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Free Walking Tour Reykjavik

Free walking tour Reykjavik shows you the capital and largest city of Iceland, located on the southern coast of the island. It is a vibrant and modern city that boasts a unique blend of traditional Icelandic culture and modern European influences. Reykjavik is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including glaciers, hot springs, geysers and more, as well as its thriving arts and music scene. It is also home to many cultural institutions, including museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as an array of restaurants and shops. Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of Iceland’s natural wonders and its rich cultural heritage.

General information

Meet your guide outside of the Hallgrimskirkja Church

11:00 hrs / 18:00 hrs

Tip only basis

Please remember to check your ticket after booking to ensure you don’t miss any updates from your guide.

Free Walking Tour Reykjavik – Itinerary

Free walking tour Reykjavik starts at the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church, which is one of the tallest structures in Reykjavik and offers great views over the city from the top. From there, visit the Reykjavik City Museum to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Walk through the charming old town, lined with colorful buildings and picturesque streets, and visit the Parliament House, home to the Icelandic parliament since 1944.

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Next, head over to the Sun Voyager sculpture, a beautiful metal statue that symbolizes hope and freedom, and the nearby Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, an architectural marvel with a stunning glass facade. Finish your tour at the Tjornin pond, a popular recreational area and bird-watching spot, surrounded by parks and cafes.

This 2-hour walking tour will give you a glimpse into Reykjavik’s rich history and culture, as well as its stunning architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, and lively atmosphere.

The 11 best free things to do in Reykjavík 

Jun 10, 2022 • 5 min read

Reykjavík has several public geothermal pools to soak in for free © tipwam/Shutterstock

The Icelandic capital is often ranked one of Europe’s most expensive cities, but it's not without its bargain side – there are plenty of free things to do in Reykjavík too. 

As a rule of thumb, see how locals spend their weekends and afternoons to find free (or almost free) experiences around town, from culture to natural excursions. Here are 11 of our favorites to get you started. 

See the northern lights at Grótta

Legendary Icelandic businessman Einar Benediktsson, who constructed many iconic buildings in Reykjavík, once tried to sell the northern lights to a Danish visitor. Luckily, he did not succeed.

The auroras are visible in the months of darkness between September and April, but within Reykjavík, they're rarely strong enough to outshine the city lights. To vastly increase your chances of spotting the Arctic phenomena , caused by solar winds slamming into Earth's magnetic fields, take an hour-long walk from the city center to the beach of Grótta. 

The coastal walk to Grótta is pleasant during the day too, and during low tide, it's possible to reach the iconic lighthouse on the absolute tip of Reykjavík's peninsula. Just get back before high tide! 

Go for a swim at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

If Nauthólsvík were located several latitudes south, its strip of yellow sand would smell of sunscreen and sangria year-round. Here, however, the scene only bursts to life during Reykjavík's precious days of beach weather. 

Nauthólsvík is manufactured – yellow sand is not found naturally in southern Iceland – and labeled a geothermal beach, with warm hot tubs and a heated lagoon. It's a popular local swimming spot, especially during lunch hours and after work. The city of Reykjavík employs lifeguards and operates changing rooms free of charge from mid-May to mid-August. Winter admission is 740 króna (US$5.80). 

Climb Mt Esja and admire the views

At 910m (2986ft), Mt Esja dominates the view from Reykjavík's coastline. Trekking it takes hours, but at the same time, it's manageable for most abilities.

The best paths are along the Mógilsá River up to the Þverfellshorn summit. The final stretch is steep and only accessible during summer; most hikers stop at 800m (2625ft) by a rock known as the Stone (Steinn). 

Bus 57 stops by the base; getting there takes about an hour from downtown. 

Visit during festival time for free entertainment

The city of Reykjavík organizes a variety of public events year-round, number one being  Culture Night , or Menningarnótt, held every year around the 20th of August. Events ranging from pancake parties to street performances play out across town, concluding with a massive concert by the harbor. Expect fireworks! 

Other guaranteed summertime celebrations  include Sailors Day in early June, National Day on June 17 and Gay Pride in August; there's also the Winter Lights Festival in February and the Children's Culture Festival in April.

For upcoming events, pick up a copy of the Reykjavík Grapevine , the city's largest English-language publication, distributed for free around town. 

Go berry-picking in Heiðmörk 

Picking crowberries and bilberries is a seasonal ritual for Icelanders young and old. In Reykjavík, many head to the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve at the edge of town with empty buckets and empty stomachs, typically from mid-August to mid-September. The area is vast and flat, popular for cycling and walking. Mushrooming is possible here too.

Join a walking tour to learn about Icelandic history  

Led by a witty local through downtown monuments and buildings, walking tours are a popular way to explore Iceland's history. Just note that these tours are generally advertised as free, but the guides rely on tips – in other words, they do cost.

The two largest operators – CityWalk  and Your Friend in Reykjavik  – offer two-hour walks throughout the day, at least during the summer. Tours tailored to runners, foodies and music lovers are also available; check out the Airbnb Experiences platform for a wide selection.  

Spend a rainy day playing at the Nordic House 

An architectural landmark by the University of Iceland campus, designed by the acclaimed Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, the Nordic House  has an excellent indoor playroom for young children, located in the basement, with Legos from Denmark, Mumin characters from Finland, wooden Ikea toys from Sweden and books about elves and trolls from Iceland and Norway. 

The institution also hosts several events and exhibitions year-round and has a restaurant known for New Nordic cuisine. 

Commune with nature at the Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden 

Across the street from the landmark Hallgrímskirkja  church is a quiet sculpture garden featuring the works of renowned 20th-century artist Einar Jónsson, who once lived in the attached museum building and curated much of the garden with his wife, Anna. Museum admission is 1500kr ($12), but the outdoor area is always open and free. 

Admire the architecture at Harpa concert hall 

Completed in 2011, Harpa  is a modern landmark in Reykjavík. Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Elíasson designed the distinguished glass façade, inspired by the natural basalt columns found in the Icelandic landscape. 

The building hosts conferences and events, but visitors are always welcome inside to look at the award-winning architecture. 

Take a dip in a geothermal pool 

Hot water is one of the few things Icelanders pay less for than the average European. Thanks to the abundant geothermal supply, there are 17 public pools in and around Reykjavík . All but one are outdoors, with multi-temperature hot tubs and saunas, open from early morning to evening. 

The three pools in comfortable walking distance from the city center are Sundhöllin , Vesturbæjarlaug and Laugardalslaug . For smaller crowds, we recommend Sundlaug Seltjarnarness , Árbæjarlaug , Grafarvogslaug and the new Dalslaug . 

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• Attractions & Activities
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• Hafnarfjörður
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• Seltjarnarnes
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Top Free Things To Do In Reykjavík

Reykjavík can easily be enjoyed on a budget. However, it's worth mentioning that the best bang-for-the-buck in the Reykjavík City Card, which offers free access to all major museums, swimming pools and art galleries in the city. Read more about it HERE . 

Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center

Formally opened in 2011, Harpa has become one of Reykjavík’s signature landmarks. Its glass dome, designed by the artist Olafur Eliasson, is a breathtaking structure, whether being viewed from the inside or outside. If you can, do catch a show in the impressive “Eldborg”, the largest music hall. Either way, a visit to Harpa is well worth your time.

Austurvöllur and the Parliament

As you might know, the Iceland parliament, Alþingi, is one of the oldest parliaments in the world. It was moved to Reykjavík in 1844, after having had its sessions in Þingvellir for almost 900 years. The present parliament building was built in 1881 and is located by Austurvöllur.

Austurvöllur is a public park in 101 Reykjavík, often considered the heart of the city’s downtown area. A popular picnic spot and hang-out in summer, this greenfield was also the main location of the “Kitchenware Revolution” in 2008. In the centre of Austurvöllur, a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, Iceland’s national hero, can be found.

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Designed in 1937, construction finally finished in 1986. Hallgrímskirkja Church is Reykjavík’s main landmark, with its distinct tower which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. A trip to the top offers great views all over the city and its surroundings.

Kópavogskirkja Church

Definitely less known than its sister Hallgrímskirkja , the church in Kópavogur offers just as an impressive view over Reykjavík. The church is an interesting piece of modern architecture, but we really come here for the scenery. On a beautiful day, this place will provide some awesome photo opportunities. Borgarholt, the hill upon which the church stands, is according to folklore one of the biggest elf-colonies in Iceland. 

Free Walking Tours

Citywalk offers free, guided, walking tours in central Reykjavík every day. There are actually a few tours each day, which take about 2 hours a piece. Here you will learn about the city and Iceland’s culture, history and heritage. Although completely free, donations are of course appreciated.

Bessastaðir & Álftanes 

Bessastaðir is the Icelandic "White House", home of president Guðni and his family. Not as heavily guarded as many presidential residences, visitors are allowed to roam around outside the house and its surroundings. If you decide to make the trip, we recommend exploring the Álftanes area a bit. The beautiful and very Icelandic Garðakirkja church is located here. Álftaneskaffi café is not far away from Bessastaðir, well known for its excellent cakes, soups and sourdough pizzas. Last but not least is the swimming pool of Álftanes, which deserves its own entry...

Mount Úlfarsfell 

Mount Esja has become well-known among visitors as the go-to hiking spot near Reykjavík. Fewer people know about the marked trails of Mount Úlfarsfell. The mountain is closer to the centre, much lower than Esja and easier to climb. But still, it offers a very pleasant hike with great views over the city and Faxaflói Bay.

Sólfarið Sculpture (Sun Voyager) 

“Sólfar”, the steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, is probably one of Iceland’s most famous pieces of art. With amazing mountain-view, this Viking-ship-like sculpture is one of Reykjavík’s most popular photo spots.

City Hall is the home of a huge 3D printed map of Iceland on the ground floor. The building itself is also quite interesting, bringing us to the next attraction … The Pond. 

Tjörnin, or “The Pond”, by City Hall, has since long become an integral part of Reykjavík city life. It’s home to many of Reykjavík’s best-known houses, as well as up to 50 species of birds that can be seen the year around. A part of this area is “Hljómskálagarðurinn”, a large green space with walking paths and play rides for kids. People are kindly asked not to feed the ducks since it attracts birds of prey thus making it a dangerous environment for little ducklings.

Heiðmörk is a nature reserve on the outskirts of Reykjavík. It's a huge open, green, public space with many interesting landmarks and beautiful sceneries. To name a few, Rauðhólar is an area known for its red rock-formation, standing by Elliðavatn lake. Maríuhellar is a lava cave near Garðabær, in the old days used to gather sheep. Forestry is practised in Heiðmörk in a few different areas. There are many marked hiking trails to be found.

The main shopping street, Laugavegur, is also the place to go for Reykjavík’s nightlife. Formerly, shops and bars were mainly to be found on this particular street, but these days they have spread over the area around as well. Skólavörðustígur, leading up to Hallgrímskirkja Church and Austurstræti, near The Icelandic Parliament, are honourable mentions.

Grótta Lighthouse

This beautiful lighthouse stands a 15-minute bus ride from the centre of Reykjavík, in Seltjarnarnes. The lighthouse is located on a small island that is only accessible during low tide. The surroundings, buzzing with birdlife, sure are beautiful with an amazing view of the mountains and over the gulf. Nearby is Iceland’s oldest stone house, Nesstofa. In winter, Grotta is a popular destination for aurora-gazing.

Þúfa (pronounced: th-oo-pha) is an outdoor art installation in the Grandi area by Ólöf Nordal. Not only does this little hill (that’s what “Þúfa” means) offer peace within the city and reference to simpler times, but it also boasts of a great view towards Harpa Music Hall and Reykjavík's surrounding mountains.

Elliðaárdalur Valley

Elliðaárdalur Valley encloses one of Iceland's best salmon-fishing rivers. You'll have to join the club and participate in an annual lottery for a permit, but taking a stroll is free and everybody is welcome. There's more life here than just fish: you can expect to see rabbits hopping around and locals prepare for a marathon. Árbær Open Air Museum is not far away. And if you follow the pathway beyond the damp, you will come to Árbæjarlaug swimming pool.

Hellisgerði

Hellisgerði is an old urban park located in Hafnarfjörður, formally opened in 1923. The volcanic rocks, caves and trees serve as a great playground for kids. Over 20 species of trees can be found in the garden, plus some smaller bushes and flowers. The water fountain is designed by Ásmundur Sveinsson, one Iceland's most important sculptors. Tucked away in a cosy residential neighbourhood, Hellisgerði is a great place for a picnic on a sunny day.

Hafnarfjordur Museum

A great alternative (or accompaniment!) to Árbær Open Air Museum, Hafnarfjörður Museum also turns its spotlight towards "Old-Iceland", but in regards to the Hafnarfjörður area. The museum consists of 5 old houses and a guided pathway, which explore the history and culture of this fishing village through photographs, artefacts and other interesting objects. Especially popular with kids is the toy collection, found in Pakkhúsið house.

