Having recently become a popular stopover destination for USA-Europe travel, Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland and the world’s most northerly capital city is well worth the stop. Combining colourful buildings, quirky, creative people, eye-popping design and a capricious soul, Reykjavik is a city that will enthral and delight.
From Viking history to waterfall and glaciers galore, there’s a lot to be seen and experienced in this compact city. To help you out, these are the top 5 sights you need to see when spending time in Reykjavik:
Reykjavik City Tour
Reykjavik isn’t a large city, so it’s easy to see the main highlights in a half day. Walk along the waterfront and stop by the Harpa Concert Hall and Sun Voyager Sculpture; stroll through the two main shopping streets Laugavegur and Skólavörðígur; visit the Hallgrimskirkja church and spend time in one of Reykjavik’s museums.
Harpa Concert Hall
Designed by the Danish firm Henning Larson Architects, Harpa is a concert hall and conference centre that features a distinctive coloured glass facade, which was inspired by the basalt landscape of Iceland.
Sun Voyager Sculpture
Created by Icelandic sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason, the gleaming steel sculpture located on the waterfront symbolises a dreamboat and an ode to the sun – not a Viking Ship as many visitors believe.
Hallgrimskirkja
Hallgrimskirkja is a Lutheran parish church. Standing at 74.5 metres, it is the largest church in Iceland and among the tallest structures in the country.
Blue Lagoon
Located just outside of the city is the Blue Lagoon; Iceland’s most famous hot tub. Famous for its pastel blue water and natural mud masks, the Blue Lagoon is an experience not-to-be-missed! Just don’t forget your waterproof camera!
Golden Circle Day Trip
The Golden Circle is a popular route that loops from Reykjavik into Iceland’s south coast and back. About a 300km route, it can be done in a day and covers sites including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir area. You can travel the Golden Circle by hire car, or alternatively, there are plenty of tour options.
Southern Iceland
Similar to the Golden Circle route, a trip to Iceland’s South Coast can be self-driven or as part of a tour. It’s a long day trip (around 10 hours long), but so very worth it! Highlights along the south coast include the black sand beaches of Vik, Skogafoss, the Seljalandsfoss waterfalls and of course, glaciers, glaciers, glaciers!
Skaftafell National Park
A four-hour drive from Reykjavik is Skaftafell National Park; a must-do for any outdoor enthusiasts! Filled with scenic landscapes and plenty of hiking trails, this national park is an ideal destination for those who like to enjoy outdoor activities in Icelandic nature. While you’re in the area, it’s also worth making your way to Jokulsarlon, the famous glacier lagoon. You can also visit Jokulsarlon beach or ‘Diamond beach’ and the smaller lagoon Fjallsarlon.
Immerse yourself in all that Iceland has to offer on a Globus tour of a lifetime. Follow this link to check out all of our Iceland tours.
