The Secret Cellar hosts regular shows in English that are sure to have you in tears (tears of laughter, that is!). As a kid who grew up in the inner-city neighbourhood of Hlar, my absolute favourite Sunday activity was to go hiking in skjuhl; a hill adorned with pine trees in the very heart of Reykjavk. 5 from Hlemmur to bus stop Buga. Through animatronics and eerily lifelike displays, the Saga Museum brings a wide Icelanding timeline to life, spanning from the earliest settlers to the Vikings and up to the modern day. This well-priced museum, home to thousands of centuries-old artifacts like the famous 13th-century Valjfsstair church door, is a great first stop on your trip to Reykjavik! Let us know in the comments below! Weve visited this city a total of three times, and can tell you from personal experience that there are a ton of cool things to do in Reykjavik. These strict rules are a huge win in the world of responsible tourism, but just know that this means seeing whales is never guaranteed. Despite the decade-old popularity of local reggae band Hjlmar, the Jamaica-originated music genre has all but gone unpropelled in the Reykjavk music scene. Do you know of any additional city secrets you would care to share? Modelled after The Poetry Brothel in New York and housed in the antiquatedINthat nests right by the Reykjavk Pond, 'Raua skldahsi' ('The Red House of Fiction') seeks to intermingle poetry, theatre and music with avant-garde entertainment, dress-up and even tarot card readings. In addition to seeing the view from above, be sure to get a good glimpse of the church from the ground, as it is beautiful and one of the most photographed spots in Reykjavik. The property also includes a fitness center, free Wifi and complimentary breakfast. At these spots, every bite is an experience! While visitors are unable to tour the inside, it remains a beautiful and monumental piece of history. As the most popular trail in Iceland, it should come as no surprise that Laugavegur is regarded near and far as one of the worlds top 20 hiking spots. Things to do This area comes alive at night, with the garage-style doors in a somewhat industrial-looking area opening up to reveal trendy boutiques and cozy cafes. Ive traveled to the city many times on different Iceland photography trips, often using it as a base for a few days before a big Icelandic road trip. The entire trail takes about four days if youre doing the whole thing on foot, so a guided tour may be your best option if you dont want to worry about the hiking and camping logistics; however, plenty of partial trials and shorter alternate routes and also available. Hike through the winding trails of this beloved nature reserve, and enjoy unspoiled scenery filled with peaks, glaciers, and tranquil valleys. Raufarholshellir might only be the fourth largest lava tube in Iceland, but thanks to its proximity to Reykjavik, its an easy and essential addition to the itinerary. The one we saw the most frequently is Hopp Scooters. It doesnt exactly come as a shock that Reykjavik was once a bustling fishing port, and theres no better place to learn all about the citys fisherman than the Maritime Museum. But wait, theres more: A range of intimate Northern Lights tours also take place on Viey Island. Weve got all sorts of money-saving tips for Iceland here that should be helpful! We learned all sorts of tidbits about the city and Iceland as a whole that we never would have learned on our own. The Great Geysir (true to its name) is the first water feature in the world to bear the name that inspired those internationally. Sound like its up your alley? However, Reykjavik has a pretty decent (and growing!) Accessible on typically either half or full-day tours, the Fagradaksfjall volcano welcomes nature-lovers from near and far, delivering a never-before-seen chance to experience a real eruption first-hand. A trip to Iceland isn't complete wi See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. And at Center Hotels Plaza, you can explore sites like the National Gallery and the Old Town area, enjoying all the best parts of town before retreating to a quiet spot in the bar. If youre like us and you love sampling local flavors on your travels, theres no better way to experience a huge amount of Icelandic cuisine at one time than by taking a food tour with Reykjavik Food Walk. While the name of this street is Sklavrustgur, thats a mouthful. Less than two hours by car, its an easy day trip option! If youre a soaking fiend (like we are! Hallgrimskirka: the landmark of Reykjavik The statue of Leiff Eriksson in front of the church in Reykjavik The church is the must-see highlight of the Icelandic capital At the top of the list ' Things to do in Reykjavik ' is the Hallgrimskirkja. Once