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Wie man Reykjavik als ersten Timer angeht

Hier finden Sie alles, was Sie wissen müssen, um Ihre erste Reise in die isländische Hauptstadt optimal zu nutzen.

Reykjavik city view from the Hallgrimskirkja church.
Hi, I'm Karen!

Karen is a Scottish freelance travel and culture writer based in the US. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Reykjavik may be small, but it’s packed full of endless attractions. Visitors to the Icelandic capital can bathe in geothermal waters, spot the northern lights, and escape to the surrounding countryside for numerous outdoor activities. Reykjavik is also a cosmopolitan capital city with a unique culture and food scene to boot. Take the guesswork out of your first visit to Reykjavik by following these tips on what to see and do.

1. Head up to Hallgrímskirkja

Outside Hallgrimskirkja church.
Hallgrimskirkja church offers sweeping views of the city.Bildquelle: Brian Fulda / Viator

Get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Perched on a hill in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrim's Church (Hallgrímskirkja) appears to shoot toward heaven on curved white concrete wings, dominating the city’s skyline for miles.

Just as impressive at ground level, the church also offers an unmissable view of the city and its surroundings. Take the elevator up to the top and admire the postcard-perfect image of the city’s colorful roofs below.

2. Dive into the social scene waters

People bathe at Section Hot Spring in Iceland.
Icelanders love to soak in the public hot springs.Bildquelle: Roberto La Rosa / Shutterstock

Visit a swimming pool for a taste of local life.

Get a taste of Iceland’s unique swimming culture by visiting one of Reykjavik’s public swimming pools, such as Sundhöllin in the city center, or the enormous Laugardalslaug hot springs which feature two swimming pools, seven hot tubs, a steam bath, and a giant water slide.

Much like British people going to the pub, soaking in a public hot tub is a social pastime for Icelanders. It's a great way to have an authentic local experience and make new friends. Just remember to shower first.

3. Discover Harpa concert hall

The Harpa Concert Hall shimmering in many colors.
The Harpa Concert Hall is one of Reykjavík’s most striking landmarks.Bildquelle: KeongDaGreat / Shutterstock

See Reykjavik’s striking concert hall from all angles.

Discover Reykjavik’s Harpa, a concert hall and conference center that’s one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Home of the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the shimmering building was designed by renowned Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Its glass façade features honeycombed panels that change colors as they reflect the sky and the ocean.

Admire the exterior by strolling along the seashore, then pop inside for a closer look and to browse the shops or eat at one of the restaurants. The best way to experience Harpa is by attending an event, so check out the calendar to see what's on.

4. Taste local delights

Tourists sampling Reykjavík delicacies.
Reykjavík cuisine is as unique as its landscape.Bildquelle: Brian Fulda / Viator

Sample some of Reykjavik’s tastiest dishes.

Reykjavik ist zwar klein, aber voller eigenwilliger Attraktionen. Besucher der isländischen Hauptstadt können in geothermischen Gewässern baden, das Nordlicht beobachten und mit einer einzigartigen Pferderasse durch die umliegende Landschaft reiten. Wenn es Ihr erster Besuch ist, möchten Sie die besten Dinge einpacken. Hier sind unsere Top-Tipps für Ihr erstes Mal in Reykjavik.

Machen Sie eine Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus-Tour

Sie können sich ein Bild von der Gestaltung der Stadt machen und die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten ausschalten, indem Sie eine Hop-on-Hop-off-Bus-Tour unternehmen. Mit diesen Touren können Sie Ihre Reiseroute anpassen: Steigen Sie an einer beliebigen Haltestelle aus und verbringen Sie so lange, wie Sie möchten.

Buchen Sie die Blaue Lagune im Voraus

Die Blaue Lagune mit ihrem mineralreichen geothermischen Wasser ist eine der geschäftigsten Attraktionen von Reykjavik. Planen Sie Ihren Besuch also mit Bedacht. Buchen Sie Ihr Ticket im Voraus und besuchen Sie es entweder auf dem Weg vom Flughafen in die Stadt oder auf dem Rückweg, um Zeit zu sparen.

Reise um den Goldenen Kreis

Islands Goldener Kreis besteht aus dem Thingvellir-Nationalpark, dem Geysir-Geothermiegebiet und dem Gullfoss-Wasserfall und ist auf einem Tagesausflug von Reykjavik aus leicht zu erreichen. Sie können sogar eine zusätzliche Aktivität hinzufügen, z. B. Schneemobilfahren auf einem Gletscher.

Gehen Sie auf Aurora-Jagd

Wenn Sie während der Wintermonate zu Besuch sind, haben Sie gute Chancen, das Nordlicht zu entdecken. Am besten machen Sie jedoch eine Tour, die von Führern geleitet wird, die wissen, wo Sie die besten Aussichtspunkte finden. Wenn Sie sie nicht sehen, können Sie bei vielen Touren am nächsten Abend wieder teilnehmen, um eine weitere Chance zu erhalten.