Marshall House

The Marshall House is a centre for visual art in the Grandi area. Formerly a fishmeal factory, the abandoned house was re-designed and renovated to become a home to contemporary art and a restaurant. Now, 4 "institutes" operate here: The Living Art Museum, Gallery Kling & Bang, Studio Ólafur Elíasson and Marshall Restaurant + Bar. An ideal place to stop on your way to Þúfa!

Álafosskvosin

Álafosskvosin is a cute little spot in Mosfellsbær. The river Varmá runs through this small valley, and has been powering the wool factory there since 1896 (well, at least until we got electricity). Here you'll find a nice café, excellent for dining outside in summer, and the famous wool shop of Álafoss. For fans of Sigur Rós, their recording studio is located here in an old swimming pool. We might as well mention that Mosfellsbær has a great swimming pool, and Gljúfrasteinn and Mount Úlfarsfell, mentioned earlier, are not far away.

#visitreykjavik

Free Reykjavík Original Walking Tour

Explore Reykjavik through a different lens

There on the coast of Iceland lies this beauty, the largest city in the country laced with a spectacular show of art woven into its atmosphere, and amazing history of the Viking. Join the Free Reykjavik Original Walking Tour as we walk through the beautiful street of Reykjavik, and the National and Saga Museum.

The geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, near the village of Grindavik is a beautiful place to walk through with your camera for pictures of this natural beauty.  On this Free Naivasha walking tour, travel through time to experience the history of this beautiful city.

Why Tour with Us

• Numerous Destinations to explore:  When we tour, we go all out. No stone is left unturned, no magical site is left unseen and no story is left unexperienced.
• Perfect Prices: The perfect tour at an unbeatable price. Not even our counterparts can beat the reach. Every tour gives you great value for your money and more.
• Passionate Tour Guides: Each tour guide has a rich history of exploring the locations before you arrive. Their expertise and love for the location shine through each tour as they interact with you.
• Scenic Sights: What’s a tour without a visit to the most captivating scenic sights in the location? Scenic sights are a must that even we cannot compromise.
• Swift Booking Process:  Easy to navigate website and app makes everything a butter-smooth process. Log in, select your preferred tour, and book! It’s that’s easy.
• Constant Support:  We understand that traveling gives rise to concerns, queries and doubts, so, we make sure that we’re available always to help put your mind at ease.

This tour is perfect for:

• Backpackers
• Avid Explorers

TIP: If you want to know where to find live music, the finest clubs to pass the night, and the best restaurants to eat in – we’ll make sure you get all the inside info!

Of course, this experience will only be complete if you join us at night for our exciting Free   Reykjavik Pub Crawl  to experience the highly active nightlife!

N.B.: The tour may take one of the several routes through the city depending on the guide, the needs of the group, and the weather on the day.

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CityWalk Reykjavik Free Walking Tour

Today I had an amazing Reykjavik free walking tour with Eric from CityWalk. This tour starts at 2pm by the Parliament building, on Austurvöllur square . Meet   next to the statue of Jón Sigurðsson, a leader of Iceland’s independence movement.

A review of the Reykjavik free walking tour with Citywalks

One great thing about this walking tour is that it’s wheelchair accessible. The walking tour is also priced as ‘free’ to allow everyone to attend, but I encourage you to make a donation at the end of the tour, as it is not funded by the government or anything else, and the guys who run it do so voluntarily.

Reykjavik free walking tour – Meet at the Icelandic Parliament

The Reykjavik free walking tour starts at the Icelandic Parliament Building.  We learnt that there are 63 senators in parliament and 26 are women, ranking Iceland as one of the highest percentage of women in parliament in the world (after Rwanda and Finland to name a few others). There are only 6 political parties in Iceland.

Look up at the roof line for 4 characters – North, East, South and West. Those 4 symbols appear on the back of every coin in Iceland. In the top windows, you can see four creatures for protection.

From the square, you will also see the main Cathedral (the main Cathedral of Reykjavik is not Hallgrimskirkja!) This Church has been there since 1847. From 1796 there was actually a different church on the same spot!

Reykjavik free Walking Tour – History of Iceland

Erik from City Walk gave an excellent outline of Iceland’s history. He split it into three main periods…

The Viking Period – late 8th century to mid 11th century. In 871 first settlers came to Iceland. (+/-2 due to historical debate!)

The Making of Reykjavik – Iceland was colonised by Norway and then by Denmark. There were only 301 people living in Reykjavik in 1800!

The Battle Period – Jon the president whose famous year was 1851 when he said ‘no’ to the colonising Danes (the independence battle).

Iceland got independence in the middle of WW2 – Iceland was Nazi occupied and it took advantage of that towards the end of the war.  Keflavik airport built by the Americans in WW2. Iceland told the Americans that if they wanted to build their army base in Keflavik, they had to help with the battle against the Danes!

The Influx of Christianity

We then stood on the oldest cemetery in Reykjavik, and saw the three stones that were put there to represent influx of Christianity. In 999 or 1000: Christianity was adopted in Iceland.

Rocky Village

We next stopped at ‘Rocky Village’ to see the beautiful colourful houses. These colourful houses of Reykjavik used to be made of rocks. In 1850 they started to build the timber houses with imported timber and corrugated iron. As there were no trees or forests in Iceland, the timber and iron came from Denmark.

In 1900, they started to build up concrete houses in Reykjavik. Over 90% of heating or power is natural in Iceland, the majority of which is geothermal energy. Bills are really low for this reason. It’s a volcanic island you don’t have to go far below earth to find heat.

50% of People in Iceland Still Believe in Elves!

Eric told us that 50% of islanders believe in Elves. Elves are people, and they only reveal themselves to real believers. We saw Elf Rock – a stone that could not be moved. Of course if it is an elf rock, If you don’t have permission from the Elves, you cannot move it. They obviously didn’t ask the Elves permission! 😉

If you are into this, you might also like the Get Your Guide Elves and Trolls of Iceland Walking tour!

The Flag of Iceland

We stopped by in the main shopping area to discuss the Islandic flag. It’s a cross because Iceland is a Christian country. The blue represents the ocean, the blue represents the lava and the white represents the ice that covers the island.

There are 332000 people living in Iceland now. There has been a tourism boom since the financial crisis (the crash of 2008). Prices now in Iceland are half what they were 8 years ago (although Iceland is still quite expensive – see Budgeting for Iceland ). The Volcanic Eruption in 2010 and the film series Game of Thrones have also contribute to an increase in tourism in Iceland.

Harpa Concert Hall

We then walked past the Harpa concert hall on the seafront. It is often lit up at night, and is currently lit as the Belgian flag to show solidarity in light of the recent terrorist attacks.

Ingólfur Arnarson – The First Settler of Iceland

We then walked towards the statue of the first settler of Iceland – Ingólfur Arnarson. Eric really made me laugh, because he said that the very first settlers were murderers and pillagers in exile from Norway. “And what do we, the Islanders, do with the first murderer and pillager who settled here?” he asked, “We build a statue out of him and make him into a hero!” He certainly had a sense of humour!

We learnt that the only Icelandic wild mammal is the arctic fox. All other animals were bought in with the Vikings.

From the statue of Arnatson, you can see a big White House with a flag pole, which is the Prime Ministers house. It’s not guarded with security. The only place that is in Reykjavik is the US embassy!

Reykjavik Harbour

There are beautiful views across Reykjavik Harbour. The big grey ships in the harbour are Coast Guard ships that are controlling fishing (not defence ships). The only defense that Iceland really has is two helicopters, and most of the time, they are rescuing lost hikers!

Icelandic Traditional Food

We discussed some Islandic food specialities which include fermented shark or sheeps testicles! But basically, go for the fish of the day! Icelandic Lamb is also delicious because they live outdoors all year round living off the land.

Unfortunately, some restaurants in Iceland do still serve Whale and Puffin. ‘Whale friendly restaurants’ don’t serve whale, so I tend to look for those. Puffin can be eaten in Iceland, but recently has been put on the endangered species list.

Drink the pure icelandic water that comes directly from the taps. Eric suggested that you buy a bottle of water and then just keep filling it up in the taps.

Icelandic Education

Next we stopped off at the smallest gymnasium in the world to learn about Icelandic education! Iceland offers its citizens free education, even degree and postgraduate level (MA and PHD). High school is 16-20, in order for students to take more time to decide what they want to study.

Iceland has the lowest crime rates in Europe. There are only 4 prisons and only 1 maximum security prison. If you want to see the police in Iceland, find them on Instagram ! The murder rate in Iceland third lowest in the world.

Reykjavik Pond

We walked past the Reykjavik pond, where many Islanders gather in the summer to socialise. You can see many geese and ducks there, and there is a stunning view of the Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík Church across the pond from the Town Hall.

Reykjavik free walking tour ends at Reykjavik Town Hall

The tour ends at Reykjavik town hall, where you can see a fantastic 3D relief map of the whole of Iceland.

You also get the opportunity to purchase cleverly designed ‘beer-mittens’ so that you can drink your beer in the cold – genius!

Overall, the Reykjavik free walking tour was extremely informative, and it gave me an insight into Icelandic culture, history and politics that I would not have had without Eric. I highly recommend this tour .

Other Reykjavik Tours and Tips for Travelling in Iceland

There are also some fantastic bookable Iceland tours with GetYourGuide. Another essential is the Golden Circle Tour . This will take you to see the incredible scenery of Iceland including the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. Don’t miss it!

You might also like to read about What to pack for Iceland and Iceland – 10 Things you need to know before you go .

Templeseeker

Hi, I'm Amy and I have over 25 years of travel experience. I love seeking out temples, Churches and other religious and historical buildings. My BA (Religions and Theology) and MA (South Asian Studies) were gained from the University of Manchester. When I'm not blogging about Europe, Asia and the Middle East you will find me at home in Liverpool with my husband and Blake the Patterdale terrier! Come and join me on my templeseeking journey around the world!

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22 Free (Or Cheap) Things to Do in Reykjavik

There’s no question that Iceland is an expensive destination to visit. But that doesn’t mean a trip there has to break the bank.

There are plenty of ways to save money during your visit to Iceland, including during your stay in the cozy capital city of Reykjavik .

Home to just 130,000 people, Reykjavik is a small city that is bustling with life and activities all year round. It’s the world’s most northern capital city and is believed to be the first settlement in all of Iceland (dating back to 874 CE). Founded by Norsemen, the entire island was actually a Danish territory until 1944 when it won its full independence (the city benefited heavily from the Allied occupation during World War II, which boosted its economy).

Today, Reykjavik is the beating heart of Iceland. The city is artsy, cute, fun, and just filled with an awesome energy!

Whether you’re visiting Reykjavik on a weekend city break or planning to head out and explore the entire country , there are plenty of ways to save money in Reykjavik.

To help you do that, here are my favorite free (or cheap) things to do in and around Iceland’s awesome capital:  

Free Things to Do in Reykjavik

1. Take a Free Walking Tour One of the best ways to start a trip to a new city is to take a walking tour. You’ll get to see the main sights, learn some history, and acclimatize to the culture. Plus, you have a local expert who you can ask questions to, which is an invaluable resource in and of itself!

City Walk offers great free tours of the city. They’ll help you get a sense of Reykjavik so you can decide what you want to revisit later. (Just remember to tip your guide!)

If you want to splash out for a paid tour, check out Get Your Guide . They have a ton of tours on offer so there’s something for every interest and budget!

2. Enjoy the Local Entertainment Since the harsh climate forces Icelanders to be indoors much of the year, they’ve developed a creative and artistic culture. There are lots of Icelandic painters, poets, writers, and musicians.  You can usually catch a free live show in Reykjavík at Café Rosenberg (sometimes there’s a cover charge at the door), KEX Hostel, HI Loft Hostel, and the Drunk Rabbit Irish Pub, which usually has someone who sings solo with their guitar.

3. Find Free Hot Springs While the Blue Lagoon may be the most popular hot spring in the area, there are tons of others around the country that are free (or at the very least, less money than the Blue Lagoon).

Use this Google Map , which lists all the hot pots in Iceland, to find them.

One nearby hot spring worth visiting is in Reykjadalur. It’s around a 40-minute drive from town and involves a bit of a hike to get there (about 30 minutes) but it’s much more secluded – and much less expensive – than the Blue Lagoon!

4. Hang out with the Locals Iceland has a very active Couchsurfing community. I’ve stayed with hosts in Reykjavík as well as in Akureyri (Iceland’s main northern city). While many hosts are expats living in Iceland, it’s still a great way to save some money and get helpful local insights. Additionally, if you don’t want to stay with a stranger, there are usually weekly meet-ups you can attend to make some friends.

