Must See Attractions in Downtown Reykjavik

Our location near the heart of the city center makes Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel an excellent launching point for a walking tour of the city’s landmarks. You can easily spend one day, or several, wandering amongst the colorful rooftops and taking in the eclectic culture. Following is a list of the must-see stops to help you make the most of your time in Iceland’s treasured capital city. 

Few tourists make their way to the long and winding Sculpture and Shore Walk that circles most of Reykjavik. Just steps outside our door, you can view the marina and breathe the refreshing ocean air as you pass the rows of whale watching vessels, where the various tour companies will vie for the chance to take you out for a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Then head inland toward the Hafnarhus—or Harbor house (Tryggvagata 17), the closest branch of the Reykjavik Art Museum, or RAM. The museum is housed in three different locations around the city, making it the largest visual art institution in Iceland. The Hafnarhus serves as the museum’s institute of contemporary art, and is open daily from 10-5, except on Thursdays, when it closes at 8. For the price of admission, you receive a ticket valid on the same day for all three locations of RAM: which includes Kjarvalsstadir, with its installations, paintings and sculptures from renowned artists worldwide; and Asmundarsafn, dedicated to the works of sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. 

Continue along Tryggvagata and make your way to The Culture House (15 Hverfisgata), where you will view exhibitions and prized national treasures that reflect Iceland’s illustrious past. The featured exhibit is the Medieval Manuscripts–Eddas and Sagas, where visitors can see up-close some of the few written sources on the people of Northern Europe, from pagan times through the Viking expansion and the period of Christianization. A free, guided tour is offered in English four times a week in the summer and two times a week over the winter months, and includes a brief presentation on the majestic building’s protected status as a historic monument.

A southerly path from the hotel takes you straight into the heart of downtown to  Austurvöllur, a small grassy square where locals love to spend sunny afternoons. From there you can walk to the Parliament House, or Althing, the hewn-stone building that houses a commonwealth that’s been in existence since 930 A.D., making it the oldest surviving parliamentary institution in the world. When Althing is in session you may visit the viewing platforms to watch the debates; otherwise it is necessary to be part of a group to see the building from the inside. Requests for visits to the Parliament House should be made by e-mail to heimsoknir@althingi.is, or by calling (354) 563 0500.

Head east toward the most prominent hill in the city and you will arrive at Hallgrimskirkja (Skólavörðuholt and Hringbraut), a newer church by Icelandic standards, and a magnificent structure to be sure. Designed as an architectural interpretation of the country’s volcanic basalt landscape, it features vaulted ceilings and a massive pipe organ. It’s free to enter the church and explore on your own; for a small fee, you can take an elevator to the observation tower for what is arguably the best view of the city. Open from 9-5 daily, with extended hours in summertime; if you visit at 3 pm, you’ll catch one of the classical concerts that take place every afternoon. 

As you head back toward the city center, make a stop at the Tjörnin (the Icelandic name for pond) where locals often gather to feed the ducks and geese. Surrounded by Music Pavilion Park, this area is very popular in nice weather. At the southern end is Vatnsmýri swamp, a small wetland area and wildlife reserve, open for public viewing year round, except during egg-hatching season. On the northern side of Tjörnin is Reykjavík City Hall (Tjarnargata 11), where you’ll find a helpful information desk, Internet access and an exhibition hall featuring a huge relief map of Iceland. Built by a team of artists over many years, the map is a great asset for visitors looking for a better understanding of the country’s topography. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8-7, and from 12-6 on weekends.

Just minutes from Tjörnin is The National Museum of Iceland (Sudurgata 41). If you only visit one museum during your holiday, we hope this one is it. A beautifully laid out, permanent exhibition traces the history of Icelandic culture chronologically from settlement to modern day. All written descriptions are translated into English and, free guided tours are available as well. Historical costumes and chainmail are accessible to kids and adults alike, providing an opportunity to dress up and capture that unforgettable vacation photo. The museum is open every day in winter except Monday, from 11-5, and seven days a week during the summer season. 

At the end of a long day filled with the sights and sounds of the capital, make your way back to Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel, where along the way you are sure to witness the bustling nightlife the city is famous for. During certain times of the year, you might even catch a glimpse of the brilliant beam of light emanating from the Imagine Peace Tower (Videy Island), the memorial that Yoko Ono created to celebrate the life of her late husband, John Lennon. This spectacle almost rivals the northern lights themselves, and in our humble opinion, the view from your window just might be the best seat in town.