46 Best Sights in Reykjavík, Iceland

Visiting the Ár­bær Open Air Mu­seum is like taking a trip back in time. Here, 19th- and 20th-century houses—many relocated from Reykjavík's city center—are furnished in period style to give visitors a glimpse of what life was like in times of yore. It is open year-round, with an often busy schedule of activities taking place throughout the summer and at Christmas. To get to the museum, take Bus 12 or 24 to Höfðabakki.

Designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937 (though not completed until 1986), Reykjavík’s iconic church towers over the city with its striking modernist form inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscapes. A must-visit, the observation tower offers stunning panoramic views of the capital and surrounding mountains. The church is named for Hallgrímur Pétursson, one of Iceland's most beloved poets, best known for his Passion Hymns. In front of Hallgrímskirkja stands a statue of Leif Erikson, the Icelander who discovered America 500 years before Columbus (Leif's father was Eric the Red, who discovered Greenland). The statue, by American sculptor Alexander Calder, was presented to Iceland by the United States in 1930 to mark the millennium of the Alþingi parliament.

This striking architectural landmark is renowned for its innovative, dynamic design by Henning Larsen Architects and Batteríið Architects in collaboration with Danish--Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. Known for his large-scale installations that engage natural elements, Eliasson contributed to Harpa's distinctive glass façade, which is absolutely magical to experience from both outside and within the building. The southern side of the building features over 1,000 12-sided glass modules, referred to as "quasi-bricks," which create a kaleidoscopic effect by reflecting and refracting light, echoing Iceland's volcanic basalt formations. 

Harpa serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, conferences, and exhibitions as well as being the home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera. Its location by the harbor enhances Reykjavík's skyline, making it a must-visit destination for both architecture enthusiasts and visitors seeking to experience the city's vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can book guided tours of the building, attend one of the many performances on schedule, or dine in one of the facility's restaurants. A cinematic exhibition called the Volcano Express runs in the basement of Harpa, introducing visitors to Iceland's volcanic activity.

This unique museum could easily be described as the city's most interesting attraction. It's exactly what its name suggests: an ode to the male genitalia of mammals from around the world. But don't come just for laughs; a visit to the Icelandic Phallological Museum is truly an educational experience, housing more than 215 specimens from 93 different species—including casts of the "members" of Iceland's silver-medal winning Olympic handball team. The theme of the museum continues uninterrupted in the gift shop and café.

Established in 1984, there are now more than 100 members creating work in the Icelandic Printmakers Association community. This is their gallery, studio, and event space, which is located inside of the Reykjavik Art Museum (entrance to the rear of the building) and hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and studio hours. As traditional print-making techniques are no longer taught in Iceland, some of the machinery in the workshop is one-of-a-kind in the country. 

This tinier-than-tiny museum is crammed into what used to be a set of public bathrooms at the bottom of a stairwell right off a city sidewalk. Somehow it all seems fitting for a museum focused on the Icelandic punk and new wave scene that started in 1978. Photos, posters, handbills, equipment, and instruments line the walls and displays at this subterranean memorial to one of the country's favorite music genres.

Yoko Ono's powerful light installation on Viðey Island is dedicated to the vision of world peace the artist passionately shared with her late husband, John Lennon. The artwork features a large stone wishing well with the words "imagine peace" etched into its white shiny surface in countless languages. Inside the well are 15 powerful beams that merge into a magnificent force of light when switched on. Yoko visits every year on Lennon's birthday (October 9) to lead the lighting ceremony, where about 2,000 people gather to watch and sing along to "Imagine," Lennon's famous song. The impressive tower of light illuminates the skyline until the date of Lennon's death on December 8. Yoko provides a free ferry service for those who wish to attend the annual lighting ceremony. The ferry departs from Skarfabakki pier, less than a 10-minute drive from the city center.

Actually several parks in one large area, Laugardalur Park has one of the best swimming pools in the city as well as a recreational expanse that includes picnic and barbecue areas. There's also an amusement park and a botanic garden with an extensive outdoor collection of native and exotic plants.

The history of Iceland is on display in this expansive museum. Walking through the exhibitions takes visitors from the Viking ages through to agrarian times and the struggle for independence. It is an afternoon well spent, especially when capped off by a visit to the gift shop and café on the first floor.

Glittering like the upper hemisphere of a giant disco ball, Perlan (the Pearl) is a grand construction of steel and mirrored glass. Perched atop Öskjuhlíð, the hill overlooking Reykjavík Airport, it's also one of the first landmarks to greet visitors when they arrive to the city. Supported by six massive water tanks and illuminated by 1,900 light bulbs, this impressive building opened in 1991 as a monument to Iceland's invaluable geothermal water supplies. It has since become a major tourist attraction, offering guests a host of amenities beneath its shiny surface, including the Wonders of Iceland natural history museum, an ice cave, a northern lights show, souvenir shops, a café, and a viewing platform with telescopes.

This interactive exhibit has been constructed around remains of a Viking longhouse dating from around 871 (hence its name). Unearthed in 2001 during the construction of the Hotel Centrum, this remarkable find was preserved in situ and now occupies an oval-shape basement designed specially to frame the excavation site. A large, backlit panoramic image, showing how Reykjavík might have looked during the age of settlement, encircles the longhouse, and an illuminated strip installed in the surrounding walls marks the layer of tephra used to determine the approximate date of the remnants. Display boxes positioned around the longhouse house a collection of small items that were also unearthed in the excavation, giving a more complete picture of what life was like for Reykjavík's earliest inhabitants. 

Though established as a single-room exhibition, the Settlement Exhibition has been expanded in recent years, occupying the basement of neighboring buildings on Aðalstræti and making its way aboveground in the historic black timber house that stands at Aðalstræti 10. These newer wings continue the story of Reykjavík into the modern day, tracking the development of the capital through photos, video, and a scale model of the historic Kvósin neighborhood that is brought to life with the help of VR viewfinders. Aðalstræti has been staged partly as the residence of Reykjavík's bishop in the 19th century and partly as a general store from the early 20th century—two roles the building has played over the course of its life.

Also known as Hafnarhús, this former warehouse of the Port of Reykjavík now houses the city's main art museum. Six gallery halls occupy two floors, and there's a courtyard and "multipurpose" space. The museum's permanent collection includes a large number of works donated by the contemporary Icelandic artist Erró. There are also regular temporary exhibitions. Admission is free with the Reykjavík City Card.

In addition to exhibits that explore important moments throughout Iceland's history, this museum also lets you try on clothing from Viking times. The wax models illustrating events of the Sagas are oddly endearing.

Clinging to the rocky shoreline of Kópavogur, across the bay from Reykjavík’s Nauthólsvík geothermal beach, you’ll find this beloved local wellness destination. Though an entirely man-made attraction, the stunning architecture and design of Sky Lagoon transports visitors to an oasis of warm geothermal waters, sweeping sea views, and utter relaxation. Its most unique feature is the seven-step Skjól ritual that transports bathers from the main lagoon area through a cold plunge, sauna, misting rain room, and steam room, punctuated with breaks for a luxurious body scrub and refreshing juice. Navigating the “ritual” at your own pace means you can gaze a little longer out the panoramic, floor-to-cieling windows in the sauna or just enjoy the sensory delight of standing in the rain room beneath a mammoth boulder that somehow floats several feet in the air overhead.

This fascinating permanent exhibit within the EDDA Research Center at the University of Iceland showcases—for the first time ever—over 20 medieval Icelandic manuscripts, including the Codex Regius and Flateyjarbók. These texts, inscribed between the 12th and 19th centuries, illuminate Iceland's rich literary and cultural heritage. The exhibition employs interactive multimedia to engage visitors in exploring themes of mythology, history, and language.

Built in 1880–81, this is one of the country's oldest stone buildings. As the building was built while Iceland was under Danish rule (the country declared independence on June 17, 1944), it was designed by Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl and bears the crown and crest of King Christian IX on the roof. Reliefs above four of the building's second-floor windows depict Iceland's guardian spirits: a giant, a great bird, a bull, and a dragon. Iceland's Alþingi (Parliament) held its first session in AD 930 and therefore can lay claim to being the oldest representative parliament in the world. At that time, the "Þing" (assembly) was held at Þingvellir. You can view the modern-day proceedings from the visitor's gallery here. Depending on the urgency of the agenda, any number of Iceland's 63 members of parliament, from six political parties, may be present. The public can also access a lovely garden space to the rear of Alþingi.

