Reykjavík is by far the largest municipality in Iceland and the country’s capital city. The capital area has about a total of 60% of Iceland’s population, which is about 382.000 people.
Ingólfur Arnarson, the first settler of Iceland (according to Landnama, the Book of Settlements), built his farm on the peninsula where the city stands today. The book says that Arnarson decided the location of his settlement using a traditional Norse method. He cast his high seat pillars into the ocean when he saw the coastline, then he settled where the pillars came to shore. The town got its name “Smoky Bay” (Reykjavík) after the columns of steam that rose from the area hot springs and made such a deep impression on the first settlers.
In the 18th century, the Royal Treasurer Skúli Magnússon, “the Father of Reykjavík,” established wool workshops as part of his effort to modernise the Icelandic economy. This led to the beginning of Reykjavík’s urban development. The town received its town charter in 1786 and has grown steadily ever since.
The greater Reykjavík area
The capital area, has five different municipalities: Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær, and Hafnarfjörður.
The city area coastline is characterised by peninsulas, coves, straits, and many small islands. It offers a good natural harbour and, therefore, fishing is a huge part of the city. Across the bay rises Mount Esja (914 m), the highest mountain in the vicinity of Reykjavík.
The northernmost capital in the world
Reykjavík is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite the fact that it is not as large as many other capitals, the city is thrumming with life. It has a very interesting art scene, as the many famous Icelandic bands and artists can testify. In addition, there are many superb museums and attractions. The city is colourful, and the people are very welcoming.
How many people live in Reykjavík?
Approximately 123.000 people live in Reykjavík proper, but the greater Reykjavík area is home to over 60% of Iceland’s population.
Things to do in Reykjavík
- Sightseeing
- Museums
- Art Galleries
- Restaurants & Bars
- Concerts
- Shopping
- Soaking in local swimming pools
- Whale watching
Whether you visit in summer or winter, there will be so much to do.
You can choose from a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses. Whether you’d like to try out Icelandic cuisine at á la carte restaurants or are in the mood for fast food, you should have no trouble finding a restaurant that suits your needs. And don’t forget to stop by the famous hot dog stand, called “Bæjarins bestu”, and try out our very special Icelandic hot dog. It’s a treat, we promise.
The newest food trend in Iceland happens to be food halls. Our favourite ones downtown are Hlemmur Matholl and the Grandi Matholl in the hipster district Grandi.
There are also a few malls if you’re in the mood for shopping, the largest ones being Kringlan and Smáralind. Kringlan is not far from the city centre, while Smáralind is in Kópavogur town. At both these malls you’ll find many popular brands and stores. If you are looking to stay in the downtown area, the main “high street” is called Laugavegur and hosts many of the city’s best shops, pubs, bars, and restaurants.
If you’re travelling with your family, there are many geothermal pools in the city. Icelanders love to sit in hot tubs and pools, and often you can find lively debates and discussions in the tubs, especially before noon. We also recommend that you take the time to visit the Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur or the Blue Lagoon, only a 40-minute bus ride from Reykjavík. Just make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Day Tours in Reykjavík
Of course, the city is the starting point for many travellers, whether they are going on a simple day tour or a multi-day road trip across Iceland. You can find many activities in Reykjavík, such as whale watching and horseback riding.
You can also go on many great day tours in Reykjavík itself show you the many great places that are near the city. You can also go on a Golden Circle tour or visit the South Coast, The Glacier Lagoon, or The Blue Lagoon. Many tourists actually stay in Reykjavík but embark on day tours like these to see the surrounding area.
Reykjavík Nightlife
The Reykjavík nightlife is great, especially during weekends, and there are plenty of bars and clubs to visit. Every weekend there are concerts and shows, so make sure you ask about what’s happening when you are in Iceland. Every year there are music festivals such as the Secret Solstice Festival in late June and Iceland Airwaves in November. Both offer great line-up with both local artists and international superstars.
This small city is also the starting point for many hunters of the elusive northern lights. Seeing the northern lights can be a bit difficult in a light-polluted area like Reykjavík, but only a short drive away are heaths where the only lights you see are your car headlights. These conditions are ideal to see the northern lights. We offer many northern lights tours with local expert guides.
Being in Reykjavík for Christmas and New Year’s eve is an extraordinary experience.
Reykjavík attractions
- Hallgrímskirkja church
- Leifur Eiríksson statue
- Sólfarið Sun Voyager sculpture
- Harpa Concert Hall
- The Pearl (Perlan) & Wonders of Iceland Exhibit
- Whales of Iceland Museums
- Kólaportið Flea Market (open Saturdays-Sundays 11 am -17:00/5 pm)
There are many attractions in Reykjavík and you should try and find the time to see the city. The city centre offers many great sights, and the city is unique in so many ways. You won’t find the towering skyscrapers of North America or the ancient narrow streets of Europe. Reykjavik is somewhere in between with its small quirky houses and wide open spaces. Reykjavík is colourful, modern, charming and old at the same time. Don’t forget to bring your camera along, as you are bound to find many great photo opportunities.
We recommend a visit to the Hallgrímskirkja church, which can be found standing on a small hill downtown Reykjavík. A statue of Leifur Eiríksson, the Icelandic Viking that found America, stands in front of the church. Hallgrímskirkja church is a popular tourist attraction, just don’t forget to enter the tower and for a great view of Reykjavík.
The observation deck at Perlan also offers a great view of Reykjavík. Perlan sits on Öskjuhlíð hill and was recently renovated. The building’s amazing “Wonders of Iceland” lets you can walk through an artificial ice cave and learn about glaciers, discover the power of volcanoes, and learn about northern lights at a Planetarium show.
A walk along the shore, where the Sun Voyager and Harpa concert hall stand, is also more than worth it. The Sun Voyager is one of the most popular selfie spots in Iceland, as it offers a great view of Mt. Esja and the many small islands in the bay.
Weather in Reykjavík
The chilliest thing about Iceland is its name! Despite its northerly location, Iceland is really more solar than polar, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream which provides a temperate climate year-round.
The city experiences rather mild climates all year round. In the summertime, the heat is on average around 10°C, while in the wintertime it is around 0°C. It can get rainy and most days there is wind, so make sure you choose the right clothing, depending on the season.
Reykjavík Hotels
The accommodation options in Reykjavík are very diverse and everything from small hostels to high-quality deluxe hotels. Many hotels are within a walking distance of the city center.
Please note, that a part of Reykjavík centre is off-limits to buses and coaches. The traffic ban includes tourist buses or coaches of any size, vehicles with group licenses and specialised vehicles, e.g. super-jeeps. Instead, there are a dozen pick-up spots or bus stops all around the city centre.