5. Hike Mount Esja If you’re looking to stretch your legs, head up Esja. The summit sits around 900 meters (almost 3,000 feet) above sea level, offering you some amazing views of the city and surrounding area. Located just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the city, the hike takes a couple of hours but the views are definitely worth it! Just make sure you check the weather as it’s unwise to hike during rain or snow.

6. Visit the Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center Opened in 2011, this cultural and social center is worth checking out just to see the architecture for yourself. You can catch the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Reykjavik Big Band, and the Icelandic Opera here. The venue also hosts tons of other shows and performances as well, so check their website for an up-to-date schedule and ticket pricing.

Many walking tours around the city also stop here too.

Austurbakki 2, +354 528 5000, en.harpa.is. See the website for performance dates and times. Guided tours are 4,900 ISK.

7. See Reykjavík’s Botanical Gardens The city operates this beautifully-designed botanical garden that is home to over 5,000 plant species. You’ll also see ponds, birdlife, and beautiful flora dotting the small garden. There’s also a café nearby that’s open in the summer that features dishes made with herbs and spices grown on-site in the garden.

During the months of June-August, free 30-minute guided tours (in English) are offered every Friday. The guided tours start at 12:40 at the main entrance to the garden.

Hverfisgata 105, 101 Reykjavík, +354 411 8650, grasagardur.is. Open daily from 10am-3pm (10pm in the summer).

8. Visit the Grótta Lighthouse This lighthouse sits at the edge of the city and is a wonderful place to bird watch and gaze out at the stretching Atlantic ocean. It ’s a long walk along the coast from the city center but the scenic view and gorgeous coastal walk are definitely worth it. If you’re visiting in the winter months, this is also a great place to see the northern lights!

Note: the island is closed from May-July during bird breeding season.

9. Walk (or Bike) the Coast Reykjavík is a small city and its coastline is walkable (or bikeable if you want to rent one). Some great stops along the way are the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach and the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. If you’re not interested in biking around by yourself, feel free to take a bike tour instead. Iceland Bike is the best bike tour company for this!

10. See the Sun Voyager This iconic statue sits, known as Sólfar in Icelandic, was built in 1990 by Icelandic sculptor Jón Gunnar Árnason. It’s his interpretation of discovery, using the design of a traditional Viking ship to represent the promise of discovering new territory and the freedom that comes with traveling to new worlds.

11. Experience the Northern Lights If you’re visiting Reykjavik between October and March you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Aurora on a clear night. You’ll want to get away from the city a bit to have the best view, as the light pollution will make it hard to see. If you want to splash out on an in-depth tour to get off the beaten path and see the Northern Lights, you can take a two-day tour around the Snaefellnes Peninsula with Nicetravel .

Cheap Things to Do in Reykjavik

13. Take in the View from Hallgrímskirkja This church is one of the most memorable that I’ve seen. The stark concrete façade was designed to mimic the Icelandic landscape (which I think it does quite well). It was named after the 17th-century clergyman and Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, who wrote the Hymns of the Passion. It’s the tallest building in Reykjavík, and, for a small fee, you can go up to the top to get incredible shots of the city and its multicolored rooftops.

There are also organ concerts in the church on the first Saturday of the month from October-June. You can get tickets at the church or at tix.is.

Hallgrímstorg 1, +354 510 1000, hallgrimskirkja.is. Open daily from 9am-8pm in the summer and 10am-5pm in the winter. Entrance into the church is free but entry to the tower is 1,300 ISK. The tower is closed on Sundays during mass. The church is also closed to visitors during mass and all other religious services.

14. Visit Perlan “The Pearl” is a dome-shaped building containing a variety of attractions, including the largest nature museum in Iceland, an ice cave, and a planetarium. The dome offers a great place to get a view of the city and surrounding area! On clear days you can see as far as Snæfellsjökull, the 700,000-year-old glacier-capped volcano that sits on the western coast of the island. You can either pay (890 ISK) to go out on the 360° Observation Deck or enjoy the view from inside the dome at the restaurant, cocktail bar, and café for the price of your food and drink(s).

If you want to experience the entire complex, admission is 4,990 ISK (not exactly cheap, but worth it for everything you get access to).

15. Visit the Icelandic Punk Museum This museum is housed in an old underground public bathroom (seriously) and is dedicated to the punk and new wave scene that started took root here in the late 70’s. The museum highlights how many of Icelandic’s famous musical performers (like Björk) can be traced back to their punk roots. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Bankastræti 2, 101 Reykjavík. Open daily, 10am-6pm. Admission is 1,000 ISK for adults.

16. See the National Gallery of Iceland If you’re a fan of art, especially modern art, you won’t want to pass up a trip here. The museum is focused on Icelandic artwork from the 19th and 20th century and highlights the diverse nature of the art scene in Iceland. While it is mostly local artists, some foreign works are showcased here as well.

Fríkirkjuvegur 7, 101 Reykjavík, +354 515 9600, listasafn.is. Open daily from 10am-5pm (closed Mondays in the winter). Admission is 2,200 ISK. Included in the Reykjavík City Card .

17. The Icelandic Phallological Museum This is one of the weirdest museums you’ll ever have a chance to go to – which is partly why you should go! Entirely not sexual, the museum has collected penises from varies species roaming the earth, land, and sea. The founder, an Icelandic historian named Sigurdur Hjartarson, started the penis museum as a joke but it’s become something much more. The whole museum is pretty small so you won’t need more than 30-60 minutes, but it’s pretty interesting and informative; you’ll actually learn a lot about how species procreate (in addition to seeing a lot of…well, exhibits).

Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, +354 5616663, phallus.is. Open daily 10am–7pm. Admission is 2,750 ISK. If you have the Reykjavík City Card , you’ll get a 20% discount.

18. Head to Videy Island This is a small island located just off of Reykjavík. It’s a great little island for a picnic or a stroll if you’re looking for something a bit off the usual tourist trail. The island is most famous for the Imagine Peace Tower, envisioned and built by Yoko Ono. On each 9th of October, Yoko Ono comes to light the tower on the birthday of John Lennon, and it is lit until December 8th, the day John was killed. The ferry is operated by daily in the summer and on the weekends in the winter.

Skarfabakki Pier and Ægisgardur Harbor, +354 519 5000, elding.is/videy-ferry-skarfabakki. Round-trip tickets are around 2,100 ISK. On October 9th, the ferry trip is free for everyone in honor of the Imagine Peace Tower ceremony. The ferry is also free for anyone with the Reykjavik City Card .

19. Árbæjarlaug Swimming Pool This huge plaza has both outdoor as well as indoor pools. It also has water slides, play areas for kids, hot tubs, a sauna, a thermal steam bath, and beach volleyball courts. Located just outside the city center, this is a fun (and budget-friendly) option for anyone who doesn’t want to go to the more touristy Blue Lagoon.

Fylkisvegur 9, 110 Reykjavík, +354 411 5200, reykjavik.is/stadir/arbaejarlaug. Open in the summers Monday-Thursday from 6:30am-10pm, Friday from 6:30am-10pm, and from 9am-10pm on weekends. Admission is 1,210 ISK for adults but it’s free with the Reykjavik City Card .

20. Grab a Famous Hot Dog Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been located on the harbor since 1937 and was made famous when Bill Clinton stopped here on his trip in 2004. Between their multiple locations, they sell over 1,000 hot dogs per day! While this isn’t my favorite hot dog place in the country, it does make for a fun and iconic stop (and the dogs are still pretty great!).

Tryggvatagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, +354 511 1566, bbp.is. See the website for other locations as well as up-to-date hours of operation. Hot dogs start at 690 ISK.

21. Relax at a Cozy Cafe One of my favorite things to do when I visit somewhere is to sit back, relax, and people watch. I love to just grab a book (ideally a book about the destination) and just watch the day go by. You can learn a lot about a place just by observing, and Reykjavik has some really great cafes. Some of my favorites are Café Babalu, Mál og Menning (a bookstore with a cafe), and Mokka Kaffi.

22. Hit the Beach Nauthólsvík is a man-made beach that not only has hot tubs and a steam room but also a heated swimming area! It’s popular with locals and gets quite busy in the summer so make sure to come early to get a good spot. There is also a non-heated swimming area so if you’re feeling brave you can test the waters (spoiler: it’s cold).

Admission is cheap at just 810 ISK (towel rental is an additional 720 ISK if you don’t have your own).

By taking advantage of these free and cheap activities ( as well as some money-saving tips ) you’ll be able to visit Reykjavik without blowing the bank.

Sure, there are plenty of things to see and do in Reykjavik that are worth spending money on, but if you mix and match those activities with these budget-friendly ones you’ll be able to visit the Land of Fire and Ice with your wallet still intact.  

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Iceland!

Want to plan the perfect trip to Iceland? Check out my comprehensive guide to Iceland written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need. You’ll find suggested itineraries, tips, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, and my favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Iceland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Iceland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Iceland for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, citywalk reykjavík.

Operating the “Free” walking tour, a unique walking tour in Reykjavík. Rated as the best tour in Iceland in terms of quality and price on TripAdvisor. Additionally we also run a pubcrawl, a tour on finance and receive various private inquiries.

Reykjavík Free Walking TourThe famous two hour walking tour focuses on the history of Iceland, the evolution of Reykjavík as a town and Icelandic culture in general, laid out in an informative and comic way by english speaking Icelanders and history majors. This tour has no fixed price, instead it runs on the great Free Walking Tour model found allover the world where each participant sets the price of the tour afterwards instead of in advance. As a result, the guide relies solely on your contribution and works hard for his share in the donations. The "Free" classic tour departs multiple times a day all year around. 

Small group VIP walking tour. Similar to the "free" tour but operated in small groups with a fixed price per adult or child. Guaranteeing more personal interaction and time with the guide. This Reykjavík walking tour starts from Hallgrímskirkja and is all downhill, about 2 hrs and 30 minutes long. Slightly longer than the "free" tour.

Private Reykjavik walking tourStarting from your preferred location and ending where you please. can be for big groups or small families and couples. We can also cater a private tour to include museums, accommodate cruise ships in multiple groups, include food and even a vehicle if preferred.

PubcrawlWe pick the bars, you show up and spend as little or as much as you like. We've secured deals on the bars and the idea is that the price paid for the pub crawl comes back to you in discounted drinks. No one is forced to drink, and no shots or beverages are included in the price. The 20-30% discounts on the bars are well worth the price. Going to a different bar every hour, visiting a total of three bars before heading to a nightclub where we dance into the night. A wristband is included, which gives you the deals in the bars and a line jump into the club throughout the night!

Money TalksThis tour, covering the modern politics of Iceland and detailed Introduction to the economy of Iceland will give thirsty cultural travellers their money's worth. Learn how Iceland became one of the most expensive countries in the world recently and how our welfare system runs, with it's pro's and cons. Growing immigration, rising housing prices, arrival of global brands and the local's take on the sudden change. Also included are the latest news from Parliament! This tour seeks to keep you updated with the latest headlines from the media in Iceland and all done over a drink as we go from bar to bar. Creating a very relaxed atmosphere with a local friend.

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21+ Free Things to do in Reykjavik (+ free download)

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Looking for cheap or free things to do in Reykjavik? We got you covered!

Reykjavik is the vibrant capital city of Iceland . All of 273 square kilometers and a population density of 451.5 people living per square kilometer, the city of Reykjavik pleasantly surprised us on our recent trip to Iceland . We stayed in Reykjavik downtown for 5 days and explored pretty much the entire city. 

This list of 21+ things to do in Reykjavik for free is perfect if you are spending one day in Reykjavik or if it’s just your stopover destination.

We created this handy list of free things so that you can budget well and save money. And maybe splurge on activities like the classic golden circle tour, snowmobile tour, or glacier lagoon tour to explore the beautiful Icelandic countryside.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Iceland Tours from Reykjavik

Post Contents

Best Free Things to do in Reykjavik

Airport Transfer – Keflavik to Reykjavik Return

But first things first, let’s get you the airport transfer to Reykjavik. If you are flying to Iceland from anywhere in Europe or North America, you will be arriving at Keflavik airport, which is located 45 minutes away from the capital city of Reykjavik.

Whether it’s a layover or one day Reykjavik itinerary, book your return trip to Reykjavik from Keflavik airport. Click here to reserve Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels Transfers. 

Extending your stay in Reykjavik?

Staying longer than a day in Reykjavik and need accommodation? Click to view Reykjavik Hotel Deals

Reykjavik Meaning – What does Reykjavik mean?

The word Reykjavik means ‘smoky bay’. It originated from the Old Norse word ‘reykja’, for “smoke” and vík meaning “bay”.

