Perlan – Pearl of the city
When translated, the meaning of the name Perlan is: Pearl. Because the planetarium, built on hot water tanks, shines like a jewel coming from the sea with its glass dome. In addition to the planetarium, there are interactive exhibits about Iceland’s geographical wonders. There is a planetarium under the dome. Here visitors can admire the Northern Lights among other things.
Fly: If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee for the whole exhibition, you have the option of visiting the viewing terrace only. There is a 360-degree view of the city from here. Signs explain where you are looking.
Bankastraeti Street – Promenade
The main street in downtown Reykjavik is Bankastraeti. Besides restaurants, bars and cafes, you will also find the right store for all your shopping needs. The pedestrian zone is one of the most beautiful parts of the city and is ideal for walking. If you want to relax after the city tour, you can relax in the thermal waters of the popular Laugardalslaug public swimming pool. Well worth the short walk to Kirkjusandur Beach for a beautiful sunset after a swim.
Fly: Another street worth seeing in the center of Reykjavik is the Rainbow Road to Hallgrims Church. It is a symbol of equality and gay pride.
Modern architecture in the far north
Architectural eye-catchers are also hidden among the multi-coloured houses. Hallgrímskirkja Church is the symbol of Reykjavik. The 73 sea-high tower looks like a giant rocket. From the viewing platform you have a wide view of the city and the surrounding area. Do you want a more modern architecture? The latest architectural blow is the Harpa concert hall in 2011. The façade consists of 956 glass blocks that shimmer differently depending on the time of day.
Fly: The on-site restaurant Kolabrautin offers Icelandic cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.
Old Port – Away from the tourist crowds
Reykjavik’s Old Harbor is northwest of what is now the city center and is rarely visited by tourists. The area is worth seeing because, among other things, the beautiful boat statue “Sun Voyager” is located here. Along with many beautiful boats and restaurants, the Old Harbor also offers a host of activities such as the Icelandic Whales exhibit. Boat tours are also offered, ranging from Northern Lights and whale watching to island excursions.
Fly: The Reykjavik Sculpture and Beach Walk runs from the city center to the Old Harbor.
Museums in Reykjavik – more from Phalli
In addition to the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik has many cultural attractions. For example, there is the Maritime Museum or the Art Museum with Icelandic artists and all sorts of exhibits. A particularly peculiar museum is the Phallus Museum, where the male genitalia of various Icelandic animal species are exhibited.
Fly: Icelanders are not only proud of their local culture, but also have a strong sense of humor and creativity. This can also be seen at the Punk Museum, which is housed in a redesigned public toilet, for example.
Nightlife of Reykjavik – Famous and infamous
For experts, the city is the north’s most exciting nightlife hotspot. Many pubs and bars come alive on weekends and during the midnight sun. It’s very popular: a Djammið, a type of bar crawl where you go from bar to bar. Icelanders love beer, and a thriving craft beer scene is testament to that. Borg Brugghús Brewery’s Garún Icelandic Stout has won several international awards. Be sure to try it!
Fly: Alcohol is very expensive in Iceland. The best prices are available during happy hour. The Reykjavik Appy Hour app shows low price hours of various bars.
Reykjanesfolkvangur Nature Reserve
The Reykjanesfolkvangur Nature Reserve borders the southern part of Reykjavik. Those who want to take a break from city life can relax among lava formations, crater lakes and bubbling hot spring fields. The geothermal zone also features a bright blue lake, hot mud springs, and putrid sulfur. The play of colors in the landscape during the day is particularly impressive.
Fly: Those who have seen enough of Reykjavik and want to take a stroll on the beach can visit Hafnarskeidh beach. The beach, which is about a 45-minute drive from the city center, offers kilometers of sand and space.
Excursion to the Snæfellsnes peninsula
The fact that Iceland is somehow out of this world can be seen as soon as you get close. No wonder science fiction writer Jules Verne (1828 – 1905) began his novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in Iceland. The entrance to the underground adventure is the crater of the Snæfellsjökull volcano (a worthwhile hiking spot) on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. If you’re in Iceland for just a few days, you’ll find the beauty of Iceland in miniature format on the easily accessible peninsula not far from Reykjavik: glaciers, volcanoes, charming villages and photogenic coastlines.