Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, located on the southwestern shore of the island of Thingvellir. It has a latitude of 64°08′ N, making it the world’s northernmost capital of a sovereign state. The name Reykjavík literally means smoky bay in Icelandic, referring to the steam rising from the hot springs in the area. It has a population of around 123 thousand as of 2017, not including the surrounding municipalities totaling some more than 138 thousand inhabitants. Reykjavik is filled with many things to see. The city is fairly compact. This makes it an easy destination to explore in a short amount of time. For those that take a cruise with a stop in this city, the port isn’t far from many of the major sights. Here’s what cruise goers should see and do while in Reykjavik.
Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral
Don’t miss Hallgrímskirkja, an 18-story neo-Gothic church that rises above downtown Reykjavík. At its peak, you can see all of Reykjavík and much of Iceland beyond. It also houses The Whispering Windows; when you stand between two windows on opposite sides of a pillar, a whisper from one window can be heard at another!
Laugavegur Street in Reykjavik
This is the main street in the area. It’s a great place for cruise passengers to visit, who are often short on time, as there are a lot of shops to explore all in one central area. It’s a great spot to go to buy souvenirs or stop and grab a bite to eat. The Laugavegur street is a great place for walking and sightseeing. You can visit some of Iceland’s most famous attractions like Perlan, Hallgrimskirkja Church, and Harpa Concert Hall. It’s also near some of Reykjavik’s best museums such as Árbær Open Air Museum and Settlement Exhibition.
The National Museum in Reykjavik
Travelers that are interested in the history of Reykjavik must visit this museum. It features exhibits that include artifacts of the Settlement Era. There’s an impressive collection of both weapons and jewelry.
The Blue Lagoon
One of the most relaxing places to visit in Reykjavik is The Blue Lagoon. This thermal spa features geothermal waters that visitors can soak in. It’s become famous throughout the world and some individuals swear by the water’s healing properties. You can’t go wrong with a long soak in one of Iceland’s natural hot pots. The Vesturbaejarlaug public pool is frequented by kids, so if you’re looking for a place to swim amongst locals, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Catch A Show at Harpa Concert Hall
Located along Reykjavík’s central bay, Harpa was designed by renowned architect Henning Larsen Architects and officially opened on May 4, 2011. Harpa is home to two unique concert halls, an art gallery, a restaurant and bar. An ongoing series of free lunchtime concerts takes place in Harpa’s main hall every Tuesday from noon until 1:00 pm.
Northern Lights at Perlan
Iceland is known for its Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. The magical lights are a phenomenon that should not be missed when visiting Iceland. One of the best places to see them is at Perlan (The Pearl), a man-made structure built atop an old glacier overlooking Reykjavik and Lake Tjörnin. At night, you can watch and photograph auroras while sipping coffee or hot chocolate and enjoying local ice cream.
