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Reykjavik
Iceland
Visit Reykjavik
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is a place of stark beauty and stark contrasts. Situated in the North Atlantic, its landscape is marked by dramatic volcanic mountains, vast lava fields, and striking glaciers. Visitors to Iceland are often struck by its otherworldly vistas, which seem to spring from the pages of a fantasy novel. The capital, Reykjavik, serves as a cozy yet vibrant gateway to the natural wonders beyond, offering a blend of hip cafés, intriguing museums, and colorful wooden houses, all under the watchful eye of the imposing Hallgrímskirkja church.
One of Iceland's most famous attractions is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases. Beyond its therapeutic benefits, the lagoon is a marvel of geothermal engineering and offers a surreal setting for relaxation with its steamy blue waters set against a backdrop of black lava rocks.
For those with a spirit of adventure, the Icelandic landscape offers an unparalleled playground. The Golden Circle route encompasses three stunningly unique attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, which contains the famous geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the few places on earth where one can see both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling apart. Meanwhile, the northern lights, or aurora borealis, provide a spectacular natural light show during the winter months, painting the night sky in swirling hues of green, pink, and violet.
Traveling to Iceland also offers a chance to delve into a unique culture deeply rooted in its Nordic heritage and Viking history. The Icelandic language remains close to its Old Norse roots and local traditions such as the annual "Þorrablót" midwinter festival continue to thrive. The cuisine is an adventure in itself, featuring local specialties such as hákarl (fermented shark), brennivín (a potent spirit known as "Black Death"), and an array of seafood freshly caught from the surrounding waters. Whether you're soaking in a geothermal hot spring under the midnight sun, exploring the rugged terrain, or enjoying the warm hospitality of its people, Iceland offers an unforgettable escape unlike any other.
Reykjavik Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
30°F
37°F
22
February
28°F
37°F
11
March
30°F
39°F
12
April
30°F
46°F
12
May
39°F
46°F
12
June
41°F
50°F
12
July
46°F
57°F
12
August
46°F
57°F
22
September
43°F
52°F
22
October
37°F
46°F
12
November
30°F
37°F
11
December
30°F
37°F
13
Need to Know Before You Go To Reykjavik
Nickname:
Land of Fire and Ice
Primary Language:
Icelandic
Time Zone:
Atlantic/Reykjavik
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type C and Type F
Annual Visitors:
1.5 million
Primary Export:
Fish and seafood products
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, June
Quietest Travel Months:
January, February, November
Find your Next Adventure in Reykjavik
Explore Reykjavik
Iconic Landmarks
The Blue Lagoon
Located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland, this geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The milky-blue water is rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and is known for its healing properties.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Part of the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss ("Golden Falls") is a powerful and picturesque waterfall on the Hvítá River. The waterfall drops in two stages and creates a stunning spectacle, especially when rainbows appear in the mist on sunny days.
Þingvellir National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Þingvellir is significant both historically and geologically. It is the site of Iceland's first Parliament, founded in 930 AD, and is located in a rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Located in the Haukadalur Valley, this area is home to the famous Geysir and Strokkur geysers. While Geysir is less active now, Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, this large glacial lake is filled with icebergs calving from the glacier. The lagoon has a surreal beauty and is a popular spot for boat tours and wildlife watching.
Hallgrímskirkja
This church is one of Reykjavík's most recognizable landmarks. Designed to resemble the basalt lava flows of Iceland’s landscape, it stands at 74.5 meters high and offers an observation tower that provides panoramic views of the city.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavik
This museum is perfect for getting a comprehensive overview of Icelandic history from the early Viking settlements to modern times. The exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations that tell the story of Iceland's past.
Explore Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir is not only a site of geological wonder, located at the junction of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, but it's also steeped in history as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament, the Alþingi, established in 930 AD. This makes it a key location for understanding the country's political heritage.
Experience a traditional Icelandic festival
Depending on the time of your visit, you can immerse yourself in Icelandic culture by attending one of its many festivals. Þjóðhátíð, held in Vestmannaeyjar during the first weekend of August, is one of the biggest, featuring music, fireworks, and traditional singing.
Take a dip in a geothermal pool
While the Blue Lagoon is the most famous, there are numerous other geothermal pools and hot springs scattered throughout the country, such as the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or the Mývatn Nature Baths. Bathing in these warm waters is a quintessential Icelandic experience, reflecting the country's deep relationship with its volcanic landscape.
Attend a concert or event at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik
This stunning piece of modern architecture is not only a visual landmark but also a cultural hub. It hosts a variety of performances including concerts, operas, and symphonies, showcasing both international and Icelandic artists.
Visit a turf house
To get a feel for traditional Icelandic architecture, visit one of the preserved turf houses across the country.
Outdoor Adventures
Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing
Iceland's glaciers, such as Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, offer breathtaking opportunities for hiking and ice climbing. Guided tours provide the necessary equipment and expertise, allowing you to safely explore these icy giants.
