that included a number of stops along the way. Riders a bit more advanced should try the tlt, a special and particularly soft gait. #1 Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos. The old fish-processing hall has a superb exhibition about the history of sailing in Iceland, with a specially-constructed wooden pier that has seawater flowing beneath. What lifts the Saga Museum above a typical waxwork exhibition is the amount of skill and effort that has gone into each tableau. Activities | Visit Reykjavik Kaffivagninn is Iceland's oldest restaurant for something truly Icelandic, order a pancake roll with sugar. The Sun Voyagers designer was Jn Gunnar rnason who was nearing the end of his life when he completed this contemplative work, and wouldnt live to see it unveiled. The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that is easily accessible from Reykjavik. For true Icelandic festive spirit, time your visit around one of the annual festivals when downtown is packed with happy people. Discover less visited places and hidden treasures in the charming 5 municipalities of the Reykjavk city area. With so many of its main attractions within or in striking distance of Reykjavik, the colorful capital is teeming with excitement, adventure, and learning opportunities. Heimrk is perfect for families, but it's also popular among runners and bikers. Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Reykjavik: The top indoor things to do in Reykjavik. Relax at the Blue Lagoon, take a day trip to Gulfoss waterfall, or spot the Northern Lights on a nighttime excursion. "The Complete Iceland Travel Guide 2023 (Part 1)" guarantees an immersive exploration of Reykjavik's historical treasures, natural wonders, and cultural marvels. For live music and events, try Rntgen or Gaukurinn, and Priki and Lebowski Bar are great for dancing. Despite the fact that the current eruption is expected to last years, visiting the site doesnt pose a danger to tourists (phew). . With a local guide leading the way, youll saddle up and trot along the maroon hills at whatever speed you feel most comfortable before visiting the Trollaborn (meaning troll children), a cluster of unique rock formations. Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, it should come as no surprise that this stunning landscape has been dubbed the eye of the world. Hike through the winding trails of this beloved nature reserve, and enjoy unspoiled scenery filled with peaks, glaciers, and tranquil valleys. Find the geothermal pools where Reykjavk inhabitants did their laundry before washing machines and have a coffee at the family-friendly Dalur Caf at the HI Hostel. Here's our pick of the best. Natural Wonders, Free, . You're bound to have heard about the wild Reykjavk nightlife. Thanks for reading, and, as always, happy travels! Alternate between hot and cold water, steamy saunas and cooling mists, as you put your senses on high alert. Along the way youll notice an array of peculiar rock formations and learn about the different colors too! The park is in Laugardalur, a green valley in central Reykjavk. Tours run from Reykjavk by Viking Horses or Slhestar often include Rauhlar, pseudocraters with spectacular red lava. The architecture in Iceland is primarily low-rise two- to three-story buildings with pitched roofs. Walk through exhibits of Icelands entire history, spanning from the early settlers to the modern cultures and traditions at the crowd favorite National Museum. The north shore is home to the City Hall and a wry Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat, by the sculptor Magns Tmasson: The lower half is a man in a business suit holding a briefcase and the top half is a block of un-sculpted stone. There are plenty of tours to pick from: learn about the local myths and legends of trolls and elves, hear how the Vikings shaped the city as you see it today, or book a tour that covers more of the modern history, architecture, and iconic landmarks! The seawater here is geothermally heated, and there is a proper hot tub. Check out all the things you can see and do here in Reykjavk, there is just so much to do . 139 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Iceland - Atlas Obscura Culture Night is celebrated in late August on the capital's birthday. As a shining light of Mother Natures beautiful potential and a collection of some of the planets most pristine and magical natural landscapes, its no wonder that Iceland has found itself atop millions of bucket lists in recent years. Less than two hours by car, its an easy day trip option! . The largest of the three locations for the Reykjavk Art Museum, Hafnarhs is a former fishery office and warehouse on the harbour, and was repurposed as a gallery in 2000. The buildings at the museum are nearly all authentic, dating mostly to the 19th century. Highly rated activities with free entry in Reykjavik: The top things to do for free. ), a tour on a SUP through the fjords and glacial lakes promises an afternoon of serenity and beauty. 