Iceland’s capital metropolis is the launching level for nature walks and mountain hikes, however it additionally presents ample alternatives to take it gradual, stroll round downtown, and discover artwork and tradition. Should you’re touring with youngsters, there’s loads of household enjoyable available.
Tour to Viðey island
Do you know that a couple of islands are thought-about a part of the Reykjavík metropolitan space? Certainly one of them, Viðey, is accessible by a 5-minute ferry experience. This island was once inhabited, however the island’s village was deserted within the mid-Twentieth century. The stately white mansion you may see right here was constructed within the mid-18th century and now serves as a café in summer time. Take a stroll across the island, and discover its historical past and out of doors artwork, together with Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower.
Get misplaced in Icelandic forest Heiðmörk
One other little-known reality about Reykjavík is that it really has its personal forest, Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. This forest is accessible by bus No. 5 from Hlemmur to bus cease Bugða. Stroll among the many 26 species of bushes and attempt to spot among the 60 species of untamed birds that nest there. Convey one thing to BBQ or for a picnic, play within the playgrounds and fish in the lake. In late summer time, look out for berries or mushrooms. Heiðmörk is ideal for households, however it’s additionally fashionable amongst runners and bikers.
Sea swimming in Nauthólsvík
Going to the seashore is possibly not one thing you’d anticipate when visiting the world’s northernmost capital. Nonetheless, Nauthólsvík is a small white-sand seashore (the white sand was moved there to make it appear like the Mediterranean). The seawater right here is geothermally heated, and there’s a correct sizzling tub. Locals love to come back there for picnics and BBQ, play seashore volleyball, make castles within the sand and sunbathe when heat sufficient. Sea swimmers come all 12 months spherical to swim within the frigid sea across the heated cove and soak within the sizzling tub afterward. If you wish to attempt it, begin with a couple of minutes near land. Mix a go to with a drink, lunch or dinner at Bragginn or Nauthóll.
Discover Reykjavík by bike
Reykjavík is a enjoyable metropolis to discover by bike. You possibly can be part of a number of bicycle excursions, however if you wish to make your personal discoveries, discover a cycling route that appears promising and see the place it takes you. There are a number of locations to hire bikes within the metropolis. It is significantly gratifying to cycle alongside the shore and breathe within the contemporary sea air, maybe all the way in which to Grótta lighthouse on Seltjarnarnes and thru the valleys Fossvogsdalur and Elliðaárdalur.
Really feel the groove of Grandi
The Grandi fishing district has turn into a haven for hipsters and a base for revolutionary firms, artists and foodies whereas sustaining its genuine environment and honoring maritime tradition. Attention-grabbing museums are based mostly right here, together with the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Whales of Iceland and the Living Art Museum, and right here you may have fairly distinctive experiences like FlyOver Iceland. The comfy Coocoo’s Nest is fashionable for brunches – the sourdough bread is certainly price a go to – and the Grandi Mathöll meals corridor presents a view of the harbor. Kaffivagninn is Iceland’s oldest restaurant – for one thing actually Icelandic, order a pancake roll with sugar. Icelanders love ice cream in any season, and Valdís has among the finest scoops on the town. Omnom Chocolate is one other native favourite, and its manufacturing unit store additionally serves ice cream (when you’re feeling adventurous, attempt one thing with licorice).
A go to to Grandi will not be full with out summiting Þúfa, a grassy hillock on the district’s far finish. The out of doors paintings by Ólöf Nordal invitations folks to climb to the highest and benefit from the view of downtown Reykjavík on the opposite aspect of the harbor.
Curious tradition walks
Reykjavík is a compact metropolis with one thing thrilling to find at each avenue nook. Do some museum hopping within the city middle and Grandi harbor district, soak up trendy and traditional artwork and find out about Iceland’s historical past on the Settlement Exhibition and National Museum. Take a guided literature stroll with the free Reykjavík Culture Walks and discover areas central to your favourite Icelandic books. You can even be part of the Dark Deeds tour. The capital is understood for its array of outside sculptures. There’s an app for searching sculptures.
Get moist
Diving into Icelandic swimming tradition is a should. One of the simplest ways to take action is by getting into one of many public swimming pools and soaking with the locals within the sizzling tubs. Sundhöllin within the metropolis middle is an institution wanted for its rooftop sizzling tub and the two.75 m diving board. Designed by famend architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the Artwork Deco model constructing is a factor of magnificence. Different swimming pools close to the middle are Vesturbæjarlaug and Laugardalslaug (which has a much bigger slide). Árbæjarlaug presents a wonderful view of the town. Should you really feel like having a fancier bathing expertise, attempt the Sky Lagoon (though not strictly in Reykjavík), which opened in 2021.
Reykjavík from the above
For a unique perspective of the capital, discover a good viewpoint. Should you’re within the metropolis middle, stroll up Skólavörðuholt to Hallgrímskirkja church and take the elevator as much as the tower for a implausible view of the town’s colourful homes. For a 360° view, the highest of forested Öskjuhlíð hill by Perlan is an efficient spot, and the viewing platform is best nonetheless. Admission is charged for the platform, however it’s included in a ticket to the museum. You can even benefit from the view from the café and restaurant on the highest flooring, which rotates at sure instances. For a fair higher view of the capital space, hike one in all its mountains, Úlfarsfell (which strictly talking is situated in Mosfellsbær) or its larger and better-known sister Esja. Take buses No. 15 and No. 57, respectively.
