Top 10 things to do in Reykjavik and surroundings

Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and the most northern situated capital city on earth. It is located in the southwest of Iceland and has a population over 120.000. It’s one of the cleanest and also safest cities in the world. Reykjavík got its name probably from Ingólfur Arnarson. He is considered as the first settler of Iceland in 870. Today, the city of Reykjavík is 234 years old.

Reykjavik and Iceland itself has always been a big dream destination for me. Is is a perfect place for a weekend trip because you can combine city lifestyle and nature in one. So we stayed in Reykjavik for 3 days and here is my list of 10 things to do and see in Reykjavik.

Sun Voyager View Point

The Sun Voyager is one of the most beautiful view points in Reykjavik. The steel sculpture should resemble a Viking boat called Solfar. It is a landmark in Reykjavik because of the picturesque view that you have. In the front you see the sea and in the background the mountains. In winter, everything is covered with snow and ice, which makes it yet more beautiful.

Solfarid should represent a dream boat and as the artist died in the year before it was placed in its actual position, it is also an ode to the sun that symbolizes light and hope. It is located on the seashore of Reykjavik close to the Harpa.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

The Hallgrímskirkja Church is the most visited place in Reykjavik. It is a unique church, because of its modern architecture. When you’re standing in front of it, it is really impressive. But it’s not only beautiful from the outside, you can also take the elevator to get up. I can highly recommend this, because you’ll have a stunning view over Reykjavik from the top of the church.

It is still used for ceremonies, which means that it is a living church. During the ceremonies, the access to the Church is restricted. However, the tower is still accessible for tourists.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur Hot Dog  is a small chain that sells hot dogs in the area of Reykjavik. The first stand opened in 1937. Since the visit of Bill Clinton in 2004, its popularity boosted. A number of other celebrities also visited the stand, like Charlie Sheen or Kim Kardashian.

I read on the internet before heading to Reykjavik that we should try this hot dog. Their hot dogs are lamb-based with pork and beef served in a bun where you can add  ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, crisp fried onion and raw onion. When you don’t have much time, a hot dog is perfect. I have to admit, that the hot dogs are amazing. I also only recommend a little stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. This means in English: The Town’s best Hot Dog.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 world wonders and one of the most visited tourist attraction in Iceland. Basically it is a geothermal spa, which is located in a lava field. The water is about 39 to 40° C and heated naturally. It is very rich in minerals, such as silica and sulfur. I highly recommend to do a quick stop there, because it will help you to take a rest.

Read next: Blue Lagoon – best place to relax in Iceland

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights were on of the main reasons why I wanted to visit Iceland. It is definitely the most exciting thing I saw during our trip in Iceland. We stayed there only for 3 nights, so the chances of seeing them were not that high. There are a lot of facts that have to match. First, there must be high activity. Second, the sky must be clear without any clouds. Third, you have to go outside the city, to really see them. So we were lucky enough to observe them.

Read next: Northern Lights in Iceland

Þingvellir National Park

The Þingvellir National Park is a natural wonder of the world. It is part of the Atlantic Ocean ridge that runs through Iceland and also the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Þingvellir is also the place where the first Parliament, called Alþing, was established. The annual parliament was held at this place from 930 to its last session in 1798.

Today it is a National Park located in the southwestern of Iceland, about 40 km from Reykjavik. This places was also declared as a Unesco World Heritage site. Þingvellir National Park is part of the Golden Circle in Iceland.

Geysir

Iceland is also famous for its geysers. Basically, the real and first geyser, the Great Geysir isn’t active anymore, it erupts from time to time. The more active one is called Strokkur, he erupts every 10 minutes and reaches a high of 40 meters. The conduct of the geyser Strokkur has been unblocked after en earthquake in 1789. In the turn of the 20th century, another earthquake blocked the conduit again and only after being cleaned by locals, the conduct was again unblocked. Since ever the Strokkur continues erupting every 10 minutes. Strokkur and its surroundings are also a stop on the Golden Circle in Iceland.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is a waterfall in the southwest of Iceland and the largest volume waterfall in Europe. Its name means golden falls. On a sunny day the water takes on a golden-brown colour. As it is glacial water, there are a lot of sediments in it. Those sediments come from the carving off the earth by glacial ice throughout the years.

When you’re standing in front of it, it is really breathtaking. When you are visiting Gullfoss in winter, you have to pay attention to not slip into the waterfall. The path leading to Gullfoss can be frozen and this is very dangerous. There is no fence that could stop you. Gullfoss is also a stop on the Golden Circle in Iceland.

Kerið

Kerið is a volcanic crater lake. It was a cone volcano, which erupted and emptied its magma reserve. It is one of the most visually stunning geological wonders in Iceland. This blue crater is about 6,500 years old. This makes is one of the three most recognizable volcanic craters in Iceland.

Unfortunately, you don’t see the blue of the water in the crater in winter. Everything is covered with snow. But it is still very impressive to be so close to a volcano.

Icelandic Horses

Icelandic Horses are a breed of horse developed in Iceland. The horses are pony-sized but still called horses. They are long-lived and have few diseases. Something special about the Icelandic horses is that once they are exported, they cannot come back to Iceland. Icelandic law also prevents horses from being imported.

When you approach them, they are very curious. You can pet them. They feel very fluffy and are very kind animals.

I really appreciate being in Iceland and I’m sure I will return for the Ring Road. Have you been to Reykjavik before and other must do’s?

Read next: Top 10 things to do in Banff National Park, Canada