Things to do in Reykjavik

Planning your trip to Reykjavik

Best time to visit

June to August brings long daylight, the mildest weather and open highland roads, and is the busiest season. The northern lights can be seen roughly from September to April on clear, dark nights, but sightings are never guaranteed. Weather can change quickly in any month, so waterproof and warm layers are needed year-round.

How many days you need

One to two days covers Reykjavik itself: Hallgrímskirkja, the harbor, Harpa concert hall, the museums and a visit to a local geothermal pool. Most visitors add at least two to three more days for the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls and black-sand beaches, or the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Getting around

The center of Reykjavik is small and walkable, with city buses for longer hops. Iceland has no passenger trains, so airport buses connect Keflavík airport with the city, and day trips are done by guided tour or rental car. In winter, check road and weather conditions before every drive, and only take a 4x4 onto mountain roads that are signed as open.

What to skip

Driving off marked roads is illegal and damages fragile ground, so stay on roads and paths. On South Coast beaches such as Reynisfjara, sudden large waves are a serious danger; keep well back from the water. Iceland's tap water is excellent, so there is no need to buy bottled water.