at the top of this little hill, take in the views of the bay and the city. WebHere are my top eight weird places to see and visit in the state of Kentucky. Keep in mind: if youre looking for something more VIP-esque, private tours that can see a lot of Iceland in one dayor over multiple days are also available (but will cost you a few extra bucks). (Yes, you read that correctly!). All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveller Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Boat Tours & Water Sports Nature & Parks Museums Fun & Games Spas & Wellness Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Learn about Iceland's graffiti What are the best places to explore the Icelandic art scene and history? Small breweries are still a relatively new thing as beer was actually outlawed until 1989. The milky blue waters surrounded by lava stones are stunning. Despite being the world's northernmost capital, Reykjavk is home to a thriving and prevalent street art scene. Here are some places worth checking out in the new harbor area: Insider Tip: If youre up for it, rent an electric scooter (#7 on this list) to explore this area, as its quite a walk! The Perlan building sits on top of skjuhl, a wild green area in the heart of the city. So what are you waiting for? we left it in August 2021. Best Things To Do in Reykjavik | 13 Must-See Attractions If youre an avid hiker and are looking for a challenging trek near the capital city, Mount Esja is calling your name. craft brewing scene that is worth checking out while in the city. Again, it leads up to the communitys small church, and makes a pretty epic photo opportunity. Grab a team and get the adventure started! Just outside the city center lies the Domkirkja Krists konungs, or the Cathedral of Christ the King a near-100-year-old church that is as stunning as it is significant. Not only does it create an utterly beautiful photo opp, but it is also a powerful and symbolic juxtaposition. In VIP style, your driver will be waiting for you at the airport and share all kinds of fascinating tidbits en route to your hotel. Famed for its signature 7-step Ritual, hot spring goers will feel like theyre at a spa as they rotate between the cold dip, sauna (the coolest one weve ever seen! The decor of the place is marvellous, with neon led-lights lighting up retro living room corners, in which you'll find undergrads cramming for tests with apint on the side for added focus. Walk through exhibits of Icelands entire history, spanning from the early settlers to the modern cultures and traditions at the crowd favorite National Museum. One the for animal lovers, a visit to the largest whale exhibit in Europe gives eager guests the chance to walk among 23 to-scale models of all kinds of gentle giants, from the enormous blue whale to the sperm whale, and plenty more. Fun Fact: The unique design of this church was inspired by the basalt column rock formations you can see around the country (at places like Reynisfjara black sand beach and Stulagil Canyon). At this hot spring oasis, a geothermal pool remains hot year-round, offering the chance to cleanse yourself and unwind after spending the day frolicking around all the Golden Circle main attractions!. Or stop in a cafe or restaurant to warm up with a bowl of soup or hot coffee. For this guide, we have selected the most enigmatic of hidden gems in the capital area within different categories. Alternative: Another good pastry shop in town is Sandholt, though, were partial to the baked goods at Braud & Co. Let your inner-nerd shine at one of the many, many museums in Reykjavik. This is one of three locations of the Reykjavik Art Museum, and this location is dedicated to contemporary artists. WebMarshall House. Good to know: Even though it is called a free walking tour, it is expected that you tip your guide for their time. Splash through creeks, roll along dirt roads, and see wilderness that you cant access from a normal tour bus. From whales to polar bears, walruses, and plenty more, the displays belong to almost all the mammals (land and sea) that call Iceland home including gifted humans. Take a food tour. Reykjavik is a colorful city. An iconic spot that each and every traveler should check out, the Blue Lagoon often tops the list of things to do in Reykjavik despite being a fair drive away. The one thing they dont have is a private bathroom youll have to use the communal bathrooms shared with other campers. We explain more about how to get connected in our guide to essential Iceland travel apps. There are plenty of tours to pick from: learn about the local myths and legends of trolls and elves, hear how the Vikings shaped the city as you see it today, or book a tour that covers more of the modern