Reykjavik

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Top 10 attractions in Reykjavik

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Hallgrimskirkja
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

7.1
4.6/5
198 reviews
Hallgrimskirkja sits on a hill in the capital of Iceland and is named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson. The church was designed by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson, with a design inspired by the natural forms of Iceland's basalt columns, featuring hexagonal pillars reaching upward. The tapering wings on both sides of the tower resemble a giant pipe organ standing on the city skyline when viewed from a distance. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986, spanning over 40 years. The tower is approx. 73m high and is a prominent landmark on the Reykjavik skyline. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the tower to overlook the city's colorful rooftops and the bay and mountains in the distance. The interior of the church is towering and minimalist, with a large pipe organ featuring over 5,000 pipes spanning above the entrance. It is one of the largest pipe organs in Iceland, making the church an important music venue in Reykjavik that regularly hosts organ concerts.Reykjavik · 1.7km from downtown
Golden Circle
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Blaskogabyggd

Golden Circle

7.1
4.4/5
25 reviews
Golden Circleis a classic, iconic tourist route in Iceland that connects three natural and historical landmarks northeast of Reykjavik into a small loop that most travelers can complete in one day. Thingvellir National Park is situated on the rift valley at the boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, serving as both the site of Iceland's ancient parliament and a place where you can walk along trails between the fissures to intuitively experience the geological wonder of the two plates slowly drifting apart; in the Haukadalur geothermal valley, Geysir is the source of the English word "geyser," while its neighbor, Strokkur, is more active today, sending scalding columns of water into the air every few minutes; and Gullfoss waterfall concludes the itinerary with its majestic two-tiered cascade and canyon scenery. Each of the three stops offers something unique, allowing you to take in geology, geothermal activity, and water features all in one day, making it the perfect introductory route for experiencing the essence of Iceland's nature and history.Blaskogabyggd · 79.6km from Reykjavik
Route 1
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Western Region

Route 1

6.2
4.8/5
57 reviews
Route 1is Iceland's national main road, also known as the Ring Road because it circles the entire island. Completed in 1974, it has a total length of over 1,300 km and connects major towns such as the capital, Reykjavik, and the Capital of the North, Akureyri. It also connects most natural scenic spots, excluding the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes, making it a classic route for a self-drive tour around the island. Most sections of this road are two-way paved roads with good road conditions. Summer days are long, making it suitable for first-time visitors to plan an itinerary of about one week around the island. In winter, there is a chance to encounter the aurora along the way, but be aware of potential temporary road closures due to icy and snowy weather.Olfus · 20.5km from Reykjavik
Lake Tjornin
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

Lake Tjornin

6
4.4/5
50 reviews
Lake Tjorninis a shallow lake in the center of Reykjavik. Its Icelandic name literally means the pond, and many people simply call it the duck pond. Whooper swans, greylag geese, eider ducks, mallards, and various types of seagulls gather on the lake year-round. The return of the Arctic terns every summer is seen by locals as a signal that summer has arrived. Feeding the birds by the lake is a long-standing tradition, and because so much bread is tossed in, the lake has even earned the nickname bread soup. In winter, the lake surface usually freezes solid, and locals still walk or skate on the ice. Only the corner of the lake near the City Hall, where geothermal warm water is injected, remains unfrozen. The overwintering waterfowl gather in this area, creating a particularly lively scene on the lake in the depths of winter.Reykjavik · 2.4km from downtown
Sun Voyager
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

Sun Voyager

5.6
4.6/5
53 reviews
Sun Voyagerstands along the seaside promenade north of downtown Reykjavik and is one of the capital's most recognizable city sculptures. Created by Icelandic sculptor Jón Gunnar Árnason and unveiled in 1990, it is cast in stainless steel to resemble the skeletal outline of a ship setting sail, standing on a circular granite base. While often mistaken for a Viking longship at first glance, the artist's original intention was for it to be a dream boat dedicated to the sun, embodying the promise of undiscovered shores, as well as dreams of hope, progress, and freedom. The sculpture faces the sea, with Mount Esja visible across the bay. On clear days, the metal hull reflects a cool luster, and the soft light around sunrise and sunset makes it a popular photo spot along the seaside promenade.Reykjavik · 1.9km from downtown
Reykjavík City Hall
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

Reykjavík City Hall

4.7
4.5/5
30 reviews
The Parliament House of Iceland is located in downtown Reykjavik. Built between 1880–1881, this dark gray basalt structure features a simple and solemn exterior and stands as one of Reykjavik's oldest buildings. This building embodies the historical legacy of the Icelandic parliament—an institution first established in 930 AD on the plains of Thingvellir, making it one of the longest-running parliamentary institutions in the world. It relocated to Reykjavik in 1845 and moved into this building in 1881. The Parliament House faces Tjörnin in downtown Reykjavik and is surrounded by cultural buildings and parkland, making it a central location for experiencing Iceland's democratic history.Reykjavik · 2.6km from downtown
Founding of Parliament

