Things to Visit in Reykjavik: Northern Lights and Geothermal
Explore Iceland's capital and its surrounding natural wonders. Covers the Golden Circle, geothermal pools, whale watching, Reykjavik's food scene, and practical tips for the land of fire and ice.
The 74-meter church dominates Reykjavik's skyline. The tower elevator (1,000 ISK) offers 360-degree city and mountain views. The organ inside has 5,275 pipes. Free to enter the church; pay only for the tower. Named after a 17th-century Icelandic poet and took 41 years to build.
Walk the Laugavegur main street
Reykjavik's main shopping and nightlife strip stretches about 1 km through the center. Independent boutiques, coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants. The side streets have colorful houses and street art. On weekend nights, the bar crawl (runturn) fills the street after midnight.
Visit the Harpa Concert Hall
A stunning glass building on the waterfront designed to reflect the Icelandic landscape. Free to enter the lobby and admire the geometric glass panels (designed by artist Olafur Eliasson). Guided tours available. The cafe inside has harbor views. Check the schedule for concerts and performances.
Explore the Old Harbour area
The harbor has whale watching tours, puffin spotting boats, restaurants, and the Whales of Iceland exhibition (life-size whale models). The area around Grandi has a food hall, the Marshall House art center, and a growing restaurant scene. More relaxed than the city center.
Swim at a geothermal pool in the city
Reykjavik has 7 public geothermal swimming pools heated naturally to 28-40C. Laugardalslaug is the largest with multiple hot tubs at different temperatures. Entry costs about 1,100 ISK (8 USD). Locals swim year-round, even in snowstorms. Shower thoroughly (without a swimsuit) before entering, as required.
Golden Circle Day Trip
Visit Thingvellir National Park
The site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930 AD, also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. Walk between the continents through the Almannagja rift. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free entry; parking costs 750 ISK.
Walk the Almannagja rift between tectonic plates
See the Oxararfoss waterfall
Watch Geysir and Strokkur erupt
The original Geysir (which gave the English language its word) is mostly dormant, but Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water 20-30 meters high. Free to visit. Stand upwind to avoid the sulfur spray. The site has a small visitor center and restaurant.
See Gullfoss waterfall
A massive two-tiered waterfall dropping 32 meters into a canyon. The viewing platforms get you close enough to feel the spray. Free entry. On sunny days, rainbows form in the mist. Dress warmly; the wind chill at the falls is significant even in summer.
Drive or tour the full Golden Circle
The 300-km loop from Reykjavik covers Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss in one day. Self-drive gives flexibility (rent a car for 8,000-15,000 ISK/day). Organized bus tours (8,000-12,000 ISK) include a guide. Allow 6-8 hours for the full loop with stops. The roads are paved and easy to drive year-round.
Nature and Day Trips
Soak in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon (45 minutes from Reykjavik) is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa. Milky blue water at 38-40C with silica mud masks. Book weeks ahead; walk-ins rarely get in. Entry starts at 7,990 ISK. Sky Lagoon is newer, closer to the city (15 minutes), equally stunning with an infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean, and slightly cheaper.
Go whale watching from the harbour
Tours depart year-round from the Old Harbour (3-4 hours, 10,000-13,000 ISK). Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises are commonly spotted. June-August has the highest sighting rates. Dress in layers; boats provide overalls but it gets cold on the water. Seasickness pills recommended if you are prone.
Drive the South Coast to Vik
A full-day drive (180 km each way) past Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, black sand beach at Reynisfjara, and the basalt columns at Vik. Reynisfjara has dangerous sneaker waves; never turn your back to the ocean. The drive is doable as a long day trip or better as an overnight.
Snorkel or dive at Silfra fissure
Snorkel between the tectonic plates in water so clear you can see 100+ meters. Water temperature is 2-4C year-round (dry suits provided). Tours from Reykjavik run about 20,000-25,000 ISK including equipment. Located in Thingvellir National Park. No diving experience needed for snorkeling; diving requires certification.
Hunt for the Northern Lights (September-March)
Aurora borealis is visible from September through March when nights are dark. Tours (8,000-12,000 ISK) drive to locations away from city light pollution. Clear skies and high solar activity (check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast) are needed. The lights are not guaranteed; most tours offer a free rebooking if nothing appears.
Food and Culture
Try Icelandic hot dog (pylsur)
Made from a blend of lamb, pork, and beef, served with raw and crispy fried onion, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade. The famous stand in downtown Reykjavik has served everyone from locals to visiting heads of state. Order 'eina med ollu' (one with everything). Costs about 600 ISK.
Eat fresh seafood and lamb
Icelandic lamb is free-range and grass-fed with a distinct flavor. Fish (cod, Arctic char, langoustine) is caught daily. A restaurant meal costs 3,000-7,000 ISK (20-50 USD). Lunch specials and the food hall at Hlemmur Matholl offer the best value. The lamb soup (kjotsoupa) is a warming, affordable classic.
Visit the Hlemmur Matholl food hall
A food hall in a converted bus station with stalls serving Icelandic, Asian, Mexican, and other cuisines. One of the most affordable ways to eat well in Reykjavik. Open for lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is casual and local. Good craft beer selection at the bar inside.
Try fermented shark (hakarl) at least once
Iceland's most notorious food: Greenland shark cured for 4-5 months with a strong ammonia smell. Most visitors try one small cube and that is enough. Available at the flea market (Kolaportid) and in small portions at bars. Chase it with a shot of Brennivin (Icelandic caraway schnapps). An experience, not a delicacy.
Experience Reykjavik's nightlife
Icelanders go out late: bars fill up around midnight and close at 1 AM (4-5 AM on weekends). Pre-drinking at home is standard because bar prices are high (a beer costs 1,200-1,800 ISK / 8-13 USD). The concentration of bars along Laugavegur makes bar-hopping easy. Friday and Saturday nights are the big nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Reykjavik and Iceland?
3 days covers Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon. With 5-7 days, add the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, whale watching, and more exploration. For the full Ring Road around the island, plan 10-14 days. Reykjavik itself can be covered in 1-2 days; the day trips are the main draw.
Is Iceland very expensive?
Yes, one of the world's most expensive destinations. A mid-range daily budget is 25,000-40,000 ISK (180-290 USD) for accommodation, meals, and one activity. Restaurant meals cost 2,500-6,000 ISK, gas for driving is about 350 ISK per liter, and activities (whale watching, Blue Lagoon) range 8,000-25,000 ISK each. Save money by shopping at bonus supermarkets and staying in hostels or guesthouses.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?
Occasionally, on very clear nights with strong solar activity. However, city light pollution reduces visibility significantly. Driving 20-30 minutes outside the city dramatically improves your chances. The Grotta lighthouse area on Reykjavik's western tip is the best in-city option. Peak season is September through March.
Do you need to rent a car in Iceland?
For anything beyond Reykjavik city, a car is the most flexible option. The Golden Circle, South Coast, and Ring Road are best self-driven. Budget 8,000-20,000 ISK per day for rental plus fuel. In winter (November-March), rent a 4WD for safety on icy roads. Bus tours are an alternative but less flexible and sometimes more expensive per trip.