Reykjavik
About Reykjavik
The most northern capital in the world, Reykjavik is known for its viking history, hot springs and impressive views of the illustrious Northern Lights. Reykjavik is also the largest city in Iceland and is among the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. In recent years, Reykjavik has been growing in popularity, thanks to its unique history, ease of assessibility and safety, and world-renowned cuisine, nightlife, and views.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best time to visit Reykjavik depends on your interests. For those eager to witness the Northern Lights, the dark winter months from October to March are ideal. However, if you prefer milder weather and longer daylight hours, consider visiting between June and August, when you can experience the Midnight Sun and enjoy various outdoor activities.
A stay of 3 to 4 days in Reykjavik is typically sufficient to explore the city's main attractions, such as the Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. This timeframe also allows for day trips to nearby natural wonders like the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Reykjanes Peninsula.
In Reykjavik, don't miss the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church with its panoramic views, the Harpa Concert Hall for its stunning architecture, and the National Museum of Iceland for cultural insights. The Perlan museum offers interactive exhibits and a chance to see the city from its observation deck. Additionally, stroll along Laugavegur street for shopping and dining.
Reykjavik offers a variety of traditional Icelandic dishes. Be sure to try 'plokkfiskur' (a fish stew), 'harðfiskur' (dried fish), and 'skyr' (a yogurt-like dairy product). For the adventurous, 'hákarl' (fermented shark) is a unique experience. Pair your meal with local brews or 'brennivín', a traditional Icelandic schnapps.
Reykjavik is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, the city offers an efficient public bus system called Strætó. Taxis and rental cars are also available, though parking can be limited in the city center. Cycling is another popular option, with bike rentals widely available.
Reykjavik hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year. The Reykjavik Arts Festival in May showcases local and international art. In August, the city comes alive with the Reykjavik Culture Night, featuring music, dance, and fireworks. The Iceland Airwaves music festival in November is a must for music enthusiasts, featuring both local and international acts.
Reykjavik is a great base for day trips to Iceland's natural wonders. The Golden Circle route includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, is a short drive away. For a unique experience, consider a tour to the South Coast to see black sand beaches and waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
Useful Information
Population
Reykjavík: around 140,000
Greater Reykjavík: around 247,000
Currency
1 Icelandic Króna (ISK) = 100 Aurar
Emergency Info
Single Emergency Number: 112
Opening Hours
The opening hours of most businesses are from 9am until 5pm. Some companies and institutions change their work hours to 8am to 4pm in the summer months.
Shopping hours are generally from 10am until 6pm weekdays (Monday to Friday). On Saturdays, most shops are open from 10am until 4pm, while some are closed on Saturdays in summer. Most shops are closed on Sundays, but both shopping centres are open daily.
The following days are public holidays in Iceland. Most shops and businesses are closed on these days, but on many public holidays some food stores remain open.
• New Year’s Day: 1 January
• Maundy Thursday: the Thursday before Easter
• Good Friday: the Friday before Easter
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• May Day: 1 May
• Ascension Day: the Thursday 40 days after Easter
• Whit Sunday: the seventh Sunday after Easter
• Whit Monday: the day after Whit Sunday
• National Day: 17 June
• Summer Bank Holiday: the first Monday in August
• Christmas Eve: public holiday from noon
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day: the day after Christmas
• New Year’s Eve: public holiday from noon.
Exact GPS Location
Coordinates: 64.14658, -21.942635