What should i do in reykjavik

On the fourth floor is an outdoor observation deck set up with telescopes and information panels, where you can see a glacier, the Atlantic, mountains and volcanoes. In a safe bathing spot was formed by building sea walls to form a lagoon just south of the airport and university. Head here for avant-garde and experimental temporary exhibitions by the leading lights of the contemporary art scene.

Source: volcanohouse. Surprisingly, given the name, the ship points north, across the bay to the Esjan mountain, and it was originally intended to greet the sunset in the west of the city. Source: A. Early in his career, in , he did something extraordinary by donating all of his works to the Icelandic State providing a museum was built to house them. This museum is laid out with life-sized models in immersive environments with ambient lighting and sound, and is a collaboration between a whale watching company and the Marine Research Institute of Iceland.

The models of the blue whale, sperm whale, humpback whale, fin whale, minke whale, orca and dolphin species are all impressive enough and paired with information about their behaviour and migration routes.

Alcohol prices may be high, but for more than two decades now the city has been touted as one of the best places in the world to go out. The Saga Museum brings these stories to life and introduces other important Icelandic time periods such as the Black Death and the reformation.

Iceland is known for its natural hot pools, but you don't need to leave Reykjavik to enjoy them. Open until as late as The northern lights behind the Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik, Iceland. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, but only if you come at the right time of year. The Reykjavik of today is a functional city with all the conveniences of modern life in even the oldest houses.

Around 20 buildings were relocated here from central Reykjavik to form a town square, rural village and farm. Although Reykjavik is a coastal city, much of the town center was built away from the waterfront. On pre-organized tours leaving from Reykjavik which provide equipment, thermal wetsuits, and GoPro photos , you can swim with colorful marine life and be immersed in more shades of blue than you knew existed!

Of course, Silfra is far from the only option — Iceland is actually teeming with world-class snorkeling spots! Besides humpbacks and orcas frequenting these waters, visitors are also often treated to flashes of dolphins, porpoises, and puffins.

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. Directions on Google Maps. 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. That said, it does get mighty toasty!

From the hot springs in Landmannalaugar all the way to the glacier valley of Porsmork, all kinds of enchanting terrains and landscapes await on your journey. Be sure to catch a viewing of our solar system at the planetarium and stroll through the simulated ice tunnel before sipping on some warm drinks! Presenting itself as the perfect option to discover the natural wonder and see the lights first-hand from the comfort of an indoor venue, the Aurora Museum is the ideal stepping stone to the real thing.

For a high-flying, thrilling tour, there is no shortage of helicopter tours based out of Reykjavik that soars over the city, presenting killer views of the adjacent mountains and oceans. Who says that flowing water needs to go to waste? While itineraries can vary a little depending on which operator you choose, the experience is always family-friendly.

A suburb choice for a day-long excursion, the South Coast is teeming with outdoor activities all relatively close to Reykjavik:. Hike or ice climb the Solheimajokull glacier; take a photo in front of the DC-3 plane wreck a US Navy cargo plane that crashed in , a setting that shows the contrast between human intuition and rugged natural beauty; and stroll along the iconic black sand beaches.

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. Strap in tandem and paraglide over the beauty that is Reykjavik and its surrounding areas! Or, to really make the most of your trip, consider any of the 2, 4, or 8-day adventures!

Hot tip: Join a guided tour or rent an audio guide for insights you might not glean from simple browsing. If you plan to visit the Grotta Lighthouse you will want to take into account the timing of the low and high tides. A small and quirky museum in Reykjavik that is worth visiting is the Volcano House. In the land of fire and ice, the presence of volcanos is an important part of life and history. The Volcano House is a great museum to learn about volcanic eruptions, which happen on the island about every five years.

The Volcano House has mineral and geology exhibits, as well as a Volcano Cinema, where the fiery eruptions come to life. Be sure to stop into the gift shop where you will find minerals and lava jewelry for sale. With so much of Reykjavik's history reliant on the maritime industry, a visit to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum puts much of the present-day culture into perspective.

The museum is appropriately located in the Old Harbour. You will see exhibitions that showcase how early Icelandic settlers relied on fishing as their main industry. You will also see stories and artifacts that relate to the lives of Icelandic fishermen and women who cultivated this important industry for the country.

The lodging options in Reykjavik range from eco-focused hotels to luxury apartments with hotel servicing. You can also find a wide range of pricing. Exploring Iceland: For most travelers visiting Iceland , Reykjavik is the home base for exploring. You can easily take day trips to other parts of the island or make it your starting point for driving the Ring Road on your own. If you are looking to spend a bit of time resting and relaxing on your vacation, Iceland has some lovely resorts.

Iceland Travel Guide. Written by Anietra Hamper Mar 10, We may earn a commission from affiliate links The capital city of Iceland , Reykjavik sweeps you off your feet with its quaint and vibrantly colored coastal homes, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and reminders of the country's Viking history at every turn.

Whale Watching Tour Whale Watching Tour Iceland is surrounded by ocean, and for tourists, whale watching is one of the most popular things to do. Downtown Reykjavik Downtown Reykjavik Plan some time during your visit to Reykjavik to explore the downtown area. Thermal Pools Thermal Pools One of the top things to do in Reykjavik is to relax in the public thermal pools.

Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders The Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders is a stunning building with new, state-of-the-art exhibits focusing on the many natural wonders of the country, from the cliffs and volcanos to the sea life around the island.

Bruarfoss Waterfall Bruarfoss Waterfall You do not have to go far to experience one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland. Grotta Lighthouse Grotta Lighthouse The small Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in north Reykjavik is a great spot to take in a sunset or just go for a morning walk. Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Reykjavik The lodging options in Reykjavik range from eco-focused hotels to luxury apartments with hotel servicing.

Luxury Hotels: You can live like a local during your stay in Reykjavik at the Black Pearl apartments, which feel like a home but have hotel amenities. The Black Pearl is centrally located in downtown Reykjavik and close to many of the main attractions.

Two other luxury hotel options in downtown Reykjavik are the Reykjavik Residence Hotel , which also has apartment-style accommodations, and the boutique Kvosin Downtown Hotel. Mid-Range Hotels: If you want to keep a home base close to city tourist attractions, Hotel Lotus is within walking distance of many sights and bus routes.

The Hotel Leifur Eiriksson is also centrally located in downtown making it easy to walk or catch the bus to nearby attractions. Budget Hotels: The cheapest lodging in Reykjavik is in hostels in the city, and there are quite a few, including the Circle Hostel located downtown and close to a number of restaurants and attractions.

A budget-minded hotel in the city with just the basics is the 4th Floor Hotel that is centrally located and just a few blocks from the waterfront.