1) Because of the yearly family friendly Gay Pride march
This is a Gay Pride march that brings close to one-third of the nation to the center of Reykjavík. With a carnival atmosphere in the streets, extravagant floats, loud music, and general fun, the big crowd is also there to show its support of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. This year the Scout Movement in Iceland even joined the march.
2) You can take a dip in the North Atlantic
The Nauthólsvík geothermal beach near Öskjuhlíð hill is popular among locals who practice sea swimming, an activity that has grown in popularity in recent years. Nauthólsvík beach offers changing rooms, showers, and outdoor hot tubs that are open all year around.
3) Because of Alvar Aalto’s Nordic House
The Nordic House is located in Vatnsmýri moorland, just a stone’s throw from the National University. The culture house is an organic modernist building designed in 1968 by the acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. It features most of Aalto’s signature traits. Inside you’ll find the Aalto Bistro, which serves great-tasting food and has a lovely view over the Vatnsmýri moor.
4) Because of the Museum of Design and Applied Art in Garðabær town
The Museum of Design and Applied Art is located in Garðabær, a ten-minute drive from central Reykjavík. The museum’s aim is to collect and preserve the “part of Icelandic cultural history encompassing design” from the beginning of the 20th century up until the present day. Nearby is the Langalína neighborhood that boasts a small geothermal beach, the famous lava field Gálgahraun, and a huge outdoor play area for the kids.
5) To go bird watching
Bird enthusiasts are advised to pay a visit to the bird-watching hut in Leiruvogur, Mosfellsbær town (on the northeast edge of the capital), during their stay in Reykjavík. Around 390 bird species have been recorded in Iceland. However, only twenty percent of those are regular breeders, meaning vagrants just passing through make up the majority of the Icelandic list.
6) Because of the Grótta Nature Reserve
The Grótta Nature Reserve is located in the Seltjarnarnes municipality, a short five-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. The area is teeming with bird life and has a fantastic view over Snæfellsnes peninsula. After exploring the area, one can take a moment to unwind at the geothermal footbath located on the seafront.
7) The hidden WW2 remnants
Öskjuhlíð is a hill in central Reykjavík covered with vegetation. During the Second World War, the United States Army occupation force built various bunkers that are dotted around the hill. Those war remnants are still visible, although somewhat run down and completely lacking any markings, making them difficult to find. The hike around the Öskjuhlíð area is highly enjoyable and the iconic “Pearl” restaurant, atop the old water tanks, is only a stone’s throw away.
8) Winter sports in the “Blue Mountains”
The Bláfjöll mountain range, or “blue mountains,” situated east of Reykjavík, is the city’s main ski resort. The area has lovely slopes for skiing and snowboarding as well as cross-country skiing tracks. There is a ski and snowboard rental service on site. The area usually opens in late December and stays open until Easter, depending on the weather.
9) Because you can get close to Vikings
The National Museum of Iceland was refurbished in 2004 and now presents an interesting exhibition that features most of Iceland’s national treasures. The museum’s role is to increase knowledge of the Icelandic culture and cultural heritage, dating from the country’s first settlement, up until today. The museum has an informative children’s section where visitors can dress up in Viking attire, among other things.
10) The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey island
Viðey is the largest island in Kollafjörður Bay and is only a short boat ride from Reykjavík harbor. On the island is an old church and manor, as well as Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower.
11) The lively film culture
Bíó Paradís (Paradise Cinema) is an independent cinema at Hverfisgata 54, downtown Reykjavík, where one can enjoy the latest art house films, documentaries, and experimental films, among other things. Saturdays and Sundays are dedicated to children’s films, with shows taking place at 6 pm. In the cinema’s lobby is a small bar/café where guests can chat, enjoy some music, or play a board game.
12) The vibrant Grandi harbor area
The Grandi harbor area is literally teeming with life. There are small fishing boats regularly coming in to harbor to land their catch; and then there’s the dry dock where bigger trawlers are being repaired. The invigorating smell of the sea, the views, eateries, boutiques, cultural activities, and the hustle and bustle of this part of town make it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll any day, any time.
