Reykjavík

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Reykjavík [1] is the capital and largest city of Iceland with a population of 117,706. Reykjavík's suburbs represent a majority of Iceland's total population.

Reykjavík Old Town and Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík Old Town and Hallgrímskirkja

[edit] Understand

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland. It is the center of culture and life of the Icelandic people. It is also the tourist capital of Iceland. Reykjavík is a city that wasn't built up for tourism, so tourists can get a nice view of tourist things at the same time experiencing how Icelanders live their lives.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

  • Keflavík International Airport (Icelandic: Keflavíkurflugvöllur, IATA: KEF, ICAO: BIKF), ☎ +354 425 0600 (fax: +354 425 0610), [2]. Keflavík International Airport is Iceland's main international airport, and is located 30 miles (50 KM) from Reykjavík in the town of Keflavík. edit

  • Reykjavík Airport (Icelandic: Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, IATA: RKV, ICAO: BIRK). Located in the center of Reykjavik and mainly used for domestic air traffic edit

Icelandair is the main international airline of Iceland. Nonstop flights on Icelandair are available from the U.S. and Canada, with gateways in New York City, Boston, Halifax, Toronto, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Orlando (Sanford). Destinations beyond Iceland include most major European cities (i.e. Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, London, Oslo, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, Bergen and Gothenburg), with Icelandair's hub-and-spoke network connecting via Keflavik in Iceland. (Please note that some destinations are seasonal.) You can also stopover in Iceland for up to seven nights at no additional airfare on your way to or from Europe.

Iceland Express is another international airliner which serves many European cities.

The main domestic airline, Flugfélag Íslands (Air Iceland) has daily domestic flights to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Ísafjörður and Vestmannaeyjar, including international destinations to Faroe Islands, Kulusuk, Narsarsuaq, and Constable Point.

SAS also has flights to Iceland from Scandinavia

German Wings operates flights to Keflavik from Cologne during the summer.

[edit] By car

There are rental car services all over Iceland, and many in Reykjavík such as Hertz, Avis, and National Rent-a-car. They tend to be quite expensive. The cheapest car at the cheapest dealer you may find would average out to about 5500 ISK. ($86) each day. If you tend to just stay in Reykjavík, renting a car is not necessary as the bus system is great and it is easy to walk around. But if you plan to leave Reykjavík to the countryside, then renting a car is the best way to experience Iceland.

[edit] By bus

Once you have landed at Keflavík, the most common way to get to Reykjavík is by the FlyBus (Coach). The coach takes you into the city to the major hotels and stops. In Reykjavík, the Strætó will then be the bus system taking you all over the city and even to Hafnarfjörður.

[edit] By boat

If you have an abundance of time, it is possible to take the Smyril Line (a cruise company based out of the Faroe Islands) between Torshavn in the Faroe Islands and mainland Europe. This service is on the expensive side, but it puts you on the other side of the country. If you intend to bring your car along, this is the only way to go.

[edit] Get around

[edit] On foot

Tjörnin Pond
Tjörnin Pond

Walking in Reykjavík is highly recommended, as many attractions are within walking distance from the hotel area. The city is very beautiful, and the sidewalk and pathway system is first-rate. Reykjavík drivers are in general very friendly, and will sometimes stop for you even when there is no crossing facility.

Unknown to many tourists a very long and scenic pathway for walking and cycling circles almost the whole city. A good starting point is anywhere where the city touches the sea. The path leads through an outdoor swimming pool, a sandy beach, a golf course and a salmon river.

[edit] By car

Driving in Reykjavík is the preferred method for most residents there. As a tourist though, a bus card wouldn't go astray as you can take it almost anywhere in the capital area despite their latest change to routes. Driving is recommended though for travel outside of Reykjavík and its suburbs. Compared to most other modern European cities, Reykjavík actually manages to have a reasonable amount of parking spaces, especially for a city that boasts the most cars per capita in the world.