20 Best Things To Do In Reykjavik, Iceland, You Shouldn't Miss The Aurora Borealis, caused by electronically charged particles from the sun colliding with the upper atmosphere, is visible around Reykjavk in the winter months. If you're traveling with kids, don't forget to explore the new family-friendly space Hljhimnar with all senses. Just outside the city center lies the Domkirkja Krists konungs, or the Cathedral of Christ the King a near-100-year-old church that is as stunning as it is significant. While Iceland's capital city is known to be a terrific base from which to immerse yourself in some of the island's breathtaking wonders, such as the famous Blue Lagoon geothermic spa, or to watch the Northern Lights, fewer people know of some of the more unique things to do. Of course, Silfra is far from the only option Iceland is actually teeming with world-class snorkeling spots! Outside of the high-energy social crawls, there are also more low-key beer tastings around the city. 25 Best Things to Do in Reykjavk, Iceland + Map - Capture the Atlas It is a 300-kilometer loop that takes you to some of Iceland's most stunning natural wonders. 8. Discover the Slheimajkull Glacier. Surprisingly, given the name, the ship points north, across the bay to the Esjan mountain, and it was originally intended to greet the sunset in the west of the city. Conceived in the early-1940s by Gujn Samelsson, the church was 41 years in the making and was finally consecrated in 1986. Reykjavk is a fun city to explore by bike. It makes up 8% of Iceland's landmass with countless stunning ice caves, each a marvelous feat of nature. Free and cheap activities in Reykjavik's top attractions Off the beaten path gems Plus, we're going over where to eat in Reykjavik as well as the best places to stay in town. Here are some of the very best. Adrenaline junkies, listen up! Walk among the 26 species of trees and try to spot some of the 60 species of wild birds that nest there. Learn all about Norse history at the Settlement Exhibition 6. Things to Do in Reykjavik Natural wonders abound in the Golden Circle. Take a walk along the shore or in the Sculpture Park (here the Reykjavk Art Walk app comes in handy) and if you're travelling with kids, the playground on Gufunesflatir by the old Gufunesbr farm is a must. The first stop, just over an hour east of the city is the UNESCO-listed ingvellir National Park, where theres a canyon caused by the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and the site of the Alingi, the oldest parliament in the world, set up in 930. It details all the hardships like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and disease that would have been suffered during the islands settlement from the 9th century AD. They hark back to a now lost time when visual art was integral to albums. However, down atBjarins Beztu Pylsur, the locals and tourists will agree: these hot dogs are truly remarkable. Stand-up paddleboarding is becoming more popular around the world due to its ease of use and immense fun, so why not give it a go while in one of the worlds most beautiful cities? They love to meet the Icelandic domestic animals, wild foxes, seals and reindeer, ride on hand-led horses, play in the playgrounds and try the rides. Looking to kill two birds with one stone? THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Reykjavik - Tripadvisor Did you know that a few islands are considered part of the Reykjavk metropolitan area? On a day-trip adventure around the Golden Circle's 140-mile route scattered with geological wonders. Domkirkjan - Get an insight into local religious beliefs at this sacred site. Known for their grit and strength (and full heads of luscious hair), Icelandic horses are iconic making a Raudholar horseback tour one of the utmost essential things to do in Reykjavk. which sits in South Iceland about 25 miles away from Reykjavik, is a can't-miss part of Iceland, even on a rainy . Explore a glacier by snowmobile. With a tower that offers panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean, this is a must-stop as soon as you arrive in the city. Sea swimmers come all year round to swim in the frigid sea around the heated cove and soak in the hot tub afterward. One for the shopaholics, take an afternoon to browse and window shop down Laugavegur Street, stopping into delicious restaurants, renowned boutiques, and, if you havent already, the Punk Museum and Phallological Museum. Diving into Icelandic swimming culture is a must. The entire trail takes about four days if youre doing the whole thing on foot, so a guided tour may be your best option if you dont want to worry about the hiking and camping logistics; however, plenty of partial trials and shorter alternate routes and also available. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Reykjavik - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Things to Do in Reykjavik with Kids - Tripadvisor Even celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, and Jay Z have enjoyed geothermal bathing at this luxury spa. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Start your trip to Reykjavik off with a walking tour! Grafarvogur is a proud Reykjavk suburb, surrounded by sea and kind of like a world of its own even though it's only in a 15-minute driving distance from the city center and a 30-40-minute enjoyable bike ride away. Reykjavk is a compact city with something exciting to discover at every street corner. Sample the iconic hot dogs at Bjarins Beztu Pylsur, or the unpretentious dishes at Maths Garabjar, including brunch and lobster bisque. Opened in 1937 down by the harbor, this iconic establishment offers fresh lamb sausages (sampled by none other than Bill Clinton), with a variety of condiments and localremolai sauce. The clothes, weapons, furniture, tools and jewellery were all crafted using centuries-old techniques. Things to do in Reykjavk | Gray Line World Wide He saw his buildings as a Gesamtkunstwerk (all-encompassing art-form), and with his wife Elissa, took charge of the finest details like fittings, furniture and decoration. 