Reykjavík Highlights
A curated tour of Reykjavík's most iconic landmarks, from soaring churches and Viking sculptures to geothermal wonders and world-class concert halls.
Trip Stops
- 1
Iceland's largest church and Reykjavík's most iconic landmark. Standing 74.5 m tall, its facade was inspired by the basalt lava columns found across Iceland. The church took 41 years to build (1945–1986), and the statue of explorer Leif Eriksson out front was a gift from the USA in 1930. Take the elevator to the tower for a stunning 360° panoramic view of the city and mountains.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
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The colourful pedestrian street leading down from Hallgrímskirkja is one of Reykjavík's most beloved and photogenic thoroughfares. Painted in rainbow colours in 2019 ahead of Reykjavík Pride, it is lined with independent boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Fun fact: Iceland was the first country in the world to elect an openly gay head of government — Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, in 2009.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
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A serene city-centre lake beloved by locals and visitors alike. Home to around 50 species of birds including swans, Arctic terns, and eider ducks year-round. In winter, the lake often freezes and locals bring their skates. The pond is flanked by the City Hall, which houses a spectacular 1:50,000 scale relief map of all of Iceland.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
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Iceland's parliament building, one of the oldest democratic institutions in the world. The Althing was first established in 930 CE at Þingvellir, making it the world's oldest existing parliament. The current basalt stone building on Austurvöllur Square was built in 1881. Watching debates from the public gallery is free and open to visitors.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
- 5
One of the most striking pieces of architecture in Scandinavia, Harpa's geometric honeycomb glass facade was designed by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen Architects. It won the prestigious European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2013. Home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera, it opened in 2011 after construction was paused during Iceland's 2008 financial crash.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
- 6
A gleaming stainless steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, unveiled in 1990 on Reykjavík's seafront promenade. Resembling a Viking longboat, it is officially described as a 'dreamboat and an ode to the sun' — symbolising hope, freedom, and the promise of undiscovered territories. It is best photographed at sunrise or sunset when the arctic sky reflects in its polished metal hull.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
- 7
The beating heart of Reykjavík's maritime history and now a buzzing hub of whale-watching tours, puffin spotting boats, seafood restaurants, and artisan shops. From here you can see over 20 species of whales in Faxaflói Bay, including Minke and Humpback whales. Fun fact: Reykjavík is one of the best urban whale-watching spots in the world — whales are spotted on around 95% of summer tours.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
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Iceland's premier history museum, tracing the island's story from the first Viking settlers around 874 CE to the present day. Highlights include a 12th-century carved church door, medieval Viking artefacts, and the award-winning permanent exhibition 'Making of a Nation'. Fun fact: Iceland was one of the last places on Earth to be permanently settled by humans.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
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Built atop six geothermal hot water storage tanks on the Öskjuhlíð hill, Perlan is both a stunning piece of architecture and a world-class museum. Inside you can walk through a real ice cave made of 350 tonnes of snow, watch an immersive Northern Lights planetarium show, and explore interactive exhibits on volcanoes and glaciers. The glass dome observation deck offers the best 360° view of Reykjavík. Fun fact: The six tanks store 24 million litres of geothermally heated water for the city.
📍 Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
- 10
A spectacular geothermal sea-spa perched on the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, just minutes from downtown Reykjavík. Guests soak in an infinity-edge pool that merges visually with the ocean horizon. The signature 7-step Skjól ritual includes a cold plunge, sauna, and traditional Icelandic steam. Unlike the Blue Lagoon (40 km away), Sky Lagoon is easily accessible without a car and offers incredible sunset views.
📍 Kópavogur, Greater Reykjavík, Iceland
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