[edit] By bus

Reykjavík has a public bus system that is clean and reliable. Single rides, however, are expensive at 280 kr. (~$4). If you're staying outside the city served by a bus route (the hostel + campground) it's best to get a Reykjavík Tourist Card, which allows unlimited access to the buses, along with free museums and free internet at the hostel. The tourist cards are available at the Tourist Information Center near the main square, and also at some hotels. A one-day card costs 1200 kr., two days costs 1700 kr., and three days costs 2200 kr.

Depending on the frequency you use the bus system, Strætó (http://bus.is/english), you might want to buy a bus pass. Bus passes may be purchased at all Reykjavík bus stations (Lækjartorg, Hlemmur, Mjódd etc.). The bus system is very fast and very reliable. Most areas of interest in Reykjavík are accessible by bus.

[edit] By bicycle

BSI Travel (Vatnsmýrarvegi 10) rents mountain bikes. Reykjavík has a fairly extensive network of bicycle paths [3].

[edit][add listing] See

  • The Old City is easy to walk around. The houses in Reykjavík have very distinct features: bright colour roofs. Plan to spend at least a couple hours just wandering around.
  • The fantastic view from Perlan, the rotating restaurant on top of the water towers. You don't need to dine there, just go up and out onto the viewing platforms. The view is fantastic.
  • The National Cathedral is located next to Althingi and is a very small church. It has a very controversial pavement which layout resembles a heathen cross inside a circle (may be relain by now).
  • The Reykjavík Pond. Where young and old gather to feed the ducks, don't forget to bring some bread.
  • Althingi is located by Austurvöllur, a green spot in the middle of downtown Reykjavík close to the pond, it is a big stone building with a new extention (c.a. 2005).
  • National Museum of Iceland (Þjóðminjasafn Íslands), Suðurgata 41 (Bus no. 1,3,4,5,6,12 and 14 stop in front of or near the museum.), ☎ +354 530-2200 (, fax: +354 530-2201), [4]. Winter (September 16th - April 30th): Daily except Mondays 11-17. Summer (May 1st - September 15th): Daily 10-17.. The National Museum has a restaurant with a good view of the city. Admission: Adults: 600 kr.; Children (Under 18): Free; Seniors, Students, Groups (10+): 300 kr.; Wednesdays: Free.  edit
  • Hallgrímskirkja (Church), Skólavörðuholti (), [5]. Hours: Mass: Sunday 11:00; Church tower: Daily 09:00 - 20:00. This can't miss attraction towers over the city on top of a hill. In front is a statue of Leif Ericsson, the Viking explorer who sailed to North America in the 10th century. The United States gave this statue to Iceland in 1930, in honor of the 1,000th anniversary of the Althingi, the Iceland parliament. As of June 2008, the church was undergoing renovation, obstructing the view from the front (downtown) of the tower. Admission to the tower: Adults: 400 kr., Children (6 - 12) 50 kr..  edit
  • '''The Culture House''' (''Þjóðmenningarhúsið''), Hverfisgata 15, ☎ +354 545 1400, [6]. The great museum has two world class exhibitions. On the ground floor is one of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world, including many of the oldest copies of the Icelandic Sagas. The top floor has an impressive exhibition on the Volcanic island of Surtsey, it is to back the island's campaign to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is fully interactive and a great introduction to the geological hot spot that is Iceland. 300 kr.  edit
  • Reykjavík Domestic Animal Zoo, Hafrafell v/ Engjaveg, ☎ +354 57 57 800 (, fax: +354 57 57 801), [7]. Admission: Adults (12 years +): 450 kr., Children (Under 4 years): Free, Children (4 - 12): 350 kr..  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Horse riding is a very popular activity amongst locals as well as visitors. Many companies offer one hour to week long trips.
  • Whale watching/sea Angling sightings of whales, dolphins and puffins (depends on season) are frequent around Reykjavík. Trips can be booked directly with companies at Reykjavík Harbour. Trips usually last about 3 hours and cost about 4000ISK. Tourists office often provides discount flyers. Trips usually run from April to October as weather is too unpredictable in Winter.
  • White water rafting/watersports watersports are available from April to October.
  • Snowmobiling/Dog sledging snowsports are available from end of October to April.
  • Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Háskólabíó v/Hagatorg, ☎ +354 545 2500 (, fax: +354-562-4475), [8].  edit

