Reykjavik (Iceland)

Reykjavik is Iceland's capital city, located at the island's west coast. Two thirds of Iceland's entire population is living in this city. Reykjavik is one of the safest, "the greenest" and the coolest cities in the world. Reykjavik's old city center is remarkably compact and easy to explore on foot. Famous buildings include the City Hall, the Reykjavik Cathedral and numerous museums. In Reykjavik you can also take part in a lot of whale watching tours and short visits to the world-famous Blue Lagoon spas. A large part of the air traffic between the United States and Europe goes through the Reykjavik airport, and flights often make stopovers there."

Population: 118,488
Beach : Yes
Mountain : Yes
Popular destination: No
Official language: Icelandic
Skill level of the English language : Good
Emergency numbers: 112 (the police, ambulance, fire brigade)
Currency: Icelandic kr (ISK)
Electric plugs: C, F
Voltage: 230 V
Tipping in a restaurant: Tipping is not required in Iceland.
Time in destination: Oct 30, 2020, 4:16:09 PM

Location map

Weather Forecast

Monthly Weather Conditions

Reykjavik weather is almost the same all year, with little changes during the months. There are many great places to visit all wear. The most rainy days are from September to May.

The best time to visit is from June to August, not only because you can enjoy the balmy temperatures, but you'll also experience the long days (24 hours of sunlight from June to July). Iceland offers lots to do in spring, fall and even winter, also, prices are dramatically lower for airfares, car rentals, and accommodation.

Month	Average Temperature °F	High Temperature °F	Low Temperature °F	Rainy Days	Rating
January	30.9	35.4	26.4	14
February	32.2	36.7	27.7	14
March	32.5	37.6	28.2	15
April	37.0	41.9	32.5	11
May	43.3	48.7	38.5	11
June	48.0	53.1	43.5	10
July	51.3	56.5	47.3	10
August	50.5	55.6	46.4	12
September	45.5	50.5	41.4	12
October	39.7	44.2	35.8	13
November	34.3	38.5	30.2	12
December	31.8	36.3	27.3	13

More information: Reykjavik forecast and weather conditions monthly

Sights

Reykjavik 10 most important sights:

• Harpa Conference & Concert Center: Harpa, the concert hall and conference center at the heart of Reykjavik, is an award-winning building situated at the old harbor.
• Hallgrimskirkja: A Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church.
• Solfar (Sun Voyager) Sculpture: This sculpture was created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason.
• National Museum of Iceland: Museum
• Open-Air Folk Museum - Arbaejarsafn: Árbær was an established farm well into the 20th century, and a museum opened there in 1957.
• Reykjavik 871 +/- 2 The Settlement Exhibition: An exhibition on the settlement of Reykjavík, created by the Reykjavik City Museum (Árbæjarsafn).
• Icelandic Opera (Islenska Operan): The Icelandic Opera, Harpa, and Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
• Einar Jonsson Museum (Listasafn Einars Jonssonar): Museum
• Grotta Lighthouse: The westernmost tip of this location is Grotta, and standing there is the Grotta lighthouse, along with two older but nice buildings.
• The Pearl (Perlan): A landmark building 25.7 meters (84.3 feet) high and designed by Ingimundur Sveinsson.

Recommendation for one day:

1. A great morning can be had at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach where there's a little bit of paradise to be found in the golden-sand.
2. Nearby you'll find Hallgrímskirkja Church. It was designed by the late Guðjón Samuel in 1937, who was often inspired by the fascinating shapes and forms created when lava cools into basalt rock.
3. Visit Tjörnin Pond, which is dramatically framed by the impressive Reykjavík City Hall and numerous many coloured old houses. It is a natural pond, home to countless ducks, swans and geese that even spend the winter here thanks to a little geothermal heating.
4. Not too far away, you can go to Krýsuvík geothermal area, where you’ll discover an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs, framed dramatically by a range of multi-coloured hills. A well-maintained boardwalk winds through the bubbling and hissing geothermal area, with informative signs explaining all the important geological facts.
5. Cap your evening at the Imagine Peace Tower, a work of art conceived as a beacon to world peace by the legendary artist, musician and peace advocate, Yoko Ono.

More information: Reykjavik sights on map

Guide video

Price Level

Compared to prices worldwide, Reykjavik is an expensive destination.

On a tight budget, the daily budget is approximately $92.04, which includes hostel accommodation, budget meals and public transportation.

On a moderate budget, the daily budget is approximately $442.91, which includes a moderately priced hotel, meals at moderate priced restaurants and transportation costs.

Estimated prices:

• Hotel (2 stars): $105.52
• Hotel (3 stars): $141.83
• Hotel (4 stars): $213.80
• Hotel (5 stars): $484.17
• Taxi ride (3 miles): $17.33
• Taxi ride (6 miles): $29.74
• Beer in a restaurant (16 ounces): $8.51
• Meal, McDonalds: $12.41
• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: $17.73

More information: Reykjavik price level

Safety

Reykjavik has been classified as quite dangerous with security classification 2/5.

Safety index values (higher is better):

• General: 77.8 (better than United states average 48.0)
• Walking alone during daytime hours: 88.3 (better than United states average 69.6)
• Walking alone at night: 73.9 (better than United states average 41.7)

More information: Reykjavik safety

Car Rental

Things which affect the renting of the car:

• Driver’s license: In the European Union / Schengen a driver's license from an EU country is sufficient, although for North Americans it is recommended to carry a separate international driving license, in addition to the American driving license.
• Direction of traffic: In Europe the traffic is mainly right-handed. The exception is Great Britain, which is left-handed traffic.
• Insurance: In Western Europe, all rental cars include some kind of insurance, so additional insurance policies are often unnecessary (unless you are going to Russia or Eastern Europe).
• Driving abroad: You can drive a rental car almost everywhere within all countries of the European Union / Schengen territory without additional fees. Eastern European countries and Russia are the exceptions and you should always ask the car rental company in advance about the rules.

More information: Car rental Europe