Places to See in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, located in the southwest region of the country. It is the largest city in Iceland and has been the center of the country’s cultural, economic, and political life since 874 AD. The city is home to approximately 125,000 people, making it the most populous city in Iceland. Reykjavik is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, with plenty of tourist attractions to explore. From stunning waterfalls to volcanic landscapes and geothermal hot springs, Reykjavik has something for everyone.

History of Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a rich and interesting history that dates back to 874 AD when the first permanent settlers arrived in the area. At that time Icelanders were predominantly farmers, fishermen, and traders, and they quickly developed a thriving community in Reykjavik. Over the centuries, Reykjavik grew and prospered, with a strong emphasis on cultural life, education, and commerce. In the early 20th century, Reykjavik became an important port for trade and travel between Europe and the Americas.

In 1944, following World War II, Iceland declared its independence from Denmark and Reykjavik was chosen as the capital city. Since then Reykjavik has continued to grow, with a strong emphasis on cultural and environmental protection. Reykjavik is now renowned for its vibrant art scene, music festivals, and eco-friendly initiatives.

What to See in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is full of things to do and see. Here are some of the top attractions to visit during your trip.

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja is an iconic church in Reykjavik that towers above the city skyline. Built in 1937, this church was designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson in the style of Icelandic Sagas and as such it stands out among the other buildings in Reykjavik. Visitors can take a lift up to the top of Hallgrimskirkja’s tower to get panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Inside Hallgrimskirkja you can find a beautiful pipe organ, which is one of the largest organs in Iceland.

The Sun Voyager

The Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason that is located on the waterfront in Reykjavik. This stunning sculpture represents an ode to the sun and it stands at 8 meters high. The sculpture is made of stainless steel and it is meant to represent a Viking ship sailing off towards the horizon. It has become a symbol of hope and progress for the people of Iceland and it is one of the most photographed sites in Reykjavik.

Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall is one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Reykjavik. This building was designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and it is located on the waterfront in Reykjavik. This building is made up of four large glass buildings that are connected together and it is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Iceland. Inside Harpa Concert Hall you can find several performance halls for music, theater, and dance as well as a number of restaurants and bars.

Reykjavik City Park

Reykjavik City Park is an urban oasis located in the heart of Reykjavik. This large park covers an area of almost 50 hectares and it is home to a wide variety of trees and plants as well as some unique sculptures. The park also features two large swimming pools where visitors can take a dip or relax in the sun. The park is also home to several popular restaurants and cafes.

National Museum of Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland is located in central Reykjavik and it is home to an impressive collection of artifacts from all over Iceland. The museum covers more than 1,000 years of history, from the Viking age to modern times. Visitors can explore more than 2 million objects from all over Iceland, including jewelry, paintings, weapons, and much more.

Northern Lights Tours

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena and they are best seen from the skies over Iceland. There are many Northern Lights tours offered from Reykjavik that will take you out on a boat or plane to get a closer look at this incredible light show. This tour takes you out into the Icelandic night sky to experience this amazing natural occurrence. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will tell you about the Northern Lights and how to best enjoy this unique experience. Book a Northern Lights Tour here.

Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle Tour is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavik. This tour takes you on a journey through some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs, and more. The tour also includes a visit to one of Iceland’s local farms where you can learn about traditional Icelandic farming methods. This tour offers a great way to experience some of Iceland’s most iconic sites in just one day. Book a Golden Circle Tour here.

Whale Watching Tour

Iceland is home to some of the largest whales in the world and whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Reykjavik. You can join a whale watching tour from Reykjavik’s old harbor or Akureyri harbor that will take you out into the ocean to search for these incredible creatures. You will be accompanied by experienced guides who will tell you all about whales and their behavior as well as how to best enjoy this unique experience. Book a Whale Watching Tour here.

Conclusion

Reykjavik is an amazing city full of things to do and see. From iconic churches to stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture, Reykjavik has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the city’s rich history or experience some of its natural wonders, there is plenty to explore in Reykjavik. Be sure to take advantage of all that this amazing city has to offer during your visit!