Reykjavik
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland, located on the country’s southwestern coast. It’s a clean, vibrant, and walkable city known for its colorful buildings, lively arts scene, and proximity to nature. Reykjavík’s history dates back to AD 874, when Norse settler Ingólfur Arnarson made it his home, making it the first permanent settlement in Iceland. The name “Reykjavík” means “Smoky Bay,” inspired by the steam rising from nearby hot springs. Over the centuries, the settlement slowly expanded, becoming an important center for fishing and trade. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Reykjavík grew rapidly as Iceland moved toward independence, which was finally achieved in 1944. From a small fishing village, it grew into Iceland’s political, economic, and cultural center. Today, it offers a unique mix of modern Nordic life and deep Viking roots.
💡 Reykjavik: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Canada, Australia, the US, Korea, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
💬 Language: Icelandic but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: Iceland’s price level is significantly higher than of the US
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Iceland n/a
💰 Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)| 1 USD = ca. 121 ISK)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: For warm weather and long days (including the midnight sun), June to August is ideal
🚘 Transportation: city buses and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Iceland uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: In Iceland, debit and credit cards are the preferred method of payment and are accepted almost everywhere, including for small purchases and bus tickets.
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not part of the culture — service charges are included. Even in restaurants or taxis, no additional tip is expected.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Skarfabakki Harbour 104 Reykjavík, Iceland (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Reykjavik, there are several ways to pay for public bus rides on Strætó. The most convenient option is the Klappið app, which lets you purchase tickets, plan your journey, and track buses in real time. You can also use a physical Klapp card or a Klapp ten—a paper card loaded with 10 rides. Contactless payments with debit or credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Europay) or mobile devices using Apple Pay or Google Pay are also accepted. Please note that as of June 1, 2025, cash is no longer accepted on Strætó buses within the capital area. For routes outside the capital area, cash payments still require exact change, as drivers do not carry any.
✈️ Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is located about 50 km (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavík’s city center. The Flybus (operated by Reykjavik Excursions) offers a direct shuttle from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavík’s BSÍ Bus Terminal and nearby hotels. Buses depart about 35–45 minutes after each arriving flight, so you can simply hop on once you’ve collected your luggage. The journey takes roughly 45 minutes, with free Wi‑Fi on board, and the service is timed to match flight arrivals—even if delayed. A one-way ticket is about 30 USD.
🚇 If your ship docks at Skarfabakki (the main terminal, 3 km out), most cruise lines provide a shuttle bus to Harpa Concert Hall—typically free or included—running every 20 minutes. From there, it's a short stroll into the heart of the city. You can also catch Strætó public buses (routes 12 or 16) near the terminal for about 650 ISK ($5), payable via Klapp app or contactless card, drivers no longer accept cash.
If your ship stops at the Old Harbour, you're already in downtown, just steps from shops, cafes, and Harpa concert hall.
🚌 In Reykjavik, one hop-on-hop-off bus circles the main sights, and more info can be found here.
⭐️ Top Sights in Reykjavik
"Reykjavik means ‘Smoky Bay'."
📸 Hallgrímskirkja: Hallgrímskirkja is Reykjavík’s most famous landmark and one of Iceland’s largest churches. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, its striking modernist style was inspired by Iceland’s basalt lava formations. Construction began in 1945 and wasn’t completed until 1986. Named after the 17th-century Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, the church features a tall tower offering panoramic views of the city. Hallgrímskirkja is both a place of worship and a symbol of Icelandic identity and resilience.
📸 Harpa Concert Hall: Harpa Concert Hall is Reykjavík’s stunning modern cultural center, known for its unique geometric glass façade inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns. Opened in 2011, it hosts concerts, conferences, and events, serving as a vibrant hub for music and the arts. Located by the harbor, Harpa combines striking architecture with a lively atmosphere, making it a must-see landmark in the city.
📸 Sólfar: Sun Voyager (Sólfar) is a striking stainless steel sculpture located along Reykjavík’s Sæbraut waterfront. Designed by Icelandic artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, it was unveiled in 1990 to commemorate the city’s 200th anniversary. While often mistaken for a Viking ship, the piece is actually a "dreamboat," symbolizing hope, freedom, and the spirit of exploration.The sculpture faces north across Faxaflói Bay toward Mount Esja, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
📸 Old Harbour: Reykjavík’s Old Harbour is a lively waterfront area blending the city’s fishing heritage with modern culture. Once the center of Iceland’s fishing industry, it’s now a popular spot for whale watching tours, seafood restaurants, art galleries, and museums like the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. With scenic views of Faxaflói Bay and Mount Esja, the Old Harbour offers a charming mix of history, nature, and vibrant local life, making it a must-visit destination in Reykjavík.
