A nature reserve since 1950, this suburban open space 18km southeast of the city centre is great for walking among Sitka spruce and the Rauðhólar (Red Hills), a volcanic area that's part of the Elliðaárhraun lava field.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
25.82 MILES
The world’s oldest parliament, Althingi (pronounced ál-thingk-ee; also called Alþing) was uniquely situated at this monumental site where two tectonic…
24.12 MILES
Near the dramatic Almannagjá fault and fronted by a boardwalk is the Lögberg (Law Rock), where the Alþingi (Parliament) convened annually. This was where…
24.9 MILES
The Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic-plate boundary where North America and Europe are tearing away from each other at a rate of 1mm to 18mm per…
6.84 MILES
Reykjavík’s immense white-concrete church (1945–86), star of a thousand postcards, dominates the skyline and is visible from up to 20km away. An elevator…
7.27 MILES
Artefacts from settlement to the modern age fill the creative display spaces of Iceland's superb National Museum. Exhibits give an excellent overview of…
7.43 MILES
This fascinating archaeological ruin-museum is based around a 10th-century Viking longhouse unearthed here from 2001 to 2002 and other Settlement-Era…
7.39 MILES
With its ever-changing facets glistening on the water's edge, Reykjavík’s sparkling Harpa concert hall and cultural centre is a beauty to behold. In…
Icelandic Phallological Museum
6.69 MILES
Oh, the jokes are endless here... This unique museum houses a huge collection of penises, and it's actually very well done. From pickled pickles to…
Nearby Greater Reykjavík attractions
3.79 MILES
Around 20 quaint old buildings have been transported from their original sites to open-air Árbæjarsafn. Alongside 19th-century homes are a turf-roofed…
4.11 MILES
Reykjavík's largest green space is encircled by a 10km loop, which takes you past a water dam, small waterfalls and a river stocked with Arctic char,…
3. Museum of Design & Applied Art
4.44 MILES
All elements of Icelandic design ranging from unique furniture to knitwear, shoes and album art are celebrated at this small museum. There's also a Kraum…
4. Natural History Museum of Kópavogur
4.95 MILES
Iceland’s unique geology and wildlife are showcased here. Highlights include an orca skeleton, a good collection of taxidermied animals and Mývatn lake’s…
4.96 MILES
Menningarmiðstoð Kópavogs contains Kópavogur’s Natural History Museum, where displays include an orca skeleton, stuffed animals and some of Mývatn lake’s…
4.97 MILES
Iceland’s first specially designed concert hall is built entirely from local materials (driftwood, spruce and crushed stone) and has fantastic acoustics…
5 MILES
In this beautifully designed museum you'll find excellent rotating modern-art exhibitions and a notable permanent collection of 20th-century Icelandic…
8. Hafnarborg Centre of Culture & Fine Art
5.17 MILES
A contemporary gallery with bright and modern display spaces and rotating exhibitions of well-chosen art.