history, architecture, and iconic landmarks! The 15 Best Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland Our guide was funny and shared all sorts of insights of what it was like growing up in Iceland. Combine a trip with a whale-watching adventure or sign up for an introductory flight lesson too! Just pop into whatever coffee shop looks most inviting, or check out this list of cuties to choose from: Iceland is a great destination to spot these gentle giants, so if whale watching is on your bucket list listen up. Right beside the sea lies the stainless steel Sun Voyager sculpture, an iconic symbol of the city, shaped like a Viking longship facing magnetic North. And dont miss Langjkull Glacier, a stunning ice formation. Put down the books and stop searching the web theres no better way to learn about the former living conditions and social lives of the locals than by seeing it recreated here, especially when decked out in themes like Christmastime. In this round-up, youll find tons of ideas including: Plus, were going over where to eat in Reykjavik as well as the best places to stay in town. For the most in-depth experience, be sure to pick up an audio guide! With cuisine that combines the classic, the unorthodox, and some elegant trappings, every meal is an adventure in the capital. These were mimicked after the hexagonal basalt columns that are found around the country, in places like Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. At the center of the modern city of Reykjavik is located the school that tells the story of Icelands biggest myth, elves. Check out the best day trips from Reykjavik. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Typically on travels, we dont repeat restaurants because there are so many to explore. Thanks to pools fed and heated by the natural geothermal waters! If you want to get your dance, or drink, or freak on while traveling in Iceland, youll be happy to know Reykajvik actually has quite a lively nightlife scene. From world cuisines served in casual settings to some seriously fine dining opportunities, Reykjavik has something for just about every traveler. Its not every day that you can outrun a murderer, outwit a mad scientist, or outdo the Mafia. While public pools arent free, they are typically a very reasonable price (think somewhere between $8 $10 per person. Enjoy exotic meats like puffin and whale at Grillmarkaurinn, or try some marvelous vegan cuisine at The Coocoos Nest. We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. And best of all, multiple days means an evening or two in the wilderness a perfect chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! And if those dont fit your fancy, you can also try out bank heists, prison breaks, and more. Hellisgeri, or the Hafnarfjrur Lava Park, is a gorgeous little retreat of a fairytale-like scenery, home to mystical beings of ancient folklore. Keep your eyes peeled the area is also home to countless exotic birds, like Gannets, Auks, and Arctic Terns. 11 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik | U.S. News Travel Art Museums. Only 20 kilometers from Reykjavik, hiking Mount Esja promises to be a memorable afternoon activity for the whole family with a range of trails of varying difficulties open year-round, theres something for everyone. 70 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Kentucky Updated March Gullfoss | Best Things to Do in Iceland Check out ourUltimate Iceland Travel Guidefor all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below. However, even if youre not going to catch a concert, its worth viewing this building in all its glory. Do you love trying local foods on your travels? Where are all the hidden gems, and how do you find them? If your itinerary doesnt include Hsavk, youll likely want to book a whale watching tour in Reykjavik. One of the most unique diving locations in the world, the Silfra Fissure in the Thingvellir National Park holds the special title of beings the spot where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Reykjavik Domes is part of a camping resort just east of downtown. in Reykjavik I stayed at this B&B with my mom in 2019. The peninsula also hosts Borgarholt; a small lava field with Kpavogur Church in the centre, Sundlaug Kpavogs; a geothermal swimming pool and Hlgerisvllur; the towns first playground, constructed half a century ago. After the steady walk up the spiral stones, youll find the small wooden shed with some drying fish inside a nod to typical Icelandic traditions. If sampling hot dogs dont quite cut it, why not book an evening cooking class where you can learn how to prepare authentic Icelandic foods from scratch instead? Everything we had there was great, so wed suggest getting a few to sample. The