13) The Iceland Airwaves music festival
Iceland Airwaves music festival was first held as a one-off event in an airplane hangar at the domestic airport in Reykjavík in 1999. Since then it has become an annual event with thousands of music lovers, journalists and music industry people in attendance. One could even say it has become part of the Icelandic festive calendar. The festival takes place during the first weekend in November and this year's line-up includes Hozier, Kaleo, Black Bananas, Future Islands and many more.
14) Because you can enjoy the Northern Lights from a geothermal hot tub
The Sundhöllin swimming pool, in downtown Reykjavík, is a beautiful indoor swimming pool with outdoor hot tubs. Unwind in the hot tubs during the winter and enjoy some star-gazing and, if you are lucky, the magnificent Northern Lights.
15) It’s full of gentle giants
A 1,700-square-meter (18,299 square feet) whale center will open in Reykjavík harbor later this month. The center will be the largest of its kind in Europe, with over twenty life-size specimen models on display. The center will focus on whales found off the coast of Iceland, their biology and behavior. In addition to the specimen models, whale skeletons will be exhibited in the museum.
16) It’s home to author Halldór Laxness
Gljúfrasteinn was the home of the writer Halldór Laxness, the only Icelandic Nobel laureate. The beautiful, old house is located in the scenic Mosfellsdalur valley, a twenty-minute drive from central Reykjavík, and is now open to the public as a museum. It also presents numerous concerts during the summer months.
17) Because of the midnight sun
The days can last over 21 hours during the summer. It may be difficult to get to sleep, but the town embraces its midnight sun. People are always “out and about” whether the clock reads 3 pm or 3 am. Come on June 21st, the longest day of the year, when the sun never completely sets in Reykjavík.
18) Because you are safe
No major city on earth can rival the safety of Reykjavik, which averages less than two murders per year, in a capital area with 210,000 people.
Two- thirds of Iceland’s population (327,.000) live in the greater capital area in the southwest corner of the country. Reykjavík, the capital, was granted town status in 1786. This is where Iceland’s first settler erected his house in the year 870—the , with great natural harbour facilities and the abundance of hot springs probably influenced his choice. There are many other reasons to love the capital area. Here we name a few.
1) Because of the yearly family friendly Gay Pride march
This is a Gay Pride march that brings close to one-third of the nation to the center of Reykjavík. With a carnival atmosphere in the streets, extravagant floats, loud music, and general fun, the big crowd is also there to show its support of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. This year the Scout Movement in Iceland even joined the march.
2) You can take a dip in the North Atlantic
The Nauthólsvík geothermal beach near Öskjuhlíð hill is popular among locals who practice sea swimming, an activity that has grown in popularity in recent years. Nauthólsvík beach offers changing rooms, showers, and outdoor hot tubs that are open all year around.
3) Because of Alvar Aalto’s Nordic House
The Nordic House is located in Vatnsmýri moorland, just a stone’s throw from the National University. The culture house is an organic modernist building designed in 1968 by the acclaimed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. It features most of Aalto’s signature traits. Inside you’ll find the Aalto Bistro, which serves great-tasting food and has a lovely view over the Vatnsmýri moor.
4) Because of the Museum of Design and Applied Art in Garðabær town
The Museum of Design and Applied Art is located in Garðabær, a ten-minute drive from central Reykjavík. The museum’s aim is to collect and preserve the “part of Icelandic cultural history encompassing design” from the beginning of the 20th century up until the present day. Nearby is the Langalína neighborhood that boasts a small geothermal beach, the famous lava field Gálgahraun, and a huge outdoor play area for the kids.
5) To go bird watching
Bird enthusiasts are advised to pay a visit to the bird-watching hut in Leiruvogur, Mosfellsbær town (on the northeast edge of the capital), during their stay in Reykjavík. Around 390 bird species have been recorded in Iceland. However, only twenty percent of those are regular breeders, meaning vagrants just passing through make up the majority of the Icelandic list.
