Must See Attractions In Reykjavik, Iceland juni 22, 2022 – Posted in: Iceland, Travel – Tags: Attractions, Holiday, Iceland, Reykjavik, Vacation

A GUIDE TO SIGHTS IN REYKJAVIK

If you need tips on what to experience on a holiday in the beautiful city in Iceland, here is a guide to sights in Reykjavik. The biggest attraction in Iceland is of course the magnificent nature with the Northern Lights, geysers and volcanoes, but Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, also offers many exciting attractions.

WHAT TO SEE IN REYKJAVIK?

Already when you arrive at the airport or at the bus station, there are many leaflets about the many sights in Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland. There is so much to look at and the Icelandics are excellent at telling you about all the beautiful things. With the usual Icelandic humor, there are also more curious museums, such as a museum of stuffed penises.

If you are only in Reykjavik on a short break, it can be difficult to choose what to see, so here is a list of the sights in Reykjavik that you will definitely have to visit when you are on holiday in the city. You can see all the other sights in Reykjavik and plan your own visit to: Visit Iceland

Below you will find a list of good hotels in Reykjavik, all of which can be booked directly through Booking.com.

MUST SEE SIGHTS IN REYKJAVIK

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ICELAND

Whatever else you choose to see in Reykjavik, you have to visit to the National Museum of Iceland. Here you get the exciting story about the colonization of the island, the sagas and the struggle for independence. The museum contains many beautiful objects from the Viking Age, including the small bronze figure of the god Thor with his hammer. The museum makes are skilled in the dissemination of finds and history, and the exhibition is really well set up.

Read more here: National Museum of Iceland

HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA – HALLGRIM CHURCH

High up above the roofs of Reykjavik towers the impressive Hallgrimskirkja. With its 74 meters, Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Reykjavik, and from the top of the tower there is a fantastic view of the city and the surrounding landscape. The church was built in memory of the Icelandic hymn writer Hallgrímur Pétursson. In front of Hallgrimskirkja stands a statue of Leif the Happy, the first European to discover America.

Read more here: Hallgrimskirkja

HARPA

In 2007, the year before the economic crisis hit Iceland, it was decided to start a huge construction project at the port. In addition to Harpa, a luxury hotel was also planned together with the new headquarters of the National Bank of Iceland, Landsbankinn. But in 2008, the money had run out and the Icelandic state took over the construction of the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center. Today you can visit the impressive colossus by the harbor and enjoy the marvelous construction in steel and glass.

The name Harpa itself may refer to the string instrument harp, but is also the name of the very first summer month in the old Nordic calendar, where one begins to look forward to brighter times. You can hear the story of the Icelandic stubbornness (and the galloping megalomania madness during the financial crisis) in the fun one-man show, How to become Icelandic in 60 minutes, one of the many events in the large, beautiful building.

Read more here: Harpa

SÓLFAR – SUN VOYAGER

On a sunny day, it is a great idea to go for a walk along the waterfront. Here you encounter the sculpture, Sólfar (see the photo above). To most, it looks like the skeleton of a Viking boat, but in fact it was not what artists Jón Gunnar Árnason had in mind. The boat is a picture of a dream trip from Mongolia to Iceland, a journey that can take you out to distant horizons.

Read more here: Sólfar

PENIS MUSEUM – THE ICELANDIC PHALLUS MUSEUM

The Penis Museum contains 217 animal penises and penis-related objects, collected from almost all of the mammals found in and around Iceland. And when you finish giggling, the museum is actually both interesting and enlightening. Also visit the fun souvenir shop.

Read more here: The Icelandic Phallological Museum

PERLAN

If you want the perfect view over this amazing city, you can have ot from Perlan. If the weather is fine, you can walk from the city center and up to Perlan along one of the many hiking trails in the area. Otherwise there are shuttle buses from Harpa, which are free if you have bought a ticket in advance.

In Perlan you can see breathtaking exhibitions, Wonders of Iceland, about the Icelandic nature and in the planetarium learn about Áróra, the beautiful northern lights. Visit the indoor ice cave and see the reconstruction of the bird cliff Látrabjarg, home to millions of birds. Under the large dome you will find the restaurant and an observation deck with panoramic views of Reykjavik.

Read more here: Perlan

FIND A GOOD HOTEL IN REYKJAVIK

Whether you are going on holiday in Reykjavik or just want to visit the city on a short weekend trip, there are many lovely hotels in the city. Here are a few recommendations for great hotels in Reykjavik, all of which can be booked through Booking.com. See more hotels by doing your own search here:

Booking.com

BLACK PEARL APARTMENT HOTEL

The glossy black glass façade reflects the northern lights and gives a hint of what to expect from one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, the Black Pearl Apartment Hotel. The hotel offers 16 apartments, divided into standard rooms, suites and penthouses. All are tastefully decorated in the light, Scandinavian style and furnished with a kitchen. Here is all the luxury you could wish for – but space to work and the opportunity to make yourself a cup of coffee whenever you want!

The hotel is right on the harbor and just a few minutes walk from the best restaurants and bars. From Black Pearl, you can drive directly onto the ring road that takes you out of town.

Read more here: Black Pearl Apartment Hotel

STORM HOTEL

Already early in the morning there is a crowd at the buffet, which serves a basic, but good breakfast – coffee, bread, cold cuts, oatmeal and cakes. The tourists who stay at the Storm Hotel are all heading out for the sights with not a momet to waste, and the large tourist buses leave the area outside the hotel all morning.

The location a little outside the center by one of the major highways is good for you who want to explore the sights in Iceland. Also for guests going into Reykjavik, the hotel is well located. It is placed about a 15-minute walk from the city center, at the end of the long shopping street. With an umbrella or raincoat you can easily walk back and forth.

Read more here: Storm Hotel

LOFT HOSTEL

Right in the center and as close as you can get to most bars and restaurants in Reykjavik is LOFT Hostel. At the hostel you mainly meet young people for whom a bed and good company are all that matters. At LOFT Hostel you can choose between sleeping in a bunk bed in the dormitory or book your own private room. No matter how you decide to sleep, there is access to the popular roof terrace overlooking Hallgrimskirken. A wonderful accommodation location for you who want to meet other young people!

Read more here: LOFT Hostel

See more great hotels in Reykjavik here on Booking.com!