[edit] Geo-Thermal Swimming Pools

Laugardalslaug geothermal pool
Laugardalslaug geothermal pool

Outdoor Geo-Thermal Swimming Pools are an important part of Icelandic culture and a visit to them is a great way to relax with Icelanders. In fact it is not stretching the truth too far to suggest that because drinking is so expensive the hot-pots at these pools serve the same role that pubs and bars do in the rest of Europe.

  • Laugardalslaug, Sundlaugarveg (In the same complex as the National Stadium. Near campsite and youth hostel), ☎ 411 5100 (). The city's largest pool with extensive facilities, situated in Laugardalur Valley. It has two large pools for swimming, several hot-pots, a steam bath, and water slide. It is a well-used large complex that is starting to show its age a little but it is still the best option in the city centre. 350 kr.  edit

  • Árbæjarlaug, Fylkisveg, 110 Reykjavík, ☎ 411 5200, [9]. A brand new complex on the outskirts of the city, it has nice views over the city centre and is a nice place to watch the sunset. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, a waterslide, several hot-pots and a steam bath. This is a favourite with families and is perhaps the nicest of the city's pools. Buses run here from central Reykjavik. 350 kr.  edit

  • Sundhollin Swimming Centre, Baronsstigur, 101 Reykjavik (Located a few minutes from Hallgrimskirkja), ☎ 551 4059. The city's oldest and only indoor pool (with outdoor hot-pots), located in the city centre. Has a more municipal feel than the other pools, but has a very central location. edit

  • Vesturbæjarlaug, Hofsvallagata, 107 Reykjavik (Located a few minutes from Hotel Saga and the University of Iceland), ☎ 551 5004. The city's oldest outdoor pool. Located in a residential area but within a walking distance of the city center. edit

  • Nautholsvik Thermal Beach (To the south of the domestic airport), ☎ 511 6630. 10:00 to 20:00 from 15th May until 15th September. A beach of golden sand has been created and a “pool” has been enclosed nearby, where the water temperature is about 20ºC. There are several hot-pots. Refreshments and various services are available at the beach. edit

It is possible to hire swimsuits and towels at all the pools. As Icelandic pools have very minimal amounts of chemicals in them it is very important to shower thoroughly naked beforehand, and pay attention to the notices and posters that highlight hygiene issues.

[edit] Learn

  • University of Iceland, Sudurgata 1, ☎ +354 525 4000 (, fax: +354 552 1331), [10].  edit
  • Iceland University of Education, Address, [12].  edit

[edit] Work

[edit][add listing] Buy

Laugavegur, the main shopping street, has many funky boutiques, with both Icelandic and international designs. Skólavörðustígur, which runs up to Hallgrimskirkja, has a range of souvenir and craft shops where you can find a perfect gift for the family.

If you yearn for international chains such as Zara and Debenhams, then head to one of 2 malls in the capital area; Kringlan in Reykjavík and the newer Smáralind in neighboring Kópavogur. Though keep in mind, everything in Iceland probably costs more than it does back home. Items can be as much as 3-4 times the price in neighboring countries, mainly because of taxes (24.5% sales tax on products, 7% on books), import duties and so on, though there are exceptions to this rule.

Sales tax is always included in the sticker price. All foreign visitors are entitled to claim back the tax if they spend 4,000 krona or more in one shop in one day. Iceland is not a member of the European Union, so visitors from all European countries are entitled to sales tax refunding. Icelanders living abroad are also entitled to sales tax refunding.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

Food in Iceland is expensive. In order not to break the bank, you'll need to be smart when eating. On the budget side, you're mostly looking at international-type fast food options common to what you'd find in Europe and America.

Try one of the Hot-Dog places that are found everywhere. This German import has become thoroughly Iceland-ized. A dog should set you back 200ISK (~1.60€/$2.50). Ask for "Eina með öllu", a hot dog with everything on it. Deeeeelicious.

