Have you booked your campervan already for your Icelandic adventure? Most travelers will leave at least a day or two before or after their trip to explore Reykjavik, the country's capital.
With a small population, you might think that thereβs not a lot to see or do in this city. But despite its size, Reykjavik is a vibrant city filled with interesting sights, architecture, experiences, and great food. Whether you're exploring the city's rich history and culture, savoring traditional Icelandic cuisine, or simply seeing where the city takes you, youβll no doubt fall in love with Icelandβs quirky capital.
In this article, we'll examine some of the best things to see and do in Reykjavik, including exploring the city, trying local food and drink, and experiencing its unique culture and nightlife. Letβs dive in!
Reykjavik: The Nuts and Bolts of Icelandβs Capital
Population:Β ~140,000
Location in Iceland: Reykjavik is in the southwest of Iceland, nestled on the coast.Β
Airports: The international airport that services Reykjavik is Keflavik International Airport (KEF), which is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 45 minutes from the city. The domestic airport (RVK) is within Reykjavik, with links around Iceland and occasional flights to Greenland or the Faroe Islands.Β
Electricity:Β 230V and 50Hz
Time Zone:Β GMT
Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK).Β
Topography:Β Reykjavik is located on a peninsula surrounded by mountains, with a mix of rocky hills and flat land in the city center.
International Dialing Code:Β +354
Exploring Reykjavik
One of the best ways to explore Reykjavik is on foot. The downtown area is entirely walkable, making it easy to see all of Reykjavikβs most famous landmarks and attractions. Whether you jump on a walking tour or decide to wander around yourself, youβll quickly get the lay of the land and get a feel for the local culture of Reykjavik.
Of course, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city is HallgrΓmskirkja, a towering church that dominates the city skyline. Itβs one of the central areas of the city, sitting up the top of the interesting street SkΓ³lavΓΆrΓ°ustΓgur. The architecture was inspired by the basalt columns found around Iceland; we recommend taking the elevator to the top of the tower for great views over the city and surrounding landscape.
Another must-see attraction in Reykjavik is the Harpa Concert Hall, which is known for its stunning architecture and as a home to the best live classical music shows, theatre, comedy, and more. Perched on the edge of the water next to the harbor, you can enjoy the immensely rewarding views across the bay toward Mt Esja, which is considered a big part of Reykjavikβs skyline. Itβs free to wander around inside the building, but to get a glimpse of the actual concert halls inside, youβll either need to join a tour or buy a ticket to a show.
For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll around TjΓΆrnin Lake, which is in the heart of the city. This picturesque lake is home to a variety of birds and is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens.
As you explore Reykjavik, look for the city's many colorful street art and murals. These works of art add a bit of an alternative edge.
Food and Drink in Reykjavik
No trip to Reykjavik is complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Iceland has a unique culinary tradition, and the capital city is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can sample some of the country's most famous dishes.
Traditional Icelandic food is strange β most of it was fermented, pickled, or dried to conserve it over the long winters. Itβs not so popular with Icelanders today, but you can still try a lot of it. Many travelers will be tempted to sample hΓ‘karl or fermented shark meat. While it may not be to everyone's taste, hΓ‘karl is a unique and memorable culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression. You can sample some at Γslenski Barinn in downtown Reykjavik.Β
Modern-day Icelandic foods are much more palatable; we recommend trying Skyr, a type of yogurt thatβs high in protein and low in fat. It also makes for a perfect snack on your Iceland campervan road trip. Then thereβs the delicious lamb, which might sometimes be smoked, and, of course, plenty of fresh seafood as well. A big part of modern-day Icelandic cuisine is the countryβs soups (langoustine, fish, or meat), perfect for those blustery Icelandic days.Β
Coffee is also a big part of Icelandic culture, and there are many local coffee shops and bakeries where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry in Reykjavik. Try visiting the famous Mokka-Kaffi, a coffee house that has been a Reykjavik institution since 1958, or head to BrauΓ° & Co, a popular bakery that serves fresh bread and pastries (the cinnamon scrolls here are second to none!).
