Reykjavík skyline at night

Reykjavík after Dark

Many of those who arrive in Reykjavík are taken by the sheer array of entertainment venues and bars, all of which offer their own unique insight into the capital's culture. The nightlife is centred in one place, downtown Reykjavík, where all venues are within easy walking distance. But the nightlife is not the only thing Reykjavík has to offer after dark as some shops and museums are open late on certain days of the week, and all swimming pools in Reykjavík are open during the evening. Furthermore, in recent years there‘s been an expansion in the entertainment section with karaoke, drag, burlesque, and comedy show becoming a weekly occurrence aiming for both local and foreign crowds. Theatres have also started subtitling shows once a week and Harpa concert hall has an annual event calendar that rivals other concert halls in bigger cities. A good way to start the evening would be to dine in one of the 200 restaurants which can be found in the capital area, before enjoying a night out of their choice.

Annual festivals like The Winter Lights Festival and Culture Night undeniably make their mark during the evening hours as locals and visitors come together in the city centre to enjoy the festivities.

Of course, the Northern lights have to be mentioned as they can be seen in the city on clear and crisp winter nights. They appear in a variety of colours and intensity, either twirling gently in shades of milky green or occasionally blazing in a wild and multi-coloured dance across the night sky. The quality of darkness is surprisingly high in many areas of Reykjavík, with beautiful secluded dark parks such as Reynisvatn Lake, Borgarholt Church Hill,  Grótta Lighthouseand Heiðmörk ensuring a great experience.

Winter Lights Festival
Hallgrímskirkja lid up at a Winter Lights Festival

February 1st - 4th 2024

The long winter days of darkness in Reykjavík will be illuminated magnificently at the city’s next annual Winter Lights Festival.

Reykjavík Culture Night
Culture Night - photo Raggi Th.

August 24th 2024

Culture Night is both created and enjoyed by city residents and takes place all across central Reykjavik, with celebrations in the streets and squares, in museums, businesses, and in residential gardens! 

 

Heiðmörk
Heiðmörk at day time

Get ready for the diverse landscapes and unbelievable lava formations of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. Enjoy hiking, fishing or horseback riding, walk among the 26 species of trees and spot some of the 60 species of wild birds. Watch the northern lights away from the city lights. You can experience the diversity of Icelandic nature all within the capital.

Geothermal Pools & Spas
Sky Lagoon

Swimming pools in Iceland are nothing like in most European Cities. If you truly want to follow in the footsteps of the locals, you should visit one of Reykjavík's 18 swimming pools.

The Northern Lights
The northern lights over Reykjavík skyline

Iceland is renowned for its otherworldly illuminations, the Northern Lights being one remarkable example. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights can be experienced in Iceland during winter, where they appear in a variety of colours and forms.

Grótta
Grótta lighthouse

On the tip of Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, is a place called Grótta and there you'll find a popular lighthouse. Grótta was declared a nature reserve in 1974 due to its abundant birdlife.

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