12 of the best free things to do in Prague: Czech out our budget favorites, Treasures from Spains royal dynasties go on display in Madrid's new museum, 17 of the best free things to do in Boston, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Complete Iceland Travel Guide 2023 (Part 1): The Ul When this post was written in 2018 there were shows for contemporary art in Denmark, a precis of contemporary art in Iceland and an exhibition for the sculptor and installation artist Pll Haukur. Whether youre admiring the works on the Sculpture & Shore Walk or exploring the architectural wonders of Reykjavik Cathedral and City Hall, youll find plenty of excitement and education along the way. * WHAT TO SEE NEARBY: Best half-day trips from Reykjavik. Beyond this youll have to be clear of the city, to avoid light pollution, either on a boat, on the coast or out in the countryside. Whether youre in downtown Reykjavk, the Snfellsnes Peninsula or Hvalfjrur in Viking backcountry, theres no shortage of boarding opportunities. Harpa was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects, and its otherworldly facade, inspired by Icelands famous basalt, was the work of lafur Elasson. Explore Viking tales, city highlights, and local secrets with some free walking tours. Here fish packing factories have been turned into sharply designed visitor attractions, while creative murals coat the walls and cutting-edge Nordic restaurants have opened. You can also add to the fun with a wine tour. 10. Combine a trip with a whale-watching adventure or sign up for an introductory flight lesson too! Points of Interest & Landmarks. As the sun goes down (or not, if its summer), the city bursts forth with excitement. From its drum-like stone base the beam rises as high as four kilometres on a clear night. Relax at the Blue Lagoon, take a day trip to Gulfoss waterfall, or spot the Northern Lights on a nighttime excursion. If you're in the city center, walk up Sklavruholt to Hallgrmskirkja church and take the elevator up to the tower for a fantastic view of the city's colorful houses. Ride an Icelandic horse. 1 - Visit the Iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church The largest, most breathtaking church in the country, the Lutheran Hallgrimskirkja Church looms over Reykjavik in a beautiful way. Visit Reykjavik's unusual Phallological Museum 7. And best of all, multiple days means an evening or two in the wilderness a perfect chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Chances are high youll get to see a humpback or minke whale breaching, but theres more to look out for: Most trips will take you past Akurey, which has a sizeable puffin population. Stroll along the seashore and admire the faade designed by lafur Elasson. One of the biggest and most famous artworks in the Reykjavik area, the grass mound and no-frills accompanying hut on fa Hill is a popular tourist spot for some, because of its comedic resemblance to, well, make your own judgment; for others, its the beautiful views of the ocean from the top! Just catch the 15 from the Hlemmur bus terminal, and then at Hholt in Mosfellsbr change for the 57, which will deposit you at the hiking centre at the foot of the mountain. Thrillseekers, take note: about 200 meters from the peak is where many inexperienced hikers will head back down; but for those of you brave enough to tackle the steep peak, the views up top are well worth it! What better way to relax after a long flight than a visit to the Blue Lagoon hot springs! The floor above has an interactive trip through Icelands glaciers, with a 360 image of the world-famous Vatnajkull. Harpa hosts the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, and has a busy calendar of festivals like the ultra-hip Snar Reykjavk in March. In 2001 a safe bathing spot was formed by building sea walls to form a lagoon just south of the airport and university. from . With so much quirky culture, great food and drink, and unique historical spots, theres no end to the exciting things to do in Reykjavik; so bring a sense of curiosity, and prepare to be delighted! Hteigskirkja Church. Even if youve got your sights set on the natural wonders further out in the country, save some time for the dynamic Icelandic capital. 875 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon Including Admission & Kerid Volcanic Crater 1,856 Reviews Reykjavik, Iceland Share Save to Wishlist From $219.00 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Dance your heart out at Kiki Queer Bar, or enjoy the quiet atmosphere and excellent craft beers at Olstofa Kormaks og Skjaldar. Here, the Imagine Peace Tower was created by none other than Yoko Ono as a memorial for her late husband, John Lennon. You may see a whale blow or wave its tail, and if you're lucky, it will move closer to the boat for some people watching. If everything goes your way and youre in the right place youll be treated to one of the great natural spectacles, when swirling bands from pale green to pink, yellow and blue float across the sky. Aurora Reykjavk is an information centre on hand to help you experience the Northern Lights in all their beauty. How? Tour the natural wonders of the Golden Circle (10 hours) Embark on a day trip from Reykjavk to see Iceland's compact area of natural wonders or use the full-day itinerary (from stop 2) to explore more in and around the city. A beautiful building straddling the shimmering harbor, Harpa Concert Hall is a lovely spot to hear the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera, or the Reykjavik Big Band take center stage. 