Reykjavik offers a truly unique summer travel experience. Imagine long days bathed in the glow of the Midnight Sun, where daylight stretches past midnight. This amazing phenomenon completely changes how the city feels, inviting visitors to enjoy every moment. Iceland’s vibrant capital boasts a rich culture and sits near dramatic natural landscapes.
Get ready for an amazing journey. Reykjavik provides many activities, from soaking in geothermal pools to hiking breathtaking trails. You can explore modern art or savor fresh, local dishes. Summer travel to Reykjavik also often means better prices and easier access to top sights. While many people swing by Reykjavik on a stopover to somewhere else, we would recommend devoting at least three days to seeing the city. But we’d also recommend staying long enough in Iceland to drive the Ring Road to see as much of the island as you can.
Embrace the Midnight Sun: Extended Daylight Delights
The endless daylight fundamentally changes how you experience Reykjavik. Days seem longer, giving you more time to pack in activities. This also lends a different, almost magical, feel to the city.
Late-Night City Exploration
With daylight lasting so long, the city stays lively late into the evening. Feel free to wander Reykjavik’s charming streets. Discover cozy cafes still serving coffee and treats. Laugavegur, the main shopping street, buzzes with people. The city center is safe and welcoming, even after typical closing hours. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
After landing in Keflavik and driving to our Reykjavik hotel, we walked to the city centre. Our hotel was conveniently located near the street that turned into Laugavegur. Here’s what some of the sights look like.
Immerse Yourself in Reykjavik’s Vibrant Culture
Reykjavik offers a rich mix of art, history, and delicious food. Its cultural heart beats strongly, inviting you to dive in.
Take a Walking Tour
If you have at least a couple of days to experience Reykjavik, one thing that will acquaint you with the city quickly is an audio tour. We did this tour by VoiceApp, and we enjoyed it. It took us through the city centre, including side streets and alleyways to see murals and other interesting sights, as well as architecturally stunning places like Hallgrimskirkja and the Harpa Concert Hall. You must go inside the latter location to fully appreciate its architecture. Here are the sights we learned about on our audio tour, with links to more information about each place. We did the tour in a little different order than what’s on the audio guide’s website. I’m listing the order in which we found things.
- Sun Voyager – described as a dreamboat, or an ode to the Sun, sculpted by Jón Gunnar Árnason
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre
- Reykjavik Harbour
- Ægisgata – an alley that has murals on multiple building walls
- Cathedral of Christ the King
- Garðastræti – Residential street that takes you down to the museums and city hall area
- The Settlement Exhibition – I really wanted to go inside here, but we were starting to feel the jet lag
- Reykjavík’s City Hall
- Tjörnin – the lake in front of City Hall
- Austurvöllur – the park in front of Iceland’s Parliament (Alþingi) building
- Templarasund – a street in the center of Reykjavik between the Althingi House and the Reykjavik Cathedral
- Hallgrimskirkja – a Protestant Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church
Explore World-Class Museums and Galleries
Discover Iceland’s past and present in its excellent museums. The National Museum of Iceland shares the country’s story from settlement to today. Perlan’s Wonders of Iceland exhibit brings nature indoors with ice caves and Northern Lights shows. The Reykjavik Art Museum often hosts exciting summer exhibitions. These places provide a deep look into Icelandic life and art.
There were so many options for visiting museums, galleries, and other entertainment venues, it was overwhelming. But we didn’t have enough time to see multiples of these. So, we opted to go to the Perlan, aka the Pearl. I read that they had, in addition to a walk-through ice cave adventure and a Northern Lights experience, a new “fall into an erupting volcano” encounter. The Perlan also has a panoramic observation deck outside that wraps around the building on the fourth floor, where you can take photos and videos of Reykjavik. Here’s a video and the photos we got, although we weren’t allowed to take any photos of the full Northern Lights planetarium experience or the fall into the volcano encounter.
Experience Icelandic Music and Nightlife
Reykjavik’s music scene is active and diverse. You can find live music from traditional folk to modern electronic beats. Many pubs and bars in the city center host local bands. Look for information on summer festivals, too. These events often bring outdoor concerts and a lively atmosphere to the capital.
If you’re into the music and festivals near Reykjavik, you might want to sign up for Icelandair’s frequent flyer program. That will put you on their email list. Icelandair likes to send special deals for flights, and I just got an email about packages specific to the musical acts and festivals coming to Reykjavik. One of these specials is for a Literature Festival Pass.
Indulge in Reykjavik’s Culinary Scene
Icelandic food focuses on fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to try delicious Icelandic lamb, known for its rich flavor. Fresh seafood from the North Atlantic is a staple, from cod to lobster. Don’t forget to sample Icelandic dairy products like skyr. Popular food halls like Hlemmur Mathöll offer many options. If you plan to visit well-known restaurants, it’s wise to book your table in advance.
We went to the Posthus Food Hall and ate at the Funky Bhangra. It was a very busy place, but we enjoyed the music and the chicken tower. The samosas lacked flavor, though.
Adventure Awaits: Outdoor Activities Around Reykjavik
There are plenty of things to keep you busy in Reykjavik’s natural surroundings. Here are just a few options.