Reykjavik Harbor

Reykjavik city is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean with a scenic harbor front. Located in the southwestern part of Iceland, Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital of the world (and also the windiest place which is also habitable). Reykjavik is situated on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. It is located 37 meters above sea level.

The mountain views that you see from the harbor front are – Akrafjall (on the western side) and Mount Esja (on the eastern side).  Most Reykjavik sightseeing tours and buses start at the harbor front including hop-on and hop-off tours . You can also start your walk from the harbor front and then continue in the walking path and you will most likely find all the tourist stops that Reykjavik is popular for.

Location: 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Open Daily

Pro Tip: Downtown Reykjavik can be easily explored on foot. If you are visiting in winter, probably take a bus tour to explore the city.

Tallest Church Hallgrímskirkja Tower

Hallgrímskirkja church is one of the iconic landmarks of Iceland. Located in the Reykjavik downtown area, Hallgrímskirkja church is the tallest church in the country and its towers can be seen from most parts of the city.

Icelandic population follows Lutheranism and hence this is a Lutheran church. One of the unique features of the church is the gargantuan pipe organ that is located inside, which stands at 15 meters tall and is stunning to look at. Entry to the church is completely free.

On the exteriors, the church is designed in a very simple way – high ceilings, tall and airy. The church is supposed to bring in light and wisdom, hence the simplistic design. Standing in front of the church is the statue of Leifur Eiriksson, who was the first European to discover America. Records suggest that Leifur Eiriksson landed in the Americas about 500 years before Christopher Columbus did.

The church has impressive towers. Although the entry to the church towers is not free ($10.00 USD per person), it is worth taking a ride to see the cityscape of Reykjavik from above.

An elevator takes you up to the observation tower, which has small windows and you can see the colorful houses of Reykjavik from up there. Reykjavik Iceland is windy, so some days you can expect strong winds when you are up there. (We did too)

The church has different operating hours for the summer and winter seasons. During the summer months (May to September), tower access is available from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm. During winters (October to April), the tower is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm . The church is closed on Sundays from 10:30 am – 12:15 pm, due to mass.

If you would like to photograph the Hallgrímskirkja church, head there in the morning hours (08:00 am or before), when the streets are empty, and take shots from across the road or from Café Lokii .

Location: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Open Daily (hours listed above)

Einar Jónsson Art Museum Sculpture Gardens

Reykjavík also showcases some amazing sculptures for free. The sculpture garden of The Einar Jónsson Art Museum highlights some of the best pieces of Icelandic art history. This museum is located right beside the Hallgrímskirkja church and is completely free to visit. It is also open all 365 days of the year.

The actual museum is not free and there is an entry fee of 600 ISK. The Einar Jónsson Art Museum building is definitely unique and deserves a visit. The gardens are located behind the museum, at the back.

Location: Eiríksgata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, except Mondays

Harpa Concert Hall

The Harpa Concert hall is a stunning glass building located by the Reykjavik waterfront. This is the first planned concert hall built in Reykjavik to host various music events like the Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik Midsummer Music, Reykjavik Arts Festival, Reykjavik Jazz Festival, Dark Music Days, etc. The Harpa Concert hall and Conference Center is home to the  Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Icelandic Opera, and the Reykjavik Big Band.

The designers of the Harpa Concert Hall are two architectural firms – Henning Larsen Architects (Danish) and Batteríið Architects (Icelandic). The construction of the building began in 2007 but was delayed completion due to the financial crisis of Iceland. The concert hall was officially opened in 2011. You can enter the Harpa Concert Hall for FREE and admire the architecture. Concerts, however, are not free.

Location: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: 08:00 am to 12:00 am every day

Solfar Sun Voyager Sculpture 

The Solfar Sun Voyager is a stunning steel structure designed by Jon Gunnar Arnason, by the harbor in Reykjavik. The structure is a boat, pointing to the sky – in an ode to the sun. The artist reflected that it’s like traveling to undiscovered lands, from Mongolia to Iceland, some hundreds of years ago. The sun-ship, according to the artist, signified the promise of new and unknown territory.

It is an amazing experience to walk by the harbor front in the early morning/dawn or dusk hours and truly capture the beauty of the Sun Voyager.

Location: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Every day, 24 hours

Reykjavik Flea Market – Kolaportið

Can you believe Iceland’s only flea market is located in Reykjavik? It is situated near the Old Harborfront and operates on weekends only (open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, covered marketplace).

The flea market is called Kolaportið because it was originally set up on land that used to serve as a coal processing plant. This flea market is not too old, only 30 years or so. Kolaportið translates to “coal yard”.

At the flea market, people sell second-hand fermented shark and other snacks, old books, clothes, and more. Due to the fermented snacks, you will be welcomed with a “weird” smell. Strange, but this flea market also sells some of the quirkiest things in Reykjavik. And at this market, you can bargain (haggle a bit), which you can’t anywhere else in Iceland.

Location: Tryggvagötu 19 , Old Harbour Grófin Reykjavik Kvosin, Iceland

Hours: Weekends 11:00 am to 05:00 pm

Tjörnin or Reykjavik Pond

Located in the heart of Reykjavik is the Tjörnin or the pond, as locals lovingly call it. The word  Tjörnin is derived from the old Norse and it literally means “mountain lake”.

True to its name origins, the Tjörnin is not a pond actually and is actually made up of 5 different water bodies. The pond is also known as Reykjavíkurtjörn.

It is a beautiful oasis in the middle of downtown and is perfect for a stroll, to watch and feed birds or just to relax. In winters, you can also skate on this pond (it is very shallow).

From the street or from the walkway, you can see the beautiful red roofs, and ducks, swans, and many other water creatures enjoying the pond. It is a real treat to the eye. Bird-watching and walking are the main reasons why this oasis was preserved for a long time.

The Pond had undergone several ecological changes over the years. There is a city hall located near it, the University of Iceland extends to the pond, the Reykjavik airport is on its southern side – so you get it, it is located in a prime spot, but is not ecologically friendly.

Location: Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland (near City Hall)

Reykjavik Free Church

Just on the banks of the Pond, you will see a beautiful mint green building, it’s called the Free Church of Reykjavik aka Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík. This church was set up in the late 19th century, as a community-building initiative rather than a religious organization.

Reykjavik City Hall Exhibits

The Reykjavik city hall is located near the Pond – Tjörnin. The city hall has an amazing exhibit of Reykjavik’s history and nature in its lobby. Entry is free and worth visiting if you are at the Pond.

Location: Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Hours: Open Daily, 08:00 am to 08:00 pm

Hofdi House

We found a slice of modern history in Reykjavik – the Höfði house. Höfði house is on the historical map as the meeting place of the presidents of Russia (Mikhail Gorbachev) and the USA (Ronald Reagan) to end the Cold World War (the meeting was called the Reykjavik Summit). The location of the house is interesting and is placed at the backdrop of the scenic Reykjavik waterfront.

This house was created and designed in Norway and then brought to Iceland (around 1909). The purpose of the Höfði house was to serve as the office of the French Consulate. Over the years, this house welcomed big political names like Sir Winston Churchill, Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, and also several British officials.

The Höfði house is not open to the public, but you can explore the house from the outside. If you walk behind the house, you will see the window where the historic Reykjavik Summit took place. The house is currently used for official receptions and meetings only.

Popular legend has it, that this place is haunted by the spirit of a young girl. Some believe that the spirits of Vikings frequented this place, as the site of the house is on a burial ground.

Location: Borgartún 105, Reykjavík, Iceland

Free Walking Tour  Reykjavik

If you wish to explore and learn about Reykjavik’s history and culture in 2 hours or so, then reserve your spot for a   free walking tour online

This free walking tour is a great way to orient yourself about the city of Reykjavik and hear stories from local guides themselves.

Explore Laugavegur Street – Shops & Restaurants

Laugavegur Street is a popular street in Reykjavik. Our hotel in Reykjavik was located on Laugavegur Street, making it super easy for us to access transportation, restaurants, and sightseeing. Explore this street to experience the hip and vibrant Icelandic capital – enjoy their delicacies, shop or window shop for souvenirs, check out book shops, etc.  

The street comes alive when stores close in the evening, making it one of the popular “party” places here. There are close to 100 bars and restaurants located in Laugavegur Street alone. And in the evening, the bars fill out fast and it is crowded, but pretty hip and vibrant at the same time.

Reykjavik Tourism Office is located at Laugavegur 5.

Hand-knitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik

If you want to explore Icelandic textiles, like their popular sheep knit-wear with patterns, then head to the hand-knitting association of Iceland in Reykjavik.

Located at Skólavörðustígur 19, the association was started about 4 decades ago, when a few Icelandic women joined to form a unit to promote and grow the Icelandic knitting business. Although a store, this association gives you an insight into the popular textile of Iceland and for FREE. (purchases additional)

Admire Reykjavík’s Street art & murals

Reykjavík’s lanes and walls are painted in beautiful murals and tags. We learned that the graffiti and the murals are actually commissioned and locals really enjoy them. True to that, as tourists we actually enjoyed Reykjavik’s street art, it didn’t seem like property abuse like it does in other cities.

The murals added a hip and a vibrant feel to this capital city. Some of our favorites include

• Street in front of Joe and Juice at Laugavegur street
• Wall by Ice Mart Souvenir Store at Laugavegur
• Braud & Co bake shop at 16, Frakkastigur
• C is for Cookie at 8, Týsgata Reykjavik

Austurvöllur Public Square (parliament building square/gardens)

Austurvollur is a large public square located in Reykjavik Iceland. This is also called Parliament Square Park for a reason. Not only is it centrally located at 101 Reykjavik, but this was also a seat of Iceland’s parliament, the Alpingi.

If you are taking any guided walking tours, you will most likely explore the square. Since time immemorial and leading up to the 2008 financial crisis, the Austurvollur has played an important role in providing a stage for Icelanders to express their opinions.

The square is a favorite with the locals for sunbathing, picnic, or just relaxing. Every year a huge Christmas tree is lit at the square to welcome the holiday season.

Location: Pósthússtræti 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Elliðaárdalur Valley Park

Elliðaárdalur valley is a little oasis, located a few minutes outside of Reykjavik downtown. Elliðaárdalur is a perfect spot for light outdoor activities like biking, walking, enjoying a picnic, or reading a book in nature’s lap. The Elliðaárdalur valley gets its remarkable serenity due to the river Elliðaár that runs through the valley, creating multiple waterfalls.

Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

Midnight Sun or Northern Lights in Reykjavik

You can witness two of the beautiful natural phenomenon in and around Reykjavik for free.

The Northern Lights can be seen in Reykjavik and other parts of Iceland from October to February.  Locate a spot, away from the city lights and dark, preferably between 11:00 pm to 02:00 am, to see the northern lights.

As you will be chasing these lights in wintertime, make sure you are bundled up. As northern lights are a natural phenomenon and weather dependent, if it is raining or snowing, you won’t see any dancing green lights in the sky.

If you prefer to do it on a tour, just outside of Reykjavik,. then you can book a Northern Lights Tour . Tour operators normally carry binoculars, cameras, and tripods and they are for 3-4 hours in duration.

If you are visiting Reykjavik in summer, you will most likely see the Midnight sun. You are more likely to see and experience the midnight sun than northern lights in the middle of the city. The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon, which refers to the consecutive 24- hour periods of sunlight experienced in the Arctic and south of the Antarctic circle.

During the summer solstice from late May to July – the sun in Iceland is visible for almost 24 hours (sun sets after midnight and sunrise occurs just before 03:00 am). Longer summer hours mean you can stay out exploring late into the night in Reykjavik.

Pro-tip: From October to December, you can witness the Imagine Peace Tower for FREE in Reykjavik 

Read more about the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland activities for October

Admire the Perlan – The Pearl Reykjavik

Perlan or the Pearl is one of the stunning landmarks of Reykjavik Iceland. It is a dome-shaped planetarium and exhibit hall. It is located on a hilltop – Oskjuhlid and offers great views of the city. The Perlan is popular for its Wonders of Iceland exhibition- that showcases real Icelandic (man-made) ice caves.

There is an entry fee for the exhibit hall (3500 ISK) and the observation deck (460 ISK). But it is FREE to admire the Perlan (as an architectural marvel) from the outside. You can also view the Pearl from the near Hotel Icelandair Natural .

The Pearl is not located in the Main Street of Reykjavik, but you can take a FREE shuttle from Harpa concert hall to arrive at the Perlan.

Hours: Every day, 09:00 am to 09:00 pm

Grotto Reykjavik Lighthouse

Grotta Lighthouse is a beautiful spot, located about 10-15 minutes outside of downtown Reykjavik. It is a stunning place to be in, at sunset and capture some amazing pictures of the lighthouse. The Grotta Lighthouse is located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. This place is a nature’s paradise close to downtown, and quite frankly a bit deserted too.

