Standing at 74 meters (244 feet) tall, the striking Church of Hallgrímur is Iceland's tallest church. Architect Guojon Samuelsson began drawing the church in 1937. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986.

Iceland's unique geography inspired the design of the church. Volcanic action created lava flows which cooled into grey, hexagonal columns. The dramatic, cool, jagged columns inspired the design of the Church of Hallgrímur.

The church was named after 17th-century clergyman and poet Hallgrimur Petursson. Hallgrimur Petursson was best known for his work Hymns of the Passion.

This iconic building is visible from many parts of Reykjavík. The Church of Hallgrímur is a Lutheran, or Church of Iceland establishment. Its impressive height was in part to compete with Landakot's Church, the Catholic Cathedral.

During the summer, visitors can enjoy concerts which run four days a week. Don't miss the incredible pipe organ that stands 15 meters (49 feet) tall. The pipe organ has electronic action; the pipes are remote from the pedal console. The organ has 5,275 pipes and has been featured in several recording albums.

Outside the entrance, visitors will find a statue of Leif Eriksson, a famed explorer. The United States gave the statue to Iceland in the 1930s to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the Icelandic Parliament. The Icelandic Parliament was first convened in the year 930 AD.

The large clock on the tower is often wrong, as strong Icelandic wind gusts often blow the hands about.

Why You Should Visit:
The Church of Hallgrímur is a dramatic church that wonderfully emulates Iceland's landscape. You will see the church's tower from all over the city and find the church even more impressive up close. The interior is surprisingly austere with clean lines.

Tips:
Admission is free, but a small fee provides access to a lift to the top of the building, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains.

The Free Church in Reykjavik (Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík) is a separate Lutheran church from Iceland's main church, the Church of Iceland. It's located right in the heart of Iceland's capital city, next to the Tjörnin lake.

This church started in Reykjavik back in the fall of 1899. Initially, around 600 people joined, and this number quickly increased. The Free Church took inspiration from similar churches in Norway and ones set up by Icelanders who moved to North America. They wanted a church that felt more connected to everyday people. Also, Reykjavik was rapidly growing with new neighborhoods and more residents, but the Reykjavik Cathedral couldn't keep up with the needs of the expanding community, especially as more craftsmen and tradespeople settled in.

Not long after this new church group got started, they picked a spot for their church near the lake's eastern side. The church was officially opened on February 22, 1903. Just two years later, they had to make it bigger, following a design by an architect named Rögnvaldur Ólafsson. Then, in 1924, they expanded it again. They added a chancel made of concrete on the east side and made some other changes to the building. All of this was overseen by a master builder, Guðmundur H. Þorláksson.

The National Gallery of Iceland, located in Reykjavík, is a prominent art museum showcasing a vast array of Icelandic art. This gallery is well-known for presenting works by renowned Icelandic artists and pieces that vividly illustrate Iceland's traditional culture.

Established in 1884 in Copenhagen, Denmark, by Björn Bjarnarson, the gallery initially featured a collection predominantly composed of artworks donated by Danish artists.

From its founding until 1916, the museum operated independently. However, in 1916, Iceland's Parliament transformed it into a branch of the National Museum of Iceland. The National Gallery was placed under council oversight in 1928.

The museum's collection was initially exhibited at the House of Parliament from 1885. In 1950, it was moved to the premises of the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík, where it was officially opened to the public in 1951. A 1961 legislation granted the museum full independence.

The National Gallery of Iceland regularly hosts various exhibitions that either highlight selections from its own collection or showcase works by both Icelandic and international artists. Notably, pieces from the National Gallery's collection are part of the first stage of the "Millennium" exhibition at the Culture House.

The Gallery's facility includes multiple exhibition halls across three floors, an art store, and a café. Additionally, it houses a specialized research library focusing on the conservation and dissemination of resources related to Icelandic art.

Why You Should Visit:
Over 200 years of Iceland-inspired art with great names like Münch and Vasarely and also more local artists. The museum building itself is a work of art.

Tip:
The entry fee comes with tickets for the two companion museums; ask the staff to indicate where those are on your map. Also, ask if you can take photographs – sometimes you can.

The National Museum of Iceland was founded on February 24, 1863, and its first curator was Jón Árnason. This museum housed the Icelandic collection, which had previously been kept in Danish museums. The second curator, Sigurður Guðmundsson, pushed for the establishment of an antiquarian collection. Initially, the museum was known as the Antiquarian Collection, but in 1911, its name was changed to the National Museum of Iceland. It didn't have a permanent location until 1950 when it moved to Suðurgata. Prior to that, it was located in various attics in Reykjavík, including the Culture House attic, where it stayed for 40 years.

