Heading to the northernmost capital in the world and curious about beautiful Scandinavian attractions? Reykjavik is a unique city to visit, and even though it’s relatively small, there’s still plenty to see. Besides the natural beauty, you’ll find remarkable architecture and artworks.
What are the most beautiful Reykjavik attractions?
- Art lovers will enjoy the Sun Voyager sculpture or Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower.
- If you’re interested in architecture, don’t miss the Hallgrímskirkja. Also, check out the modern concert hall Harpa and the historic Höfdi House.
- Take a day trip to the popular Golden Circle, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and/or the Blue Lagoon.
- Stroll through the cozy and colorful district of Laugavegur.
- Interested in more Reykjavik attractions? Book a fun Reykjavik bike tour: the Highlights. You’ll cycle past even more must-sees in 2.5 hours.
The iconic Sun Voyager sculpture
The Sun Voyager is an iconic sculpture by the sea and one of the more well-known attractions. Reykjavik received it as a sort of birthday gift. The sculpture was installed on August 18, 1990, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Icelandic capital. It was created by artist Jón Gunnar. His intention was to give the city something that inspires people to dream and symbolizes light and hope. The famous work is his interpretation of a dream boat and an ode to the sun.
The Imagine Peace Tower light beam
On October 9, 2007, the light of the Imagine Peace Tower shone into the sky from the island of Viðey for the first time. This artwork was created by Yoko Ono. She designed a permanent installation for her late husband John Lennon. The “tower” consists of a massive beam of light projected into the sky from a white, stone monument. The words “imagine peace” are engraved in 24 languages on this monument. The lighting is turned on October 9: John Lennon’s birthday. It shines every evening until December 8: the day Lennon was murdered. This makes it one of the favorite Reykjavik attractions in the fall. For the exact times when the tower is illuminated, you can check the website.
The tall Hallgrímskirkja church
The 76-meter high Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most beautiful attractions. Seeing Reykjavík from the top is breathtaking: you have views over the charming, colorful houses and cozy streets. For an entrance fee of about €5, you can go up. The unique appearance of the church is based on basalt rocks. These are characteristic of Icelandic nature and can be found, for example, on the coast of Vík or at the Svartifoss waterfall.
Harpa concert hall
Even if you don’t plan to attend a concert, a visit to Harpa is well worth it. The building, which serves as a concert hall and conference center, is located between the harbor and the city. The design is by Danish architect Henning Larsen in collaboration with Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Thanks to the enormous, uniquely shaped windows, you can marvel at it for hours, both inside and out. This makes it a must-see among Reykjavik attractions.
The whitewashed Höfdi House
Beside the scenic waters of the Icelandic capital, you’ll find a picturesque, whitewashed house known as Höfdi House. The building gained worldwide fame in 1986 when images of the house were broadcast globally. This was because President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met there during the Iceland Summit to discuss ending the Cold War. This makes it a top attraction today. Reykjavik’s municipality owns the house and uses it for receptions and meetings. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public, but everyone is welcome to admire its beautiful exterior.
Golden circle
Discover the breathtaking Golden Circle in Iceland, a must-see day trip from Reykjavik! This popular route takes you to some of the country’s most enchanting natural wonders. Begin your adventure in the historic Thingvellir National Park, where you can wander between the fissures of the tectonic plates. Discover the origins of the world’s first parliament.
Continue your journey to the Geysir Geothermal Area, where you can witness the spectacular eruptions of the Strokkur geyser. It’s a spectacle of boiling water shooting into the air.
And as if that’s not enough, the iconic Gullfoss Waterfall awaits you. The majestic waterfall, also known as the “Golden Waterfall,” thunders down into a deep gorge.
Snaefellsnes
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on an unforgettable day trip from Reykjavik! This breathtaking destination, a short distance from the capital, offers an abundance of natural splendor and magical landscapes.
You’ll pass by Kirkjufell (the iconic “church mountain”), the Snaefellsnes National Park with its volcano, the dramatic rock formations of Arnarstapi, and the highlight of your day is the famous black beaches of Djúpalónssandur.
Blue lagoon
An absolute must-visit in Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon, one of the country’s most popular attractions. These enchanting geothermal baths are located just 39 kilometers from Reykjavik and are easily accessible on a day trip. While some may consider the Blue Lagoon a somewhat commercial attraction, it still ranks high on many travelers’ bucket lists.
The Blue Lagoon offers a unique and relaxing experience, where you can enjoy the warm, milky blue water. This is surrounded by a breathtaking lava field. The natural geothermal forces give the water its healing properties, which are said to soften and heal the skin. This is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.
The colorful Laugavegur
Here lies the vibrant district in Reykjavik. It features a shopping street where you can shop and buy souvenirs. But that’s not all Laugavegur has to offer. You’ll also find cozy restaurants and lively pubs, making the city buzz late into the night. Additionally, there are plenty of side streets in Laugavegur where you can discover more boutiques, eateries, terraces, and art studios.
What truly makes Laugavegur unique are the beautiful colored houses that give the shopping street its own character. As you wander through the streets, you can enjoy the vibrant and artistic atmosphere that fills the air. Another advantage of Laugavegur is its proximity to many hotels, putting all the shops and restaurants within easy reach.
Bike tour
Join a guided bike tour! You’ll hear a wealth of information from the guide. He shares his love for his city with you and gives you a glimpse of life as a local. It’s no wonder this is the most popular Reykjavik Bike Tour! It’s a beautiful city with a very specific fishing culture. Our English-speaking guide explains in calm, clear English the history and present-day life of this wondrous island.