Location: Grótta Island Lighthouse, Iceland, Seltjarnarnes, Iceland

Hafnarfjordur Reykjavik Museum Village

Hafnarfjordur Museum is sort of like a “living” museum that showcases artifacts and photographs of the town of Hafnarfjordur (settlement exhibition of the town). The museum items and the display exhibits are housed in 6 different homes within the town. These houses are

• Pakkhúsið (history and toy exhibition)
• Converted House,
• Siggubær (fisherman’s maisonette)
• Beggubúð, (merchant house)
• Strandstígur (merchant house)
• Bookless Bungalow (showcases maritime history)

This museum village is located about 15 minutes outside of Reykjavik City and entry to the homes is free.  The museum is open every day during summer from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Jun- Aug). In winters, they operate only on weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept through May)

Location: Vesturgata 6, Hafnarfjörður, Iceland

Hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Jun- Aug) and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sept through May)

Free W’s – Wifi and Water

These two items are free, and they are essential for surviving in a modern city. Wifi and water (well, this one is not so modern)

So, Reykjavik has many hot spots in the city. So don’t pay for internet card or wifi, if you are just in town. Hotels and restaurants will have free wifi too. Water is pure and can be directly consumed. You don’t have to spend money on buying bottled water.

Map of Free Things to do in Reykjavik 

Cheap Things to do in Reykjavik – Ideas for exploring in Reykjavik

So, these were some cool and free things to do in Reykjavik. There are a few more exciting things that you can do in Reykjavik, however, they are not free. We will list them out here for your reference

• If you are staying for more than one day in Reykjavik, definitely take a day tour to explore the countryside. The most popular ones are Golden Circle (6 hours) and South Coast Tour (8-10 hours)
• Click here for Golden Circle Tours direct (6 hours)
• Click here for South Coast Tour (8 – 10 hours)
• National Museum of Iceland – National Museum of Iceland is the oldest museum in Iceland (created in 1863). It houses Icelandic legendary carvings, including artifacts (an anti-aquarium was set up in 1911). Entry to the museum is 2000 ISK per person. Guided tours available or take FREE audio tours with the entry fee.
• Phallus Museum – The Icelandic Phallological Museum aka the Penis museum is one of the quirkiest things we have seen in Iceland. This museum showcases over 215 species of phallus, including that of homo sapiens (aka humans). The entry to the museum is 1700 ISK.
• Other Museums in Reykjavik –  If interested, visit the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, National Gallery of Iceland, Nordic Culture House (includes some FREE exhibitions), Museum of Rock n Roll Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum (contemporary art)
• Reykjavik City Card is a good option for you if you are planning to visit multiple attractions. Reykjavik City Card will provide you with discounted passes and tickets. Click here to get your Reykjavik City Card
• Reykjavik swimming pool Laugardalslaug – Swimming pools are fun in Iceland. And this is the largest swimming pool in Iceland, located in Reykjavik with world-class facilities. Free entry with the Reykjavik City Card.
• If you cannot venture on an “ice cave” adventure due to time constraints, visit the Perlan – Wonders of Iceland . It is a man-made ice cave exploration. Click here to book your Perlan – Wonders of Iceland tour. 
• Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach  –  Skipping Blue Lagoon Spa? Then head to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach – one of its kind in the world. The bathing area is FREE for use in the summertime. Wintertime swimming is not recommended, as change rooms may or may not be available. (although swimming in cold water is considered good for you!) Email them to confirm the timings or visit their website . There is a sailing club included at the beach area and an entry fee of 650 ISK. (must do in Reykjavik in summer)
• Whale Watching tour – Many group tours like Whale watching tours can be taken from Reykjavik – they are a short tour of 3 hours duration
• Book an Iceland Reykjavik  city tour + Northern Lights tour (in the winter) 
• Day trips from Reykjavik – If you are in Iceland for a short duration, consider taking a day tour from Reykjavik. Many Iceland Reykjavik tours start at $45 USD+.
• Need more information on Iceland Tours? Read this ultimate guide!

Food & Restaurants in Reykjavik Downtown

Food and restaurant eating is expensive in Iceland. For reference, a bowl of soup in North America will cost you around 8-10 USD. It is about $16 USD in Iceland. But if you are spending a day in Reykjavik, there are some delicacies that you gotta try. We have included some cheap eating out options.

• Icelandic Street Food – Our favorite restaurant in Reykjavik Iceland – Icelandic Street Food is an “all you can eat” place. This is the only place we found, where traditional lamb soup is offered at half the price (soup cup) for around 860 ISK. A bowl of soup (in a bread bowl) is about 1950 ISK – pretty standard price (as compared with other restaurants). But this is an all you can eat – so you can keep eating as much as you can!
• Braud & Co bakeshop at 16, Frakkastigur – The best place to try Icelandic baked goods is at the Braud & Co Bake Shop .
• Hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur  – The Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is an 80-year-old Icelandic hot dog place is a must-visit for the food lover in Reykjavik. Try their lamb hot dog, add some fried onions and hot sauce. You will mostly see a line up at most times, but be patient – as it is worth the wait!
• Valdis – Although not a cheap option for ice-cream, but Valdis has a great variety of ice-creams in Iceland. This place is very Instagram-worthy!

Grocery stores in Reykjavik carry some of the local delicacies that are worth trying in your day itinerary. Some of the options include – dark rye bread, Icelandic chocolate, SKYR (try their vanilla or chocolate flavor), fermented shark (if you are into that), or veggies (organic). Grocery stores located in downtown Reykjavik include 10-11, Kronos, and Bonus.

Best Hotels in Reykjavik Iceland

If you plan on extending your stay in Reykjavik, here is a list of accommodation options for you. During our trip to Iceland, we stayed at an apartment hotel – Room with a View . It is located in downtown Reykjavik and our stay averaged $95 USD a night. The rooms were spacious and had a kitchen and attached bathroom. Detached washrooms were cheaper. Check prices for Room with View hotel rates .

Luxury Hotels Reykjavik Iceland

Looking for luxury in Reykjavik? Here are some Reykjavik hotels for you to consider

• Hotel Borg by Keahotels – Luxury hotel with trendy art decorations, includes spa facilities. Check room rates for Hotel Borg by Keahotels
• Kvosin Downtown Hotel – Apartment style hotel – with spacious rooms, great views, kitchenette, wine bar.  Check room rates for Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Budget/Cheap Accommodation Reykjavik

Here are some budget options for Reykjavik accommodation

• Capital Inn – The Capital Inn hotel is a basic hotel, in a great location close to popular sightseeing spots in Reykjavik capital city. Check room rates for Capital Inn Hotel
• Bus Hostel Reykjavik – Located near BSI terminal (central bus depot) in Reykjavik, the Bus Hostel is a budget option for accommodation. Easily avail bus tours and other downtown Reykjavik tourist attractions. Check room rates for Bus Hostel Reykjavik 
• Galaxy Pod Hostel – A pod-style hostel in Reykjavik – ideal for solo or couple travelers.Great reviews. Check room rates for Galaxy Pod Hostel
• Find Airbnbs in Iceland

Now you know what to do in Reykjavik for free, get planning! 

Additional Reading for Things to do in Reykjavik

• Iceland Winter Tours – Read about the best Iceland Winter Tours to take from Reykjavik 
• Learn about Iceland – Essential Books to read on
• Iceland Essential Tips –  Here is an essential travel guide for Iceland trip – includes all seasonal tips, apps to include, the best time to visit, etc
• Iceland Itinerary –  Check out our Iceland Itinerary , with a day in Reykjavik
• Iceland Guided Tours – Tours are a great way to explore Reykjavik and beyond and avoid car rental altogether. Get the guide to all tours in Iceland

Essential Europe Guides

• Europe one week itinerary samples – 27 European Itinerary samples to craft your own
• Europe winter destinations – Top places to visit in Europe from Christmas markets, cities, to winter sun vacation
• Winter sun destinations  –  Winter sun destinations for December to February
• Best Winter Boots for Europe –  Our top picks for winter boots
• Best Walking Shoes for Europe – Comfortable walking shoes in Europe
• Winter tours in Europe – Must do Europe winter tours

Pin – Cheap and Free Things to do in Reykjavik

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Love this post! I’ve heard Iceland is so expensive, so a list of free things to do is always great to keep your costs low. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you. So glad you found the post useful!

We didn’t really spend any time in Reykjavik since we were trying to fit in all of Ring Road, but I’m saving this for when we eventually go back. I didn’t realize there were so many options for free things to do!

I am so happy to find this site…….I am going to Iceland next week Oct. 8, 2019. I do wish that I had discovered this information before I booked our hotel. We are paying MUCH more for the hotel we booked. Also, I am happy to know that October is the best time to visit Iceland. I anticipate a great visit there.

Your comment makes me soo happy Lois. Enjoy your trip to Iceland – its a beautiful destination.

Great post!

I just wanted to let you know that the Sun Voyager’s address is not Rekagrandi 14 – Rekagrandi is in a different part of town. The Sun Voyager doesn’t have an address but it’s on a street called Sæbraut. Maybe you want to update that just in case somebody uses this info for their GPS or something 🙂

Absolutely! Will update the map as well for reference! Thanks again 🙂

What a colorful place! That church is extraordinary. I’ve never seen a building like that. I am pretty sure that Blue Lagoon would be my favorite place though 🙂

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FREE TOUR REIKIAVIK

The best option to discover the city in an economical way., what does the free tour reykjavik consist of, possibly your best option to get to know reykjavik in a fun and authentic way..

A moment of culture and fun for everyone.

Enjoy your free tour in Reykjavik as a couple, with friends or in a group!

Free tours in Reykjavik are the perfect excuse to take some time to learn more about Iceland’s cultural heritage.

The free tours Reykjavik are free tours organized by guides that show the most emblematic sights of a town or city. These tours are usually done on foot.

While there are several options and types of free tours in Iceland, most tend to be tours that include approximately 10 to 12 people. and last between 1 and 3 hours depending on the planned itinerary.

In any case, always check the detailed information we provide to know all the details of your free tour: schedules, cancellation policy, meeting point and all the information you need to make the most of your experience without having to worry about anything.

Free Tours in Europe

Free tour options in the main tourist sites of the country, europe and the world, other activities in reykjavik.

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Why not try exploring Iceland’s capital on the free tour of Reykjavík? It doesn’t get more budget friendly than this!

Free Walking Tour Reykjavík offers free guided tours around Reykjavík that takes about 80-90 minutes. The schedule varies from season to season but during the summer time the tour is every single day of the week. We can tell you that this is a lovely free tour of Reykjavík, where you get to see all the main sights and get a lot of knowledge to go with it.

There’s no need to sign up, just show up a few minutes before departure by the old, green clocktower in Lækjartorg Square. This is a great trip for history buffs since the tour is packed with various information about the city, the buildings and the people. The guides are also very funny and passionate.

The free walking tour of Reykjavík started in 2012 and thousands of guests have enjoyed the tour since then. The reviews on TripAdvisor for the tour is great and it has received a Certificate of Excellence two times, in 2015 and 2016. You should really check out the reviews – they are quite something!

You can also pay for a sightseeing tour of Reykjavík if you click here.

Keep yourself updated about the tours via the Free Walking Tour Reykjavík’s website. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – experience Reykjavík like locals. You can’t lose since you don’t even have to pick up your wallet. But I feel obligated to tell you that the guides probably would appreciate a little tip. So bring a small bill just in case.

And if you want to spend a little money on a great tour, you can book a private tour for your group.

Like this blog? Read more about how you can see Reykjavík on a budget.

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Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Reykjavik, Iceland

The capital of Iceland is a quaint, relaxed place with a small-town feel – and it is easy to explore by foot. Use my free self-guided walking tour of Reykjavik to get a feel for this laid-back city and to see the main Reykjavik attractions.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Reykjavik?

I’ve been to Iceland and visited Reykjavik twice. Full disclosure: in my opinion, Reykjavik is not the most exciting part of Iceland. I’m personally far more drawn to the black sand beaches and glacial lagoons of South Iceland – and all the other spots in Iceland with dramatic landscapes.

However, that doesn’t mean Reykjavik is uninteresting to me – it’s just that I think the Icelandic landscape is that much more interesting.

Reykjavik it’s definitely a unique city with some quaint, colourful buildings and attractive landmarks. It is worth a stop if you’re exploring Iceland or driving the Ring Road and it’s a good place to do some whale-watching if you can’t make it up into North Iceland .