Finally, Reykjavik is catching up fast with the rest of the world regarding craft beer. Many bars and restaurants across the capital offer a great selection of local beers made using unique local ingredients, such as birch or arctic thyme. For the best, though, head to Micro Bar or SkΓΊli Craft Bar, both craft beer specialists.
Culture and Nightlife
Reykjavik is a city that is rich in culture, and youβll surely be tempted by the cityβs museums and galleries. The National Museum, for example, provides a detailed overview of Icelandβs history, culture, and development into the nation you see today. Meanwhile, the Reykjavik Art Museum features a collection of modern and contemporary works from both Icelandic and international artists.
Then, there are the museums dedicated to Icelandβs spectacular natural environment. The Wonders of Iceland exhibit at the Perlan is a world-class look into the volcanoes, glaciers, and geological makeup of Iceland. Whales of Iceland is also a top choice, where you can discover everything you want to know about the gentle giants of the sea.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Reykjavik is also known for its buzzing nightlife. The city is home to a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues, and there's always something going on after dark. We love the Kex Hostel, a popular hangout for locals and travelers alike that features live music, DJ sets, a laid-back atmosphere, and fantastic food.
For a more upscale experience, head to the Slippbarinn at the trendy Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina. This chic bar offers a great selection of cocktails, as well as stunning views of the harbor and surrounding landscape.
Conclusion
Reykjavik is a unique and fascinating city that offers visitors a wealth of experiences and attractions. From its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture to its culinary scene and bustling nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant capital city.
Ready to book? Browse our range of campervans, and youβll be enjoying Reykjavik in no time.
However, like anywhere else, you should still take sensible precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid fights that may break out on the streets on weekends. Reykjavik is also a very healthy city, with clean tap water and high-quality restaurant food.
Like the rest of Iceland, the weather in Reykjavik is on its best behavior during the summer, from June to August. However, this is also peak tourist season, so youβll have to contend with a lot of crowds strolling around downtown and high prices for hotels if youβre staying somewhere before or after your camper trip.
If you want to avoid the largest crowds but still have a good chance of good weather for exploring, then the shoulder season is for you. You should book your trip from April to May and September to October. On clear nights, you will also have a chance to see the northern lights.
If you want to experience the winter wonderland of Iceland, with snow-covered landscapes, skiing, ice caves, and the aurora borealis, you can visit Reykjavik from October to April. However, be prepared for cold and wet weather, short days of daylight (only 4 or 5 hours in December), and road closures due to bad conditions. Head on over to our camping in winter section for more info.
Yes, you can see the northern lights in Reykjavik β but not always. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that depends on several factors, such as solar activity, weather conditions, moon phases, and light pollution.
The best time to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is from September to April when the nights are long and dark enough for the lights to be visible. However, you will need clear skies and high aurora activity to have a good chance of seeing them. Sometimes, the lights might be out, but the light pollution from Reykjavik might be too much.
You can exchange money at the airport, banks, post offices, or currency exchange offices in Reykjavik. However, you may not need to carry much cash, as most places accept credit or debit cards. You can also withdraw Icelandic krona from ATMs around the city, but beware of additional fees imposed by your banks when you do so.
Reykjavik is expensive because Iceland is an island nation that imports most of its goods and services. The high cost of living is offset somewhat by the high wages. Taxes also support the country's robust social welfare system.
However, you can still enjoy Reykjavik on a budget by taking advantage of free or low-cost attractions, such as museums, parks, and swimming pools. For more, check out our article about Visiting Reykjavik on a Budget.
Yes, downtown Reykjavik is easily walkable and contains 99% of the attractions youβll want to see in the city.
Reykjavik was founded by IngΓ³lfur Arnarson, a Norwegian chieftain who settled in the area around 874 AD. He named the place Reykjavik, which means "Smokey Bay," because of the steam rising from the geothermal springs. Reykjavik is considered the oldest permanent settlement in Iceland.
