Posted on Friday, July 18, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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Waterfalls, geysers, thermal pools, volcanoes and northern lights are some of the many wonderous sites to behold in Iceland. Let’s learn more about traveling to the world’s northernmost capital city.
Reykjavík’s location & city population
This Nordic Island country sits between the North Atlantic and Artic Oceans on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between North America and Europe. The capital and largest city, Reykjavík, meaning “Smoky Bay,” is in southwestern Iceland on the southern shore of Faxaflόi Bay. Including surrounding municipalities, the greater region is home to about 320,000 people, over 60% of Iceland’s total population. While the number of residents may seem small as compared to populated New York City, Reykjavík boasts modern amenities and a high standard of living. This city is full of charm, must-see scenic sites, and magnificent views such as volcanoes rising beyond coastal mountains – plus there’s an abundance of well-cared-for cats that freely roam the streets.
A welcoming city
There are many reasons to go to Reykjavík, Iceland. Not only is the city welcoming to tourists from all over the world, but the area is highly walkable and generally safe. Private walking tours are available and include some of the most visitable sites in town such as the Sun Voyager sculpture. Reykjavík features an abundance of hostels and hotels at varying price points. Specialty and Michelin rated restaurants can be found in the city. Meat, dairy, and fish are staples of the diet for Icelandic people, including lamb, fermented shark, Icelandic hot dogs, yogurt, and dried fish. Due to the harsh climates, fresh fruits and vegetables are largely imported. In addition to the restaurant scene, music, art, and culture are also important. Reykjavík is proud of its state-of-the art music venue, Harpa Concert Hall. Audiences will delight in a variety of performances to include classical, opera and choral and contemporary music in the building that won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2013.
Unique architecture abounds
Architectural enthusiasts will also not want to miss a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, one of the most photographed and visited sites in Iceland. The Lutheran church, completed in 1986, stands at 244-feet-tall and contains two pipe organs, a carillon of 29 bells in the tower, and stunning stained-glass windows. The active church is a marvelous and modernistic wonder, made from concrete and containing basalt-style columns. It is distinctively known for its curved spire and side wings. Today, the building is associated with Iceland’s national identity. Take an elevator to the top of this iconic and largest church in Iceland to enjoy spectacular views overlooking the city.
Museum rich experiences
Reykjavík is abundant in museums to include the National Museum of Iceland (showcasing the county’s history), Reykjavík Maritime Museum (a harbor museum sharing Iceland’s relationship with the sea), The Settlement Exhibition (featuring a Viking longhouse and early history of Iceland), and more. Specialty museums also include Perlan, a unique nature museum featuring interactive exhibits to include an ice cave, a glacier and a seabird cliff exhibit, a Northern Lights show, a volcano show, and an observation deck that encircles a dome and provides amazing 360˚views of Reykjavík.
Spas & more
Sky Lagoon, a man-made spa featuring mineral rich geothermal water, is just minutes from the city center. This heated water is said to relax and detoxify the body. Other spa amenities offered include a lagoon experience, cold plunge and mist, steam room and more. Likewise, the geothermal water of the world-famous Blue Lagoon is also not to be missed. Both spa experiences are part of the traditional Icelandic bathing culture. Swimming at local pools is also an enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
Exciting day trips
Day trips are also quite popular and mainly focus on Icelandic outdoor adventures. A South Coast tour offers views of waterfalls, black sand beaches and glaciers. On a Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour, travelers can discover diverse landscapes in what is described as “Iceland in miniature.” Visitors can capture spectacular views of the snow-capped Snæfellsjӧkull Glacier, Kirkjufell Mountain with its distinct pyramid-shaped feature, basalt rock beaches, lava fields, bird life, fishing villages, and dramatic coastal sceneries from cliffs to shore. The Golden Waterfall in Gullfoss, where rainbows are created by sunlight hitting the waterfall’s mist, is also a must-see natural attraction.
Full-year adventures
Though the allure of Iceland lasts all year long, the best time to travel to Reykjavík truly depends on the experience desired. For the midnight sun and warmer weather, June through August are ideal, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s and nearly 24 hours of daylight. However, because it’s busy tourist season, expect more visitors and higher prices. If you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, then September to mid-April are the best months to visit, with the darkest nights and a higher chance of seeing the aurora borealis. Winter, from October to April offers potential for ice cave tours, skiing, and snowmobiling. March and April are idyllic times to observe puffin migration. Regardless of the time of year you go, there is always something wonderous to behold!
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