It’s also a useful base from which to explore the Golden Circle, the Reykjanes peninsula (where there have been eruptions in recent years and where the Blue Lagoon is) and also the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Facts about Reykjavik

• The name Reykjavik means ‘smokey bay’ (reykr = ‘smoke’ and vík = ‘bay’) and is thought to have been inspired by what was actually steam, not smoke, rising from hot springs in the region.
• The Old Icelandic Book Of Settlement indicates Reykjavik was the first permanent settlement in Iceland in ~870 AD.
• As capital cities go, it is one of the smaller ones around the world (166 th out of 240), with 133k inhabitants. However, given that is a third of the population of Iceland as a whole, you can see how much of a major centre it is in the country.
• Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital with a latitude of 64°08′ N (Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is slightly further north at 64°10′, but Greenland is a constituent country of Denmark, not an independent state).
• Reykjavik’s heating is sourced from geothermal energy derived from the volcanic activity in Iceland (and this is true for 90% of the buildings in Iceland).
• There are no Mcdonald’s restaurants and no Starbucks in Reykjavik, nor in the whole of Iceland! Mcdonald’s left in 2009 after the economic crash and I don’t think Starbucks has ever opened a restaurant there. However, there are plenty of great places to eat and get coffee – I’ll suggest a few in this post.

What’s In This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Reykjavik

In this walking tour, I’ll share a walking route that will take you to the main sights and attractions in Reykjavik, including:

Hallgrímskirkja

• The Sun Voyager

Harpa Concert Hall

Reykjavik harbour.

• The Rainbow Street

I will also call out some good places to eat in Reykjavik along the way. And I have included a route map at the end, which you can use in Google maps.

How Long Does It Take To Walk Around Reykjavik?

The route I am sharing in this post is 4km (2.5 miles) and would take about an hour to walk without stopping, but obviously, it will take longer because you’ll be stopping, going into some of the places, taking photographs etc. If you give yourself half a day, that’s plenty of time to explore central Reykjavik, including shopping and grabbing something to eat, in my opinion. You’ll need more if you’re doing whale-watching though.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Reykjavik – Step By Step

We start this walking tour of Reykjavik at Hallgrímskirkja for two reasons. One, it is one of the most recognisable and prominent landmarks in Reykjavik. And two, it has free parking, which is handy if you are passing through the city by car.

Hallgrímskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and was built in 1986. It is named for the Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson (the name means Church of Hallgrímur) and the distinctive columnar shapes are inspired by the basalt rock formations found all over Iceland.  

Although it is big, it is not actually a cathedral – it’s a Lutheran church (Church of Iceland). Out front, there’s a statue of Leif Erikson, the 11th Century Norse explorer believed to have been born in Iceland.

The church is a working church with regular services but does also open to visitors , so you can pay to go up the 74.5m / 244 ft tower, which has a panoramic view from the top.

Frakkastígur

From Hallgrímskirkja, head north along Frakkastígur, which will take you downhill towards the sea. Along the way there are several colourful buildings which are typical in Reyjavik; there’s also some street art along here.

If you’re peckish, there are a few good food options on Frakkastígur:

• Víkinga Pylsur is a stand selling an Icelandic favourite: hot dogs, made from lamb and often eaten with mustard
• Grab a bun or a pastry from Brauð & Co , a popular bakery with a colourful shopfront on Frakkastígur.
• Reykjavik Fish is a chain that has a branch on Frakkastígur. The fish & chips are pretty good here (and I say that as a British person)

Sun Voyager

At the end of Frakkastígur, you’ll come to the Sæbraut road (route 41), across which is a metal sculpture commissioned to commemorate the anniversary of Reykjavik. The Sun Voyager was made by Jón Gunnar and unveiled in 1990. He said it ‘symbolizes the promise of new, undiscovered territory’.

To me, the smooth beams and curves of the ship-like structure conjure up the idea of a timeless or futuristic Viking ship. Its location by the sea is perfect – it invokes a sense of adventure as if it is on its way out on an expedition. Made of aluminium, its smooth surfaces reflect the light beautifully.

There are other sculptures along this shore walk, so you could detour eastwards if you are interested in seeing more of them.

If you’re not making the sculpture detour, once you’ve had your fill of the Sun Voyager, head back into town. You could either walk back up Frakkastígur or take Vatnsstígur instead, but either way, our destination is the main shopping street in Reykjavik, Laugavegur .

On this colourful street with games painted on the tarmac (in summer, it is pedestrianised), you’ll find boutiques, bars and restaurants. This can be a good place to pick up some Icelandic products, if you’re in the market for a traditional knitted jumper, for example. There’s also some good eating to be had here:

• Sandholt is another bakery that has great tarts and cakes. You can sit in here – it’s very pleasant.
• Just around the corner from Laugavegur is a café called Grái kötturinn (The Grey Cat) – they are renowned for an indulgent breakfast & brunch menu, including an American pancakes dish called ‘The Truck’, topped with bacon, eggs AND fried potatoes!  I didn’t attempt The Truck, but I did enjoy a hearty breakfast here on my first visit to Iceland. Come hungry.

From Laugavegur, take a right on to Ingólfsstræti, then cut across Arnarholl park, in which you’ll find the Founder Statue, a statue of Ingólfur Arnarson, the Norseman who founded Reykjavik.

Beyond this, you’ll see Harpa Concert Hall , a modern cuboid building which houses a concert hall and conference centre. The architecture is modern and angular, but the patterns in the glass reflect the volcanic basalt columns found around Iceland.

If you’re into ballet or theatre, check out what’s on at Harpa during your trip. They also have a well-rated restaurant there, called Hnoss.

If you’re not so much here for high culture and/or you’re interested in anatomy, you might want to check out The Icelandic Phallological Museum , which is just around the corner from Harpa. They claim to have 215 penises from almost all the land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland.

From Harpa, head along Geirsgata to the Old Harbour , where there are hardy-looking boats and warehouses. This is where the whale-watching tours depart from – but it’s best to book in advance if this is something that you want to do.

The whale-watching tours often offer a free second trip if you don’t see whales on your first trip. You might not have the time to go out twice, but it’s a statement of their confidence in the visibility of whales. I saw lots of dolphins and several minke whales on my trip – not breaching or flipping their tails or anything dramatic and photogenic, but still, it was wonderful to see them coming up for air. I also just loved being out on the steely cold sea. They will put you in reflective inflatable suits before you go out – just in case you end up overboard!

Whether you go out on the sea or not, you might want to check out Seabaron , a long-standing restaurant at the harbour. It’s a seafood restaurant, but a really old-school one. You queue to order and then take a seat in semi-communal seating; it’s small and cramped but the lobster soup was wonderful!  They also serve whale meat, though, which did put me off.

Centre: Ingólfur Square & Austurvöllur

From the harbour, take Tryggvagata into the Central area of Reykjavik, where you’ll find:

• Ingólfur Square , a small public square named for the founder of Reykjavik
• The Settlement Exhibition , an underground excavation of Viking-age buildings and remains
• Austurvöllur – another public square with a statue of Jón Sigurðsson, the leader of the 19th-century movement for independence from Denmark

Skólavörðustígur – AKA The Rainbow Street

Cross Lækjargata and go up Bankastræti until you come to the bottom of Skólavörðustígur, also known as The Rainbow Street due to its colourfully painted tarmac. In good weather, it is, of course, a favourite spot for selfies. Sidebar: for the other famous and photogenic rainbow street in Iceland, you’ll need to go to Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland .

Wander up Skólavörðustígur and check out the shops, including several jewellery stores. Along the way, consider these two eateries

• Kattakaffihúsið is a ‘cat café’ where you can eat vegan cakes as you pet their various feline inhabitants – all rescues who are looking for homes. It is just a block from the Rainbow Street
• Salka Valka is a great restaurant where I had one of my favourite meals in Iceland: Plokkfiskur, a tasty mix of fish, potatoes and white sauce. It might not look like much, but it is delicious! Perfect comfort food on a chilly day.

You can end your self-guided walking tour of Reykjavik back at Hallgrímskirkja, which stands tall at the top of the Rainbow Street.

Map: Self-Guided Walking Tour Reykjavik

Here’s a map showing the walking route and the key stops along this walking tour of Reykjavik.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Tips For This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Reykjavik

• Bring a rain jacket – Weather in Iceland can be changeable and even in summer, it’s not uncommon to have rain. It was pretty drizzly on my first visit to Reykjavik, which was in June
• Get your head around the currency – Iceland uses Krona (ISK), and prices will be in hundreds, thousands and tens of thousands, so it can take a moment to work out what things will cost you in your own currency. Also, be prepared for high prices – to most visitors, Iceland is an expensive place to visit, so check out my tips for exploring Iceland without breaking the bank .

How To Get From Keflavik Airport To Reykjavik

Keflavik Airport is about 50km (30 miles) west of Reykjavik. Use Skyscanner for flight deals.

There are no passenger trains in Iceland, so the only option to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik is by road.

The best way to get around Iceland, in my opinion, is by hiring a car . Try Rentalcars.com to find a deal – and book ahead!

If you’re not driving a rental car, then the cheapest option is a public bus . Bus 55 runs between the airport and the city centre and only costs ISK1,960 (around £12 or US$14), but it is not a fast route: it can easily take an hour and 15 minutes. There’s more information on Straeto.is (NB. You’ll need to enter ‘KEF – Airport’ as the starting point).

Possibly the easiest route is by shuttle bus .   Flybus is a bus service that runs between the airport and Reykjavik city centre. It takes about 45 minutes, you can book it online and it costs ISK3,500 (around £20 or US$25). There’s also an option to stop by the Blue Lagoon.

You can also get a taxi , but this would be very expensive – in the region of ISK22,000 (£130 or US$155).

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Iceland

You can visit Iceland all year round, although the weather can be pretty cold outside of the short summer season (June – August), and the days get very short.

The advantages of going in winter (and also Spring and Autumn) are the chance to see the Northern lights. Also, seeing Iceland covered in snow would also be very special.

Both my visits have been in summer because I wanted to see the Icelandic landscape in all its vibrant green finery. Also, the long summer days mean you have plenty of daylight hours in which to explore – which makes up for the higher prices, I think, because you get more exploring done each day.  In Iceland in summer , you also have to worry much less about how the weather will affect the roads and your driving routes.

Where To Stay In Reykjavik

The first time I went to Iceland I stayed in an Airbnb in Reykjavik, which was fine. The second time, I was campervanning around Iceland , so when we stopped in Reykjavik, it was at Reykjavik Campsite, which is a large campsite a little way out of the city centre.

However, we had already driven the entire Ring Road by then, and I was pretty sick of being in the tiny camper van, so for the second night, I booked into the Skuggi Hotel , on Hverfisgata in central Reykjavik. It was so nice! We had a really comfortable room and I slept soooo well!  It’s also very conveniently located close to all the places in the city centre, so I do recommend it.

If you need any more hotel recommendations for your trip to Iceland, check out this post about hotels around the Ring Road .

The Final Word

I hope you enjoy exploring Reykjavik! 

However, if you are at all interested in the exciting Icelandic landscape, I urge you not to stay only in the vicinity of Reykjavik. The capital city, the Reykjanes peninsula and the Golden Circle are great, but they don’t compare with South Iceland in my opinion.

If you can get as far as Vik, you’ll get to see the wild black sand beaches , volcanic rock formations and also some stunning waterfalls. But ideally, you’ll go as far as southeast Iceland, where glaciers flow down the sides of volcanoes and huge icebergs float in serene glacial lakes . It really is spectacular!

The highlands of Iceland are also really exciting to explore, and it’s easy to do on a super jeep tour .

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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4 thoughts on “self-guided walking tour of reykjavik, iceland”.

Reykjavík is a hidden gem of a city with so much to explore. I loved walking along the black sand beaches, trying the local seafood, and visiting the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.

I agree; the seafood is sooo good in Iceland!

Why it is not possible to download/print the walking tour itinerary???

Interesting question; would a downloadable walking tour of Reykjavik be something you’d be willing to pay for?

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Backpacking in Iceland , Free Travel

Free things to do in reykjavik iceland.

Are you planning to visit Reykjavik on a budget?  You’ll need these tips then!  Iceland is one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, with everything from car hire to guided tours to hotels coming in at eye-wateringly high prices.  It’s no surprise then, that tourists often wonder what the best free things to do in Reykjavik are, so they can visit Iceland without breaking the bank.  We’ve got everything you need to plan a fabulous trip to Reykjavik for cheap! 

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

This article was written by Claire from Europe in Winter, with edits and additions by Claire from Tales of a Backpacker

Know Before You Go to Reykjavik

Before travelling to Iceland, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out. 

🛌 MY FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION IN REYKJAVIK:

$$ Alfred’s Apartments studio apartments with cooking facilities

$$: Reykjavik Lights by KeaHotels great value hotel a bus ride from the centre

$ Kex Hostel modern hostel housed in a historic biscuit factory

⭐ TOP ICELAND ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:

1. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

2. From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

3. From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers

🚌 Pre-book your bus transfer from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik

Why Visit Reykjavik?

