Greater Reykjavík

The area around the capital encompasses fascinating Reykjavík and its bustling suburbs, Mosfellsbær to the north, Kópavogur, Garðabær and Hafnarfjörður to the south. Plan to base yourself in Reykjavík proper, as that's where the main points of interest are for tourists. It's a beautiful city, surrounded by water on many sides, with an historic centre and loads to do.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

National Museum
Reykjavík
Artefacts from settlement to the modern age fill the creative display spaces of Iceland's superb National Museum. Exhibits give an excellent overview of…
Settlement Exhibition
Reykjavík
This fascinating archaeological ruin-museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002 and other Settlement-Era…
Reykjavík Art Museum
Reykjavík
The excellent Reykjavík Art Museum is split over three superbly curated sites: the large, modern, downtown Hafnarhús, focusing on contemporary art;…
Old Harbour
Reykjavík
Largely a service harbour until recently, the Old Harbour and the neighbouring Grandi area have blossomed into tourist hot spots, with key art galleries,…
Tjörnin
Reykjavík
The placid lake at the centre of the city is sometimes locally called the Pond. It echoes with the honks and squawks of more than 40 species of visiting…
Old Reykjavík
Reykjavík
With a series of sights and interesting historic buildings, the area dubbed Old Reykjavík is the heart of the capital, and the focal point of many…
Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús
Reykjavík
Reykjavík Art Museum's Hafnarhús is a marvellously restored warehouse converted into a soaring steel-and-concrete exhibition space. Though the well…
Laugardalur
Reykjavík
Laugardalur encompasses a verdant stretch of land 4km east of the city centre. It was once the main source of Reykjavík’s hot-water supply: it translates…