Let's go to Iceland: what to see in Reykjavik
Northern Lights outside of Reykjavik, Iceland (ISO 3200, 10 mm, f/4.5, 10.8 s)
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Small countries with populations of less than 1 million people certainly have their charm and quirks. An unusually high percentage of Icelanders believe in elves, the northern lights are a common and usual occurance for them, and due to the small population (about 350,000) there is even a dating app they use to ensure they aren’t dating their cousins (app called Bump).
All the strangeness aside, there is a reason why people are flocking to see the small country en masse. In my opinion, it’s because of the friendliness of the Icelandic people and the eerily beautiful and unconventional landscape (which usually provides the set of many movies, taking the place as a primordial earth or alien planet). You can find a Google map of the places I will discuss at the end of this post.
Also, if you’re in this part of the world, I highly suggest seeing other Nordic Capitals like:
Most, if not everyone, will fly into Keflavík airport (KEF), the country’s main hub for international transportation. From here, the first stop will almost always be the capital, Reykjavik, one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. The first thing you may notice about the buildings are their colorful rooftops that line the city streets. This seems to be a theme in Scandinavia as a whole, which provides a great color contrast with the often cold and harsh, bleak winter environments they must endure for half a year.
Check out my drone video below on Iceland!
The city is small and very walkable. Furthermore, the tallest point in the city is the Hallgrímskirkja church; so if you find yourself lost, you can always orient yourself with respect to the church. You can also purchase a ticket here to see the city from the clock tower and the views do not disappoint. If you come during winter, be sure to wear layers, it's usually quite windy up at the top and isn't so pleasant when you're trying to stay still and take photos of the city below.
To start your day, head over to Cafe Rosenburg (formerly Stofan Kaffihús). The food and coffee here is excellent and the basement feels like you’re in a cozy log cabin in the wilderness.
If you're looking for a great breakfast stop (or for any meal really), do not miss Sandholt. They have a variety of baked goods but perhaps the best thing to try here is an Icelandic donut, known as a 'Kleine'. We went here MULTIPLE times during our stay in Reykjavik.
The performing arts center of the city (and the whole country) is the Harpa. But you can still enjoy the concert hall for its architecture or to escape the cold whether there is a show or not. The building features colorless glass in geometric shapes that line the exterior, which is especially fantastic when viewing from the inside.
The Sun Voyager sculpture is just down the road from the Harpa and is a joy to see with the backdrop of the Esja Mountain Range in the distance. It's the ideal place to be when there is a good sunset.
If it's the right time of year and cold enough, you can also ice skate on Lake Tjörnin, next to the national gallery of Iceland. If it’s summer, enjoy the nice weather in the park nearby Hljómskálagarður.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes in Iceland, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
There are loads of small excursions you can take just outside of Reykjavik as well. Perlan, or ‘the pearl’, is a museum, restaurant, and a planetarium situated in Reykjavik. It boasts an excellent observation deck to see the entire city.
Þúfa (or Thufa) is a small grassy mound seen from the back of the Harpa Convention Center. It was created by artist Ólöf Nordal in 2013. The old fishing shed on top is a structure reminiscent of Iceland's roots as fisherman.
As far as tourist traps go, the Blue Lagoon fits the bill, however, it is still a must-do before leaving Reykjavik. Indeed, if you travel with IcelandAir, they always suggest you wait to do the spa the day you leave Iceland, so you are relaxed for your flight back home. They have packages that range from just the entry into the lagoon, to accommodation, restaurant, massages, and skin care products. If you go here with a partner, splurge a bit and go for the luxury packages.
Þúfa (seen from just outside the Harpa) (ISO 400, 100 mm, f/4, 1/1000 s)
Lastly, you don’t decide to come to Iceland without trying to see the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis! You will NOT see them during the summer since there is relatively little night during those months.
Your best bet is to time your trip for the winter months (Nov-Feb). The aurora activity is usually discussed as Kp. Kp is measured from 0 to 9 with 9 being the highest. The northern lights can be seen at this time from Reykjavik, however given the light pollution in the city, the aurora index will have to be quite strong/high. Therefore, there are tours provided by operators that will drive you to the Icelandic countryside, usually a facility that serves food/hot chocolate where you are inside, waiting to be called out when the lights have shown up. Oftentimes, these tours will go late into the night (2am or so) and if you do not see the lights, your ticket is valid for an extended period of time for another tour. A handy website to use for the aurora index as well as icelandic weather is here.
No matter the time of year you go to Iceland, it is worth going again in the opposite season, even to some of the same places. It feels like an entirely different country according to the time of year. It is highly recommended to rent yourself a camper van and take a around the Ring Road. Give yourself a solid week to see most of the sights without having to rush through the country.
PROTIP: Get yourself a Reykjavik City Card if you intend on staying for a few days, which will grab you discounts on many attractions and museums in the city.
