Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Even if it is a capital, the city counts around 120 000 inhabitants and around 200 000 with the urban area. So, it means that this area collects the two third of the inhabitants of all the country. To reach Reykjavik, it is necessary to land at the airport of Keflavik, located 50 km in the south. With the bus you can after arriving from Keflavik to Reykjavik in 45 minutes.

in summer the sun will go down later, and you will have just 2 hours of night in June, while in winter it will be dark most of the day. You can choose to go there during all the year but for the sun and the temperature, it is probably better to go there in summer.

The capital is peaceful, and it is located in a beautiful environment, the city center can be made just walking easily. It is an extremely safe and clean capital.

Unfortunately, Reykjavik is a very expensive capital as north capital, but it is possible to travel on budget there. At the same time, you have to be aware that there aren’t many possibilities of accommodations there, because it is well preserved, so you during the full season in summer it is necessary to book accommodations in advance.

 

Things to see at Reykjavik :

 

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA

You can’t miss the big church. If never you are lost in Reykjavik, you just have to take the church as a landmark. It’s 244 feet tall and built from white concrete. The unusual design was created by Icelandic state architect Guðjón Samúelsson in the 1940s. It was inspired by Iceland’s geology, with columns on each side based on the rock formations you get when volcanic lava cools. The church is simple inside, but the big interest is to climb up to the top of the tower for a perfect view of the city.  In fact many houses and roof are in different colors.

 

HARPA CONCERT HALL

This concert hall has a very modern design, he is located along the bay of Reykjavik. The building is made up of three-dimensional windows using the same hexagonal shape as Iceland’s basalt rocks. During the night it  is covered with colorful light. The concert hall is home to the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra but we can find there restaurant, gift shop and the possibility to have the view on the harbor and the mountains.

 

SUN VOYAGER SUNSET

Just along the waterfront when you walk there is the sun voyager statue or Sólfar in Icelandic statue. It’s made of stainless steel on a base of polished granite. On a clear day you get a view in front of you of Mount Esja across the bay. If you get there just before sunset, then it makes a great silhouette against the changing colours of the sky. The path along Reykjavik bay is great to see the sunset.

 

SHOPPING IN LAUGAVAGUR STREET

Walk in the most popular pedestrian street in the country. Here you can see the local culture and you can stroll through the many shops. Many shops dedicated to clothing, but also restaurants, bookstores and many souvenir shops. It is the most lively area of the capital.

 

LAKE TJORNIN

This is a small lake located in the city center. A pleasant and peaceful place. Surrounded by colourful houses on the western shore, people gather here to feed the ducks, geese, swans, Arctic terns and other birds found frolicking in the small lake. It is relaxing to sit just watching nature at its best. During winter the natural pond freezes over and becomes a popular place for ice-skating and ice-hockey.

 

LAUGARDALUR

Laugardalur valley is Reykjavík’s recreational area and there you will find the Sports Hall Laugardalshöll, the Sports Stadium, the ice skating rink and the largest swimming pool in Iceland. Also there is a botanical garden and a park with domestic animals. Good place to walk for a stroll or to do different activity.

The botanical garden collects an impressive selection of Arctic flowers and plants. Beneath the branches of a leafy grove in the gardens, you’ll find the lovely Café Flora.

 

NATIONAL MUSEUM

The museum offers a variety of fascinating exhibitions and one permanent display about the story of Iceland’s past, from the medieval days of Viking settlements to current contemporary culture. The main exhibition has over 2,000 artefacts discovered in various parts of the country. It the museum to see if you want to learn more about the history of the country.