Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital city and its largest city. This city has lots of places to eat, museums to visit, and places to see. Here, you can learn about Iceland’s Viking history, swim in the frigid sea waters, and party all night. The “midnight sun” allows for more daylight, which means more time for exploring, so the options are endless! Below are some of the top things to do in Reykjavik:
Hallgrimskirkja
This church stands in the city’s center and is the tallest church in Iceland. It is also one of the tallest buildings in the country. The architecture of this church is stunning. Inside the church is a magnificent organ that I’m sure sounds beautiful when played. It is free of charge to go inside, but it costs a small fee to go up the tower.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center
Harpa a beautiful, modern concert hall and conference center located along the water. It is made up of tons of colored glass which I learned was inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland. Harpa has shows and events that you can purchase tickets to if you are looking for something to do while in Reykjavik. It is free to explore and walk around, but if you want to go to one of the events hosted there, then you’ll have to pay.
Perlan
Perlan is an observatory and museum that hosts an exhibition about the “wonders of Iceland”. There is a virtual aquarium, a man made ice cave, and more! We personally didn’t pay to go in to the museum, but we did pay to go up to the observatory deck. I recommend going up to the observatory as you get a 360 degree view of the city with its surrounding sea and mountains, it’s a gorgeous sight. This is a perfect family-friendly activity that is fun for all ages!
Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is a steel sculpture that can be seen while walking the coastal paths of Reykjavik. The sculpture was built to resemble a dreamboat and meant to be an ode to the sun. This is a great place to stop and take some photos.
Icelandic Phallological Museum
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is exactly what it sounds like, a bunch a penises. Did you know it is the only museum in the world to contain a collection of phallic specimens belonging to different types of mammals found in one country? We learned that there are more than 200 penises and penile parts in the collection. They even have folklore and foreign specimens. From whales to trolls; giraffes to hamsters. You name that penis and they have it. If I’m being honest I learned a lot. For example, did you know a Blue Whale’s penis can weigh up to 1,000 pounds!? I didn’t. I would definitely recommend checking out this museum when in Reykjavik.
Nauthólsviík
This is the most unique beach I have been to as the country imported golden sand, created a lagoon, a pool, steam baths, and built high seawalls to create a beach. There is even a hot tub within the lagoon. It was great being able to go to a beach that has warm baths so that I could spend time outside even in the cold weather!
Bryggjan Brewery
Bryggjan Brugghús is a bistro and brewery that is located in Old Harbour and is the first bistro and microbrewery in Iceland. They also have wine for the non-beer lovers. Getting a flight of their beer will get you the most bang for you buck and you’ll be able to try a variety of their beers! I recommend sitting outside or near a window so you can get views of the harbour while enjoying your drinks!
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
Bæjarins beztu pylsur translates to “the best hot dog in town” and they aren’t lying. This stand has been open since 1937 and even former president Bill Clinton has eaten there. The hot dog comes with ketchup, sweet mustard, raw onion, fried onion (I was hesitant of this at first, but it ended up being the best part!), and remolaði which is a mayonnaise-base sauce with sweet relish. If you want to order it with “the works”, in Icelandic it’s “eina með öllu”. Good luck trying to say that!
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located near the Keflavik airport and is a great place to go after you land before heading to Reykjavik or a perfect place to go before leaving the country! For a small fee they will even store your larger luggage (~$5 USD per bag). To store smaller bags, there are free lockers to use! At the Blue Lagoon they have different packages that vary in pricing. We bought the cheapest package and we still felt like we got the whole experience. Once you get your wristband, towel, changed in to your swimwear, and showered off, you head to the lagoon. The lagoon is huge with plenty of room to swim around or relax without being in other peoples’ way. So even if you go at peak hours, you will still have personal space for yourself. The water makes you feel calm, relaxed, and very warm considering the Icelandic air is chilly. They give you a complimentary mud mask that you put on and your skin feels so soft after! They also have a swim up bar where you get one complimentary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). You can also charge more drinks to your wristband which acts like a credit card if you wish. Then sit back and relax in the warm water and enjoy your day!
Reykjavik is full of tons of fun things to see and do. Iceland is a wonderful country and I would go back at the next chance I got. If you are traveling through Iceland, check out my other blogs about this amazing country!