Iceland is world-renowned for its dramatic nature (caused by ongoing geological activity) and Nordic culture. Unfortunately, it’s also infamous for its staggeringly high prices. 

While many people visit Iceland for its epic scenery and natural wonders, Iceland’s capital city is often overlooked, but there’s a whole host of attractions and activities here that give a deeper insight into this unique country. 

The unique architecture, friendly people, delicious food and wealth of cultural heritage all make Reykjavik well worth visiting during your Iceland trip.

But don’t worry if you’re counting your króna: there are some free attractions in Reykjavik to enjoy.  Here are a few tips to help you to make the most of your visit to Reykjavik for cheap, plus the top free things to do in Reykjavik Iceland!

How to Visit Reykjavik on a Budget

I love finding cheap and free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time in Reykjavik with a very limited budget.

However, there are some things to see in Reykjavik that might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do it. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge on something else you really want to do.

For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in Reykjavik, and then treat yourself to a unique experience like a whale watching boat trip or a lava horse riding tour !  Visiting Iceland in winter can also save you money as it is a less popular time to visit so you can find deals on accommodation.

In this article, I’ve picked out some of the best free Reykjavik attractions, plus some cheap places to stay in Reykjavik – and if you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular paid activities and Reykjavik tours that you might be interested in:

• Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers
• South of Iceland Full-Day Trip from Reykjavik
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Pass With 7-Step Spa Ritual
• 3-Hour Foodie Adventure Walking Tour

You can browse more tours and attractions in Reykjavik here . 

FIND A TOUR IN REYKJAVIK

The Best Free things to do in Reykjavik 

Stroll along the sculpture and shore walk .

Everyone knows that Iceland is beautiful – but the city of Reykjavik isn’t half bad either! One of the best ways to take in the capital’s charms is by strolling along the Sculpture and Shore Walk. 

This is a name given to the walkway that spans along the main road leading east from central Reykjavik. As you walk, you’ll see wonderful views over Faxaflói Bay and the rugged coastline.

Depending on when you visit Reykjavik, the walk could be green and lush, basking under a summer glow, or covered in snow with gentle light and early sunsets of winter. 

While it snows in Iceland from October to April , frosty conditions aren’t always guaranteed in Reykjavik, due to its maritime location – but when I visited, the sculptures and shore walk, and the opposite coastline, was covered in sparkling snow! 

This walk is home to attractions like the Sun Voyager statue which was constructed as a homage to Iceland’s connection with the sun, and the bright yellow Höfði lighthouse.

Stroll down Rainbow Street

From Hallgrimskirkja, you can take a walk down Rainbow Street, one of the most famous thoroughfares in Reykjavik. This street represents the country’s alliance with its LGBTQ+ community; it was created after a similar street was painted in Seyðisfjörður, a town in east Iceland. 

The street in Seyðisfjörður was painted by a local who couldn’t make it to Reykjavik Pride one year (Seyðisfjörður is about an eight-hour drive from Reykjavik) and decided to have his own Pride celebration instead! 

Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street is lined with shops and cafes, and it links Hallgrimskirkja with the city centre. 

Do a Free Walking Tour

Yes, this one is free – although it’s highly recommended that you tip how much you think the tour was worth! 

Iceland’s geological activity and remoteness have caused a unique culture to build up, and this walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about it. 

Focusing on Reykjavik’s development as a city, along with information about Icelandic folklore and its history, the free walking tour in Reykjavik is a must-do if you want to uncover another side of Iceland.

See Hallgrimskirkja

An icon of the city, Hallgrimskirkja is the main church of Reykjavik (not to be confused with Reykjavik Cathedral). Its unique design is thought to be inspired by the landscape of Iceland and, apparently, by Thor’s hammer. 

The outside is enchanting, and you can enter and see the inside for free. That being said, it does cost ISK 1300 for adults (and ISK 200 for kids up to 16) to ascend up to the top of Hallgrimskirkja and enjoy the view from the top of the tower, which is worth it if you have the cash to spend.

Look out for Northern Lights

Iceland is also famous as a great place to see the Northern Lights, and while there are plenty of excursions you can take to spot them, they certainly aren’t one of the cheap things to do in Reykjavik! 

There’s always a chance that you could spot the Northern Lights in the city, although light pollution tends to make it less likely (although in the past, Reykjavik has turned off their street lights to make the Northern Lights brighter !). 

Generally, the lights will be brighter the further away from the city you are. So, if there’s a good aurora forecast ( you can check it out here ), head to places like Grótta Lighthouse or Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach to try and catch them. 

Remember, Northern Lights are only visible for part of the year. If you’re on a December, November, February or January trip to Reykjavik , you may well be lucky – they’re also sometimes visible in October and March, and less often in other months of the year. 

As a general rule, the closer your visit is to December 21st (Winter Solstice), the darker it will be, and thus the higher your chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik will be! 

See Reykjavik Cathedral

Hallgrimskirkja is often thought of as “Reykjavik Cathedral”, but it’s actually a Lutheran church close to Tjörnin and the City Hall. 

Dating back to the 1800s, it’s a small building that’s free to enter – although it’s not always open.  If you’re in the area, it’s worth popping by and seeing if it’s open! 

Walk around Tjörnin Lake (The Pond)

Reykjavik’s “pond” is right in the city centre. It’s actually a series of five connecting pools and marshland, which is widely regarded as one of the best places in the city for a walk. 

Of course, exploring Tjörnin is completely free of charge. 

Explore the Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center

The Harpa Music Hall & Conference Center is at one end of the Sculptures and Shore Walk, and it’s a contemporary building made, as the name suggests, to host concerts. 

Icelandic music generally reflects the country’s rugged nature; Sigur Ros and Of Monsters and Men are two of the most famous artists from Iceland. 

Concerts at the hall do cost, and there are also paid-for tours. However, you can visit independently and explore the outside and take a look inside for free. 

Hike to Grótta Lighthouse

Overlooking Faxaflói Bay, Grótta Lighthouse sits on Grótta Island (which is attached to the mainland by a spit). It’s around a five-kilometre (three-mile) walk from Reykjavik City Centre, taking around an hour to walk the distance. 

The lighthouse dates back to 1947, replacing an earlier one that was constructed in 1897. The island and lighthouse are fantastic places to watch the sunset, or go birdwatching – it’s famous for Arctic terns. 

If you’re lucky, you might even see whales out in the ocean!  Bear in mind that Grótta Island is closed from 1st May to 15th July, which is during Artic terns’ nesting season.  You’ll also need to time your walk to catch low tide – the spit is inaccessible during high tide. 

Reykjavik City Hall

While a city hall isn’t usually on the list of top attractions for a city, Reykjavik’s is worth popping into, largely because there is a giant topographical map of Iceland here. 

You could spend hours gazing at the map, exploring deep fjords and sky-high mountains – it’s particularly prudent if you’re about to plan a road trip around the country (or have returned from one and want to see where you’ve been!). 

The City Hall also offers free toilets and WiFi as an added bonus! 

Enjoy Reykjavik’s Best Street Art 

The art galleries and museums in Reykjavik are generally on the pricier side for entry, but there’s one that doesn’t have any charge – Reykjavik’s outdoor art gallery! 

Street art in Reykjavik has increased in popularity over the years, only adding to its reputation as an effortlessly cool city. Most Reykjavik street art is legal – meaning the wall owner has given permission for it to be there. 

When walking around the city, you’ll find pieces inspired by Iceland’s nature, murals related to Reykjaivik’s history and some featuring modern culture (such as “Heavy Stones Fear No Weather” which was inspired by Icelandic band “Of Monsters and Men”). 

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Located on the southern part of the Reykjavik peninsula, Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is completely free to visit, although the geothermal pool charges for entry. 

The beach is home to a geothermal pool, and while the sea isn’t warm , it’s partially heated here by the geothermal water. So if you do want to swim in the sea in Reykjavik, here’s probably your place!

The geothermal pool is fairly cheap, making it a good alternative to Iceland’s costlier lagoons like the famous Blue Lagoon if you’re visiting Reykjavik on a budget. 

Cheap Things to Do in Reykjavik (That are Nearly Free!)

Laugardauslaug .

Laugardauslaug is a spa complex consisting of a heated swimming pool and hot tubs, and while it isn’t free, it’s well worth a mention to anyone wanting to visit Iceland on a budget. 

While it’s not quite as dramatic as the Blue Lagoon, you can visit for a mere fraction of the price.  Laugardauslaug is typically visited more by locals than tourists and the entry fee is less than $10. 

Fish and Chips by the Harbour

You’ll need to pay a little for this – but you’ve got to eat, and Iceland’s renowned for its fish!  If you’re looking for cheap eats in Reykjavik, one of the best ways to save money is to buy takeaways. 

And what’s the best takeaway? Fish and chips! 

This decidedly British dish is popular in Iceland because of the abundance of fresh cod in the waters. 

Fish and chips Vagninn is right by the harbour, so you could buy your food and take a seat as you watch the boats bob on the marina and enjoy views out to sea. 

Cheap Places to Stay in Reykjavik

Like anything in Iceland, accommodation in Reykjavik isn’t cheap, but there are a few options for budget hotels and hostels in Reykjavik. 

Kex Hostel is located in a historic biscuit factory and often tops the list of best hostels in Reykjavik. With a fun, chilled-out vibe and contemporary dorms and private rooms, it’s easy to see why it’s a backpacker favourite.  >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Alfred’s Apartments is a good option for couples in Reykjavik; offering studio apartments comfortable beds and cooking facilities (so you’ll save money on eating out!) in the heart of the city, it’s a highly rated place to stay close to the centre. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Reykjavik Lights by KeaHotels is a comfortable, modern hotel with contemporary rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet – it’s cheaper than similar hotels in Reykjavik because it’s around a 40 minute walk to the city centre (although regular buses ply the route). >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Reykjavik on a Budget Is Possible!

While many of the best things to do in Iceland and Reykjavik (like the Golden Circle tour, Blue Lagoon, Fly Over Iceland and the city’s museums) do have a price tag, you can still explore a lot of the city for free or at a low cost. 

Reykjavik’s urban culture oozes out of its buildings and into the streets, so even just taking a walk around the Icelandic capital is a memorable travel experience. 

So whether you’re trying to spend as little money as possible in Iceland or just want to save a little before heading out to see the nation’s epic nature, it’s relatively easy to prioritise Reykjavik’s free activities when visiting! 

About the Author

Claire is a UK-based travel writer and blogger. She’s travelled all over Europe and particularly loves the continent in the winter. On her blog, Europe in Winter , she aims to inspire other travellers to visit Europe in the cooler months. 

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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VIP – Small Group Walking Tour

Small group, small group citywalk.

The VIP CityWalk is a 2-2.5 hour walking tour in a small group designed especially for those who wish to get a more personal touch to their day in Reykjavik. The walk itself starts at the highest point in Reykjavík at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja and is all downhill from there! We pass by the most famous landmarks in Reykjavík such as Harpa concert hall, main shopping street Laugavegur, Þingholt neighbourhood, Arnarhóll hill, PM’s office, Lake Tjörnin, the famous hot dog stand, City Hall, Parliament and many more. You’ll also see some of Reykjavík’s best hidden street art as we introduce you to local habits, do’s and dont’s. You’ll get the history of Iceland in a nutshell as well as recommendations on restaurants, bars and museums. The idea is to lay the foundation for the ideal trip to Iceland or to wrap up a journey of a lifetime with answers to the questions that have arisen during your stay. By the end of the walk, you’ll have a local friend and you’ve felt like you’ve seen the city in a different light.

The VIP tour is a perfect alternative for those who are worried about the Free Walking Tour Reykjavik – click here being to crowded. If your group is 10persons or more we recommend booking a private tour Private Walking Tour – click here Add a food finish at our favourite restaurant with the CityWalk discount: Upon finishing the walking tour, we offer the option to drop you off at one of our favourite restaurants in downtown with an included meal. Please pick one extra, because each extra is served at a different restaurant, the speciality of each spot. The possible options are detailed in a tab further below.

• Price: 5480 ISK
• 2 - 2.5 hours
• Start: Hallgrímskirkja
• Finish: Austurvöllur
• Dates: All year around
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Starting Location
• Key Sites (Attractions)
• Request a Tour
• Optional Extras

You will find your guide at Hallgrímskirkja, next to a statue of a viking, Leifur Eiríksson. Click here for google maps location We are easy to find, clothing marked the CityWalk logo.

Hallgrímskirkja, Skólavörðustígur, Laugavegur, the Concert Hall Harpa, The Old Harbor, lake Tjörnin, Parliament building and often go inside the City Hall. The route changes slightly due to weather.