Some of Ásmundur Sveinsson's original sculptures, depicting ordinary working people, myths, and folktale episodes, are exhibited in the museum's gallery and studio and in the surrounding garden. It's on the southwest edge of Laugardalur Park, opposite the traffic circle at its entrance. Entrance is free with the Reykjavík City Card.

An absolute must-see for northern lights seekers, here visitors get to play with technology simulating the intensity and color spectrum of the auroras while panels explain the physical variations. A high-definition movie of the extraordinary lights in action over Iceland is the highlight of the exhibition, but perhaps even more useful is the practice booth where you can (with the help of detailed instructions) learn the exact settings required to successfully photograph the northern lights.

A place of worship has existed on this site since AD 1200. The current small church, built 1788–96, represents the state religion, Lutheranism. It was here that sovereignty and independence were first blessed and endorsed by the church. It's also where Iceland's national anthem, actually a hymn, was first sung in 1874. Since 1845, members and cabinet ministers of every Alþingi (Parliament) have gathered here for a service before the annual session. Among the treasured items inside is a baptismal font carved and donated by the famous 19th-century master sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, who was half Icelandic.

Experience a simulated flight experience over Iceland's stunning landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, and fjords. Guests are suspended with feet dangling before a 65-foot spherical screen, enhanced by special effects like wind, mist, and scents. The experience includes pre-ride shows that delve into Iceland's history and mythology, guided by a storyteller and the resident troll, Sú Vitra.

Located in the verdant Laugardalur Park, the Reykjavík Botanic Garden features outdoor beds planted with domestic and exotic plants where visitors are free to wander around and enjoy. Open year-round, the beautifully landscaped gardens are frequented by plant enthusiasts, families out for a stroll, and joggers alike.

Located on the tip of Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, this nature reserve is a fantastic destination for nature-lovers and bird-watchers. Here you can look beyond the outline of a lighthouse and take in Iceland’s seasonal natural wonders: the northern lights and the midnight sun.

The University of Iceland is the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. The campus is known for a statue of Sæmundur Fróði, a symbol of learning. Legend has it that after studying abroad, Sæmundur made a pact with the devil to get himself home, promising his soul if he arrived without getting wet. The devil changed into a seal to carry him home. Just as they arrived, Sæmundur hit the seal on the head with his Psalter, got his coattails wet, and escaped with soul intact.

This historic house stands out for both its architectural and historical importance. It was here that, in 1986, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev met and officially marked the end of the Cold War. The house is not open to visitors, but it's worth spending some time exploring the exterior.

Part of the National Gallery of Iceland, the House of Collections was originally built in 1908 to house the National Library, National Archives, the collection of the Natural History Museum of Iceland, and the national collection of antique relics. It's now the home of a long-running exhibition called Resistance, which explores themes of sustainability and human impact on nature. Visitors can also experience artworks across four floors, each dedicated to different aspects of the aforementioned themes.

Both Icelandic and international artists display their work at this gallery that's considered one of Iceland's most prestigious. Exhibitions rotate constantly, and there are often events featuring local artists. The large windows overlooking Tryggvagata make it an enjoyable place to stroll by even outside of opening hours, as there is usually something interesting to peek at.

This statue perched atop a hill (also named for Ingólfur) commemorates the Norse settler credited with being the first to set down roots in Reykjavík around 874 AD. Legend has it that Ingólfur cast two pillars of his chieftain's seat into the sea upon his approach to Iceland, and then sent two enslaved people on a three-year search to find them. They were found in what is now present-day Reykjavík. Ingólfur's story is central to Icelandic history and celebrated throughout the city’s culture and landmarks.

Inside this modernist building you'll find an impressive permanent exhibit dedicated to the life and works of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval (1885–1972), one of Iceland's most beloved landscape painters. In addition to Kjarval's key works, there's also a rotation of temporary exhibits featuring the works of both local and international artists. Entrance is free with the Reykjavík City Card.

This immersive experience lets visitors feel the heat of molten lava reaching temperatures up to 2,000ºF as it flows in a simulated indoor eruption. The guided hour-long experience imparts knowledge about volcanic eruptions and Iceland's explosive nature due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Now a focal point in Reykjavík's otherwise rambling city center, this square is flanked by the semi-pedestrian shopping Austurstræti to the south and the bustling thoroughfare Lækjargata to the east. It is the location of Reykjavík District Court, and houses a greenhouse maintained by the City of Reykjavík as well Söluturn, a wooden tower first built in 1907.