Reykjavik, Iceland is one of the most popular cities to visit for travelers. People love the little shops, the late-night clubs, cozy coffee shops, and the close proximity to nature. But Reykjavik, a thriving creative community of musicians, makers, artists, writers, and more, has so much more to offer than swimming pool and weird food. Here are a few things we love to do when visiting Reykjavik.
Things To Do In Reykjavik, Iceland
See A Film At Bíó Paradís
Bíó Paradís, Reykjavik's independent movie theater, is the perfect place to hang out on a cold, dreary evening. Grab a glass of wine and settle in one of the theaters, where they screen foreign and independent films.
Check Out The Icelandic Phallological Museum
If you're into the strange and eccentric, consider spending an hour or so at The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavik. Weak stomachs, beware.
Read More: Icelandic Phallological Museum, It’s Funny Until It’s Not
Consider Skipping The Car Rental
Believe it or not, you can get around Iceland, (especially Reykjavik) without renting a car. There's a fantastic bus system in Iceland, there's flights for around $100 that go up North, and there are ferries to catch. Open your mind and don't feel obligated to rent a car.
Read More: Getting Around In Iceland
Check Out The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is an enormous geothermal pool in Reykjavik, Iceland. While a lot of people consider it to be a tourist trap, it's a great way to spend a few hours in Reykjavik, and you'll never forget it.
Read More: Is The Blue Lagoon The Best Geothermal Pool Reykjavik Has To Offer?
Try Dried Fish
Icelanders love their dead, dried out fish. You can find them in packages at most grocery stores and convenience shops. If you go on a tour or take a drive outside of Reykjavik, you can see where they dry out their fish in medieval looking contraptions out in the country.
Read More: Where To See Fish Dry Out Near Reykjavik
Visit Hallgrímskirkja
Hallgrímskirkja is a giant sand castle like church in Reyjkavik. It’s visible from nearly anywhere in the city. You can head up there for free and walk around the first level of the church, or take the elevator to the top. This costs 1000 ISK for adults, and you can buy tickets at the church when they’re open.
There is a daily time the tours stop, so it’s ideal to get there before 18:00 to ensure you can get up there. If you don’t, it’s not a huge deal – I’ve always enjoyed lighting a candle and spending quiet time in a pew.
Go Snorkeling At Silfa
Silfra is the divergent tectonic boundary with the American and Eurasian plates. Best part? You can snorkel between them. Despite the cool, 2 degree water, Silfra was one of the most incredible experiences I had in Iceland.
Tour groups (yes, you need to sign up with a tour), equip you with a full wet suit to protect you from the elements. The cold water might not seem like it's that much fun, it's an incredible, incredible experience. When I did it, it was awesome.
Take A Golden Circle Tour
The Golden Circle tours will bring you to the top three Iceland attractions. You'll explore the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss, a waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. Each place is super magical.
Geysir is located close to Laugarvatn Lake, and is typically crowded. It's touristy, but worthwhile. Strokkur is the primary attraction here, an active geysir that shoots off water every couple of minutes. In 2015, Strokkur made headlines worldwide when an Chilean artist added pink food coloring into it, causing the geysir to shoot off bright pink water during an erurption.
Gullfoss is an incredible waterfall, towering over 105 feet. Part of Hvítá, a glacial river, when translated from Icelandic, Gullfoss actually means "Golden Waterfall". Inspiration behind the name? The water is a golden-brown color during sunny weather. Icelanders are pretty literal.
It doesn't take more than an afternoon. They shuttle you to all of them, pretty easy.
Þingvellir National Park is home to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Visitors can see the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates in person. There's also a tour of the Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation center. Iceland is incredibly progressive, and exceptional at their maintenance of a clean, sustainable environment.
Editor Picks
By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Visiting Saxholl Volcano Crater
Saxholl is in Western Iceland, and was one of the coolest things I saw in Iceland. I wouldn't recommend it for people who are uncomfortable hiking or climbing. The hike up was sketchy (real tiny stairs), and I remember having to be really, really careful on the walk up.
But at the top, magic. You can see all the way to the Westfjords. Unless you have a car, this will require purchasing a tour. I sang Mulan's "I'll Make A Man Out of You" on the way up.
Explore Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
If you want out of this world views, check out the Krýsuvík Geothermal Area. Just don't go off the trail. Please.
See Icelandic Lava Moss
Lava moss is one of the greatest things you can see in Iceland, and a short drive away from Reykjavik.
Spin The Beer Wheel At The Lebowski Bar
The dude abides in Reykjavik at The Lebowski Bar. Take a spin of the beer wheel, if you dare.
Nix The Restaurants And Eat Cheap at Bóooooonus Piggggggg
On a budget? Go to Iceland's quirky local grocery store, Bónus for cheaper selections of Icelandic delicacies.
Snap Pics Like A Boss At Harpa
Harpa is one of the coolest spots in Iceland. Snap some pictures or check out a show. Just don't be an asshole while you're there.
Travel Essays
New Years In Iceland
I desperately tap on my phone.
“It’s dead,” I say loudly as someone brushes past me. “Dammit.”
The British equivalent of Aziz Ansari, Shami, grins at me and says, “It doesn’t matter. No one will believe you.”
He starts laughing, near maniacally as he has all night. He disappears into the crowd of young travelers who are crowding up the cozy Icelandic house, drinking tall cans of Heineken and trying to cut down airplane bottles of spirits hanging from the ceiling.
þetta Reddast
The theater is dark now.
A solitary couple, with matching grey hued short haircuts share a cross look. Glancing behind them, they look at the girl, who is shamelessly drinking a tall glass of wine, munching on popcorn, and snapping pictures.
That Time I Accidentally Drank Black Death
It's hard to explain how I felt the first couple of days in Iceland. Excited. Overwhelmed. A bit scared. It felt like my life was starting, which was brilliant, but also, a bit intimidating.
That's what I was thinking when we touched down in Keflavík, almost 2 AM local time. Even after we got off the plane, I still had it in my head that something could go wrong.
832 Miles [Travel Essay]
The Ring Road.
It’s one of the most popular things for tourists to do in Iceland. Otherwise known as Route 1, The Ring Road is a 832 mile stretch of highway that – you guessed it – goes around Iceland in a circle. Many tourists have done it, with a car and barely any sleep, in seven days.
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