Why is Reykjavik so popular?

The only city in Iceland is called Reykjavik, with a population of 250.000 people and makes up for the two thirds of the population in the whole country which is in total 380.000 as per May 2024. This means that the biggest portion of the islanders live in the metropolitan area of Iceland, namely the city of Reykjavik.

Let it flow

The city may be small but it sure has many intriguing activities plus it is second on the list for the cleanest cities in the world. Apart from being also the northernmost city in the world, half of Reykjavik´s public transport system for example is run on renewable energy, which for sure contributes to the clean air you smell in the city.

The geothermal hot water in Reykjavik, which by the way has a distinct smell of strong sulphur dioxide,  is one of the most renewable energy sources in the world and you find it in abundance. It is advisable not to put your hand underneath the tab if it has run for a bit as it will be scolding hot, neither should you drink it. The hot water in Reykjavik comes from the world’s biggest geothermal power plant located at the enormous mountain of Hengill, just outside the city’s borders. If you have spare time, it would be interesting to stop at the exhibition to learn more about how this power is being harnessed and how it is delivered to every household in the city.

Don´t worry about the smell, you get used to it, just imagine it is the smell of a healthy rich soil and clean city, and try to ignore it while showering, imagining you’re being energised by nature in its purest form pouring over you.

Icelanders have a rich tradition of going to the geothermally heated swimming pools which are in abundance in Reykjavik. We suggest you try it out, it is not only a budget option of the more luxurious geothermally heated spas in Iceland but also a good way to relax after a long day on the road. Furthermore, Iceland has some of the pure and best tasting water in the world, so bottoms up.

Pretty houses and quirky street network

Once in Reykjavik you cannot avoid noticing the charming uniqueness of the quirky rainbow coloured little houses with colourful rooftops and multicoloured wooden doors. Especially in the city centre. It sure is a city with loads of character, diverse and thriving cultural life. Iceland is known for its rich literature heritage and keeps producing year by year some fantastic writers.

The streets of Laugavegur, Bankastræti, Lækjartorg and Skólavörðustígur are streets which almost all visitors will visit. The famous Hallgrímskirkja church sits on top of Skólavörðustigur, Lækjartorg is where you can buy the famous icelandic hot dog. However, there are some other streets of interest like Tjarnargata which lead you to the beautiful pond, a home to many birds and the more modern building of the city hall and the new Althingi nearby. Where the new meets the old in harmony all which adds to the city’s cute quirkiness. You can also choose the scenic route along the shoreline on Sæbraut, from the sea voyage towards the Asmundur museum and take in the magnificent view of Mount Esja, Snæfellsjökull glacier, island of Viðey and Akranes. Walking to the south towards Grótta at midnight may help you capture a sight of the magnificent northern lights. Otherwise an evening wander around the quirky streets in the city centre is a great way to get acquainted with one of the smallest capitals in the world.

Activities and accommodation

Reykjavik has some beautiful hotels, both attractive luxury hotels, budget hostels and B&B´s to suit any budget. One of the country’s five star hotels, Edition by Marriott, is located by the harbour. Should you prefer a small boutique hotel, the Black Pearl Apartments for example would be an excellent choice.

Staying in the city centre makes sense for the easy access to the main attractions like whale watching, the aurora museum or flyover iceland and the day tours to the surrounding countryside like the Snæfellsnes peninsula and Golden Circle route amongst others. There are plenty of art galleries and museums in the city centre as well.

There is a good selection of airbnb in Reykjavik as well. With ideal locations being Vesturbær, Miðbærinn and Laugardalur, close to the Laugardalur swimming pool and the botanical garden.

Grab a bite

There are many restaurants in Reykjavik and the quality and standard of these eateries is quite high. The food is tasty, with either an international fusion or a mixture of Icelandic tradition and International cuisine made from Icelandic ingredients. The Höfnin Restaurant is an excellent relaxed fish restaurant, serving some of icelanders most loved dishes. Matur og Drykkur is a great example of a successful presentation of modern Icelandic cuisine. Óx is another example offering inspirations by the past, a Michelin awarded restaurant serving dishes inspired by Icelandic tradition. Brauð & Co is a bakery serving coffee, croissants and some of the best cinnamon buns you’ve ever tasted. This is yet a small sample of what the city has to offer. The quality is high and the choice of ingredients is as fresh as it gets. A catch of the day or a dish marinated with icelandic herbs to enhance the taste of Iceland.

Museums and Art Galleries

You will find a great variety of fascinating museums and art galleries in Reykjavik that offer a glimpse into nature’s rich heritage, history, culture, and natural wonders. The National Museum of Iceland is a must-visit for anyone interested in knowing what in the past has shaped the country’s present, while the Reykjavik Art Museum showcases contemporary Icelandic art. Kjarvalsstaðir another must-see art gallery which showcases the artwork of the country’s most loved painter Jóhannes Kjarval. If you are interested in installation we recommend heading to the Shoplifter museum which showcases lava cave looking multicoloured installations of artificial hair. Other museums worth mentioning include the Icelandic Phallological Museum, which has a collection of animal penises (including one of a human), and the Saga Museum, which brings Iceland’s history to life with realistic wax figures showing you real size icelanders as they were before. Lastly but not least, if you’re in the mood for an otherworldly experience we recommend the Whales of Iceland exhibition which displays life-sized replicas of our most gentle giants or the Hidden World walk, bringing you to the paths of the ´´hidden icelanders´´, the elves, which is not a museum per sei but an interesting experience nonetheless.

Conclusion

Reykjavik may be small, but it sure has a lot to offer and is packed with quickie charm, culture, music, art and tours to any direction you wish to go. One wouldn’t get bored in this small city, from its colourful streets and to its vibrant cultural scene and beguiling museums. Visitors looking for an adventure, that being wellness, captivating activities and or relaxation, they are sure to find it in Reykjavik where there is something for everyone in this northernmost capital of the world.

As a luxury destination management company, and born locally, we are experts in bringing together an authentic itinerary for tours to the land of fire and ice.

Every journey plan is created with your wishes and goal in mind and unique desire as a guiding direction. Contact us for a quote.