6) Because of the Grótta Nature Reserve
The Grótta Nature Reserve is located in the Seltjarnarnes municipality, a short five-minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. The area is teeming with bird life and has a fantastic view over Snæfellsnes peninsula. After exploring the area, one can take a moment to unwind at the geothermal footbath located on the seafront.
7) The hidden WW2 remnants
Öskjuhlíð is a hill in central Reykjavík covered with vegetation. During the Second World War, the United States Army occupation force built various bunkers that are dotted around the hill. Those war remnants are still visible, although somewhat run down and completely lacking any markings, making them difficult to find. The hike around the Öskjuhlíð area is highly enjoyable and the iconic “Pearl” restaurant, atop the old water tanks, is only a stone’s throw away.
8) Winter sports in the “Blue Mountains”
The Bláfjöll mountain range, or “blue mountains,” situated east of Reykjavík, is the city’s main ski resort. The area has lovely slopes for skiing and snowboarding as well as cross-country skiing tracks. There is a ski and snowboard rental service on site. The area usually opens in late December and stays open until Easter, depending on the weather.
9) Because you can get close to Vikings
The National Museum of Iceland was refurbished in 2004 and now presents an interesting exhibition that features most of Iceland’s national treasures. The museum’s role is to increase knowledge of the Icelandic culture and cultural heritage, dating from the country’s first settlement, up until today. The museum has an informative children’s section where visitors can dress up in Viking attire, among other things.
10) The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey island
Viðey is the largest island in Kollafjörður Bay and is only a short boat ride from Reykjavík harbor. On the island is an old church and manor, as well as Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower.
11) The lively film culture
Bíó Paradís (Paradise Cinema) is an independent cinema at Hverfisgata 54, downtown Reykjavík, where one can enjoy the latest art house films, documentaries, and experimental films, among other things. Saturdays and Sundays are dedicated to children’s films, with shows taking place at 6 pm. In the cinema’s lobby is a small bar/café where guests can chat, enjoy some music, or play a board game.
12) The vibrant Grandi harbor area
The Grandi harbor area is literally teeming with life. There are small fishing boats regularly coming in to harbor to land their catch; and then there’s the dry dock where bigger trawlers are being repaired. The invigorating smell of the sea, the views, eateries, boutiques, cultural activities, and the hustle and bustle of this part of town make it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll any day, any time.
13) The Iceland Airwaves music festival
Iceland Airwaves music festival was first held as a one-off event in an airplane hangar at the domestic airport in Reykjavík in 1999. Since then it has become an annual event with thousands of music lovers, journalists and music industry people in attendance. One could even say it has become part of the Icelandic festive calendar. The festival takes place during the first weekend in November and this year's line-up includes Hozier, Kaleo, Black Bananas, Future Islands and many more.
14) Because you can enjoy the Northern Lights from a geothermal hot tub
The Sundhöllin swimming pool, in downtown Reykjavík, is a beautiful indoor swimming pool with outdoor hot tubs. Unwind in the hot tubs during the winter and enjoy some star-gazing and, if you are lucky, the magnificent Northern Lights.
15) It’s full of gentle giants
A 1,700-square-meter (18,299 square feet) whale center will open in Reykjavík harbor later this month. The center will be the largest of its kind in Europe, with over twenty life-size specimen models on display. The center will focus on whales found off the coast of Iceland, their biology and behavior. In addition to the specimen models, whale skeletons will be exhibited in the museum.
16) It’s home to author Halldór Laxness
Gljúfrasteinn was the home of the writer Halldór Laxness, the only Icelandic Nobel laureate. The beautiful, old house is located in the scenic Mosfellsdalur valley, a twenty-minute drive from central Reykjavík, and is now open to the public as a museum. It also presents numerous concerts during the summer months.
17) Because of the midnight sun
The days can last over 21 hours during the summer. It may be difficult to get to sleep, but the town embraces its midnight sun. People are always “out and about” whether the clock reads 3 pm or 3 am. Come on June 21st, the longest day of the year, when the sun never completely sets in Reykjavík.
18) Because you are safe
No major city on earth can rival the safety of Reykjavik, which averages less than two murders per year, in a capital area with 210,000 people.