Whale Watching Excursions from Reykjavik Harbor
Summer is an excellent time for whale watching from Reykjavik Harbor. You might spot minke whales, humpback whales, or even puffins. Tours typically last about three hours. The best times for sightings are usually in the morning or early afternoon. Remember to dress warmly in layers, even on sunny days, as it can get chilly on the water.
But if you have more time, you can go to Husavik, which is the whale-watching capital of Iceland. It’s also a quaint town to explore and far less busy than Reykjavik. You can learn more about Husavik in our post about northeast Iceland.
Hiking and Nature Walks in the Vicinity
Many beautiful trails are close to the city. One of these, the trail on Akurey, requires a boat tour to the island to get there. Go to the Old Harbor and look for Puffin Cruise or Puffin Express.
For a unique experience, hike to the Reykjadalur hot spring river. Here, you can bathe in a natural, warm river surrounded by stunning scenery. Always check trail conditions and bring appropriate gear like sturdy hiking boots.
We killed two birds with one stone by walking to and from the Perlan. The walking paths around Reykjavik are stellar, as are the hiking paths around the Perlan, which sits atop Öskjuhlíð, a forested mountain with fantastic views. From there, you could walk down to the Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, where you can experience an alternative to the more expensive Blue Lagoon or the even more expensive Sky Lagoon.
Relax and Rejuvenate: Geothermal Wonders and Leisure
Iceland is famous for its geothermal pools. They offer the perfect way to relax and refresh yourself.
Soak in the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a world-renowned geothermal spa. Its milky blue waters are rich in minerals, great for your skin. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik, and prices start at $82 per person. The Sky Lagoon offers a newer, more intimate experience, which will set you back about $115 per person. It provides stunning ocean views and a unique 7-step ritual. Both require booking well in advance. Consider visiting early or late in the day to avoid crowds. There’s a whole set of rules for soaking in the baths, which you’ll need to learn before you go. These apply to local geothermal pools too.
Discover Local Geothermal Pools
Beyond the famous spas, Reykjavik has many local swimming pools. Laugardalslaug is the largest and most popular. These community pools are affordable and offer a genuine slice of Icelandic life. They feature hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas, all heated by natural geothermal energy. Visiting one is a true cultural experience.
If you’re driving the Ring Road, you’ll find many more geothermal pools along the way. Even Grimsey, the island in the Arctic Circle, has a community pool where locals gather to enjoy time together in the pool.
Stroll Through Reykjavik’s Charming Parks
For a relaxed pace, explore Reykjavik’s pleasant parks. Tjörnin, “The Pond,” is a tranquil spot in the city center. The surrounding gardens are lovely for a leisurely walk. Pack a picnic and enjoy the peaceful surroundings on a sunny day. If you do the audio tour I mentioned above, you’ll visit Tjörnin when you go through Reykjavik’s City Hall. It’s a great place to bird watch!
If you’re missing trees, another great place to visit is Heiðmörk. This is a nature preserve on the outskirts of Reykjavik. If you’re driving, you can park here. Unfortunately, buses don’t run to Heiðmörk. There are many hiking trails, interesting red rock formations, and Elliðavatn lake. Here are a couple of the hiking trails on Alltrails.
Day Trips for the Adventurous Soul
If you want to see more of Iceland’s diverse landscapes, consider these longer day trips.
The city is a great base for exploring Iceland’s raw natural beauty. Stunning landscapes are just a short drive away. But this also makes it easy for tour buses to take lots of people to experience it, too. We’d recommend renting a car and exploring the Golden Circle in the late afternoon.
Golden Circle Day Trip: The Classic Icelandic Experience
The Golden Circle is a must-see route. It features three incredible stops. First, Þingvellir National Park is a place of historical and geological importance. Next, the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes, and the original Geysir, from which all others got their name, lies dormant. Finally, Gullfoss waterfall is a powerful, two-tiered cascade.
If you self-drive instead of taking a tour, you will have other things to see along the Golden Circle as well. If you’re interested in seeing these and other sights, you might want to check out our post about Southwestern Iceland.
Explore the South Coast’s Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches
A trip along the South Coast reveals dramatic beauty. Seljalandsfoss waterfall allows you to walk behind its cascade. Skógafoss is another powerful waterfall, often leading to rainbows. Further east, you might get lucky and find Puffins at Dyrhólaey. If not, there’s a lovely arch to view that extends into the water, visible from the trail that runs from the parking lot. You can learn more about this area in our post about Southwestern Iceland.
Journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: “Iceland in Miniature”
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in Miniature.” This area packs a wide range of landscapes into a smaller space. You’ll find the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a popular photography spot. Explore Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach with old fishing boat remains. Arnarstapi, a charming fishing village, offers stunning coastal cliff walks. This peninsula shows Iceland’s geology and culture. You can learn more about this area in our post about Iceland’s West Coast.
Conclusion
Reykjavik in summer truly offers an unforgettable travel experience. The endless daylight of the Midnight Sun lets you enjoy more adventures each day. You can soak in geothermal spas, hike dramatic landscapes, or dive into the city’s lively culture. The diverse activities mean there’s something for every visitor. Start planning your summer adventure now. Embrace the magic and create lasting memories in this vibrant northern capital.
For planning your Summer Iceland trip, cost-effective ideas, driving tips, and more, check out our post, “Practical Tips for Your Summer Iceland Trip.”