Founding of Parliament

4
3.0/5
20 reviews
In 930 AD, an open-air parliament was established on the Thingvellir plain, marking the existence of Iceland as an independent country. This is the very oldest parliament in the world. Until 1799, it was the regular meeting place. The former Congress site is actually an empty flat land next to a long and wide fault, which is the junction of the Eurasian and American plates. Standing on the rocks of the Eurasian plate and overlooking the distance, there is a vast plain opposite, with the curved Parliament Lake in the middle, which is the largest natural lake in Iceland. Amid the drifting snowflakes and the faint haze, Capitol Lake appears and disappears from time to time, showing a bit of tranquility and mystery. If it is in summer, the scenery here will be clearer, the green grass, the curved water, and the flocks of birds are very beautiful.Reykjavik · 2.5km from downtown
Cathedral of Christ the King

Cathedral of Christ the King

2.9
3.0/5
13 reviews
Landau Taos Cathedral was designed and built in 1929 by the well-known Icelandic architect GuðjónSamúelsson. The church is adjacent to the embassy district of Reykjavik, and the consulates of France, Belgium and the United States are nearby. The church is a Catholic church, and the treasure in the church is the towering statue of Jesus on the altar, which is made of cedar and designed and made by Barcelona-based artist Campanya. There is a bust outside the church, erected in memory of Bishop Meulenberg, who led the construction of the church.Reykjavik · 2.9km from downtown
Thingvellir National Park
No. 6 of Night Attractions in Iceland

Thingvellir National Park

6.4
4.9/5
124 reviews
Thingvellir National Park National Park is located approximately 45 km east of Reykjavik and is a key landmark of both historical and geological significance in Iceland. In 930 AD, Iceland's first national parliament was established here. It is one of the longest-running parliamentary institutions known in the world, and today it remains a venue for important national celebrations for Icelanders. The park is situated at the junction of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The great rift clearly displays the boundary between the two continental plates, allowing visitors to intuitively experience the landscape formed by crustal rifting. In 2004, Thingvellir National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its dual historical and geological value. Additionally, it is also widely known among fans as a filming location for the American TV series "Game of Thrones".Blaskogabyggd · 42.8km from Reykjavik
Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

5.2
5.0/5
2 reviews
Fagradalsfjall Volcanois located between the Svartsengi and Krýsuvík volcanic systems. Formed under glaciers during the last glacial period, it is a table mountain with a flat top, and its name means "mountain of the beautiful valley" in Icelandic. In March 2021, a fissure opened in the Geldingadalir valley, and magma erupted onto the surface, continuing for about half a year. This ended the peninsula's approximately 800-year dormancy and marked the beginning of a new period of volcanic activity. Subsequently, eruptions occurred at Meradalir in 2022 and Litli-Hrútur in 2023, with surging lava fountains attracting tens of thousands of people who hiked specifically to witness them.Grindavik · 32.8km from Reykjavik

Experiences you can't miss in Reykjavik

Featured Cultural experiences in Reykjavik

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Reykjavík City Card
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4.6/5
· 194 reviews
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Saga Museum: Entry Ticket
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3.0/5
· 1 review
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FromCAD 46.40
Reykjavik City Card: Entry to Museums + Public Transport
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FromCAD 69.49
Whales of Iceland: Entry Ticket
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FromCAD 49.88
Reykjavík Audio Tour: Echoes of Vikings, Art, and Unexpected Wonders
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Duration: 1 hr
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Aðgöngumiði í Þjóðminjasafnið
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FromCAD 13.93
Whales of Iceland Museum Admission
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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FromCAD 23.21

Featured Food & drink in Reykjavik

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Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour - Traditional Icelandic Food
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Duration: 3 hrs
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FromCAD 229.53
The Icelandic Sweet Tooth Tour
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromCAD 149.38
Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour (Reykjavik Flea Market stop)
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
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FromCAD 204.34
Iceland in miniature - Snaefellsnes peninsula | Kirkjufell + Ytri Tunga beach + Arnarstapi + farm lunch
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FromCAD 336.96
The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
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FromCAD 149.38

Featured Spa & wellness in Reykjavik

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Reykjavík: Glacier Snowmobile and Hot Springs with Pickup
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4.9/5
· 50 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
98% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromCAD 549.10CAD 578
Reykjavik: Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual
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4.8/5
· 1.8k reviews· 36 booked
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40 consecutive positive reviews
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FromCAD 160.53CAD 168.98
Iceland Sky Lagoon experience | includes admission ticket + pickup and drop-off | multiple time slots optional
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews· 31 booked
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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56 travellers saved
FromCAD 223.15
Iceland Golden Circle Grand Tour + Blue Lagoon 1-day tour|Comfortable minibus city transfer|Optional admission tickets
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4.3/5
· 6 reviews· 218 booked
Duration: 11 hrs
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Iceland Fagradalsfjall Volcano hiking + Blue Lagoon 1-day tour: Includes hot spring admission ticket + city area transfer
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 32 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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FromCAD 379.34
Iceland Golden Circle + Crater Lake + Blue Lagoon 1-day tour with admission ticket/minibus transfer
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 34 booked
Duration: 8 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Reykjavik

