Top things to do in Reykjavik

Relax in geothermic hot springs; hike up picturesque mountains and explore Icelandic cuisine – learn why Reykjavik is your next holiday destination today.

Top things to do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik – the capital of Iceland, and the heart of world-famous Northern Lights. Reykjavik is renowned as a hot spot destination for travellers across the globe looking to explore natural wonders, Icelandic culture and, of course, take a dip in the geothermic hot pools. Find out what to do in Reykjavik on your next visit now.

 


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Things to do in Reykjavik City

A city full of culture, beauty and nature a stone’s throw away, Reykjavik is a highly popular destination, and it’s very easy to see why.

• Hallgrimskirkja – this is a Lutheran parish church at 74.5m high. As the largest church in Iceland, named after poet Hallgimur Petursson, this Icelandic traditionally inspired building is a cultural spot well worth visiting on your trip to the city’s capital.

• The Golden Circle – this tourist route is well-known for exploring roughly 300km from Reykjavik into the southern uplands of Iceland, and back again. On the tour, there are three main stop offs: Gullfoss waterfall; Þingvellir National Park and Geysir Hot Springs. A full day trip well worth making part of your itinerary, deemed as one of the best things to do in Reykjavik.

• The Sun Voyager – right on the coastline, this sculpture has been described by locals as a ‘dreamboat’ or an ‘ode to the sun’. This 1990 huge stainless-steel sculpture of a boat is a tourist place of interest.

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Reykjavik eateries and bars

While you’re visiting Reykjavik, enjoy the culture by exploring the ample variety of bars and restaurants that Iceland’s capital city has to offer.

Sample the finest traditional Icelandic courses including world-class seafood or opt for affordable authentic street food of lamb flatbread for a tasty meal when on the go.  

Renowned as one of the best places to eat in Iceland, experience dining in an old Zimsen 19th century built house and if you're feeling brave try a shot of the national snaps, Brennivin (also known as Black Death). 

Why not explore our dramatic Iceland itinerary?
Set up in the heart of the city, this boutique holiday caters to the natural world and scenery lovers.

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Reykjavik Attractions

Although home to an array of eateries and a wealth of culture, travellers often visit Reykjavik with the intent
of going slightly further afield. Surrounding the inner capital city is a world of beauty, adventure and natural wonders waiting to be explored.

 

 

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Blue Lagoon

Located just outside Reykjavik is home to the geothermal spa, world renowned as the Blue Lagoon. Experience a spa like no other – heat up in volcanic earth filled pools while de-stressing in luxury.

Feel the warmth of the earth in the geothermal saunas and steam rooms or relax at the in-water bar with a beverage – there’s something for everyone at the Blue Lagoon. There’s even the option to have an in-water massage allowing you to stay in the natural geothermic seawater of the volcanic earth while feeling pampered and relaxed.

Destination Blue Lagoon will take you from Reykjavik and back again with hourly departures and round-trip hotel pickups. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 50 minutes’ drive away from Reykjavik. Find out more information about the Blue Lagoon today. 

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Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

For the adventurers among us, discover the beautiful valley of Reykjadalur. Situated 45 km away from Reykjavik, this day trip allows explorers to hike up the picturesque mountains to a natural hot spring river at the top. The perfect day out to get fresh air out in the Icelandic countryside whilst having the option of relaxing in the hot springs.

Reykjadalur – meaning Steam Valley (which is an apparent name when you reach the top of the valley) is a popular walking trail that many visiting Reykjavik would add on to their itinerary. There’s also no entry fee for this walk – but you may need to rent a car in order to get to this area.

After your hike and dip in the hot springs, rejuvenate with some tasty Icelandic bites at the Dalakaffi café.
Stocked with freshly made cakes, coffee and hot chocolate, it’s the perfect way to revitalise yourself after a
hike on the mountains.

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The Northern Lights

Although the Northern Lights can be spotted from the heart of Reykjavik itself on a clear, dark night, most Icelandic tourists prefer to venture a little further out to get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.
Best seen in months between October – March, the ideal conditions to see the lights are when the temperature is cold (hopefully meaning the skies are clear) and the skies are dark.

One of the recommended places to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik are Þingvellir National Park – it’s a popular choice as it’s dark and away from city pollution so the lights are brighter and better to view. Here at Long Travel, we can offer tours to see the Northern Lights – discover our Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik.

We also offer a wide selection of incredible properties within an hour drive of Reykjavik. This is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the city and a bit further along the south coast, while taking in amazing sites
and scenery. Let our travel specialists set up bespoke itineraries to accommodate directly to you.
Find out more about what tours we offer today.

As well as Iceland, surrounding Scandinavian countries also showcase the illuminating lights each winter.

Find out more about visiting the Northern Lights in Finland.

Now you’ve explored what to do in Reykjavik, book your own trip today with Long Travel. Find bespoke holidays in Reykjavik today – the perfect luxury stay for your next trip to Iceland.