Flights to Reykjavik

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Iceland for tourism or business purposes under 90 days. For other nationalities, please check the Schengen Visa Info website.

Things to do and places of interest in Reykjavik

Vibrant and colorful, Reykjavik caters to travelers with diverse preferences. You can pack your itinerary with a variety of activities and attractions related to art, history, culture, nature, food and shopping. Here are some suggestions on what to see and do when visiting Reykjavik.

• Tour the popular visitor sites such as Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, Harpa concert hall, Sculpture and Shore Walk, and the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture.
• Do the museum circuit. Visit museums such as the National Gallery of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland, The Settlement Exhibition, Culture House, the Árbaer Open Air Museum, the Saga Museum, and the Reykjavik Maritime Museum.
• Go cycling, walking, hiking, fishing, boating, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful parks, green spaces, and recreational areas in and around Reykjavik. The notable ones include Elliðaárdalur Valley, Krýsuvík Geothermal Area, and Viðey Island.
• Your trip to Iceland is complete only after you’ve experienced the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The breathtaking sight lighting up the night sky is especially brilliant in the winter months. Drive to the outskirts of the city to find darker skies, or join an organized tour that will drive you to the best viewing sites outside the city.
• Drive along the 190-mile Golden Circle route that runs by the Thingvellir National Park. Check out the majestic Golden Falls and the geothermal Haukadalur Valley Strokkur geyser, gushing water 60 to 100 feet into the air every 5 minutes.
• Walk around the bustling Old Harbor area, and sample meals and drinks from a variety of restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the lively entertainment and street performances.
• Shop for clothes, souvenirs, and specialty foods, and sample delicious international cuisine along Laugavegur Street.
• Relax in steaming, blue waters at the geothermal mineral spa Blue Lagoon, located about 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik, or visit some of the other thermal pools and spas in the city.

Tips and tricks for visiting Reykjavik

Appreciate the region’s wildlife and marine life

Reykjavik and its outskirts offers plenty of activities, including coastal bike tours and angling adventures to learn how to catch trout, the Icelandic way. You can also book a relaxed whale-watching tour, walk among rare animal species as part of a wildlife adventure tour, or visit some of the farms in the area that offer horseback riding tours on Iceland’s iconic, sturdy horses.

Invest in a Reykjavik City Card

It’s worth purchasing a Reykjavik City Card, which allows free entry to various museums, thermal pools, and other attractions. The card also features unlimited free use of public transport and ferries to Viðey Island, plus discounts and offers on a host of restaurants, tours and concerts. Cards are available for 24, 48, and 72-hour durations and the card cost for adults ranges from 3,800 ISK – 6,500 ISK.