Reykjavik
Iceland
- Safety rating
- 9.5/10
- Best time to visit
- June to August for midnight sun and road trip weather. September to March for Northern Lights (best viewing October–February, away from city lights). February is the sweet spot — long dark nights for aurora, roads generally passable.
- Population
- 0.1M
Overview
Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and one of its smallest — a city of colourful corrugated-iron houses, geothermally-heated swimming pools, globally acclaimed restaurants, and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. From the city, the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and southern waterfalls are day-trip distance. The Northern Lights are visible from the suburbs in winter.
Top attractions
Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, National Museum of Iceland, Tjörnin Lake, Laugavegur shopping street, Golden Circle (day trip), Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights tours, Þingvellir National Park, South Coast waterfalls
Getting around
Fly Bus from Keflavik airport to the city centre. Local buses (Strætó) cover Reykjavik. Car rental is essential for exploring Iceland. Cycling in summer is popular in the city. Taxis are expensive.