  • Bæjarins bestu, Hafnarstræti 17 (by the harbor). The name of this popular hot dog stand literally means "Town's Best" and, based on the queues, it seems to deserve the name. edit

  • 10-11 is a chain of convenience stores with plenty of ready-to-eat items such as sandwiches, wraps, and surprisingly enough, tacos. 10-11 is always open but is considered expensive by Icelanders, that's why you see most Icelanders shop for food at BONUS (open 10-18) which offers the cheapest prices you can find.
  • Shalimar. A little Indian restaurant packed into a tiny building just near the main square, which serves nice food.
  • Even better, you can find a fish shop which will sell you some ridiculously fresh and absolutely delicious fish, at a very reasonable price, and cook it yourself with some potatoes and vegetables. It'll be really nice. The fish shop could be in Kolaportid, a downtown market which only opens on weekends, or alternatively you could look up one of the many fish shops (fiskbúð) all around town.
  • There are tons of cafes everywhere in the city that are relatively inexpensive and a great place to sit, relax, and warm up. You can also check your e-mails if you bring your computer, as there is free Wi-Fi in most of them. Kaffitar and Te & Kaffi are comparatively large chains and serve great barrista style coffee, that might however be on the expensive side.
  • In addition to its restaurant, Perlan also has a cafe. You can eat with (almost) the same view and a much cheaper price!
  • There are a lot of cheap Thai restaurants around the capital, often run by Thai families. You will usually get large portions at a good price.

[edit] Mid-range

There are many fantastic fish restaurants in Reykjavik. The more expensive ones are down by the harbour or in the centre, if you're not so rich try heading towards the old town. Við Tjörnina is always a good choice. Plan on at least 2,000 ISK for any meal not in a budget/fast-food restaurant. Seriously.

  • Vegamot, Vegamótastíg 4, Reykjavik ph: (+354) 511-3040 (email: mailto:vegamot@vegamot.is) [13] A decent fast food restaurant during the day and a happening nightclub after hours. The age limit of 22 on Friday and Saturday nights is somewhat of a buzzkill even for those of legal drinking age here. The Lobster pasta is the restaurant's signature dish and well worth tasting.
  • Þrír frakkar hjá Úlfari (3 Frenchmen (or overcoats) at Ulfar's), Baldursgata 14. [14] A nice seafood restaurant. Serves big meals for a moderate price. Their lunch plokkfiskur special is legendary. They serve whalemeat, both raw (as sashimi) and cooked, to those willing to try. 2700ISK is a normal price for just the main dish. They serve a strange (and delicious) cake, skyrterta, made from the Icelandic skyr, this cake alone is worth the visit.
  • Vín og Skel Laugavegur 55, Reykjavik ph: (+354) 534-4700. Tucked into an alley off the main shopping drag, Vín og Skel offers no DJ, no Modernist interior design, just good food in an unpretentious, cozy setting. Menu is focused on seafood and features a three-course "surprise" dinner for around 5000 ISK. Prices are "reasonable" (by Icelandic standards), and the wine list contains many "affordable" choices.
  • Á Næstu Grösum (The First Vegatarian), Laugavegur 20b, ☎ 552 9410, [15]. A friendly vegatarian restaurant in the city centre, has a vegan option and attempts to use as much organic produce as possible. edit
  • Kaffi Reykjavik, Vesturgata 2, ☎ 552 3030 (), [16]. A good central restaurant, aimed a little more toward the tourist crowd it does however deliver decent food. The lamb is good. Also contains an ice bar. edit
  • Austur India Fjelagid, Hverfisgata 56, Reykjavik ph: (+354) 552-1630 [17] One of few Indian restaurants in Reykjavik. It serves very good food though and can be compared to the top tier Indian restaurants in London.
  • Saegreifinn (Seabaron), Verbúð 6 (At the harbour, near the whale watching kiosk), [18]. 10:00-18:00. An extremely authentic place, serves a wonderful lobster soup and offers grilled cod, whale, shrimps, salmon, etc. Excellent atmosphere, a must-see! 800-2500 ISK (~6.40-20€).  edit