Household enjoyable in Laugardalur
Reykjavík Park and Zoo is fabulous when visiting with younger youngsters. They love to satisfy the Icelandic home animals, wild foxes, seals and reindeer, experience on hand-led horses, play within the playgrounds and check out the rides. The park is in Laugardalur, a inexperienced valley in central Reykjavík. Additionally, go to the Botanic Garden with its stunning flowers and have a chunk or one thing to drink at Flóran Garden Bistro. Discover the geothermal swimming pools the place Reykjavík inhabitants did their laundry earlier than washing machines and have a espresso on the family-friendly Dalur Café on the HI Hostel. There’s additionally a campsite within the valley, so that you by no means have to depart!
For an ideal finish to a day in Laugardalur, go for a swim in Laugardalslaug, attempt its thrilling slide, and have a “sizzling canine with all the things” afterward.
Horseback using between pseudocraters
Expertise a unique aspect to the capital from the again of an Icelandic horse. Excursions run from Reykjavík – by Viking Horses or Sólhestar – typically embrace Rauðhólar, pseudocraters with spectacular pink lava. Driving between these formations appears like getting into a fairytale panorama. Icelandic horses are small, mild and clean, and appropriate for learners. Riders a bit extra superior ought to attempt the tölt, a particular and significantly tender gait.
Attend a live performance in Harpa
Uncover the capital’s marvelous Harpa concert hall and conference center from all angles. Stroll alongside the seashore and admire the façade designed by Ólafur Elíasson. Earlier than getting into, try the sculpture by Elín Hansdóttir, inaugurated in Might 2022. The constructing is finest loved by attending an occasion of a while, so try the events calendar earlier than you journey and see what’s on – Eldborg, the primary live performance corridor, is superb for highly effective live shows, finest mixed with dinner and drinks in one of its two restaurants. Should you’re touring with youngsters, remember to discover the brand new family-friendly area Hljóðhimnar with all senses.
Submerge into suburbia
Grafarvogur is a proud Reykjavík suburb, surrounded by sea and type of like a world of its personal though it is solely in a 15-minute driving distance from the town middle and a 30-40-minute gratifying bike experience away. It is also simply reachable by bus No. 6. Take a stroll alongside the shore or within the Sculpture Park (right here the Reykjavík Art Walk app turns out to be useful) – and when you’re travelling with youngsters, the playground on Gufunesflatir by the previous Gufunesbær farm is a should. The adjoining Skemmtigarðurinn leisure park presents actions for older youngsters and energetic adults, like kayaking and paintball.
Thrilling sea tour
Reykjavík is a harbor metropolis, and whether or not you wish to go sea angling, whale watching, fowl watching, or all of them concurrently, a sea tour is nice enjoyable for the entire household. Really feel the joys as you cruise by way of the waves, breathe within the contemporary sea air, admire the ocean birds’ abilities in catching fish and watch Reykjavík develop smaller as you head out into the open ocean. You may even see a whale blow or wave its tail, and when you’re fortunate, it can transfer nearer to the boat for some folks watching. Sea angling is an thrilling sport: Drop the road to the ocean flooring and anticipate a fish to take the bait. Haul it in and check out your luck once more. Afterward, the catch is barbecued on board; it is the freshest fish you may ever style! Tour operators embrace Sea Tours and Elding.
Tune in to the Icelandic festive spirit
For true Icelandic festive spirit, time your go to round one of many annual festivals when downtown is filled with glad folks. There may be an array of occasions for folks of all ages, live shows and avenue meals. Culture Night is widely known in late August on the capital’s birthday. The day begins with the Reykjavík Marathon, adopted by a convention through which the residents (the mayor included) invite strangers to their houses for waffles, and all of it wraps up within the night with fireworks present. All occasions are free. Reykjavík Pride has developed right into a multi-day occasion in early August, bursting with shade, solidarity and pleasure. The occasion culminates in one of many world’s greatest Satisfaction Parades. Different noteworthy festivals embrace Reykjavík International Film Festival, the well-known Iceland Airwaves music competition within the autumn, and the biennial Reykjavík Arts Festival.
An evening in town
You are sure to have heard in regards to the wild Reykjavík nightlife. You might have seen the 1990 hit film 101 Reykjavík, which put the town on the map for partygoers. Kaffibarinn – the protagonist’s favourite hangout – nonetheless exists and is open until late. Whereas a real Icelandic occasion would not correctly begin till after midnight, an increasing number of Icelanders have found the upside to beginning early. Attempt glad hour at cozy bars like Veður, Port 9, or in sunny climate, the rooftop bar Petersen svítan. Bear in mind to seize a chunk to eat, maybe at one of many gastropubs, like Public House or Kex Hostel. For reside music and occasions, attempt Röntgen or Gaukurinn, and Prikið and Lebowski Bar are nice for dancing. At Dillon, the DJ is Iceland’s beloved “rock and roll grandma”.