Reiten Sie ein Islandpferd

Das süße, wollige und außergewöhnlich robuste Islandpferd ist eine Ikone der Nation. Ihr Reiseveranstalter holt Sie in Reykjavik ab, bevor er Sie mit Ihrem Berg zusammenbringt, der Sie dann durch die Landschaft, vorbei an Bergen, Seen und Lavafeldern führt.

Nehmen Sie einen Bissen aus der Lebensmittelszene

Verlassen Sie Reykjavik nicht, ohne traditionelle isländische Gerichte wie Skyr (ein joghurtähnliches Milchprodukt) und isländische Lammsuppe zu probieren. Ein geführter Rundgang führt Sie zu einigen der besten Restaurants der Stadt, darunter das älteste Restaurant und ein beliebter Hot-Dog-Stand.

5. Get out onto the water

Humpback whale tail breaches near Reykjavik, Iceland.
Reykjavik offers an incredible backdrop for whale watchers.Bildquelle: AM Jonik / Shutterstock

Set sail for Reykjavik’s best wildlife experiences.

Reykjavik is a maritime city, so soak up some fresh sea air with a whale-watching cruise to Faxafloi Bay from the city’s Old Harbour. If you visit during summer, combine whale watching with a cruise to Akurey to see its puffin colony. Budding anglers should take the opportunity to catch their dinner on a sea angling tour aboard a traditional wooden fishing boat.

6. Chase the northern lights

A man looks out over the northern lights in Iceland
The northern lights are a must-see occurrence when in Reykjavik.Bildquelle: Brian Fulda / Viator

Spot the aurora outside the city.

If you're visiting during the winter months, you have a reliable chance of spotting the northern lights, but it’s best to do so away from the bright lights of the city. A number of aurora-hunting tours depart from Reykjavik each night.

These tours are led by guides who know where to find the best viewing spots depending on the evening’s conditions, so you can be sure to maximize your chances of experiencing the magical phenomenon. If you don’t see them, many tours will let you join again the following evening for another chance.

Related: How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

7. Ride an Icelandic horse

Woman strokes the nose of an Islandic horse.
Explore the Reykjavik landscape by horseback.Bildquelle: Blue Planet Studio / Shutterstock

Find out what makes Iceland’s native horse special.

Cute, woolly, and exceptionally sturdy, the Icelandic horse was first brought to the island by the Vikings. Today, Icelandic horses remain beloved icons of the nation.

Several rural farms offer horseback riding tours, including pickup from Reykjavik, that match you with your mount and lead you on a ride across the moss-covered countryside past mountains, lakes, and lava fields. You’ll also get the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s unique fifth gait, the smooth tolt.

8. Explore the Golden Circle

Tourists capture a geyser as it erupts.
The Geysir Geothermal Area puts on a great show.Bildquelle: Brian Fulda / Viator

See Iceland’s top natural attractions in a day.

Reykjavik is the jumping-off point for trips around Iceland’s Golden Circle. The famed driving route is made up of three top natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Even if you don’t have much time in Iceland, you can easily do the trip in one day by booking a tour with hotel transfers. You can even add on an additional activity, such as snowmobiling on a glacier.

9. Explore the National Museum of Iceland

The exterior of the National Museum of Iceland.
The National Museum of Iceland has an extensive collection on the Middle Ages.Bildquelle: Robson90 / Shutterstock

Learn about the country’s history and culture.

Dive into the fascinating history of the small island nation at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum’s extensive collection provides insights into the earliest settlements of the Middle Ages through to the emergence of the independent Icelandic nation. "The Making of a Nation" permanent exhibit is staged as a journey through time, starting with a ship used by Iceland’s early settlers to images of Reykjavik's modern and bustling airport.

Related: 9 Under-the-Radar Museums in Iceland

10. Soak in the Blue Lagoon

People soaking in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon.
There's a reason why the Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous attraction.Bildquelle: rayints / Shutterstock

Unwind in the lagoon’s mineral-rich waters.

Perhaps Iceland’s most famous attraction, it’s not difficult to understand the appeal of the Blue Lagoon, which is around an hour’s drive south of Reykjavik. Soaking in the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool is the perfect way to relax after a day spent exploring the city. For the full pampering experience, add on a treatment at the spa, cocktails at the swim-up bar, and dinner at the restaurant.

11. Get a taste of Reykjavik’s nightlife scene

Nighttime in Reykjavik.
Celebrate in true Icelander style with a nighttime pub crawl.Bildquelle: Nella / Shutterstock

Live it up like a local.

Set aside at least one evening to experience Reykjavik’s lively nightlife scene. If it’s the weekend, celebrate like a true Icelander by embarking on a runtur (“pub crawl”) downtown, largely in and around Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street. If you’re not sure of where to go, book a guided nighttime tour and let your guide lead you to some of the best spots in town.

More ways to explore Reykjavik

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