tower is closed on Sundays from 10:30 12:15 because there is 11 a.m. mass. ), youll be happy to know that two of the best hot springs in Iceland are located not far from Reykjaviks city center, making it possible to enjoy them even if you are on a short stopover. If your budget allows, wed highly recommend planning at least one splurge meal while in Reykjavik, as there are so many spectacular restaurants in this city. The park is home to over 5,000 different species of plants, as well as an idyllic pavilion-with-a-pond It's the perfect excuse to get out of the city, and the perfect hidden gem to suggest to your friends who want to visit The Viking Village in Hafnarfjrur's centre. Walking tours arent overly strenuous, are usually cheap (or free), and provide plenty of local insights and recommendations. Check out the amazing Iceland Northern Lights tours. Learn about the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, the best waterfalls to visit, and the stories behind them. Hot tip: dont forget to head to the back of the museum to see the boundary wall, the oldest known human structure in Reykjavik! When you make your reservation online, be sure to use the code TWS10 at checkout to get 10% off your tour. If youre feeling a little adventurous, book a Jeep tour, and do some serious off-roading! Thanks for reading, and, as always, happy travels! Things to do At 201 Hotel, you can enjoy a somewhat more rustic experience (think wooded walking paths and nearby lakes) combined with top-notch amenities like nearby restaurants and stores. Taking an all-day tour to the Blue Lagoon limits the hassle of organizing your own transport and gives you a couple hours in the steamy waters, the perfect amount of time to really sit back and enjoy the moment. The 4.8-mile trail is well marked and offers hikers sweeping views of the ocean and city on a clear day. You cant leave Reykjavik without trying the citys most famous hot dog! An off-the-beaten-track attraction, this cash-only venue is a fun way to meet the citys residents and sample a few local delicacies! We dont want to spoil too much of the tour for you, but youll eat at fancy spots as well as hole-in-the-wall. With exhibits diving into themes of natural disasters like earthquakes and volcano eruptions, to the Black Death ravaging its way through the island, theres plenty to be learned about the resilience and history of the Icelandic people. so you can plan the perfect trip! This is a pretty bare-bones hotel, but its in a great location right in the center of downtown. The house itself, once you locate it, strikes one as a well kept secret oasis,hidden in plain sight. This charming cinema is so much more than a movie house. Where did it all begin and where does it go from here? Whether you are a believer of the magical elves or think they are a mere myth, the elf school should be on your list of things to do in Reykjavik. While itineraries can vary a little depending on which operator you choose, the experience is always family-friendly. If you go a little further back, youll find food items, like dried fish (which you can sample free of charge) and gourmet infused salts (which make a great gift or souvenir). Either way, strapped into an open-air buggy, youll be blessed with stunning views from start to finish. If youre lucky enough to be visiting Reykjavik between September and April, then taking advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Northern Lights is a non-negotiable! The street that leads up to Hallgrimskirkja is famed for its rainbow design. At just a 10 km drive from Reykjavik, this hike can be easily done as a day trip from the city. Strap in tandem and paraglide over the beauty that is Reykjavik and its surrounding areas! The amount you choose to pay is up to you, but keep in mind that Iceland has a high cost of living, so your contribution should reflect that. There's no shortage of fun sights and attractions, from trying out unusual If you walk by this structure at night, youll notice the facade light up in undulating waves, which was inspired by the way the Northern Lights shimmer in Icelands sky. Featuring a city center thats easily walkable, Reykjavik is truly a charming, quaint discovery waiting for you to explore! Navigate a horror movie come to life in The Dollhouse; search for medical secrets in The Scientist; or dodge gangsters while carrying off fine art in The Mafia. At the tourist-favorite Perlan Museum & Viewpoint, visitors can learn all about glaciers, volcanoes and wildlife; the local ecosystems at risk as glaciers melt; experience what -10 C feels like; and soak in panoramic views of the Snaefellsjokull glacier and Reykjavik. The Gardens are open most days, however, if traveling in June, July or August, head