The Icelandic capital is usually ranked considered one of Europe’s most costly cities, however it’s not with out its discount facet – there are many free issues to do in Reykjavík too.
As a rule of thumb, see how locals spend their weekends and afternoons to seek out free (or nearly free) experiences round city, from tradition to pure excursions. Listed below are 11 of our favorites to get you began.
See the northern lights at Grótta
Legendary Icelandic businessman Einar Benediktsson, who constructed many iconic buildings in Reykjavík, as soon as tried to promote the northern lights to a Danish customer. Fortunately, he didn’t succeed.
The auroras are seen within the months of darkness between September and April, however inside Reykjavík, they’re not often sturdy sufficient to outshine town lights. To vastly improve your possibilities of recognizing the Arctic phenomena, brought on by photo voltaic winds slamming into Earth’s magnetic fields, take an hour-long stroll from town heart to the seaside of Grótta.
The coastal stroll to Grótta is nice in the course of the day too, and through low tide, it is doable to succeed in the enduring lighthouse on absolutely the tip of Reykjavík’s peninsula. Simply get again earlier than excessive tide!
Go for a swim at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Seashore
If Nauthólsvík had been situated a number of latitudes south, its strip of yellow sand would odor of sunscreen and sangria year-round. Right here, nevertheless, the scene solely bursts to life throughout Reykjavík’s treasured days of seaside climate.
Nauthólsvík is manufactured – yellow sand just isn’t discovered naturally in southern Iceland – and labeled a geothermal seaside, with heat scorching tubs and a heated lagoon. It is a fashionable native swimming spot, particularly throughout lunch hours and after work. Town of Reykjavík employs lifeguards and operates altering rooms freed from cost from mid-Might to mid-August. Winter admission is 740 króna (US$5.80).
Climb Mt Esja and admire the views
At 910m (2986ft), Mt Esja dominates the view from Reykjavík’s shoreline. Trekking it takes hours, however on the identical time, it is manageable for many talents.
The very best paths are alongside the Mógilsá River as much as the Þverfellshorn summit. The ultimate stretch is steep and solely accessible throughout summer season; most hikers cease at 800m (2625ft) by a rock often called the Stone (Steinn).
Bus 57 stops by the bottom; getting there takes about an hour from downtown.
Go to throughout competition time without cost leisure
Town of Reykjavík organizes quite a lot of public occasions year-round, primary being Culture Night, or Menningarnótt, held yearly across the Twentieth of August. Occasions starting from pancake events to avenue performances play out throughout city, concluding with an enormous live performance by the harbor. Anticipate fireworks!
Different assured summertime celebrations embody Sailors Day in early June, Nationwide Day on June 17 and Homosexual Pleasure in August; there’s additionally the Winter Lights Pageant in February and the Youngsters’s Tradition Pageant in April.
For upcoming occasions, choose up a replica of the Reykjavík Grapevine, town’s largest English-language publication, distributed without cost round city.
Go berry-picking in Heiðmörk
Selecting crowberries and bilberries is a seasonal ritual for Icelanders younger and previous. In Reykjavík, many head to the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve on the fringe of city with empty buckets and empty stomachs, usually from mid-August to mid-September. The realm is huge and flat, fashionable for biking and strolling. Mushrooming is feasible right here too.
Be part of a strolling tour to study Icelandic historical past
Led by a witty native by downtown monuments and buildings, strolling excursions are a well-liked solution to discover Iceland’s historical past. Simply notice that these excursions are typically marketed as free, however the guides depend on ideas – in different phrases, they do value.
The 2 largest operators – CityWalk and Your Friend in Reykjavik – supply two-hour walks all through the day, not less than in the course of the summer season. Excursions tailor-made to runners, foodies and music lovers are additionally accessible; try the Airbnb Experiences platform for a big selection.
Spend a wet day taking part in on the Nordic Home
An architectural landmark by the College of Iceland campus, designed by the acclaimed Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, the Nordic Home has a superb indoor playroom for younger youngsters, situated within the basement, with Legos from Denmark, Mumin characters from Finland, wood Ikea toys from Sweden and books about elves and trolls from Iceland and Norway.
The establishment additionally hosts a number of occasions and exhibitions year-round and has a restaurant identified for New Nordic delicacies.
Commune with nature on the Einar Jónsson Sculpture Backyard
Throughout the road from the landmark Hallgrímskirkja church is a quiet sculpture backyard that includes the works of famend Twentieth-century artist Einar Jónsson, who as soon as lived within the hooked up museum constructing and curated a lot of the backyard together with his spouse, Anna. Museum admission is 1500kr ($12), however the outside space is at all times open and free.
Admire the structure at Harpa live performance corridor
Accomplished in 2011, Harpa is a contemporary landmark in Reykjavík. Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson designed the distinguished glass façade, impressed by the pure basalt columns discovered within the Icelandic panorama.
The constructing hosts conferences and occasions, however guests are at all times welcome inside to take a look at the award-winning structure.
Take a dip in a geothermal pool
Sizzling water is without doubt one of the few issues Icelanders pay much less for than the typical European. Because of the ample geothermal provide, there are 17 public swimming pools in and round Reykjavík. All however one are outdoor, with multi-temperature scorching tubs and saunas, open from early morning to night.
The three swimming pools in snug strolling distance from town heart are Sundhöllin, Vesturbæjarlaug and Laugardalslaug. For smaller crowds, we suggest Sundlaug Seltjarnarness, Árbæjarlaug, Grafarvogslaug and the brand new Dalslaug.
