Reykjavík is the capital and by far the largest city of Iceland, where all cultural and administrative institutions are concentrated, and where there is the largest selection of hotels, restaurants and shops.
Reykjavík will almost always be the destination for at least your first and last night in Iceland, thanks to Keflavík KEF International Airport, located about 40 km from the city.
However, many travellers will stay in the city for the duration of their stay thanks to all the services available as well as good transport links.
Sights and attractions
As the largest city in Iceland, Reykjavík itself offers many attractions that should not be missed.
Church Hallgrímskirkja
This Lutheran church with its unique architecture is one of the symbols of Reykjavík and at 74 metres high, it is also the 2nd tallest building in all of Iceland. The shape of Chárm Hallgrímskirkja is more like a launching shuttle than a religious building. Construction began in 1945 and was not completed until 1986.
Since it is located on top of a hill, it is a landmark of the whole town visible from afar, and its tower also serves as a viewing platform.
The church is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entrance to the church is free, and you pay to climb the tower 1 000 isk. Official website: hallgrimskirkja.is
Harpa Concert Hall
One of Reykjavik's other now iconic buildings is the Harpa Concert and Conference Hall, inaugurated in 2011. The steel structure is covered with hundreds of glass structures of different colours, designed to resemble the wild basalt landscape of Iceland.
The building has been awarded several times as one of the best modern concert halls in Europe. Official website: www.harpa.is/en
Höfði
Höfði House (also transliterated as Höfdi in English) is a small, unassuming wooden villa built in 1909 on the northern outskirts of Reykjavik. The house was originally built as the residence of the French consul, but only became world famous in 1986.
In mid-October this year, Höfði was the venue for the Reykjavik Summit, and it was in this house that US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev met. It was here that the decision was taken to ban the deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Europe altogether, which was later described as the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
Sun voyager
The large steel sculpture resembling a ship, as well as the skeleton of a whale, came from the hand of architect Jón Gunnar Árnason and was uncovered in 1990. Sun Voyager is described as a dream ship or an ode to the sun and is meant to symbolise undiscovered territories and dreams of hope.
Accommodation Reykjavík
Iceland's capital serves as the best and in fact only main base for initial accommodation upon arrival, but also for a complete stay thanks to its proximity to the so-called Golden Circle. Thanks to the wide range of hotels and apartments, prices in Reykjavik are kept within reasonable limits from around 92 eur per night.
To help you find your way around, we select the best value for money accommodation with 110 eur prices per night: Center Hotels Plaza, 100 Iceland Hotel, Reykjavík Downtown Hotel.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Iceland.
