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Top Attractions in Reykjavik |
The Árbćr Open-air Museum
The Árbćr Folk Museum is Iceland’s biggest open-air museum. It
traces the development of society in Reykjavik and Iceland from their
beginnings to the present day. There are over 27 buildings in the
museum.
Website: Arbaer Open-Air Musem
The Old town
The colourful old town of Reykjavik is the perfect place for a stroll at
any time of day especially at sunset when the burnt reds, brilliant
yellows and indigo blues of the tin houses seem to glow. You’ll
also find some great restaurants and lively nightclubs here.
The Reykjavík Municipal Art Museum (Kjarvalsstađir)
The Reykjavík Municipal Art Museum houses an extensive range of modern
and more established Icelandic and foreign art. The Museum also houses
the Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum, the Kjarval Collection, the
Erró Collection, the Architectural Museum and the Reykjavík Municipal
Art Collection. The building is also the main setting for various
exhibitions, concerts, lectures and meetings.
The Church of Hallgrímur (Hallgrímskirkja)
The Church of Hallgrímur is the most recognisable, and probably the
most controversial building in Iceland. At 73 metres high, its
steeple rises above all other buildings in Reykjavik and the
church can seat over 1000 worshipers at a time. Named after the
Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, the grounds also house a statue
to the first Viking said to have discovered America, Leifur Eiríksson.
The Nave is open to the public each day.
Website: Hallgrimskirkja
Sundlaugar Reykjavikur
Located just outside the city, Sundlaugar Reykjavikur is a massive
volcanically-heated swimming pool. It is the veritable centre of
Icelandic social life and is a treat to visit in summer or winter,
even if it’s just to people-watch.
Mt Esja
Mount Esja is located just outside Reykjavik and offers simply stunning
views over the city. The climb to the summit is not particularly steep
so you’ve no excuse!
Lake Tjornin
Lake Tjornin, located in the centre of Reykjavik, is a birdwatchers
paradise and an ideal location for a quite stroll. It is full of artic
bird life - especially in spring when you can spot the Artic Terns
returning for the summer.
Videy Island
Videy Island is just a five-minute boat trip from northern Reykjavik.
It is a wild island paradise of birds and flowers. Videy was inhabited
until the 1940s and it is here that you can find Videyjarstofa, the
oldest stone building in Iceland built for the High Sheriff in 1752.
There is also a church dating from the same period and a very interesting
sculpture by renowned sculptor Richard Serra.
Website: Videy Island
Öskjuhlíđ
Oskjuhliđ is a leafy hillside located near the Pearl observatory. It is
an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a haven for walkers. From
here you can visit Nautholsvik beach where you can take pleasure in
natural hot water running into the sea. Walk the beach or cycle along
the southern shoreline that stretches all the way from the Seltjarnarnes
headland to the Heidmörk nature reserve.
Website: Oskjuhlid
The Perlan
The Perlan is probably Reykjavik’s most recognisable landmark. It
is a spectacularly designed multi-functional building, which serves as
an observatory, restaurant, conference centre and visitor attraction.
Check out the great views from the revolving gourmet restaurant which
sits on top of the four gigantic tanks which hold the city's hot water
after it is pumped from geothermal wells outside of town. If you fancy
something more casual, there is a great café too.
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