Reykjavik

Reykjavik is one of the world's most northerly capitals — and one of its most captivating. Spread across a peninsula jutting into Faxaflói Bay, it combines colourful corrugated-iron houses, a thriving food and arts scene, and geothermal steam rising from the hills, all with mountain and ocean views in every direction.

What Makes Reykjavik Special

Reykjavik runs almost entirely on renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy, making it one of the cleanest cities on the planet. Its compact old town is designed for walking: the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church towers over the rooftops, the Harpa concert hall shimmers on the waterfront, and the old harbour is lined with fishing boats and whale-watching vessels. Despite having a relatively small population, the city punches well above its weight in museums, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.

Top Things to See and Do

• Hallgrímskirkja — Climb the tower of this dramatic modernist church for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
• The Old Harbour — Stroll the harbour front, browse the Grandi neighbourhood's food hall, and spot puffins from the pier in summer.
• Laugavegur — The main shopping and dining street; perfect for a morning coffee, Icelandic wool, or a bowl of lamb soup.
• National Museum of Iceland — A thorough introduction to Icelandic history from the Settlement Age to the present.
• Geothermal pools — Public swimming pools heated by geothermal water are a local institution; Vesturbæjarlaug and Sundhöllin are favourites among residents.

Visiting Tips

• The city centre is easily walkable; most highlights sit within a short distance of each other.
• Reykjavik weather changes quickly — layers and a wind-proof jacket are essential year-round.
• Parking is metered in the centre; most Golden Circle tours depart by bus from central pick-up points, so a car is rarely needed on tour days.
• Many restaurants and cafés open late; the city's famous weekend nightlife doesn't get going until well after midnight.

Reykjavik as Your Golden Circle Base

Almost every Golden Circle tour departs from Reykjavik, making it the natural place to begin and end your day. You can spend the morning exploring the city on foot, join a tour mid-morning, and be back in time for dinner — giving you the best of both worlds. Staying centrally means you're minutes from all major pick-up points and within easy reach of the airport via the Reykjanes Peninsula road.