Reykjavik, capital of Iceland – 10 important visitor information

Sights & Landmarks • Hallgrim's Church • Harpa Concert Hall • Perlan

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Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world!

Iceland Capital Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja Church Harpa Harbour Iceland Capitals of the World Reykjavik Capital of Iceland
Iceland Capital Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja Church Harpa Harbour Iceland Capitals of the World Reykjavik Capital of Iceland

The European city of Reykjavik is located in the southwest of Iceland in Faxaflói Bay, directly on the Atlantic coast.


citiesHauptstadtIceland • Reykjavik, capital of Iceland • Attractions Reykjavik

Facts & Visitor Information Reykjavik Iceland

Facts Reykjavik Iceland

coordinatesLatitude: 64°08′07″ N Longitude: 21°53′43″ W
ContinentEurope
CountryIceland
LocationIn the southwest of Iceland
watersFaxaflói Bay, Atlantic
Sea levelReykjavik's harbor at sea level, local mountain Esjan 914 meters
Area273 km2
population133.262 residents (Stand 20.09.2021)
population densityapprox. 488 / km2 (Stand 20.09.2021)
LanguageIsländisch
City ageCity charter since 1786
LandmarkHallgrimskirkja Concert Hall Harpa The Perlan
PeculiarityCapital of Iceland Northernmost capital of the world European Capital of Culture in 2000
Origin of namereckur = smoke; vik = bay

Visitor Information Reykjavik


Sightseeing vacation recommendation travel experiences 10 things to do in Reykjavik

  1. Visit the famous Hallgrim Church
  2. Take a tour of the Harpa concert hall
  3. Stroll along the harbor promenade
  4. Relax at Geothermal Beach Nauthólsvik
  5. Visit the artificial ice cave in Perlan
  6. Learn new things in the large whale museum Whales of Iceland
  7. Enjoy local fish for a good price at Seabaron
  8. Treat yourself to 1 liter of ice cream with a panoramic view of Reykjavik in Perlan
  9. Experience real whales while whale watching on Reykjavik's coast
  10. Let yourself be inspired by the flight simulator FlyOver Iceland
Eating ice cream in the Perlan Natural History Museum with Aurora Show ice tunnel bird rocks and viewing platform over Reykjavik Iceland
Eating ice cream in the Perlan Natural History Museum with Aurora Show ice tunnel bird rocks and viewing platform over Reykjavik Iceland
FlyOverIceland Attraction Reykjavik Iceland - virtual flight over Iceland in the 4D cinema Reykjavik Iceland
FlyOverIceland Attraction Reykjavik Iceland - virtual flight over Iceland in the 4D cinema Reykjavik Iceland

citiesHauptstadtIceland • Reykjavik, capital of Iceland • Attractions Reykjavik

Maps route planner directions sightseeing vacationWhere is Reykjavik? Route planning: Reykjavik map

Fact sheet Weather Climate table Temperature Best travel time How is the weather in Reykjavik?

Magazine.Travel asked: 
What do you think is special about Reykjavik?

It is probably the closeness to nature and the sea. I could mention the difference in summer and winter, sunrise to sunset in Reykjavík is 21 hours and 11 minutes at the summer solstice (June 21st) but 4 hours and 8 minutes during the winter solstice (December 21st). If you look at the size and population of Reykjavík, it may very well be the smallest big city in the world. There are so many things to see and do here. I can never participate in anything that I find interesting or fun. Every weekend I have multiple choices of what to do and where to go.
Elfa Björk Ellertsdóttir, 2021 (Information Officer in Reykjavik City Hall)

More information for your visit to Reykjavik: Attractions Reykjavik & Reykjavik website & Reykjavik tourism site


ADVERTISING: Unique experiences for your next trip to Iceland

 

citiesHauptstadtIceland • Reykjavik, capital of Iceland • Attractions Reykjavik

Reykjavik, capital of Iceland

A trip to Iceland offers nature and culture

Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world, combines impressive nature with urban charm. As the economic, political and cultural center of Iceland, the city attracts millions of visitors every year. Here you can find out everything you need to know about this fascinating metropolis.

The highlights of Reykjavik Iceland

1. Culture and sights

The iconic Hallgrímskirkja, which dominates the Reykjavík skyline with its unique design, offers a breathtaking view over the city. The Harpa Concert Hall, famous for its modern glass architecture, is a must for art and music lovers. In National Museum of Iceland Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the Vikings. There are numerous Sights in Reykjavik.

2. Nature and outdoor experiences

Reykjavík is the gateway to breathtaking natural wonders. Tours to Blue Lagoon, to the Golden circle with the Geysir Strokkur and the Thingvellir National Park or to the Northern Lights. Even within the city, the geothermal heated pools such as the Laugardalslaug to relax.

3. Culinary and nightlife

Icelandic cuisine offers delicacies such as fresh fish, lamb dishes and the legendary skyr. Foodies should visit restaurants like Dill (one Michelin star). In the evening, Reykjavík comes alive with a lively bar scene, especially around the Laugavegur Street.

Why visit Reykjavík?

Reykjavik, Iceland, combines nature, culture, and hospitality like no other city. Whether as a base for adventures in Iceland's wilderness or a city trip full of cultural highlights, Reykjavik's city center offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Choose for yourself: an active holiday or a city trip to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Plan your trip to Reykjavík and experience Iceland’s capital up close!

Visit Reykjavik, Iceland. Iceland's capital is always worth a visit, whether summer or winter.

What is special about Reykjavik?

Reykjavik, Iceland, serves as a logistical hub and a contrast to the intense natural experiences Iceland offers. Iceland as a whole is covered comprehensively, including Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the Ring Road, ice caves, lava tubes, and glaciers.

Reykjavik is the starting point for our “up close & live” experiences that explore Iceland’s unique geology, biodiversity and natural phenomena.

Is Iceland expensive?

Yes, Iceland is generally considered an expensive destination, especially compared to many other destinations in Europe or worldwide. Costs for accommodation, transportation (car rental, fuel), food, and activities tend to be above average.

How do you pronounce Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is pronounced “Rake-ya-vik”.

What does Reykjavik mean in translation?

The name “Reykjavik” translates as “Smoke Bay” or “Smoky Bay” Source: See Reykjavik Facts

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Source reference for text research

On-site information and personal experiences while visiting Reykjavik Iceland in 2021.

The city of Reykjavik kindly provided the information on the number of inhabitants, area and elevation above sea level. Correspondence took place through Elfa Björk Ellertsdóttir, information officer at Reykjavik City Hall.

Chapman Richard (undated), A History of Reykjavik. [online] Retrieved on 21.09.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX, from URL: https://guidetoiceland.is/reykjavik-guide/a-history-of-reykjavik

Date and Time.info (oD), Geographic coordinates of Reykjavik. [online] Retrieved on 07.10.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX, from URL: https://dateandtime.info/de/citycoordinates.php?id=3413829

Statista GmbH (oD), Iceland. The 10 largest cities in 2021. [online] Retrieved on 21.09.2021, from URL: https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/1103239/umfrage/groesste-staedte-in-island/

Wikimedia Foundation (oD), word meaning. Reykjavik. [online] Retrieved on 21.09.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX, from URL: https://www.wortbedeutung.info/Reykjav%C3%ADk/

Wikipedia authors (04.06.2021), List of European Capitals of Culture. [online] Retrieved on October 05.10.2021, XNUMX, from URL:  https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_Europ%C3%A4ischen_Kulturhauptst%C3%A4dte

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