Reykjavík

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The northernmost capital in the world is in Iceland and is only 269 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. The city is the oldest permanent settlement in the country, but although the first settlers arrived in the country in 870 AD, the area grew very slowly and was not officially declared a city until 1786. Today, around 136,000 people live in Reykjavik and over 200,000 in the metropolitan region. This corresponds to approximately two-thirds of the Icelandic population.

All information and current events can be found on the VisitReykjavik homepage, among other places.

The trail of history

When the first settlers settled in Iceland in 870, they called the place Reykjavik. The name translates as “smoke bay” and is due to the fumes from the hot springs in the area.
Over time, other scattered farms were built near Laugarnes and in 1226 Augustinian monks founded a monastery on the island of Viðey. It was only in the 18th century that the townscape and development began to change. Up to this point there were only several farms of different sizes scattered around the area. After the wool industry was established, a town center gradually formed and Reykjavik took on a village-like appearance. The Dómkirkja was consecrated in 1796 and was the first building built specifically with the intention of making Reykjavík the country’s capital. At the time of the inauguration, all residents found space in what was actually a rather small building.

In the 19th century, dense clusters of small houses or fishing huts formed in the city. The Icelandic parliament, Alþingi, was rebuilt in Reykjavík in 1845. At the turn of the century, numerous schools, from elementary schools to universities, were built, cementing Reykjavik’s position as the capital of Iceland. The city is now considered the economic, political and cultural center of the country.

If you want to learn more about the history of Iceland, you should definitely pay a visit to the National Museum and The Settlement Exhibition.

Useful information

The capital region is so densely populated compared to the rest of the country because it is the cultural, economic and political center of Iceland. Additionally, almost every tourist who visits the country passes through Reykjavík or stays overnight. Most visitors choose to fly to Iceland. The airport is located just a few kilometers outside the city, so many tourists use Reykjavik as a base for their explorations. Therefore, there are numerous restaurants, museums, music venues, historical sites, spas, swimming pools and accommodations. For such a “small” city, there is a wide variety of activities and attractions for people of all ages.

Hallgrímskirkja

The Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church building in Iceland and the second tallest building in the country after the Smáratorg Tower, an office building. It is named after the 17th-century clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson and was placed on a prominent hill in the city to make its 74.5 meter high tower appear even larger and shape Reykjavík’s cityscape. Planning work began in 1929, but construction did not begin until 1945 and lasted until 1986. This makes the church a relatively young building. This is also reflected in the architecture. Modern concrete construction influenced the architect’s designs. The external appearance with the many concrete pillars is similar to the basalt columns often found in Iceland and the gray-white color is said to be reminiscent of glaciers.
The original design also envisaged using the high tower as a transmission mast. An elevator was therefore planned from the start to make maintenance work easier. Today this can be used to visit the viewing platform located directly below the belfry with a wide view over Reykjavík and its surrounding area.

Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most visited places by tourists in Iceland. Thousands of people visit the church every day. Entrance to the church is free. Entrance to the tower costs ISK 1000 – ISK 100 for children (7-16). As Hallgrímskirkja is an active church, the church and tower may be closed without notice due to masses, church events and concerts. Further information can be found on the official homepage.

Laugardalur

Laugardalur Park is undoubtedly Reykjavik’s most popular recreational area. It is particularly suitable for outdoor activities, very green and lush with well-organized hiking and cycling trails. It is also the sporting center of Reykjavik, as here, in addition to the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, where international football games take place, there is also an outdoor swimming pool, Laugardalshöll Arena with an integrated fitness center, and an ice rink.
The name Laugardalur means “valley of ponds”. These “ponds” were hot pools in the north of Laugardalur near Laugamýri. Maids and housewives used the basins to wash laundry until the 20th century. The pools were decommissioned in 1930 with the opening of Laugarveita Utilities and Reykjavík began using the energy of nearby hot springs to provide district heating. The pools are now dry, but their traces remain and information boards about their history have been installed on site. The Reykjavik Botanical Garden is located in the heart of the area. This was founded in 1961 when the city of Reykjavík received 200 Icelandic plants as a gift and were planted at the City Cultivation Center in Laugardalur. The Botanical Garden expanded gradually, at first slowly until 1990, when the Tree Museum opened, and again in 2011, when the Botanical Garden was expanded by 2.4 hectares. Today the botanical garden covers around 5.5 hectares. Reykjavik’s Zoo opened in 1990 and is home to all of Iceland’s domestic animals and major wild land mammals such as foxes, reindeer and seals. The Family Park opened on June 24, 1993. It has a variety of play equipment as well as outdoor and leisure facilities for the family. The design of the park references Nordic mythology and the Viking Age.

