My Tips For Travelling To Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is very often the first stage of a road trip in Iceland. In this article, you will find all the information you need to plan your visit to Reykjavik.
Places Of Interest In Reykjavik
For the first part of this post to help you visit Reykjavik, I will start by giving you the main places of interest of Reykjavik, those that should not be missed during his visit to the Icelandic capital.
Hallgrimskirkja; The Symbolic Church Of Reykjavik
Challenging to visit Reykjavik without going through this famous church. It is probably the most famous building in the city, and indeed the places of interest in Reykjavik attract the most travelers.
As a bonus, you can also climb to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja church to enjoy a magnificent view of Reykjavik. It is something to do in Reykjavik, according to mine, because it is the most beautiful panorama in the city. The entrance to the Hallgrimskirkja summit will cost you 1000 ISK or about 8 euros. The climb to the top of the Hallgrimur church is by elevator.
The Statue Of Leif Eriksson In Reykjavik
You will not be able to miss the statue of Leif Eriksson. It is right in front of the Hallgrimur Church. Leif Erikson would be the first European to have discovered America long before Columbus. The USA donated this statue. This place of interest in Reykjavik will only occupy you for some photographs, but it is one of the things to see in Reykjavik.
The Harpa
The Harpa is located in northern Reykjavik, on the coast north of Hallgrimur Church. This concert hall (and conference room) is recent since it dated from 2011. Its architecture is imposing.
It is possible to visit the Harpa. If you do not have the time or the desire to discover the inside of the Harpa during your visit of Reykjavik, go anyway by the Harpa, at least to see the external architecture of the building!
More than 10,000 windows were used for the impressive façade of the Harpa. During the day and at night, this place deserves the worth to visit.
Solfar, The Famous Reykjavik Sculpture
Close to the Harpa, the Solfar sculpture is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Reykjavik with Hallgrimskirkja. A 5-minute walk is enough to reach Solfar from the Harfa, along the old harbor of Reykjavik.
This sculpture represents a Viking ship. It was realized by an Icelandic artist, Jon Gunnar Arnason. Solfar is one of the most photographed places in Reykjavik with the famous church. To visit Reykjavik without going through this sculpture would be a mistake!
Saga Museum Of Reykjavik
Saga Museum is located northwest of the Harpa. This museum is a place of interest in Reykjavik that you should not miss if you like history.
Indeed, the Reykjavik Saga Museum provides a better understanding of the history of Iceland. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to visit this museum in Reykjavik. As for price, the adult entrance costs 2200 ISK or about 18 euros. It is quite expensive compared to the duration of the visit, but the museum is very well done, and above all, it is very informative. It’s up to you to see if you want to spend during your visit to Reykjavik!
Visit The Reykjavik Art Museum
Another major museum in Reykjavik, the art museum also called Listasafn Reykjavikur in Icelandic. This Reykjavik place of interest is the largest museum in the country.
The Reykjavik Art Museum consists of 3 different buildings, all located in the city center of Reykjavik. The ticket for the three buildings of the Reykjavik Art Museum costs 1650 ISK or about 13 euros.
Stroll Through The Alleys Of Reykjavik’s Colorful Houses
Finally, the last thing I list in these things to do in Reykjavik Iceland: walk through the streets of central Reykjavik and enjoy the colorful houses. Typical of Iceland and the countries of northern Europe, these colorful houses are charming.
While strolling through the alleys of Reykjavik, you will also have the opportunity to do some shopping or to have an excellent coffee to warm you up. There are many charming cafes in the center of Reykjavik. To visit Reykjavik is also to take your time and to immerse yourself in the center of the city by strolling there without a real goal.
Visit The Golden Circle From Reykjavik
The Golden Circle is one of the most visited places in Iceland. Because of its proximity to Reykjavik, it is quite possible to visit the Golden Circle by day from Reykjavik.
If you discover Iceland by road trip after visiting Reykjavik, it will surely be your first stop before continuing to the north or south of the country.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s must-sees. It is also possible to go to the day to enjoy it while returning to Reykjavik for the evening or night.
The entrance to the Blue Lagoon is not given, and the place is bustling from April to September. Be aware that there are other lagoons or geothermal pools for swimming in Iceland. It’s up to you to see if you want to give in to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon.
Where To Sleep In Reykjavik
A deductive, it seems essential to spend at least one night in Reykjavik. It seems minimum 2 days’ time period needed to enjoy the city, especially if you plan to make an excursion from Reykjavik. Hotels in Reykjavik tend to be cheaper than elsewhere in Iceland. With a cheaper price you can get the best hotels in Reykjavik.
For a small budget, the Central Guesthouse Reykjavik is probably the best place to stay. By booking early enough, you can find a double room for 100 euros or 50 euros per night per person. In the very center of Reykjavik, its location is ideal for visiting Reykjavik on foot.
For an average budget (which might seem high but we are in Iceland), turn instead to the 100 Iceland Hotel. Well, located too, the rooms are comfortable and clean.
When To Go To Reykjavik?
If you are wondering when to go to Reykjavik, I advise you to broaden the question to Iceland as a whole. We rarely visit Reykjavik except perhaps in the case of a stopover.
The answer will depend on your budget but also what you intend to do in Iceland: camping or not. Hiking or not. Between summer and winter, Iceland is very different.
To avoid the crowds but also the cold winter, I often recommend going to Iceland in March / April or October / November. During these times, it will not be too cold, you will undoubtedly see Northern lights in Reykjavik or elsewhere, and the price of accommodation will be a bit softer.
This guide on Reykjavik ends. With this information, you should know what to do in Reykjavik. I think I have touched on all the practice questions as well as the main places of interest in Reykjavik. So you should be ready to visit Reykjavik.
If you are planning a visit to Reykjavik, and have a question on the subject, feel free to comment on this post. I respond quickly to comments posted on the blog. Also, our exchanges will undoubtedly be useful to other readers of the blog who are wondering what to visit in Reykjavik or who have questions about planning their visit to Reykjavik in Iceland.
