Top 10 Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland
#10 - Puffin Island
Perhaps one of the least talked about activities in Reykjavik is Engey, aka Puffin Island. When you wander around the shops in Iceland, you will certainly find a love for these cute creatures everywhere. One area many of these animals migrate to in Iceland is Puffin Island. The tiny island of Engey really can only be seen up close by boat. There are many boat rides that can take you up close to see the puffins on the island. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them from the distance on the north side of the city.
#9 - Maritime Museum
One of the more common professions in Iceland is fisheries. Icelanders have perfected the art of catching great fish in the area, and now there is an entire museum dedicated to it. For over 1,000 years, Icelanders have depended on fish for survival, especially during the hard, cold days with weather that is less forgiving. This museum displays how fishing is done, its processing and packaging, different ways of using it, and its impact on the culture of today.
#8 - Harpa
Among the many modern-looking buildings in Reykjavik stands Harpa, the national concert hall of Iceland. Its architecture is very unique, as it is inspired by the basalt rocks around the country. When the sun hits the glass, it begins to change colours. Harpa stands at 43 meters high and is composed of 5 floors. It is breathtaking to look at and to see the progression of architectural designs from around the city. It appears to mimic the Black Box in Copenhagen, but with more character and colour. If you’re lucky, try and catch a show or concert inside so you can really take in all the design of this magnificent gem.
#7 - Whale Watching
As we stated in our last blog, we were unable to catch any whales while on our tour, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying being on the water. The boat ride was quite an adventure. Although the goal is always to see these aquatic creatures, its never guaranteed. Since Iceland is known for fishing and other water activities, it helped us feel more connected to the culture here in Iceland. Everyone was friendly and eager to show us their culture and profession. This is the kind of experience you can’t get on ground. You really need to be on a boat to understand!
#6 - Sun Voyager
One of the most recognised landmarks in Iceland is of course the Sun Voyager (the other one I’ll get to in a moment). This stunning sculpture, since its debut in 1990, is shown to symbolise a “dreamboat,” and the promise of unexplored territory. This showcases the dream of progress, hope, and freedom, according to the artist Jón Gunnar Árnason. You can find it on the north east side of city centre along the water.
#5 - The Settlement Exhibition
Are you a fan of Vikings? Well, you will fall in love with the Settlement Exhibition here in Reykjavik. Before the Vikings, Iceland was uninhabited. It wasn’t until 870 AD that some Vikings started making Iceland their home. These Vikings were predominantly from Norway and came with many slaves from the Celtic regions. This museum shows what kind of land Iceland used to look like and the practices the early Vikings brought to this land. From the Viking age, this museum also shows Iceland’s progression into modern-day society. It is truly interesting and helps us tourists understand Icelandic culture and history better.
#4 - Laugavegur Street
Each city has its shopping district, and for Reykjavik, this is it. What is so wonderful about shopping in Reykjavik is that it’s not the same stores you would find anywhere else. You don’t see a million Zara’s, Gucci’s, or Versace’s everywhere. Rather, there’s a bunch boutique shops around. There’s your standard souvenir shop on every block, but there’s also really nice gems mixed in. There are countless art studios as well as candy stores, cafes, spa shops, and more. And, from one angle you get a see a beautiful view of our next entry.
#3 - Hallgrimskirkja
This is the other most recognised landmark in the city. Hallgrimskirkja, sometimes known as Reykjavik cathedral, is a Lutheran church in the centre of Reykjavik. It’s pillar-like concrete architecture is widely known as one of the most unique churches in Europe. Taking 41 years to build, Hallgrimskirkja was complete in 1986. With it standing at 244 feet, it is the largest building in the city and can be seen from everywhere. While the inside is nothing spectacular, the exterior is something to marvel at. Although a simple build, it continues to enchant tourists and locals alike.
#2 - Perlan
The Perlan is perhaps one of the best museums we’ve visited while on our trips around Europe. What makes this museum so great is how interactive it is. You can wander through negative degree ice tunnels, watch screenings on the northern lights and active volcanos, learn more about Icelandic wildlife, and how Icelanders are looking to conserve their gorgeous land. Yes, it is expensive to visit, but it is worth every penny to come out to the Perlan. You’ll definitely learn a thing or two about this immense landscape.
And just as a side note, this is where you can get killer views of the city that you can’t get anywhere else. Be sure to visit the cafe and restaurant at the top to get a view from the deck.
#1 - Sky Lagoon
When thinking back at all our trips, there are always a few things that come to mind. We think of our visit to the castles of Transylvania, Cologne Cathedral, the Beer spa in Prague, fado in Lisbon, and now the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik. This was unlike anything we’ve done before. You literally swim out once you’ve exited the changing rooms. It is a natural spring pool that is huge and stunning. The rock formations are protected, and you get the chance to swim up to a bar and relax while sipping champagne or beer. The 7 spa ritual in every ticket includes facilities that look like they belong in a luxury magazine. You can stay as long as you want and take in all that Reykjavik has to offer. It was a time we will never forget, and if given the opportunity, we will do it again and again.