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Northern Lights Hunting Experience from Reykjavik, Iceland [Includes Hot Cocoa/Free Transfer/Aurora Guide]
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3.3/5
· 3 reviews· 145 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
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FromCAD 108.02CAD 113.71
Northern lights tour in Iceland · English-speaking group · round-trip from Reykjavik + complimentary specialty hot chocolate
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FromCAD 103.14
Iceland Golden Circle one-day tour|Contains crater lake|Northern Lights Night Tour can be added
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4.5/5
· 24 reviews· 606 booked
Duration: 7.1 hrs
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1-day tour to Glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach and Vik Town with Chinese and English-speaking guide - optional transfer
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4.2/5
· 12 reviews· 243 booked
Duration: 8.1 hrs
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FromCAD 334.85
Iceland south coast 1-day tour: waterfalls, glacier and Reynisfjara Beach | optional add-on Blue Lagoon
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4.8/5
· 26 reviews· 243 booked
Duration: 6.7 hrs
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FromCAD 173.72
Iceland Katla volcano ice cave experience [Reykjavik city transfer + English guide]
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FromCAD 390.55

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Free things to do in Reykjavik

What travellers say about Reykjavik

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YoYo_0T9A3B0L1 October 2025
5.0
Hallgrímskirkja, a landmark building with Icelandic characteristics, is named after the renowned Icelandic writer Hallgrím Pietersson. Its unique structure fully demonstrates Icelanders' unique insights and pursuit of architectural art.

Hallgrimskirkja

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DEAR张小球29 February 2020
5.0
The Golden Circle is a general term for the main attractions such as the Golden Falls. It is also a must-see attraction in Iceland. At least our group basically visited all the attractions in the Golden Circle. It is very beautiful and worth visiting.

Golden Circle

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东张西望望东西28 March 2020
5.0
Highway 1 is a must-go road to Iceland. The road is mostly covered with grasslands. The scenery is not special, but it is very interesting to see such a vibrant scene at the northern end of the earth.

Route 1

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徐徐霞客Rr11 July 2022
5.0
Although the Icelandic Thorninghu Lake is not the largest lake in the area, it is a very famous lake and a favorite place for locals to visit. Because of its geographical location, it is relatively close to the city, so it is very convenient for people to come here.

Lake Tjornin

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竞波18 December 2020
5.0
This is a sculpture on the waterfront of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. It is said to represent a pirate ship and commemorate the pioneering spirit of Iceland's ancestors. The design of the ship sculpture is indeed unique and abstract, but it is not difficult to understand.

Sun Voyager

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hiluoling23 September 2019
3.0
When you go to Lake Toning in the city center, you can see the Town Hall, but it is not very conspicuous because it is similar to the surrounding buildings. It is not a tall building, but just an ordinary two-story building.

Reykjavík City Hall

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小小呆6024 September 2019
3.0
The former site of the Parliament Building was built in the 1880s by Denmark. It is a two-story building with a dark brown brick structure and a small garden in front and back. It is still very beautiful.

Founding of Parliament

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zhulei83123023 September 2019
3.0
This is one of the two cathedrals in Iceland. The church is composed of two parts and looks quite tall. It is located in an open space in the embassy district. There are not many tourists and it is quite quiet.

Cathedral of Christ the King

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Afroza R21 August 2026
5.0
Thingvellir National Park is a spectacular destination where Iceland’s dramatic nature and fascinating history come together. The park features rugged landscapes, clear waters, lava fields, and impressive geological formations created by the movement of tectonic plates. I loved walking through the peaceful surroundings and enjoying the breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. The atmosphere feels incredibly fresh and open, making it a wonderful place to slow down and appreciate Iceland’s natural beauty. Thingvellir is also historically significant, adding another layer of interest to the visit. With its unique geology, scenic trails, and peaceful atmosphere, this national park is an unforgettable experience and definitely deserves a place on any Iceland itinerary.

Thingvellir National Park

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Marianna8613 June 2023
5.0
Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in 2021, creating this incredibile lava field in the Reykjanes peninsula, in the South western side of Iceland. There is a short hike to this incredibile site, however, it is wiser to go there with a guide, as accidents related to gases and heat might occur. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking, overwordly.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Reykjavik?

Don't miss these attractions in Reykjavik: Hallgrimskirkja, Golden Circle, and Route 1. If you like Cultural experiences, try Reykjavík City Card. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Reykjavik, Iceland Matur og Drykkur popular restaurant reservation service.

You can give Reykjavik, Iceland Matur og Drykkur popular restaurant reservation service and Dill Restaurant in Reykjavik, Iceland - Restaurant Reservation Service a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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