[edit] Splurge

  • Sjavarkjallarinn, Adalstraeti 2, Reykjavik ph: (+354) 511-1211 (email: mailto:info@sjavarkjallarinn.is) [19] A great seafood restaurant, a must for those who prefer fish. Be aware though that it is very popular so reserving a table is probably required.
  • Humarhusid (The Lobster house) Amtmannsstig 1, Reykjavik 101 ph: (+354) 561 3303 (email: mailto:humarhusid@humarhusid.is) [20] On the expensive end, but has exquisite food that the prices reflect.
  • Perlan ph:(+354) 562 0200 (email: mailto:perlan@perlan.is, fax:(+354) 562 0207) [21] A better bet would be to head to the top of the hill and dine at the amazing restaurant here (which also has wonderful gelato at the cafe below where you can walk outside the Pearl and see full 360 degree views of Reykjavik below). Perlan is an expensive place to dine but of course it's pretty unique and gives you a second-to-none view over Reykjavik so it's understandable how they can push the prices up. Plenty of Icelanders seem to like to dress up and go for a posh meal there so it's not just for tourists. If you dine at the Perlan be sure to have the lamb, absolutely fantastic.
  • Domo, Þingholtsstræti 5, ☎ 552 5588 (), [22]. A top class restaurant like Sjávarkjallarinn. edit

  • Grillid, Radison SAS - Hagatorg, ☎ 525 9960, [23]. A classic French restaurant that has been open for service for over forty years. edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Considered to have some of the best nightlife in all of Europe, it can be almost guaranteed that you haven't really "partied" until you've done it here. That fact is proven by the amount of celebrities who come specifically for it.

Drinking is expensive - expect to pay at least 500ISK for a draft pint at a bar. Bottled beers and mixed drinks are more expensive, and sometimes outlandishly so. Despite the cost, going out in Reykjavik is a fun experience. Since alcohol is expensive at Reykjavík bars and clubs, Icelanders usually buy their alcohol at the government owned liquor stores (Ríkið ÁTVR) and stay at home drinking until about midnight (or later), then they will wander to the bars. Do not expect bars and clubs to become crowded until about 1AM (at least). Some bars charge a cover of 500-2,000ISK after midnight on weekends.

Bars are open until 1AM on weeknights, but most will stay open until 7AM or 8AM on Friday and Saturday. On the weekend, live music is easy to find in some of Reykjavík's bars.

There is an ice bar in Kaffi Reykjavík where all the furniture and the bar are made from glacial ice. This seems like an interesting place to go, however, as a warning, you will be charged 1300ISK for entry which includes a single vodka-based cocktail in what is effectively an atmosphere and music-free deep freezer. You cannot bring in or buy more drinks, if you are keen for novelty it is good, otherwise perhaps not worth the money.

[edit] Clubs

When in Reykjavík, make sure to go clubbing. Reykjavík is home to an incredibly high proportion of beautiful people, and is a notable party hotspot.

  • Kaffibarinn, Bergstaðarstaeti 1, ☎ +354 551 1588.  edit

[edit] Bars

Don't forget the nice bars either!

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Be warned that there is very little in the way of affordable lodging in Iceland, particularly if you are traveling with a family.

[edit] Budget

  • Laugardalur Campsite Sundlaugavegur 34, 105, +354 568 6944 (email: info@reykjavikcampsite.is, fax: +354 588 9201) [25] open May 15th - Sep 15th. The cheapest place to stay in Reykjavík, and approx. 30 min walk from the city centre, or a short bus journey. The campsite is big and offers decent washing and cooking facilities and people often leave their leftover camping stove fuel for others after leaving Iceland! (Fuel is really expensive in Iceland!) On cold and rainy days, Iceland's biggest pool is situated right next door! Clothes can also be washed at the neighbouring youth hostel.
  • Reykjavík City Hostel Sundlaugavegur 34, 104, +354 553 8110, (email: info@hostel.is, fax: +354 588 9201) [26] Open all year. The only youth hostel in the city, with excellent facilities. Dorm beds start at 1500ISK during the winter, rising in the summer. Private rooms also available. Book early.
  • Reykjavík Central Guesthouse Bólstaðahlíð 8, +354 552 2822, [27] Open all year. Offers single, double, triple and quadruple rooms as well as dorm beds that are actually cheaper than the City Hostel. Dorm beds start at 1800ISK and a single room at 3600ISK.