there around midday on Fridays for a free 30-minute guided tour! Since taxis in Iceland are hella expensive and public transportation doesnt run very frequently (youll typically have to wait 30 minutes between buses), wed highly recommend choosing a hotel or Airbnb in a central location. To get there, search for the bus stop Blesugrf, or make the 10-minute drive from the city centre, southto the edge of Kpavogurtown. And were not just talking about the brightly hued building facades. When youre done with the capital, youll find no shortage of other amazing things to do in Iceland! Good to know: Unless there is an active event, you can typically go inside and see the building from within. Whether youre admiring the works on the Sculpture & Shore Walk or exploring the architectural wonders of Reykjavik Cathedral and City Hall, youll find plenty of excitement and education along the way. Youll find Jokulsarlon on the southeast coast, near the Vatnajkull National Park. Walk through and learn about the warning signs of eruptions, how an eruption impacts the weather around the world, and how volcanoes formed the stunning local landscape! Get in the mood for adventure and read on to discover our selection of the top hidden secrets of Reykjavk. At the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula sits the Grotta Lighthouse and nature preserve, one of the countrys most visited and photographed landmarks and when you see it first-hand, youll quickly understand why. The easiest and cheapest way to do this is to pick up a local SIM card at the airport or at a convenience store. Sample the iconic hot dogs at Bjarins Beztu Pylsur, or the unpretentious dishes at Maths Garabjar, including brunch and lobster bisque. The scooter will be unlocked and you can hop on and head wherever you want to go. Attend Elf School. 1. Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, it should come as no surprise that this stunning landscape has been dubbed the eye of the world. Although people usually make their way to the country for such an activity, you don't have to leave the city to locate those mouthwatering blueberries and crowberries. With a local guide teaching you all about the area, youll admire bobbing icebergs, walk along black sand beaches, and see lava fields up close! If you do find this box (congrats! More info in our. There is a multitude of snowmobile tours that use Reykjavik as their departure point: you can traverse the Golden Circle, ride over seemingly never-ending glaciers, and cover far more ground than you otherwise would in a touristy minibus. The hill is worth a visit all by itself. To help facilitate your journey, Im sharing my favorite, fun things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland.From museums to iconic landmarks, Start your trip to Reykjavik This statue is one of those things you have to see while in Reykjavik, and while its not that large or intricate, it is a nice quick stop to add to your time in the city. For over three decades, Kramhsi has served as a venue for international artiststo host classes and events for enthusiastic locals. If youre into biology or just love a wacky museum, its certainly worth a visit for the novelty alone. things to do in Reykjavik The event is both in Icelandic and English and takes place approximately every three months, so followReykjavik Poetry Brothel's pagefor updates. Snowmobiling, the Northern Lights, glaciers, geothermal pools, and the iconic Golden Circle all this and so much more come part and parcel with a Jeep tour! Photo byLyonel Perabo Right next to The Family Park and Zoo in Laugardalur you'll find the less frequently visited inner-city paradise of Grasagarurinn; the Reykjavk Botanical Gardens. If you want to squeeze the top natural highlights in Iceland into as short a time as possible, take a tour from Reykjavik through the Golden Circle. From fish to lamb to hearty breads, this hands-on activity is a great souvenir to bring back home and show off to the friends at the next dinner party. It was no accident that the street leads up to the famed Hallgrimskirkja Church. Situated smack dab in downtown Reykjavik, youll find a small street stand that would be unassuming if it werent for the near-constant line of locals and tourists waiting for their pylsa (aka Icelandic hot dog). The undisputed highlight, however, is the stunning aurora that often dances above! At the corner, you'll findGaukurinn; an old concert venue that hosts a multitude of alternative events. Alternate between hot and cold water, steamy saunas and cooling mists, as you put your senses on high alert. Or splurge a little and try out Michelin-starred meals at Dill, from reindeer tartar to fish stews.
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