Exploring Ice Caves
During the winter months, you can explore the natural ice caves that form in glaciers like Vatnajökull.
Snorkeling or Diving in Silfra Fissure
Silfra, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, offers one of the clearest waters in the world with visibility over 100 meters. Snorkeling or diving in these icy waters is a unique experience where you can literally touch two continents at once.
Hiking in the Highlands
The Icelandic highlands, with their rugged landscapes and remote beauty, are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Landmannalaugar is a popular area with colorful rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, and hot springs. It's accessible only during the summer months.
Horseback Riding
Experience Iceland’s unique landscapes on a native Icelandic horse, known for its special tölt gait. Horseback riding tours can take you through lava fields, along beautiful beaches, or up mountain paths, offering a traditional and scenic way to see the countryside.
Watching the Northern Lights
While not a physical adventure, hunting for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is an unforgettable experience. The best time to see them is from September to April. You can join guided tours that take you away from city lights to areas where the chances of sightings are higher.
Off the Beaten Path
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Located in the Westfjords, this remote nature reserve is only accessible by boat and is completely uninhabited by humans. It's a haven for wildlife, including Arctic foxes and a plethora of bird species. The area offers spectacular cliffs, wildflower blooms during the summer, and excellent opportunities for hiking in pristine, untouched nature.
Askja and Holuhraun
In the central highlands, the lunar landscapes of Askja, a caldera surrounded by mountains, and the nearby Holuhraun lava field, formed from recent volcanic eruptions, provide a stark and otherworldly experience. Visiting these areas requires a 4x4 vehicle and a sense of adventure, as they are located in very remote parts of the country.
Rauðasandur Beach
Unlike the typical black sand beaches found around Iceland, Rauðasandur features rare, red-colored sand and is located in the Westfjords. It's far less crowded than more famous beaches and offers peaceful walks along its expansive coastline, with stunning views and a chance to see seals lounging on the shore.
Hesteyri
Once a whaling station and later a small village, Hesteyri is now abandoned and can only be reached by boat from Ísafjörður during the summer months. The area offers a haunting beauty, with old buildings set against a backdrop of silent fjords and tall mountains, making it perfect for those looking to experience solitude and reflection.
Fjallabak Nature Reserve
A less frequented gem, the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the highlands offers rugged landscapes, hot springs, volcanic features, and multicolored mountains. It's an excellent area for hiking, with trails leading through some of Iceland's most dramatic backcountry.
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Although more known than the other locations, Heimaey still offers a unique experience off the main tourist track. You can explore Eldfell volcano, which erupted in 1973, visit puffin colonies, and enjoy the small-town charm of the island. The history and resilience of the community, along with its volcanic landscape, make it a fascinating destination.
Reykjavik Fun Facts
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. Here are ten fun facts about this unique country:
- Land of Volcanoes and Ice
Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, with eruptions occurring on average roughly every 4 to 5 years. Despite its name and location near the Arctic, much of Iceland is green, especially in the summer.
- Geothermal Energy
About 85% of Iceland's energy is from renewable sources, and nearly 65% of that is geothermal alone. This makes Iceland one of the cleanest energy consumers in the world.
- Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
Due to its high latitude, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice (around June 21), known as the Midnight Sun. Conversely, during the winter, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) can often be seen, making it a popular destination for those chasing this natural light display.
- No Forests
Historically, Iceland had few native trees. The phrase "When you are lost in an Icelandic forest, stand up" humorously underscores the lack of dense, tall forests in the country, although reforestation efforts are ongoing.
- Waterfalls Galore
Iceland is home to some of Europe's most powerful waterfalls, including Dettifoss, which is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe based on water volume.
- Unique Language
The Icelandic language remains close to its Old Norse roots and has changed very little over the centuries. This allows Icelanders to read ancient Viking texts with relative ease.
- No McDonald's
As of my last update, there are no McDonald's restaurants in Iceland. The last one closed in 2009. Instead, Iceland offers a range of local food options, including seafood and lamb.
- Icelandic Horses
The Icelandic horse is a breed that has remained virtually unchanged since the Vikings brought it to Iceland in the 9th and 10th centuries. Due to strict importation laws, no horses can be imported into Iceland, and once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it cannot return.
- Chess Superpower
Iceland has a strong chess culture and hosted the historic World Chess Championship in 1972 where Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky. The country has one of the highest numbers of grandmasters per capita.
- First Elected Female and Openly Gay Heads of State
Iceland was the first country to elect a female President, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, in 1980. It was also the first country to have an openly gay head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, who served as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2013.
Featured Picture Gallery
Visit the Sun Voyager Which is an Ode to the Sun
Visit the Highest Church in Iceland Called the Hallgrimskirkja
Immerse Yourself in the Colorful Architecture
Overlook the City as You View the Atlantic Ocean
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