A couple during sunset at the Pond
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Summer in Reykjavík

With almost 24 hours of daylight during the summer, Reykjavík truly becomes the city that never sleeps, where you can enjoy a number of popular summertime activities including whale-watching, sea-fishing, horse-back-riding and trips to the many natural wonders nearby.

Whatever you plan on doing in the city don't forget to save money by investing in the Reykjavík City Card. This city pass gives you access to our public transport system, swimming pools, many of our cultural institutions and more.

 

Midnight Sun In Reykjavík
Midnight sun at Grótta

During the summer months, the west coast of Iceland becomes an excellent viewing platform for witnessing one of nature's most magnificent shows on Earth - the setting of the midnight sun.

Summer top ten in Reykjavík!
People walking on Þúfa artwork

If you’re in Reykjavík for the summer months be prepared for an extraordinary energy boost that only comes with being in a city where night-time never falls!

Ten rainy day things to do in Reykjavik
Person with an umbrella

When you have the Gulf Stream as your next-door neighbour you can only expect the weather to become a little (or even a lot) wet, so even though it’s summertime in the land of the midnight sun, there’s always the chance of a rainy day and you should definitely prepare by packing your waterproofs, or alternatively, you could get some while you’re in town.

 

Öskjuhlíð area
Perlan on top of Öskjuhlíð

Öskjuhlíð is a beautiful woodland area surrounding Perlan—one of Reykjavík's stunning landmark buildings.

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.

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Aerial photo of Krýsuvík geothermal area

Not too far from the centre of Hafnarfjörður rest the remarkable solfatara fields of Krýsuvík, where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills.

Mt. Esja
Mount Esja under Northern lights

Dramatically dominating the Reykjavík City skyline and providing a stunning backdrop to the capital area is the impressive Mount Esja, a popular destination for day-trippers and riddled with well-worn hiking trails. Once surmounted, the view from the top of this 914-metre high mountain is breathtaking.

Mount Keilir
Mount Keilir overview

Mount Keilir is a small volcanic mountain to the south west of Hafnarfjörður (Harbour Village). It can be easily visited when travelling between Reykjavík and Keflavík Airport, or the Blue Lagoon.

Mt. Úlfarsfell
Úlfarsfell

 "Úlfarsfell" is lower than its sister "Esja", and definitely not as well known. But it's actually closer to central Reykjavík and offers just as an impressive view over the city.

Mosfellsbær Hiking Routes
Route to Mosfellsbær on a sunny day

Walkers, hikers and cyclists will love the extensive network of paths and cycling routes in this stunning part of the city!

Nauthólsvík Beach
People playing on Nauthólsvík beach

A little bit of paradise is to be found in the form of a golden-sanded geothermal beach at Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík.

Viðey
Viðey Island on a beutiful day

The combination of stunning views, historical ruins and contemporary art pieces make Viðey island something special. Just a short boat-ride takes you to another world, to be explored in your own time.

Laugardalur Valley
Laugardalur valley aerial shot

Laugardalur (Hot Spring Valley) is a major centre for sports and recreation in the capital.

Elliðaárdalur Valley
Elliðaá river on a sunny day

A 15-minute bus ride from central Reykjavík lies Elliðaárdalur Valley, a large green, public space. It's a very popular destination with the locals for all sorts of outdoor activity, including jogging, biking, walking, horse back riding, fishing and playing.

Reykjavík Botanical Garden
Botanical garden on a sunny day

The Botanic Garden is an outdoor collection of living plants.The garden’s main role is to conserve plants for education, research and delight. It conserves some 3000 plant species in eight plant collections. The collections give an idea of the enormous diversity of vegetation in the northern temperate zone.

Museums & galleries

National Gallery of Iceland
Ásmundarsafn
Water in Icelandic Nature | Icelandic Museum of Natural History
Asmundarsalur
Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum
Ásgrímur Jónsson collection
The National Museum of Iceland
The House of Collections
Viðey Island
Hafnarfjörður Museum
The Einar Jónsson Sculpture Museum
National Gallery of Iceland
The Icelandic Phallological Museum
Reykjavík Art Museum - Hafnarhús
Museum of Design and Applied Art
Natural History Museum of Kópavogur
Árbær Open Air Museum
Gerðarsafn Art Museum
Reykjavík Art Museum - Kjarvalsstaðir
Hafnarborg - the Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Art

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