9 Essential Things to See and Do Not to Miss!

If you are planning to visit Iceland, you are bound to spend a few days Reykjavikthe capital of the country. Of course, we often choose to visit Iceland more to see extraordinary landscapes, and not really for its cities… But, as you will see, Reykjavik is a capital on a human scale which we generally take pleasure in discovering. So, what to do in Reykjavik? In this article, I share with you 9 essentials not to be missed.

1. The historic heart of Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a relatively small capital. So, she sometimes takes looks like a small village. This is the case when visiting the historic heart. In fact, the streets of Skolavordustigur and Laugavegur are closed to road traffic and thus become places conducive to strolling.

You can go shopping, drink a coffee or explore its bookstores. Yes, Icelanders are big book lovers! On your way you will undoubtedly find the street Adalstraeti which contains the oldest building in the city, dating from the end of the 18th century.

However, Reykjavik is best known for its street art and its brightly colored houses which contrast with the climate of Reykjavik, which is often quite gray. In 2015, a major street art festival took place in the capital of Iceland. It brought together some of the best artists of the moment. Since then, you can see impressive works on the facades of buildings…

2. The Viking ship sculpture

This sculpture named “Traveler of the Sun” is exposed facing the ocean, at the port of Reykjavik. It was created in 1990 by the artist Jon Gunaar Arnasonon the occasion of the bicentenary of the constitution of Iceland. This ode to travel could perfectly mark the start of your road trip to Iceland.

It is one of the most photographed places in Reykjavik, because beyond the magnificent sculpture found there, you can discover in the background mountain landscapes which leave you dreaming. On a clear day, you can even see the Snaefellnes peninsula in the distance.

Around the sculpture, you will find a former industrial zone which has transformed into an ultra-modern district where futuristic buildings follow one another. This is where you will find the Harpaa concert and conference hall opened in 2011.

3. Hallgrimskirkja Church

This church is the the best-known monument in Iceland's capital. It is possible to make out its bell tower in the city landscape hundreds of meters in the distance. This Lutheran church is known in particular for its particular aesthetic. It was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson at the end of the 20th century. Do you think it resembles common landscapes in Iceland? It's normal! She was inspired by the famous basalt columns which we find in particular at Svartifoss.

The exterior of the building catches the eye with this original shape, but if you go inside, you will find a particularly sober decor… Which sometimes surprises visitors. On site, you can also climb to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja church tower. From its 74m height, it offers a 360° view of the city of Reykjavik. However, this little visit is not free. Allow around ten euros to be added to your travel budget in Iceland.

4. Enjoy Reykjavik nightlife

Reykjavik is THE most populated city in Iceland. This is therefore the place where thewe like to get together day and night. If you want to enjoy the entertainment in Reykjavik, I advise you to explore the bars and restaurants in the city center. You will notably come across original places like the Lebowski Bar and the Laundromat Café. One has a colorful decoration and the other combines bar, restaurant and laundromat… Enjoying the nightlife in Reykjavik will be a good opportunity to mingle with the local population, which is wrongly described as cold.

5. Visit the museums of Reykjavik

Reykjavik has several museums which will be interesting to discover, especially if rain comes during your stay.

• The sagas museum: Iceland's history has been made up of several conquests over the centuries. This museum invites you to relive some of the historical sagas by retracing significant moments in the country's history. Audio guides in French are available. If you enjoyed the Games of Thrones series, you will undoubtedly love it!
• Whales of Iceland: it is the largest museum in Europe on this fascinating animal: whales. There are many of them that occupy the waters off Reykavik. This museum invites you to learn more about these marine mammals by exhibiting several species in real size…
• The phallus museum: opened in 1997, this original museum represents the spirit of Reykjavik quite well, which is bathed in a fun and light atmosphere. You will find nearly 300 specimens belonging to various species of animals and even elves. You can take a short break at the Phallic Café and Bistro to recover from your emotions. It's hard to do anything more unusual during a stay in Iceland!
• The punk museum : This museum highlights Iceland's punk art scene and traces the history of this movement which began in the early 80s. You will find interesting information on punk music and its development over the years.

6. The Perlan

This original building is difficult to go unnoticed with its 25 m height. Perlan is located on Öskjuhlíð hill and was primarily intended to store water from Iceland's volcanoes. Today it has been transformed into a museum and has become one of the Reykjavik's must-see tourist attractions. It is an exhibition center that provides a better understanding of Iceland's natural phenomena. Volcanoes, northern lights, glaciers, geothermal energy… This educational and fun visit will appeal to children and parents alike. The Perlan also offers a aurora borealis show named Arora, designed using 3D technology.

To end your discovery, you can enjoy the Perlan terrace, located on the 4th floor of the building. It offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. There is also a renowned gourmet restaurant.

7. Taste the flavors of Icelandic cuisine

In Iceland, rain and cold often come. This is why you will love enjoying comforting breaks within the Reykjavik restaurants. Icelandic cuisine is tasty and gourmet. Take advantage of your trip to taste:

• Fish dishes: Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Reykjavik is a destination of choice for tasting salmon, herring or even cod. Fish soups are also famous dishes in Iceland.
• The Skyr: Icelandic yogurt is increasingly finding its way into our fridges in France. This is where you can discover the best flavors.
• The Kjötsupa: soups are a timeless specialty of Reykjavik in all seasons. They are made up of potatoes, vegetables, but also meat or fish. The best known is made made from lamb and is named Kjötsupa.
• The Snudur : you will love these cinnamon rolls topped with chocolate or icing sugar.

8. Tour Reykjavik Lake

You may not have known it, but the country's capital offers its visitors a lake in the heart of the city. The one called “Tjörnin” is home to dozens of species of birds that you can observe during your visit. This lake offers a bucolic walk and will also allow you to discover some of the most beautiful houses in Reykjavik.

9. Discover the Blue Lagoon

After your visit to Reykjavik, it will be time for you to hit the road to discover the wonders of Iceland. The Golden Circle, its geysers, its glaciers… But, if you dream of a possible day trip from Reykjavik, before or after your road trip, you can opt for a passing through the Blue Lagoon. These milky blue waters are fed by a thermal spring and of course you can swim in them. The water temperature is above 30°C even in winter.

Located about 50 minutes' drive from the center of Reukavik, the Blue Lagoon will offer you a time to relax in a breathtaking natural volcanic setting. On site, there will be everything you need to relax : restaurants, treatments, massages… It is even possible to stay directly on site. This can be a good idea to end your stay in style, especially if you are visiting Iceland on a honeymoon.

I hope this article has helped you organize your stay in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The rest of your trip will take you to the most beautiful landscapes of Iceland, including magnificent waterfalls. If you're in the right season, don't forget to get away from Reykjavik to observe the Northern Lights in Iceland. Don’t hesitate to share in the comments section the visit that struck you the most during your trip.