How it works🇳🇱NL

Flight price per month

Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

75jan67feb84mar110apr102may130jun170jul152aug123sep86oct87nov112dec

Discover Reykjavik

Gullfoss, Reykjavik
Gullfoss
Harpa, Reykjavik
Harpa

City guide

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik sits along the Faxafloi Bay on Iceland's southwestern coast as the world's northernmost sovereign capital. The city unites the small-town warmth of a coastal community with an adventurous arts scene, striking contemporary architecture, and an elemental bond with nature.

Between the cheerful painted corrugated-iron houses, the geometric glass facade of Harpa Concert Hall, and the soaring tower of Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik runs entirely on clean geothermal energy. The city serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring ice caps, roaring glacial waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and the Northern Lights.

Best time to go
June through August is the most popular season, offering mild summer highs between 12 and 15°C and the magical midnight sun with continuous 24-hour daylight. September through March marks the Northern Lights season, when the aurora borealis dances across dark, clear skies. Winters are crisp (hovering near freezing), but warmed by the North Atlantic Current, making them much milder than often assumed.
From the airport
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is situated 50 kilometres southwest of the city on the Reykjanes peninsula. Dedicated express buses including Flybus and Airport Direct depart after every scheduled flight arrival, reaching the BSI bus terminal or your hotel in roughly 45 to 50 minutes. Taxis cost between 130 and 160 euros.
Getting around
Central Reykjavik surrounding the shopping streets of Laugavegur and the Old Harbor is compact and completely walkable. For local trips to suburban thermal pools, Straeto public city buses offer reliable service. To explore the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and regional waterfalls, renting a car or booking guided tours is the standard choice.

What to see in Reykjavik

  • Hallgrimskirkja ChurchThe iconic 74-metre Lutheran landmark inspired by Iceland's stepped basalt lava columns. Ride the elevator to the open-air tower deck for 360-degree views across colorful rooftops and the sea.
  • Harpa Concert HallThe architectural showpiece on the harbor, featuring a honeycomb facade of multifaceted colored glass panels designed by Olafur Eliasson that capture the shifting coastal light.
  • Geothermal Public PoolsReykjavik's historic social hubs (such as Sundhollin and Laugardalslaug), where locals gather in hot pots and mineral steam baths in any weather.
  • The Old Harbor and GrandiThe revitalized fishing port packed with artisan seafood bistros, chocolate makers, maritime museums, and boat piers for puffin and whale watching.

Neighbourhoods

  • Midborg (Downtown 101)The pedestrian core centered on Laugavegur and Skolavordustigur, packed with colorful timber houses, design boutiques, and cozy craft beer bars.
  • GrandiThe industrial harbor district turned culinary hotspot, home to artisan ice cream shops, food halls, and whale-watching departure docks.
  • VesturbaerA peaceful residential neighborhood west of the center, known for historic university grounds, coastal walking paths, and the popular Vesturbaejarlaug pool.

Food and drink

Taste fresh Arctic char and Atlantic cod, or warm up with a steaming bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb stew (kjotsupa) cooked with hearty root vegetables. Grab an iconic Icelandic hot dog from the historic Baejarins Beztu Pylsur stand (ask for 'eina med ollu': with crispy fried onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade). Try dense rye bread (rugbraud) slow-baked in geothermal ground, and creamy protein-rich skyr.

Questions about Reykjavik

When can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?

The aurora borealis is visible from late August through mid-April on dark, clear nights with sufficient solar activity. During strong displays, they can even be viewed from coastal spots in town like the Grotta lighthouse.

What is the etiquette when visiting Icelandic thermal swimming pools?

In all Icelandic public pools, you are strictly required to shower thoroughly with soap without your swimsuit before entering the communal pools and hot tubs. Hygiene standards are strictly maintained.

Month by month breakdown

Fotocredits (3)
  • Hallgrímskirkja door Steinninn, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Gullfoss door Nickspix, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Harpa door Ivan Sabljak, arkitekt: Hennings Larsens in Denmark, CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons