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Reykjavik Maps & Attractions Guide
Reykjavik maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Reykjavik
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Reykjavik
Attractions - Things to do
1. Hallgrimskirkja
Skólavörðustígur
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What is it? The landmark church, the tallest building in
Iceland, dominates the city from its highest point, and is visible
on a sunny day from up to 10 miles (16km) away. Named for 17th
century Icelandic poet, hymn composer and clergyman, Hallrimur
Petursson, the church's unusual design represents volcanic basalt
columns flanking its towering steeple. It took nearly 40 years to
build the edifice, which was finally completed in 1986. In front of
the church stands a statue of Leif Eriksson, donated to Iceland by
the United States.
Hours of Operation: 9am to 6pm in summer, 9am to 5pm
winter
Phone: |
2. National Museum
Suðurgötu 41
www.natmus.is |
What is it? The recently refurbished National Museum of
Iceland is the best place to become acquainted with the folklore,
history and culture of this fascinating nation. The museum contains
around 3,000 artefacts, including medieval settlers' tools,
agricultural and nautical implements, ancient carvings and Viking
relics.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm (16 September to 30
April); daily 10am to 5pm (May to 15 September)
Phone:530 2200 |
3. Botanical Gardens
Laugardalur 104
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What is it? The lush, green Botanical Gardens are a haven
for strollers and planted with a large collection of Icelandic
indigenous plants. Besides walking trails and water features, the
gardens have a greenhouse café open during the summer months, a
children's park and a zoo.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:553 8870 |
4. The Einar Jónsson Museum
Eiriksgata
www.skulptur.is |
What is it? Einar Jónsson was Iceland's foremost sculptor
and he himself designed and established this museum, which contains
several hundred of his works spanning his 60-year career. The
museum building itself is deemed to be Jónsson's largest work, and
served as his home, gallery and studio. The foundation stone was
laid in 1916; it was Iceland's first art museum and retains pride
of place on the highest point in Reykjavik. It is adjoined by a
pristine treed sculpture garden, which sports 26 bronze casts of
the artist's work. There is also a museum shop selling plaster
casts of Jonsson's works, books and
postcards.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 2pm to 5pm (June to 15 September);
Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 5pm (16 September to 31 May). Closed in
December and January
Phone:551 3797, or 561 3797 |
5. The Blue Lagoon
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What is it? A favourite and unique attraction close to
Reykjavik, about 30 miles (50km) south west of the city, is the
man-made geothermal 'Blue Lagoon', set in a lava field, filled with
mineral-rich hot water pumped from about a mile below the surface.
The lagoon is flanked by a luxurious health spa where visitors come
to be pampered and treated for skin ailments like eczema and
psoriasis. The lagoon's unearthly phosphorescent aquamarine colour
is caused by the therapeutic ecosystem of algae, silica and
minerals in the water.
Hours of Operation: Open daily 9am to 9pm in summer, and 10am to 8pm in
winter
Phone:420 8800 |
6. Gullfoss Falls
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What is it? Iceland's famed Gullfoss (Golden) Falls are
considered to rate among the most beautiful in the world and make
for a popular day trip from Reykjavik. The falls, with their
awesome double-cascade, are incredibly powerful which has meant
they have come under threat of being utilised as a source of
hydro-electricity. Currently, however, the fantastic vista of the
falls, shrouded in mist and rainbows, gushing into a canyon on the
Hvita River, are safely ensconced in a national park and remain one
of the country's top tourist attractions.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
7. Geysir
www.geysircenter.is |
What is it? The weird landscape of the Haukadalur valley
in Iceland's southern lowlands, where hot springs spout and mud
pots bubble, has been dominated for centuries by the 'granddaddy'
of all geysers, the Great Geysir, from which all other such
phenomena around the world have gained their name. The Geysir, once
shooting boiling water hundreds of feet into the air, has reduced
its performance levels somewhat in modern times, but is
nevertheless still an impressive sight when it occasionally erupts.
The rest of the thermal area, bathed in a sulphuric smell, is just
as fascinating, featuring several other spouting vents and geysers
which frequently display their prowess. The Geysir area has become
a great tourist attraction and a centre has been opened containing
a multi-media geology museum and folklore exhibits. There is also a
hotel, souvenir shop and restaurant on
site.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
8. Thingvellir
www.thingvellir.is |
What is it? The national park of Thingvellir, 30 miles
(50km) east of Reykjavik, is not only Iceland's most important
historic site, but also a place of natural and geological wonder.
It was here that the world's first ever parliament, the Alting,
first convened in AD930, and where Christianity was first
introduced to Iceland. Even today people gather at Thingvellir to
celebrate any major national event. Geologically this is the only
site in the world where the American and European tectonic plates
are visible; there is also the largest lake in Iceland, and
stunning scenery including a lava gorge, the Oxararfoss waterfall,
and the 'Money Chasm' filled with spring water where visitors drop
coins into the water to witness the strange distorted reflections
that result.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:482 2660 |
Reykjavik Holidays guide
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Transport -The best way to travel around Reykjavik is
on the excellent bus service which covers downtown and the outer
suburbs from the central terminals at Hlemmur and Lć kjartorg.
More information at the |
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