📸 Laugavegur Street: Laugavegur Street is Reykjavík’s main shopping and nightlife hub, known for its lively atmosphere and colorful storefronts. Stretching through the city center, it’s packed with boutiques, cafés, restaurants, bars, and galleries, making it the perfect place to explore Icelandic culture, shop for local design, and enjoy vibrant city life both day and night.
📸 Blue Lagoon: The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s famous geothermal spa, located about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. Known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters heated by volcanic activity, it offers a unique and relaxing experience in a stunning lava field setting. Visitors can enjoy warm pools, spa treatments, and facilities like saunas and steam rooms, making it one of Iceland’s top attractions for wellness and nature.
📸 Golden Circle: The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route and a must-do for visitors based in Reykjavík. This roughly 300-kilometer loop combines incredible natural wonders and rich history. It starts at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and where Iceland’s first parliament was established over 1,000 years ago. Next is the Geysir geothermal area, home to the lively Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water up to 30 meters high. The route finishes at the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, known as the “Golden Falls,” where powerful glacial water plunges into a deep canyon. Along the way, you’ll find opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying Iceland’s rugged landscapes, making the Golden Circle an unforgettable introduction to the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Icelandic cuisine is rooted in the country’s rugged landscape and traditional preservation methods, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients like lamb, seafood, and dairy. It emphasizes simple, hearty dishes such as grilled fish, lamb stew, and skyr (a creamy, yogurt-like dairy product). Due to Iceland’s Nordic heritage, many recipes highlight clean flavors and natural freshness, often incorporating wild herbs, berries, and seaweed. Modern Icelandic cooking blends these traditions with innovative techniques, creating a unique culinary experience that celebrates both history and nature.
🍽️ Kjötsúpa: Kjötsúpa is a traditional Icelandic lamb soup that dates back to Viking times. Made by simmering lamb on the bone with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and rutabagas, it’s a hearty and simple dish seasoned mainly with salt and pepper. Often enjoyed in winter, kjötsúpa is a beloved comfort food and an important part of Icelandic culture and hospitality.
🍽️ Plokkfiskur: Plokkfiskur is a classic Icelandic fish stew made from boiled white fish, mashed potatoes, onions, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting, hearty dish traditionally served with rye bread and butter. Popular in Icelandic homes, plokkfiskur showcases simple, fresh ingredients and reflects the country’s strong connection to the sea.
🍽️ Hangikjöt: Hangikjöt is a traditional Icelandic dish featuring smoked lamb, usually served warm or cold during festive occasions like Christmas. The lamb is gently smoked over birch wood or dried sheep dung, giving it a distinctive, rich flavor. Often paired with potatoes, peas, and a creamy béchamel sauce, hangikjöt is a beloved part of Iceland’s culinary heritage.
🍽️ Hákarl: Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic delicacy made from fermented Greenland shark. It has a strong, pungent smell and distinctive taste that can be challenging for first-timers. Often served in small cubes, hákarl is usually eaten with a shot of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature schnapps. It reflects Iceland’s historic methods of preserving food in harsh conditions.
🍽️ Rúgbrauð: Rúgbrauð is a traditional Icelandic rye bread that’s dense, dark, and slightly sweet. What makes it unique is the traditional baking method—it's slow-cooked underground using the country’s natural geothermal heat, which gives it a moist, almost cake-like texture. This bread pairs wonderfully with butter, smoked fish like salmon or trout, and lamb dishes. Rúgbrauð has been a staple in Icelandic households for centuries, valued for its long shelf life and hearty flavor that perfectly complements Iceland’s local ingredients.
🍽️ Pylsur: Pylsur is Iceland’s famous hot dog, made primarily from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef. Known for its juicy flavor and unique toppings—like crispy fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard, ketchup, and remoulade—it’s a beloved fast-food snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Often called “the best hot dog in the world,” pylsur is a must-try when in Iceland.
🍽️ Skyr: Skyr is a traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to thick yogurt but milder and creamier. Rich in protein and low in fat, it’s often enjoyed plain or with fruit, honey, or berries. Skyr has been a staple in Icelandic diets for over a thousand years and is popular as a healthy snack or breakfast option.
🥤 Brennivín: Brennivín is Iceland’s traditional schnapps, often called the “Black Death.” It’s a strong, clear spirit made from fermented grain or potatoes and flavored with caraway seeds. Brennivín is commonly enjoyed as a shot and is traditionally paired with Icelandic delicacies like fermented shark (hákarl).
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
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