[edit] Mid-range

  • Gistihusid Isafold (Isafold Guesthouse), Barugata. [28] Very comfortable and accommodating
  • Guesthouse Andrea Njardargata, +354 899 5597, (email: Siggi on sigurdur@danol.is) Great location in the city centre, relatively small, extremely nice and clean. Also offers low-budget accommodation in dorms.

[edit] Splurge

  • 101 Hotel, Hverfisgata 10, 101 Reykjavík, +354 580 0101, (email: 101hotel@101hotel.is), [29]
  • Hótel Borg, Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, +354 551 1440, (email: hotelborg@hotelborg.is),[30]
  • Hotel Holt, Bergstaðastræti 37, 101 Reykjavík, +354 552 5700 (email: holt@holt.is), [31]
  • Hilton Nordica, Suðurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavík, +354 444 5000, (email: icehotels@icehotels.is), [32]

[edit] Contact

Though Icelandic is the official language, English is spoken quite fluently by almost everyone you will meet and you should have no problems when it comes to communication.

[edit] Stay safe

Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Just be sure to avoid the fights that break out amongst the most intoxicated partiers in bars and most often on the street on weekends. However most people are incredibly friendly and police are also friendly and very helpful.

Recently, however, petty thefts in Reykjavík have occasionally occurred. In addition, the female traveler would do well to exercise good judgment when walking alone at night. Rape is a rare, but known. Still, even with these issues, Reykjavík is much safer than most other western cities, and certainly safer than the larger capitals of other countries.

The homeless generally hang in the area around the Hlemmur bus station. They usually don't bother people, not even to ask for spare change, they do act in a bizarre manner sometimes, though.

[edit] Cope

Even though Reykjavík doesn´t have a large population, traffic during rush hour (16:00-18:30) can be a nightmare. This is due to the exploding car population, along with a narrow street system. If you are planning on going somewhere by car or bus, try to do it after around 16:00-18:30 as this is when most of motorists arrive home from work. The same goes for the mornings (07:45-09:00).

If you can bear to be asked by almost every Icelander you meet "How do you like Iceland?" you're all set for the trip.

[edit] Get out

  • Þingvellir National Park is located about an hour and a quarter's drive to the east of Reykjavík, here you can see the canyon caused by the Eurasian and north American plates moving apart. It is also home to the original AlÞing (Parliament) and several other cultural treasures. These factors have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • Gullfoss A spectacular waterfall (which translates as Golden Falls) and one of the nearest big waterfalls to Reykjavík
  • Geysir Geothermal hot spot

The first three are normally all included on the Golden Circle tour

  • Hafnarfjörður is a town just outside Reykjavík
  • Blue Lagoon (Blaá Lonið in Icelandic) is a famous geothermal spa south-west of Reykjavík, not far from the main airport at Keflavík.
  • Blue Biking (+354 565-2089) [33] offers day tours from Reykjavík and multi-day biking and hiking tours.
  • Ishestar Riding Tours (+354 555-7000) [34] has a variety of day tours around Reykjavík or multi-day trips.
  • Ultima Thule Expeditions (+354 567-8978) [35] provides sea kayak and ski day trips from Reykjavík and multi-day trips for groups. No scheduled individual tours.

By booking a trans-Atlantic ticket on Icelandair with a free "stop-over" of up to a week in Reykjavík, you can follow a visit to Iceland with a visit to London, Paris, Glasgow, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or another city in Europe, or to Washington, D.C., Boston, Orlando, New York, Minneapolis, San Francisco, or another U.S. city.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

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