1. The Famous Icelandic Hot dog, includes gluten. Choose from toppings: ketchup, may, mustard, onions.

2. Vegan meal, soup & Dahl. Our friends grow everything locally

3. Lamb Soup. The traditional iceland Lamb soup has been keeping us warm for generations

4. Panfried Arctic Charr or Salmon, may contain nuts. Only available on weekdays for lunch.

5. The Controversial plate. All legal in Iceland but not commonly eaten. Including a sample of Horse Carpaccio, Smoked Puffin, lightly grilled Minke Whale and Cured Arctic Charr. Small portions of each, but one platter can be shared with two persons.

6. Rye Bread Ice cream, topped with cream and caramelised rhubarb syrup. Ideal desert!

Reserve your spot now!

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Aurora Tourism in Iceland: You Can Seek, but You May Not Find

The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights — especially this year, which is a peak time for solar activity. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found.

In Reykjavík, Iceland, aurora borealis tourism is a booming business. Hopeful tourists board buses to head out into the night in search of the northern lights. Credit... Sigga Ella for The New York Times

Supported by

By Amelia Nierenberg

Amelia Nierenberg spent four nights searching for the northern lights in Iceland.

• March 25, 2024

From the outside, it may seem like the northern lights dance across Iceland’s skies each night. On Icelandair ads, planes fly across shimmering curtains in the sky. On social media, travelers gaze at the green bands above them . The lights are even on some recycling bins in Reykjavík, the capital: “Keep Iceland Clean.”

In the past decade or so, an aurora borealis industrial complex has boomed in Iceland. Many rent a car and go out on their own, but there are northern lights big bus tours and northern lights minibus tours and northern lights Super Jeep tours . There are private guides and boat cruises . There’s an observatory base camp . There’s even a museum .

But the lights can be elusive.

“Tourists sometimes expect, like, ‘At what time do you turn them on?’” said Björn Saevar Einarsson, a forecaster at Iceland’s meteorological office , chuckling. “Like we have a switch in the back room.”

This year, the letdowns are especially intense.

The northern lights, which are also called the aurora borealis, are most visible when there are solar flares, which are big eruptions on the sun that send charged particles toward Earth. This year, the sun is approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle of activity , which some assume means that the displays could peak, too.

But the enhanced solar activity doesn’t necessarily mean the northern lights will be brighter or more frequent, scientists wearily explain. Instead, they mostly mean that the lights can be seen farther south than usual: In recent months, they have been visible in Arizona , Missouri and southern England .

That doesn’t mean much for Iceland.

In fact, Icelanders and scientists said, this winter is nothing special. Sometimes, the lights are there. Sometimes, they aren’t. Just like always.

Hunting the lights

But nothing special, with the northern lights, is still very special. And so tourists keep coming .

Last month, I joined the fray. For four nights, I looked for telltale sky shimmers in and around Reykjavík.

I booked my tickets riding high — this was the best year yet, right? But as I learned more, and as my flight neared, my hopes ebbed. Scientists and tour leaders gently told me that the skies were cloudy and the solar activity seemed quiet.

“Just to let you know the forecast doesn’t look too good” Inga Dís Richter, the chief commercial officer at Icelandia , a tourism agency, wrote in an email two days before I planned to take a minibus trip with Reykjavik Excursions , one of its tour operators.

“But,” she added, “this can change.”

To find the lights, guides and travelers often rely on aurora forecasts, which overlay cloud cover and solar activity. They check them constantly, like a bride with an outdoor wedding in mid-April.

Some of the forecasts are free, like the aurora forecast run by Iceland’s meteorological office or Iceland at Night , which includes space weather. (Some are not — Aurora Forecast , which costs $12.99 a year, sends alerts.) Many people also turn to Facebook pages , where enthusiasts hungrily swap sightings.

Luck, though, is everything.

“There’s only one thing less predictable with the northern lights, and that’s the Arctic weather,” said John Mason, a global expert on the northern lights. “An aurora forecast is barely worth the paper that it’s written on.”

The guides work hard to explain the science, and set expectations. Most companies offer a free rebooking option if the lights do not show.

On my first night of aurora stalking, despite Ms. Richter’s warnings, I joined an expectant group on the Reykjavík Excursions minibus. For $88, I got a seat on the 19-person bus, which left the city’s central bus station at 9:30 p.m.

Over the next three to four hours, we would drive through the Icelandic night together. I’d either see something astonishing with these strangers — the sky, banded with light — or shiver with them shoulder-to-shoulder, awkward in the cold.

As we pulled onto the road, Gudjon Gunnarsson, the guide, set the mood early. “We are going hunting for the lights,” he said, emphasizing the word “hunting,” “similar to going out fishing in a lake.”

He drove for about 45 minutes, letting Reykjavík’s glow fade behind us. The city has about 140,000 people, and no real skyscrapers, so there’s limited light pollution. Although the northern lights can appear over the city, it’s best to see them in total darkness.

Then he paused and consulted with another guide.

“It is too cloudy here,” he told his flock. “So we will keep driving.”

But as we kept driving, clouds turned to a dense fog, so thick that the moon all but disappeared.

Mr. Gunnarsson turned off the main highway about an hour after we left Reykjavík. He parked in a parking lot. Or maybe it was a side street? The darkness was so deep that I could only make out the moonlight on the ocean, and only then after my eyes adjusted.

We disembarked and stood dutifully beside him, staring up at the sky. Then, one woman pointed toward Reykjavík. Were those the lights? (No. That was light pollution.)

Christof Reinhard, 65, who owns a medical laser company and was visiting with his family from Paris, mused that our search was a little bit like a safari. Sure, the desert is amazing, but it’s much better with lions. Or, maybe, was this more like a whale watch?

“Instead of a boat,” he said, “you have a bus.”

Mr. Gunnarsson watched the group stomp their feet and bend into the wind. Fifteen minutes. Then, half an hour. The clouds hung thick above. “There’s nothing happening here, as you can see,” he finally said to relieved chuckles. “It’s one of those nights where you just have to give up.”

Tourists can get mad, Mr. Gunnarsson and other guides said. It’s rare, but it does happen.

“It’s the trip that has our worst reviews,” said Eric Larimer, the digital marketing manager for Gray Line Iceland , a day tour and airport transport company.

A wake-up call for the aurora

For some, the joy is in the search, even if there is no find. A few focus on astronomy, often opting to stay at Hotel Rangá , which is just off the main ring road (Route 1) near Iceland’s south coast.

The hotel looks unassuming — low-slung and wooden — but it’s one of the most famous in Iceland. (The Kardashians stayed there . So did the Real Housewives of Orange County .) A standard room costs more than $300, depending on the season.

But Rangá doesn’t just cater to celebrities. It also draws astronomy buffs, enticed by its “aurora wake-up call” service and its observatory, which has state-of-the-art telescopes.

“One thing is to sell them,” said Fridrik Pálsson, the hotel’s owner, speaking of the northern lights. “Another thing is to deliver them.”

About 20 years ago, before the northern lights industry took off, he delegated the night security guard to monitor the sky. The guard pokes his head out every few minutes to look for the telltale flicker. If he sees the lights, he alerts the guests.

The service aims to address one of the main issues with hunting for the northern lights: They are usually only visible on winter nights, when it is very cold, very windy and very late.

“To be a good northern lights observer, you need the constitution of an insomniac polar bear,” Dr. Mason said.

My room phone, alas, stayed silent. But I did dream about the lights — great Wonka colors swirling, strangely, behind the Chrysler Building.

Mr. Pálsson built the observatory, too. Even if the lights didn’t show up, he figured, the stars are still magnificent — and, for city dwellers, also rare. The hotel contracts astronomers to work the telescopes and explain the stars to guests.On my second night in Iceland, as twilight slipped below happy-hour skies, I crunched across the snow to the observatory with Saevar Helgi Bragason, an Icelandic science communicator who leads the astronomy program.

He bent into a toddler-size telescope, focusing it on the moon’s craters. They looked clearer than the hotel, just a short walk away. It was too early for the lights, he said. And that evening seemed too cloudy (on Earth) and too quiet (on the sun).

Mr. Bragason joked that the lights can get in his way — they create a mist over the stars he really wants to see. But tourists often come specifically to see them. And sometimes, he said, as they wait impatiently, they can miss the real wonder.

“You’re left with these beautiful skies above you,” he said. “Basically, literally, another universe opens up.”

Creating a lights season

Hotel Rangá was a pioneer in Iceland’s northern lights tourism industry: About two decades ago, people came to Iceland for the long summer days, and left as daylight slipped farther south.

“I found it rather stupid in the beginning,” admitted Mr. Pálsson, the owner of Rangá, speaking of northern lights tourism.

But spreading tourism throughout the year made sense. Partly, that was an environmental concern. The tourists would crowd the country’s extraordinary natural sites over just a few months. It was also economic. When the visitors left Iceland, tourism jobs would ebb with the sunlight.

So the northern lights, which are reliably visible from September to March, became the backbone of the country’s winter branding, said Sveinn Birkir Björnsson, the marketing and communications director at Business Iceland , which promotes the country.

“To be able to sell this product of cold and darkness, you have to have something to offer,” he said.

Now, even though June, July and August are the busiest months, tourism has evened out over the seasons. In 2023, there were about 1.1 million international visitors to Iceland during the aurora months, based on departures from Keflavík Airport, according to data from Iceland’s tourist board . From April to August, there were about 1.1 million, too.

About a decade earlier , when tourism overall to Iceland was lower, there were about 336,000 departures from the main airport in colder months, and about 446,000 in the spring and summer.

The winter travelers are drawn by the lights — and the hot springs, glaciers and icy waterfalls. It’s also cheaper than the summer season.

Some try to visit volcanoes , but the country recently warned tourists to avoid the lava flows — Iceland is living in an unusually active period of seismic activity . In January, lava flowed into a small town and last week a volcano erupted with just 40 minutes’ notice near the Blue Lagoon thermal springs, one of the country’s biggest attractions.

The final attempts

Near midnight on my last night, a Sunday, I drove to the Grótta Lighthouse , a popular spot on the outskirts of Reykjavík.

A few die-hard experts had warned me off — many tourists go there because it’s darker than most of Reykjavík, but then don’t think to turn off their headlights. It was also raining, greatly diminishing my chances of seeing the lights.

But I only had three hours before I had to leave to make my predawn flight. I felt a little desperate, a little dazed. I parked, and approached two people who were sitting in the rain on a wet wall, looking at the water in the darkness. I climbed over seaweed, and introduced myself. What would it mean to them, I asked, if the lights suddenly appeared?

“It’d be a little bit like the cherry on top,” said Catherine Norburn, 29, who was visiting from England.

She and her husband were set to fly out the next morning. They had not yet seen the lights.

“We don’t have high hopes,” said her husband, Reece Norburn, 29, “but it’s now or never.”

We didn’t see the lights. And I didn’t see them later, even after pulling off the highway halfway between Reykjavík and the airport at 3:30 a.m., half convinced by a shimmery cloud.

But I did spend more time looking up at the sky. And it’s a marvel.

In New York City, where I live, the night sky blooms orange-mauve. In Iceland, the nighttime darkness is just that — darkness. Clouds roll, breaking the deep blue. Stars actually shine. Northern lights or no northern lights, it was still cosmically beautiful.

Amelia Nierenberg writes the Asia Pacific Morning Briefing , a global newsletter. More about Amelia Nierenberg

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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If I am hoping to do 2 day trips (Golden Circle on one day, perhaps the South Coast (Waterfalls - Seljalandsfoss, etc.) on a second day, and not sure about the 3rd day ( Blue Lagoon ?) (otherwise very grateful for ideas) -- can I do all this on our own (without hiring a tour? I was hoping to be able to see the major sites on our own, but I keep getting information about tour operators. I'd be grateful for any input (alson on itineraries! -- my son is a keen photographer and interested in the volcanos, waterfalls, and lagoons. He can do a moderate hike. We do not like to go at too fast a pace, however.

Thanks for any input!

5 replies to this topic

You can go to all those places as a self drive. We really recommend a guide for Golden Circle as there is so much historical info you learn from a local that you can't pickup by yourself.

You can see all that you listed withour paying for a tour. If your son is really into photography, treat him to "Inside the Volcano". A once in a lifetime experience and photographs at the bottom of a dormant volcano are just wow!!

Thanks, Mathladyca49! That InsidetheVolcano tour looks amazing! Alas, it is also not affordable for us. :(

Thank you for this perspective! I will look into it. I'm just a bit stressed about how much everything costs!

I would do this by yourself and not do a tour. It is so easy to do:). The only tours I would do are ones that need a guide for such as ice caves or glacier hike etc.

Do you have your lodging secured? I ask because things are heavily booked already, so if you have not booked that, get that done before you do anything else.

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