AtlasReykjavik area · City
Reykjavík
Best time · May-SepCapital of the North
The world's northernmost capital: a vibrant city of culture, Nordic design and innovative cuisine, the gateway to all of Iceland's wild landscapes.
- Price tier
- High
- Walkability
- High
- Public transit
- Yes
- To see
- 7
Atmosphere
Reykjavík is far more than a jumping-off point for exploring Iceland. It is a city bursting with creative energy, world-class museums, a constantly evolving gastronomic scene and a unique atmosphere that blends Nordic modernity with Viking heritage.
The small great capital
With around 130,000 inhabitants — more than half of Iceland's total population — Reykjavík is by far the country's largest city. Founded in 874 AD according to legend by the Viking Ingólfur Arnarson, the city takes its name ('smoky bay') from the columns of geothermal steam that the first settlers mistook for smoke.
Nightlife
The Reykjavík weekend is legendary: bars open late, clubs until dawn, and the culture of the Rúntur (pub crawl) is still alive among locals.
How to reach the city
How to get to Reykjavik
- Airport: most travelers arrive via Keflavik (KEF), about 50 km away.
- Airport bus: Flybus and Airport Direct connect KEF with BSÍ terminal and selected hotels.
- Car: from KEF, follow Route 41 (about 45-60 min depending on traffic).
- City buses: Strætó is useful for moving around the city without a car.
Live weather
Now+12°
+9°/+13°
Getting around
- Nearest airport
- Keflavik International Airport
- Parking
- Medium
- Need a car?
- Recommended For Day Trips
Airport transfer
Good in the city center; limited for day trips outside Reykjavik.
When to go
May–September for mild weather and midnight sun; December–February for the northern lights and winter atmosphere.
- JJan
- FFeb
- MMar
- AApr
- MMay
- JJun
- JJul
- AAug
- SSep
- OOct
- NNov
- DDec
Best months
Deep winter
Aurora
Crowds
- Summer High
- Shoulder Medium
- Winter Medium
Midnight sun
High
Real budget
Eating out
€
Cheap meal
2500-4000 ISK
€€
Mid meal
4500-8000 ISK
€€€
Fine dining
9000+ ISK
Everyday costs
- Coffee
- 600-900 ISK
- Bus ticket
- 640 ISK (single city bus fare)
- Parking
- Paid Central Areas
Save money
On-site safety
Emergency · 112
Check weather and road conditions before leaving the city for excursions.
- Hospital
- Landspitali
- Pharmacies
- Yes
- Family safety
- High
- Weather risks
- WindIceRapid Weather Change
cities.detail.attractionsTitle
All attractions
Hallgrímskirkja
Reykjavík’s most recognisable church rises above the city with a basalt-inspired concrete facade and a paid tower view over coloured roofs, Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja. Striking, central and easy to visit, but still a working church with occasional access restrictions.
Tours & activities in Reykjavík
Live selection of bookable activities in and around the city.
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
This private two day tour gives you the time to take in the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. You’ll hike on the Falljökull glacier, getting unbeatable views of the ice fall. You’ll be mesmerised by the giant icebergs floating around the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, as well as the large crystals of ice washed up on the nearby Diamond Beach. You get to explore the moss covered Eldhraun lava fields and incredible Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge. Outside of months with midnight sun there’s a chance you’ll even be able to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. This tour includes accommodation and delicious buffet breakfast, which has spacious rooms and private bathrooms. From November to March this tour changes to the winter version, which includes an ice cave tour. Check out our Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave 2 Day Tour if travelling in winter! Please note, this tour was previously available as a small group tour but is now only private.
From
€6,455
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
Travel the entire south coast of Iceland with Hidden Iceland over two adventure filled days! Take in the impressive Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, as well as the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Walk along the ridges of Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon before coming to our accommodation for the night. There’s a chance you’ll see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. We start the next day at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where the giant icebergs float around and wash up on Diamond Beach. From here we drive to meet up with our local ice cave experts from Local Guide to embark on our Ice Cave adventure. We travel in their specialised Super Jeeps to get closer to the glacier. You'll get up close and personal to the astonishingly beautiful ice formations of an outlet glacier of the enormous Vatnajökull icecap, with an ice cave & glacier hike tour. The textures, light and colours will leave you in awe!
From
€6,598
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
Our company prides itself on providing unique and intimate experiences for our clients, and this tour is no exception. We limit our group size to a maximum of four people to ensure that you get the most out of your private adventure. We believe that safety is paramount, and we provide top-class equipment to make sure that you feel comfortable and secure throughout your journey. Our qualified guide is not only an expert in glacier safety but also has extensive knowledge of the area and can provide you with fascinating insights into the glacier's history and geology. You'll have the opportunity to hike to the plateau and climb vertical wall, moulin or crevasse. The Sólheimajökull glacier is a stunning destination, with its blue ice caves, crevasses, and otherworldly landscapes. Our Glacier Adventure tour offers you the chance to experience the beauty of this glacier up close and personal.
From
€325
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
Northern Lights are undoubtedly the biggest draw for visiting Iceland in winter. Rest assured that with us, you’ll do what it takes to catch 'em all! About Our Northern Lights Tour: 95% SUCCESS RATE! Free professional photos with the Northern Lights Your guide is a professional photographer using top-of-the-line cameras Free re-try if you don’t see the aurora* and, if the weather isn’t promising, you’ll have the chance to reschedule or cancel for a refund. With Us: You’re maximizing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights—we work with the best guides and photographers and have the most reliable sources for checking weather conditions. We’re a small family company—your experience is our priority! You’ll enjoy probably the best hot chocolate EVER and local cinnamon buns! *NOTE: We cannot guarantee that re-tries will be as private tour, it might be offered in a small group of up to 6 people and may take place in a different vehicle than originally booked.
From
€1,390
Nearby essentials
Supermarkets
Pharmacies
Fuel stations
EV chargers
Public toilets
Geothermal pools
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