4. Most boat trips provide winter coveralls and a toasty hot drink on board, ensuring you stay nice and warm while the spellbinding natural phenomena works its magic. Iceland's capital is famous for its unique architecture, wild nightlife, strange museums, smelly traditional cuisine, and a few hidden attractions as well. The showpiece is the ambitious Glaciers and Ice exhibition, where youll put on cold weather gear and make your way through a 100-metre ice cave, peering into its crevasses and learning about the millennia of volcanic ash in its walls. Or settle in at Grandi by Center Hotels, where you can relax at the bar after visiting nearby spots like Hallgrmskirkja Church. The church was built in 1957 and it was consecrated in 1965. The adjacent Skemmtigarurinn entertainment park offers activities for older kids and active adults, like kayaking and paintball. Straddling the water, the tourist-frequented Hofdi House is where American President Ronald Reagan met with Mikhail Gorbachev to mark the beginning of the end of the Cold War era. Reykjavk is at its most charming around this pond in the centre of the city. One of the best places to visit in Iceland is the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Best things to do in Reykjavik- Lonely Planet Then try your hand at some scavenger games! Whether youre a Stark or a Lannister, on this full-day tour, GOT fanatics will head to Thingvellir National Park and see first-hand the filming locations for a range of episodes iconic scenes. . Stop 1: Blue Lagoon. Sea angling is an exciting sport: Drop the line to the ocean floor and wait for a fish to take the bait. This spurting spout has been active for more than 10,000 years, continuing to splutter and pulse hot steam and streams into the air. Through animatronics and eerily lifelike displays, the Saga Museum brings a wide Icelanding timeline to life, spanning from the earliest settlers to the Vikings and up to the modern day. Theres even a bar in homage to the Coen Brothers movie, the Big Lebowski. Besides all the stunning scenery en route across Faxafli Bay, your friendly guide will also be dishing out insights into the birds behaviors and biology, as well the wider Iceland ecological systems. 6. And with the Reykjavik City Card, you can enjoy some pretty amazing discounts on many of the areas best attractions, from museums and art spaces to local pools. A wonderful way to tick off all of Reykjaviks main haunts in a snapshot, these convenient bus routes skirt past landmarks like the National Gallery of Iceland out to natural attractions like the Laugardalur Valley. The Elding ferry service has regular crossings to Viey, unmissable for its historical architecture and modern culture. Reykjavk has quite a bit going on for a small city. But theres a lot of technology in play, like an interactive station where you can track whales movements in real time. Hike a glacier. If youre one of the few who does make it to the top, make sure to sign the guestbook. Book Things To Do, Attractions, and Tours | GetYourGuide This abstract stainless steel sculpture of a ship has become a favourite photo op since it was erected in 1990 to commemorate the citys 200th anniversary. An iconic spot that each and every traveler should check out, the Blue Lagoon often tops the list of things to do in Reykjavik despite being a fair drive away. Located on the fields of a former prominent Reykjavik farm, the Arbaer Open Air Museum showcases 20 wonderfully maintained buildings in the style of a recreational village with craftsmanship exhibits and vintage cars to boot. Next door to the Maritime Museum in the Grandi area is a waxwork attraction that brings famous figures from Icelands history back to life. If youre into biology or just love a wacky museum, its certainly worth a visit for the novelty alone. Take a tour of the Golden Circle. The outdoor artwork by lf Nordal invites people to climb to the top and enjoy the view of downtown Reykjavk on the other side of the harbor. Spain's capital is a hub of cultural gems, vibrant nightlife and incredible restaurants for every budget. Perlan Museum. Keen to check out the Valley of The Thousand Rivers? That said, it does get mighty toasty! Ring Road. It doesnt exactly come as a shock that Reykjavik was once a bustling fishing port, and theres no better place to learn all about the citys fisherman than the Maritime Museum. With a tower that offers panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean, this is a must-stop as soon as you arrive in the city. Navigate a horror movie come to life in The Dollhouse; search for medical secrets in The Scientist; or dodge gangsters while carrying off fine art in The Mafia. No matter where you want to visit, you can ride up to it in style on a Jeep tour departing from Reykjavik. Show-stopping murals now adorn building facades around the Old Harbour and Grandi, the result of a collaboration between the Iceland Airwaves music festival and the Berlin-based Urban Nation art initiative. As the steam rises and your tensions ease, youll feel like youre in a hidden paradise. The pond is also a few steps from the Supreme Court, the Frkirkjan Reykjavk church, the National Theatre and a host of museums like the Living Art Museum, National Gallery of Iceland and the national Museum. . Alcohol prices may be high, but for more than two decades now the city has been touted as one of the best places in the world to go out. Best Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland.
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