The museum's permanent exhibition focuses on Icelandic history and boasts approximately 2,000 artifacts. One standout piece in this exhibition is the Valþjófsstaður door, which features a famous carving depicting a version of the Lion-Knight legend. In this legend, a knight defeats a dragon, ultimately freeing a lion that becomes his loyal companion.

The National Museum of Iceland provides a comprehensive look at Iceland's history, spanning from ancient times to the present day, presented in an engaging and visually appealing manner. The museum's collection includes Viking weaponry, sailing vessels, clothing, religious artifacts, and even a recreated Icelandic house. For those interested in more recent history, there is a collection of modern items, including a copy of Bjork's very first album, recorded when she was just 11 years old. Visitors can also have some fun in the costume room, where they can try on clothing from different periods in Icelandic history.

Tip:
Free entry included with Reykjavik City Card; there are free lockers; set aside 1.5-2.5 hours here.
There are free guided tours at 11am each Saturday, and it is recommended that you join one of these tours to gain a better understanding.

The National and University Library of Iceland serves as both the national library for Iceland and the University of Iceland's library. It was established in Reykjavík on December 1, 1994, following the merger of the previous national library and the university library. This library is the largest in Iceland, boasting a diverse collection of approximately one million items.

Its most significant collection is the national collection, encompassing nearly all published works from Iceland and related materials published elsewhere. Furthermore, it serves as Iceland's primary legal deposit library. The library also possesses an extensive manuscript collection, primarily consisting of early modern and modern manuscripts. Additionally, there is a collection of published Icelandic music and other audio materials, which have been legally deposited since 1977.

The library houses the most extensive academic collection in Iceland, much of which is available for off-site borrowing by individuals holding library cards. University students can obtain library cards at no cost, while others can acquire them for a nominal fee. The library is open to the public.

Situated near the University of Iceland's main campus and the National Museum of Iceland, the library's main building is a prominent structure spanning 13,000 square meters (140,000 square feet). This building, which took 16 years to complete and opened in 1994, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Icelandic republic, features distinctive red and white architecture.

Reykjavík's City Hall, designed by architects Margrét Harðardóttir and Steve Christer, stands on Tjörnin lake's northern shore, at the heart of the city. This building uniquely blends nature and urban elements, reflecting its dual purpose. The City Council Building, located on the north side, is solid and structured, mirroring the Kvos district's architectural style. In contrast, the south-facing Office Building, where administrative work happens, has a more fluid and open design, with workspaces and meeting rooms overlooking the lake. A notable feature outside is a moss-covered wall, reminiscent of Iceland's natural mossy rock formations.

The concept of a city hall in Reykjavík dates back to the city's early days. After years of planning and an open competition in 1986, the winning design by Harðardóttir and Christer, both London Architectural Association School graduates, was chosen from 38 entries. The construction began in 1988 and the hall was inaugurated in 1992.

A key attraction inside is a large 3D map of Iceland, located in the main hall. This detailed map, crafted from 1 millimeter thick cardboard cut to represent Iceland's topography and mounted on a wooden and aluminum frame, spans 76.4 square meters. The map, built by the city's carpenters and painted by Sigurður Pálsson, is designed at a 1:50,000 scale but with an exaggerated elevation scale of 1:25,000 for better visual impact. This map, along with the building's design, symbolizes the fusion of Reykjavík's urban fabric and natural environment.

Reykjavik Cathedral is a neoclassical church designed by Andreas Kirkerup in the 18th century. The Cathedral is centrally located in Austurvollur, Reykjavik's main public square. Reykjavik Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Iceland and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. It also serves as the parish church for the city center.

This site has been dedicated to churches since the 13th century. Work on the current church began in 1788, and the Reykjavik Cathedral was dedicated in 1796. It was the first building to be completed with the notion that Reykjavik would become the capital of Iceland.

Since 1845, each parliament session begins with mass at the Cathedral, and then members of parliament go together to the parliament house.

The church and Parliament are intertwined and are a central facet of life in Iceland.

The organ was built in Berlin in 1985 and has 31 voices and three manuals. Sculptor Albert Thorvaldsen designed the baptismal font. Leifur Breiofjoro, an Icelandic artist, designed the processional cross.

Reykjavik Cathedral is smaller and less imposing than the Church of Hallgrimur. However, it boasts a rich cultural history and has significant meaning in the daily lives of Iceland's Lutherans. The Christmas mass is broadcasted from Reykjavik Cathedral, and people all over the country tune in to listen to it. New Presidents are inaugurated at Reykjavík Cathedral.

Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl designed The Parliament House Completed in 1881, The Parliament House is a classical building and was built using hewn dolerite, a subvolcanic rock. It is known as one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland.

Reliefs on the tympanums represent Iceland's four Land Spirits. The dragon, a vulture, a bull, and a giant represent these traditional Norse spirits. On the north side of the building, visitors will notice King Christian IX's crown and crest.

The Parliament House is home to Althingi, the Icelandic parliament. In the past, it was also used to house the University of Iceland and the offices of the President of Iceland.

Althingi was first held in Iceland in 930, and as such, is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world. Meetings have been held at the Parliament House since 1884. Today, Parliament uses the debating chamber, meeting rooms, and staff offices. Parliamentarian's offices and larger meeting rooms are located in other buildings.

The charming garden behind The Parliament House is the oldest public garden in Iceland.

The Settlement Exhibition Reykjavík 871±2 is a showcase dedicated to the early history of Reykjavík, curated by the Reykjavik City Museum. This exhibition draws its content from the results of archaeological excavations conducted on the remains of one of the earliest houses in Iceland, along with discoveries from other dig sites within the city center.

The main focus of this exhibit revolves around the remnants of a hall from the Settlement Age, unearthed during excavations in 2001. This hall was inhabited from approximately 930 to 1000 AD. Adjacent to the hall, there are two pieces of turf that are remnants of a wall constructed prior to the year 871±2, hence the exhibition's name. This precise dating is made possible by analyzing the fallout of volcanic ash from a significant eruption in the Torfajökull area, which left its mark across the region. Researchers can accurately date this event by studying glacial ice in Greenland. Notably, this hall ranks among the oldest human-made structures discovered in Iceland. The exhibit also showcases artifacts from the Viking Age that were uncovered in central Reykjavík and on the island of Viðey.

Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center provides a guaranteed way to experience the beauty and majesty of the northern lights. Guests are invited to wear 360-degree virtual reality goggles and immerse themselves in a northern light show they won't forget!

Visitors can lounge in cozy bean bags and warm up with sheep fur while watching a 30-minute aurora show. This engaging movie is projected on a seven-meter (23 foot) widescreen. This movie was shot by Iceland's best photographers and videographers and represents light displays from all over Iceland. It took seven years to collect these majestic, awe-inspiring scenes.

Exhibits explain the science behind the phenomena. Visitors can also read the tales of stories that different countries and cultures have told about the mythical origins of the Northern Lights. Touch screens allow visitors to see how the colors of the lights change according to their height. Weather screens show current Northern Lights forecasts.

Staff members are on hand to help you plan the perfect northern lights viewing trip and will give you tips to make sure you get the most out of your experience.

In addition, the center has a northern lights photo simulator. Here, you can set up your camera and test your settings to ensure the perfect shot. Then, when you head out to watch the northern lights, you and your camera will be ready for action!

The Whales of Iceland Exhibition offers visitors a chance to get up close with 23 full-sized manufactured whale models. These whale models represent the 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. Visitors can marvel at the 25 meters (82 foot) long Blue Whale. The critically endangered Atlantic Right Whale model and a full-size Sperm Whale are also on display. The models are soft and squishy, and guests are permitted to touch the models.

Interactive stands encourage visitors of all ages to find out more about these majestic mammals. The museum features relaxing whale sounds and gentle ambient lighting to represent the ocean environment. The black and yellow floor represents Iceland's beaches.

Guests can truly immerse themselves in the under the sea experience with virtual reality glasses. You will feel like you are walking along the seafloor while admiring the biggest whales. As you explore the underwater world using VR glasses, you'll also be learning about the various whale species.

Visitors can download an audio tour in English, German, or Icelandic. There are also daily guided tours offered at no additional cost.

"The Town's Best Hot Dogs" (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur) is a small chain of hot dog stands in Reykjavík. This chain has been in continuous operation since 1937 when it was originally established on Austurstræti street, right at the heart of the city. It was founded by the grandfather of the current owner, Guðrún Kristmundsdóttir. In the 1960s, the stand relocated a couple of streets north to Tryggvagata, right across from the Harpa Concert Hall, where the main flagship stand still operates today.

In August 2004, the stand gained widespread attention when it was visited by the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, during his trip to Iceland for a UNICEF conference. This high-profile visit significantly boosted the stand's popularity, leading to its inclusion in various tourist guidebooks about Iceland. Just two years later, in August 2006, the renowned British newspaper, The Guardian, declared Bæjarins Beztu as the best hot dog stand in Europe.

Today, this chain is a favorite among both tourists and local residents alike. There are three more locations within the city, collectively selling over a thousand hot dogs on a bustling day.

