Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and 80% of the island’s population (around 380,000 people) live in and around the capital. The island is famous for ice, fire and viewing the northern lights. Ice – are the glaciers which cover the mountains in this country which sits just south of the Arctic Circle. Fire from the volcanos which form on the edge of Iceland’s tectonic plates. The aurora can be seen regularly due to Iceland’s northern latitude.
These are spectacular free things to do in Reykjavik, Icleand.
Free Things to do in Reykjavik
10 Best Free Places to visit and see in Reykjavik?
- Reykjavik Cathedral
- Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Höfði House
- Sun Voyager Statue
- Shopping at Laugavegur Street
- Rainbow Street
- Cafe Babalu (Star Wars Toilet)
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
- Walk along harbour and promenade (watch out for whales)
- Parliament building Reykjavik and new Parliament Building with Map of Iceland
How to get to Iceland and Reykjavik?
International flights land at Keflavik Airport and there are regular bus transfers taking 45 minutes to 1 hour to Reykjavik. The public bus service Straeto runs this route in about 1 hours costing about £13 one way, whilst the commercial transfer companies FlyBus or Airport Direct) do the journey in about 45 minutes at a cost of around £22 one way.
Hotels in Reykjavik can be expensive but you can find bargains at the hostels or at the Eco Campsite.
10 Best Free Places to visit and see in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik Cathedral
Cathedral – Reykjavik Cathedral was built in the 18th century, making it one of the oldest buildings not just in the country. The Lutheran Cathedral was where that the Kingdom of Denmark granted Iceland a constitution and home rule in the mid 19th century.
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Hallgrimskirkja Church – The largest church in Iceland with a 73m-high tower. Consecrated in 1986. The most striking feature is its resemblance to the basalt lava columns, which form as a result of the cooling of thick lava. Regardless of your time, its worth a walk here simply for the views.
Höfði House
Höfði House – In the 1940s and 1950s, it was home to the British Embassy in Reykjavík. The city of Reykjavík purchased the house in 1958 and restored it. It is best known as the location for the 1986 Reykjavík Summit meeting of President Ronald Reagan of the United States and Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union. This meeting was an important and straightforward step towards ending of the Cold War.
Sun Voyager
Sun Voyager – Sólfar, or Sun Voyager, is a steel sculpture on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. In a sense this is Reykjavik’s most famous sculpture, designed in the mid-1980s to commemorate the bicentenary of the city’s constitution. In effect a simple yet elegant steel sculpture reminiscent of a Viking ship, honouring Iceland’s seafaring tradition.
Laugavegur Street
Laugavegur – Running through the historic centre of Reykjavik, Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in the city and its main shopping artery. Its name means “wash road” as it used to lead to hot springs where the local women would take their laundry.
Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street – Painted in the colours of the rainbow, these two streets represent Iceland’s friendliness and acceptance towards its LGBTQ community. Reykjavik Pride is an event that takes place each year in the capital since 1999. Over 100,000 people take part in this celebration each year.
Cafe Babalu
Cafe Babalu – Friendly, quirky and with fair prices and above all the most amazing Star Wars themed toilet I have ever seen. OK so you may need to buy a coffee at Café Babalu to see the toilets but it’s worth it! In spite of the toilets the cookies are amazing.
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre – Harpa is one of Reykjavik‘s most recognisable landmarks. Since its facade is one of the largest artworks in the world. In light of the fact that it was designed by Ólafur Elíasson and Henning Larsen.
Walk along harbour and promenade
Stroll along the harbour and promenade in Reykjavík offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The crisp sea air invigorates as you take in views of the serene Faxaflói Bay, with its sparkling waters framed by distant mountains (keep your eyes peeled for whales!).
Parliament building Reykjavik and new Parliament Building
The old parliament building in Iceland, Alþingishúsið, stands as a historic stone structure in Reykjavík, housing the national parliament since 1881. Nearby, the modern parliamentary offices blend contemporary design with functionality, representing Iceland’s progressive political landscape. Inside the modern parliamentary building is a large map of Iceland, fantastic for planning your Icelandic Adventure.
Other things to do in Reykjavik
- Whale watching – Reykjavik’s a whale watcher’s paradise. Specifically the most sighted on whale watching tours from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour are minke whales and majestic humpback whales.
- Horse riding – A great way to get to know the unique Icelandic horse and get some quality time outdoors. The Icelandic horse is unique in many ways. It’s the only horse breed in the world that can perform five gaits (ways of walking), while other horses can only perform three or four. There are several horse rentals located within the Reykjavík capital area.
- There is lots of information available about Reykjavik on their city tourism website.
Facts about Reykjavik you may not know.
Under street heating – Iceland, known for its geothermal energy and has a ground-breaking solution to combat icy roads and pathways during winter – geothermal heated streets. Since first implemented in the late 1990s this innovative system utilizes the country’s unique geothermal resources to heat up the pavement and keep it free from ice and snow.
Geothermal Pools – There 18 public swimming pools which still run-on geothermal water from boreholes.
What does Reykjavik mean? – Translation of Reykjavík is “smoky bay” or “steamy bay.” Reykur, in Old Norse, could mean either smoke or steam, reflecting of nearby geothermal activity. In addition “Vik” means bay.
Now you know all about Reykjavik, why now check out our blogs on specific day trips in detail from the city