Why choose Reykjavík

In Reykjavík, city life harmoniously coexists with nature, where you can experience the ocean, mountains, northern lights, and geothermal wonders up close.

Reykjavík is a compact city shaped around accessible parks and recreational areas, with an extensive network of walking and cycling paths linking neighbourhoods, green spaces and the coastline. Popular routes run through places like Elliðaárdalur valley and along the seafront in West Reykjavík.

Nature is never far away. Mountains, islands and the ocean frame the city, while parks and quieter areas offer space to walk, spot birds or, on clear winter nights, see the Northern Lights. Locations such as the Reykjavík Botanical Garden and Viðey Island are easily reached and known for their birdlife.

A short distance from the city centre, dramatic lava formations of Gálgahraun and Búrfellsgjá provide insight into Iceland’s geology and history. Even within Reykjavík, low light pollution in areas such as Grótta and Reynisvatn makes it possible to experience the night sky in a relatively natural setting.

Reykjavík offers a variety of outdoor activities, sightseeing tours, and adventures, including whale watching, buggy tours, skiing, and the chance to see northern lights. 

Summer or winter, Reykjavík offers plenty for those looking for an active stay. The ski areas at Bláfjöll and Skálafell, about 30 minutes from the city centre, provide downhill and cross-country skiing in winter, and hiking and mountain biking in summer. Skálafell Bike Park has trails for all levels, while Mount Esja offers wide views over the city.

Horse farms sit just outside Reykjavík, and riding tours are a popular way to explore the landscape. For something faster-paced, ATV and buggy tours run across the surrounding terrain, a well-used setting for this kind of activity.

With easy access to nature, outdoor activities and open landscapes, Reykjavík provides space to slow down, recharge and find balance in every season. Its geothermal culture - recognised by UNESCO - further shapes everyday wellbeing, from heated pools to natural hot water use across the city.

Geothermal water and clean energy shape a network of swimming pools and baths that reflect a long-standing local tradition. These spaces are closely tied to everyday life, offering a setting where people unwind, meet and stay connected to their surroundings.

Natural energy is used extensively, with electricity and heating supplied almost entirely by geothermal and hydropower. Emissions remain low, cycling is supported year-round, and the city is working towards carbon neutrality by 2040.

Sustainability is also reflected across the tourism sector, with many hotels part of Vakinn, the official quality and environmental certification for Icelandic tourism. Options such as Reykjavík Eco Campsite and responsible tour operators support more environmentally conscious travel.

In Reykjavík, you can experience a vibrant cultural scene, characterized by world-class artists, museums, and exhibitions, offering a surprising richness for a city of its size. 

Reykjavík has a strong and longstanding commitment to the arts. Its cultural calendar is shared by events such as the Reykjavík Arts Festival, Reykjavik Fringe, Reykjavík Dance Festival, and Culture Night. The city´s museums offer an accessible way to explore its history and creative life, from the Reykjavík City Museum and Reykjavík Art Museum - the largest museum network in Iceland - to Perlan´s nature exhibitions, the Museum of Design and Applied Art, the Arbaer Open Air Museum, which preserves the city´s early built heritage. 

The city is also a UNESCO City of Literature, the first non-English-speaking city to receive the designation in August 2011, reflective a deep literary tradition. That history is especially visible during the December holiday season, when the Jólabókaflóð, or Christmas Book Flood, brings residents into bookstores to and exchange new titles.   

Music and films

Film and music are equally embedded in the city´s cultural life. Reykjavík has a wide range or cinemas, including venues dedicated to art-house and Icelandic film, often with English subtitles. Several annual festivals, including Stockfish, the Reykjavík International Children´s Festival and the Reykjavík International Film Festival, draw both local and international audiences. 

Music is a constant presence. Concerts take place year-round across venues large and small, from formal halls to more informal stages. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, musicians´ schedule fills up quickly, with dozens of performances that give the season a distinctly local character. 

Iceland was the first country to elect an openly gay head of state, and Reykjavík remains notably open and inclusive. LGBTQ+ visitors feel welcomed and seen, and it has become a popular destination for queer weddings. Pride events in August draw large, enthusiastic crowds and strong local support. 

The city is well suited to families, too, with very low levels of serious crime and child-friendly policies. Parents and their children can move easily between museums, swimming pools, and other activities, without having to worry about safety.