This green part of the city is also home to the Höfði house, which was built in 1909 and became the property of the city in 1958. Many well-known personalities such as the poet Einar Benediktsson and the painter Louisa Matthíasdóttir lived here and the British embassy was also quartered there for some time. After the house came into the possession of the city of Reykjavik, it was renovated and has since been used as a guest house for official receptions. The house became internationally known for the first disarmament negotiations held there between General Secretary of the Soviet Union Michael Gorbachev and President of the United States Ronald Reagan in 1986. The end of the Cold War began in this striking white building in front of the mountains of Reykjavik.

Harpa

The Reykjavík Concert and Conference Hall opened in 2011. The building, which was initially unpopular because of its architecture and location, has been gaining popularity among residents and tourists for years. The high construction costs and the location on the old harbor upset the Icelanders, but after the economic crisis the building became a symbol of the country’s future.

The 43 meter high building consists of two slightly offset cuboid parts with sloping edges. The glass facade with its honeycomb structure reflects light in different colors. The special glass in yellow, orange and green versions was used at Reykjavík’s concert hall. These colors can be seen when viewed directly; the respective complementary colors appear in the reflection.
The changing daily lunchtime shows, many in English, always attract a large crowd.

The current program can be viewed on the official homepage.

Perlan

Perlan is located on a mountain above Reykjavík, surrounded by the enchanting forests of Öskjuhlíð Hill. It houses a modern nature exhibit, a real indoor ice cave, a 4K planetarium, a 360° observation deck with great views of the Icelandic capital and more. Perlan’s nature exhibit brings the wonders of Iceland to life. The forces of volcanoes and Iceland’s geological history are brought to life through film and images. You embark on a virtual journey in a realistic recreation of the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. In a 100 meter long artificial ice cave you can immerse yourself in a magical glacier experience.

Áróra is Perlan’s award-winning planetarium show, where the Northern Lights dance around visitors in a cinema-like hall.
The viewing platform offers a wonderful view of Reykjavik and its surrounding area. The café located there offers small snacks to sweeten the panorama. Further information can be found on the official website.

Áróra is Perlan’s award-winning planetarium show, where the Northern Lights dance around visitors in a cinema-like hall.
The viewing platform offers a wonderful view of Reykjavik and its surrounding area. The café located there offers small snacks to sweeten the panorama. Further information can be found on the official website.

FlyOver Iceland

The relatively new attraction in Reykjavík is located in the old harbor opposite the Harpa concert hall. The new building is filled with the latest technology to take visitors on a breathtaking journey through Iceland. An elaborately shot film is shown in front of a 20 meter high spherical screen in which you feel as if you were gliding over the unique landscape like a bird. Special effects such as wind, fog and smells, combined with the movement of the ride, immerse visitors in an unforgettable experience.
Further information can be found on the official website.

The Old Harbour

The Old Harbor is the heart of Reykjavík and the reason the city was founded. The starting point of the city’s development was the harbor area and in the early 20th century it became one of the centers of the Icelandic trawling fishery. In recent years the appearance has changed fundamentally. While it is still one of Iceland’s main ports, in recent years tourism and whale watching have gradually replaced fishing vessels, while shops and restaurants have moved into the old warehouses.

This relatively small area offers a great way to spend the day visiting shops, cafes and museums that offer an insight into Icelandic history and culture, as well as taking the opportunity to sample some of Iceland’s best food.

Árbær Open-Air Museum

A little away from the city center is the Árbær open-air museum. It is the largest open-air museum in Iceland and grew out of a farm, which is the only building in the museum that still stands in its original location. The other buildings were added over time and come from Reykjavík and its surroundings.
Árbær was inhabited until 1948, when the last resident moved away. Recent archaeological excavations indicate that the site was occupied either permanently or temporarily in the 10th century. The museum was opened in 1957 and houses around 30 historical buildings as well as one of the only two steam locomotives that ever existed in Iceland. The other locomotive was erected as a monument in the old port. This makes Iceland the only country in the world where all the steam locomotives that ever ran there are kept in a museum.
Further information, such as opening times or entrance fees, can be found on the official homepage. Information about the houses can also be found on this page.

How to get there?

The easiest way to get to Reykjavík, as well as Iceland in general, is via Keflavík Airport, which is only about 50 kilometers away. The capital of Iceland is also located on the country’s main road – the Ring Road. The city is therefore a very good starting point for exploring the south and southwest of Iceland. The ring road is also the second very popular entry route to Reykjavík. The ferry dock from Denmark is exactly on the other side of Iceland in Seyðisfjörður.

Conclusion:

Reykjavík is definitely worth a visit, especially with an appropriate excursion program. Many restaurants invite you to linger and enjoy and with the multitude of museums and sights it is difficult to get bored. Art enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Reykjavik either, as there are many sculptures and shops selling handmade works of art throughout the city. But Iceland has so much more to offer than just its capital, so you shouldn’t forget to leave the city during your stay and explore the country.