The hot dogs offered by Bæjarins Beztu are primarily lamb-based but also contain pork and beef. They are served in a bun and come with a variety of condiment options, including ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, crispy fried onions, and raw onions. Customers who wish to have all the available toppings often use the Icelandic phrase "eina með öllu," which translates to "one with everything" in English.

The Icelandic Punk Museum in Reykjavik is a unique attraction that tells the story of Iceland's punk scene from its origins in the late 1970s to the early '90s. Located in a former public toilet that was once known as "ground zero" to locals, the museum opened in November 2016 to celebrate and showcase the country's punk culture.

The exhibits are packed into the former toilets and washbasins, with an impressive collection of photos, posters, handbills, instruments, and stage equipment. Visitors can also enjoy streaming videos of classic club shows, covering both visiting bands and homegrown talent like Sigur Ros. For an even more immersive experience, visitors can listen to Icelandic punk records through pull-down headphones or try on some jackets and strike a pose with the guitars and drum set.

The museum has some notable moments in its history, including the opening event attended by Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten himself. Photos of this event are on display, adding to the museum's unique atmosphere.

Located below Bankastræti, not far from the harbor docks, the Icelandic Punk Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Iceland's punk culture. The collection is packed with memorabilia, giving visitors an insight into the country's music scene and its significance.

The Culture House, constructed from 1906 to 1908, served as the initial location for Iceland's National Library and Archives, officially opening in 1909. Originally, it also housed the National Museum and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History, leading to its informal name, the Culture House, though this wasn't its official title. Since the 2000s, various institutions, including the Árni Magnússon Institution for Icelandic Studies, the National Gallery, and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History, have utilized the space for exhibitions. In 2013, the building, now a protected historical site, joined forces with the National Museum of Iceland.

Widely regarded as one of Iceland's architectural gems, the Culture House reflects meticulous attention to both interior and exterior design. Danish architect Johannes Magdahl Nielsen conceptualized it, while Icelandic artisans brought it to life, showcasing their skill. Its interior houses the original reading hall, a remarkable feature of the building. The oak furniture, designed by the building's caretaker Frederick Kiörboe, remains a highlight. A notable historical aspect is the building's cornerstone, placed on September 23rd, 1906, visible beneath the front steps.

Tip:
Free with your National Museum ticket or the Reykjavik City Card; there are free lockers.

Sun Voyager is a sculpture crafted by the artist Jón Gunnar Árnason (1931-1989) and is situated alongside the Sæbraut road in Reykjavík. This artistic creation is often characterized as a representation of either a dreamboat or an homage to the sun. Jón Gunnar Árnason's intention behind this sculpture was to convey a sense of promise associated with uncharted territories, a dream symbolizing hope, progress, and freedom.

In 1986, the west district association of Reykjavík decided to sponsor a competition to commission a new outdoor sculpture in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the city. Jón Gunnar's Sun Voyager emerged as the winning design in the competition, leading to the creation of a scaled-up aluminum model, which was later presented to the city for enlargement. The full-sized Sun Voyager was officially unveiled on Sæbraut, coinciding with the birthday of Reykjavík on August 18, 1990.

The sculpture is crafted from high-quality stainless steel and is positioned upon a circle formed by granite slabs, encircled by a material known as "town-hall concrete." Its construction meticulously followed Jón Gunnar Árnason's detailed full-scale drawing of the Sun Voyager and was supervised by the artist Kristinn E. Hrafnsson, who served as Jón Gunnar's assistant.

Why You Should Visit:
Great subject for photographs as it provides a nice vantage point to look out into the waters and think of very deep things.

Laugavegur Street is Reykjavik's main shopping street. Visitors will find restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique shops.

Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavík. The name can be translated as the Water Road. Here, women would bring their laundry to be washed in hot pools.

Laugavegur is just over a mile or two kilometers long. The shopping stretch starts at the city's busy bus center, Hlemmur, and continues to Bankastraeti.

There are two museums on Laugavegur. First, the Phallological Museum is the world's only museum dedicated to the male genitals, with specimens from the animal kingdom. The second museum is a small punk museum.

Most of the shops feature Icelandic designs and brands. Visitors will find high-end products, as well as shops with souvenirs such as books, fridge magnets, and stuffed animals.

Visitors can also find a variety of vintage shops and second-hand goods along Laugavegur.

Foodies will be delighted with the variety of options. Try traditional Icelandic menus or international cuisines. Visitors can also find vegan restaurants.

Several bars feature live music. Movie fans will love the Lebowski Bar, with food and "wheel of fortune" rounds.

Laugavegur is a diverse street with something for everyone.