There are countless reasons to visit Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. It’s a compact city with plenty of interesting sights, attractions, and activities, as well as an animated nightlife that continues into the wee hours of the morning. With so much to do, it’s difficult to pick and choose, but here are a few suggestions made by locals.
“When the weather is nice I like to grab some pizza from Eldsmiðjan and hang out in the garden in front of the Einar Jónsson Museum.”
– Margrét Erla Maack, circus artist, belly dancer, dance instructor, DJ, and comedian
“Sundhöllin is a beautiful old indoor swimming pool with outdoor hot tubs. It was designed by the great architect Guðjón Samúelsson and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavík. I highly recommend a visit to the hot tubs during winter. Sit outside in the warm water and enjoy some stargazing, and if you are lucky, the Northern Lights.”
– Signý Kolbeinsdóttir, head designer and illustrator at Tulipop, a design company that creates beautiful products for children
“Visit the Nordic House in Vatnsmýri nature reserve. There you can enjoy art exhibitions and a nice cup of coffee.”
– Hrefna Rósa Sætran, chef and owner of Fiskmarkaðurinn and Grillmarkaðurinn restaurants
“Kaffivagninn is a cafe that is very dear to me. It's a place that has been down by the harbor as long as I can remember, and I used to go there with my dad when I was very young. It´s a must to have a coffee and kleina [donut twist] while watching the boats and the seagulls.”
– Svanhvít Tryggvadóttir, folklorist
“I love to take my dog for walks in Elliðaárdalur valley, a beautiful forest area that surrounds the Elliðaá river, which is also a nice place for picnics.”
– Sonja Bent, fashion and textile designer based in Reykjavík
There are countless reasons to visit Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital. It’s a compact city with plenty of interesting sights, attractions, and activities, as well as an animated nightlife that continues into the wee hours of the morning. With so much to do, it’s difficult to pick and choose, but here are a few suggestions made by locals.
“When the weather is nice I like to grab some pizza from Eldsmiðjan and hang out in the garden in front of the Einar Jónsson Museum.”
– Margrét Erla Maack, circus artist, belly dancer, dance instructor, DJ, and comedian
“Sundhöllin is a beautiful old indoor swimming pool with outdoor hot tubs. It was designed by the great architect Guðjón Samúelsson and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavík. I highly recommend a visit to the hot tubs during winter. Sit outside in the warm water and enjoy some stargazing, and if you are lucky, the Northern Lights.”
– Signý Kolbeinsdóttir, head designer and illustrator at Tulipop, a design company that creates beautiful products for children
“Visit the Nordic House in Vatnsmýri nature reserve. There you can enjoy art exhibitions and a nice cup of coffee.”
– Hrefna Rósa Sætran, chef and owner of Fiskmarkaðurinn and Grillmarkaðurinn restaurants
“Kaffivagninn is a cafe that is very dear to me. It's a place that has been down by the harbor as long as I can remember, and I used to go there with my dad when I was very young. It´s a must to have a coffee and kleina [donut twist] while watching the boats and the seagulls.”
– Svanhvít Tryggvadóttir, folklorist
“I love to take my dog for walks in Elliðaárdalur valley, a beautiful forest area that surrounds the Elliðaá river, which is also a nice place for picnics.”
– Sonja Bent, fashion and textile designer based in Reykjavík
