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Reykjavik
A city of 130,000 inhabitants 250 km from the Arctic Circle that combines cutting-edge Nordic design, new Nordic gastronomy and direct access to Icelandic nature.
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and one of Europe's most singular. Set at the head of Faxaflói Bay, 250 km from the Arctic Circle, the city has only 130,000 intra-muros inhabitants (230,000 with its suburbs) but concentrates 65% of Iceland's population — a unique case of urban macrocephaly in the world.
The historic centre, walkable in a day, is dominated by the Hallgrímskirkja — the 75 m-high modernist Lutheran church designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, whose raw-concrete spire is inspired by the basalt columns of Svartifoss. The lift to the summit (ISK 1,200 / €8) offers the city's most impressive 360° panorama, over colourful rooftops, surrounding fjords and the volcanoes of Reykjanes. Descend along Skólavörðustígur (painted rainbow up to the square, a symbol of Icelandic queer pride) to Laugavegur, the central shopping artery.
The Harpa — concert hall with a honeycomb glass façade by Olafur Eliasson and Henning Larsen, winner of the 2013 Mies van der Rohe prize — is the other iconic building. Its public lobby is free during the day; guided architecture tours and evening concerts. The Sun Voyager (stainless-steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason on the coastal promenade, best seen at sunset) completes the architectural trio.
The cultural scene is astonishingly rich for a city of this size. Music: Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, Kaleo, Ásgeir, Daði Freyr — all from Reykjavik. The Iceland Airwaves festival (early November) is its annual showcase. Design and fashion: local designer boutiques concentrated on Skólavörðustígur and in the trendy Grandi district (former port quarter converted to a creative hub). New Nordic cuisine: Dill (the country's first Michelin-starred), Matur og Drykkur, Grillmarkaðurinn, Snaps — all references in contemporary Arctic cuisine.
Reykjavik is also an ideal gateway to Icelandic nature: Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes peninsula 45 minutes away, Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) 1 h 30, 3-hour whale tours from the old harbour (April-October, success rate >95%), Northern Lights hunting from the outskirts in winter (Grótta or Mount Esja).
What we love
- ✅Iconic architecture: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, Sun Voyager — three world-class sites in town
- ✅Rich cultural scene for a 130,000-person city: music, design, new Nordic gastronomy
- ✅Perfect accessibility: 50 min by bus from Keflavík, pedestrian centre, everything on foot
- ✅Lively weekend nightlife (runtur on Laugavegur), bars and clubs open until 5am
- ✅Excursions from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, whales, Northern Lights
What to know
- ❌Very high cost of living: €200-300/night for a hotel, €30-50/meal in a good restaurant
- ❌Wind and very changeable weather: bring warm and waterproof clothing year-round
- ❌Very noisy weekend nightlife on Laugavegur and Bankastræti (avoid lodging in this zone)
- ❌No Northern Lights possible from May to August (midnight sun, sky never dark enough)
Situation
Où se situe Reykjavik ?
Ouvrir la carte en grand sur OpenStreetMap →Frequently asked questions
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Which neighbourhood to choose for sleeping in Reykjavik?+
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Our verdict
Reykjavik is a mandatory stop and an excellent base for 2-3 days before exploring the rest of Iceland. The city is small enough to be discovered entirely on foot, but rich enough culturally to justify multiple visits. Our tip: stay in the historic centre or Grandi, treat yourself to a gastronomic dinner (Dill, Matur og Drykkur), a bar evening on Laugavegur, and a soak at Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. Book your excursions (Golden Circle, whales, aurorae) on arrival to optimise slots according to weather. And don't forget the pylsur (lamb hot-dog) at the Bæjarins Beztu stand — unmissable institution for €5.
Nearby
"Aurores boréales, peu de monde."
Expert on Reykjavik · 1 contributions
Mediterranean Desk — Mowando·Editor