Guide to Reykjavik
Virtual tour of Reykjavik
Reykjavik is located in a seismic zone, which influences the city's architecture; tall buildings are rare and constructed with special care. The Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church, the fourth tallest building in Iceland, stands as the city's centerpiece, located in the historic part of the city. This area is home to several other significant landmarks. Along the shore of Lake Tjornin, the city hall is encircled by the neat and beautiful houses of wealthy citizens.
Important government buildings include the Bessastadiru, the residence of the Icelandic presidents, the country's parliament building, and the Hövdi House, now a guest house for distinguished visitors. Hövdi House gained fame as the meeting place of Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan during the "Icelandic Summit."
A must-visit for tourists is the city's boiler house "Pearl," located on Oskulid hill. It features a transparent dome and is surrounded by tanks filled with hot water. Reykjavik uses thermal water for heating, ensuring the air remains clean and clear.
Another attraction is the Harpa Concert Hall, a vast glazed structure that houses four different sized concert halls. Additionally, 30 km from the city, the Blue Lagoon Spa Resort is a popular destination, known for its natural outdoor thermal spring, maintaining an average water temperature of 39 °C.
Photos of Reykjavik
Interesting places in Reykjavik
The sights of the city are predominantly museums and a few civic and religious buildings. Tours in the city invariably include a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church, near which stands a monument to the founder of the Scandinavian settlements in America. Walking routes in the city typically pass through the Pearl Boiler House, known for its observation deck. Recreation with children in the city may not be very diverse, but places like the "Family Park" offer ample fun for a full day. Restaurants in Reykjavik primarily serve local cuisine, featuring an abundance of meat dishes and seafood.
Flight ticket prices
Reykjavik is the gateway to mysterious Iceland. Direct flights are operated by airlines such as Icelandair, Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Transavia. From Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, or Paris, tickets start at €90–160 one way. Good deals can also be found from Budapest, London, and Milan.
Prices vary by season — summer and northern lights season tend to be more expensive. To save money, book in advance and watch for special offers. Sometimes flights with layovers from Chisinau or Bratislava are cheaper than direct flights from major capitals.
The best hotels in Reykjavik
Hotels in Reykjavik are considered expensive, especially in the summer season, when the cost of accommodation at least doubles. A room in a four- or three-star hotel will cost 13-14 thousand ISK. An apartment or a farm hotel can cost the same amount. The cheapest accommodation is offered in summer in campgrounds - 4,000 ISK per night.
Travel budget
The cost of a vacation in Reykjavik consists of visa, tickets, accommodation, meals, excursions and public transportation. The main price for a vacation is formed by accommodation and food, which is quite expensive here.
On average, a three-day vacation will cost 150 thousand ISK, but you can find cheaper options.
| The budget for a trip to Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 35 EUR (5 thousand ISK) | Flight | 81 thousand ISK |
| Accomodation | 13 thousand ISK / day | Average check in a restaurant | 2 thousand ISK |
| Transportation fare | 350 ISK | Excursion | 5,8 thousand ISK |
| Total: 150 thousand ISK for 3 days | |||
Reykjavik: tips for tourists
Visa to Reykjavik
Citizens of EU countries do not need a visa. EU citizens can freely enter Iceland, as the country is part of Schengen and the European Economic Area (EEA).
Reykjavik Airport
International flights are received by Keflavík Airport, which is located 50 km from the city. Reykjavik City Airport receives such flights only in bad weather conditions.
Transfer to Reykjavik
From Keblavik Airportto Reykjavík you can take a bus or cab. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Car rental in Reykjavik
You can rent a car upon arrival at the city's airport or in the city itself: at the port, on the main streets. The roads in the country are very good, despite the proximity of geysers.
Transportation in Reykjavik
Transportation in the city is represented by buses and cabs. The bus fare is 350 ISK, but you can buy a bus pass. Cabs cost about 2400 ISK.
Security in Reykjavik
The city has a fairly high level of security, but recently there has been an increase in thefts of valuables from tourists. It is not recommended to walk outside the city without a guide due to the local nature.