Things to do in  Reykjavik

To understand why Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is so popular, just imagine bathing in steaming milky-blue waters, sipping a cocktail at a swim-up bar, and looking out over an otherworldly landscape of jagged peaks and black lava fields. This geothermal pool—the most visited of Iceland’s many such oases—boasts mineral-rich waters, a luxurious spa, and a magnificent setting, all just minutes from Reykjavik.

Thingvellir National Park sits in a rift valley along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American tectonic plate and Eurasian tectonic plate are drifting apart. A remarkable (and active) volcanic landscape of gorges, waterfalls, lakes, and more, the park offers endless recreation opportunities: hiking trails, camping, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. In 2004, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular stop on Iceland’s Golden Circle route.

The massive Gullfoss waterfall on the Hvítá River plunges 105 feet (32 meters) in two steps over a deep, dramatic crevasse in a river valley. The falls are considered one of Iceland’s most treasured natural wonders, with a name inspired by the phenomenon when glacial sediment in the water turns the falls golden in the sunlight.

Located in southern Iceland, Vatnajokull National Park is renowned for its incredibly diverse and dramatic scenery, including glacial plateaus, active volcanoes, towering ice caps, black-sand beaches, and terrain that is bubbling with geothermal activity. Vatnajokull glacier, the continent’s largest glacier, dominates the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also contains Iceland’s highest mountain (Oraefajokull) and its deepest lake (Jokulsarlon).

Stretching 82 feet (25 meters) across the Skógá River and plunging 197 feet (60 meters) down a lush cliff, Skógafoss clocks in as one of Iceland’s biggest, most picturesque waterfalls. Its clouds of spray regularly create vivid rainbows, much to the delight of photographers, while fishermen flock to the waterway for its char and salmon. Said to be the site of a hidden Viking treasure, the waterfall is also the subject of local folklore.

A slim cascade of water slicing through the air and pooling in the Seljalands River below, Seljalandsfoss might not be Iceland’s mightiest waterfall, but it’s certainly one of its most famous. Plunging from a height of around 197 feet (60 meters), the cascade forms a dramatic arch of water that dominates the picturesque Thórsmörk valley. And because the falls’ chute of water is so narrow, you can also step behind it.

There’s a lot to see in Iceland, and the grand Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn) is your ticket to easily hitting multiple popular sights, especially if you only have one day to venture outside Reykjavik. Departing from the city, Golden Circle tours showcase geysers, waterfalls, lava fields, volcanic craters, and Icelandic horses. There aren’t many other places in Europe where you can see so much topographical variety on one short trip.

The Great Geysir (Great Geyser) is considered the world’s original geyser, as the source of the English word after which all other geysers are named. While this natural phenomenon in Iceland’s Haukadalur valley is now almost dormant, the Great Geysir and its surrounding geothermal field are still impressive geological sites and popular stops for anyone exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle.

Perched on the edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and separated from the Atlantic Ocean by just a narrow isthmus, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most spectacular natural wonders. Here, framed by jagged peaks and rugged lava fields, glittering, milky-white icebergs that have broken off from the Vatnajökull glacier bob in ice-blue water and drift toward the open sea.

Set on the waterfront, the striking Harpa (Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre), home to both the Icelandic Opera and Iceland Symphony Orchestra, is one of Reykjavik’s most prominent landmarks. The building’s glass, honeycombed exterior panels seem to change colors as they reflect the sky and the ocean. Inside, you can expect to find everything from the city’s most prestigious music and theater events to casual, free concerts.

Named after Reverend Hallgrimur Petursson, author of Iceland’s most popular hymn book, Passion Hymns (Passiusalmar), Hallgrim’s Church—aka Hallgrímskirkja—is an unmistakable landmark in downtown Reykjavik. Built to resemble mountains and glaciers in the expressionist architecture style, it’s an entirely unique structure. Visible throughout the city, the tower of the white concrete Lutheran church offers some of the best views of the Reykjavik skyline and surrounding area.

Geysir may be Iceland’s best-known geyser (and the one after which all others are named), but its neighbor, Strokkur, is equally impressive. Despite only rising to heights of up to 100 feet (30.5 meters), compared to Geysir’s 200 feet (61 meters), Strokkur erupts several times an hour, unlike Geysir, which remains largely dormant thanks to its clogged conduit.

Every year, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift farther apart from one another, forming fissures in the interior landscapes: This is how Iceland’s Silfra fissure opened in 1789. Since that day, the ravine has gradually filled with water that travels from the Langjökull glacier and filters through lava rock—creating crystal-clear conditions that have earned Silfra a reputation as one of the world’s best diving sites.

Langjökull is the second-largest glacier in Iceland, covering some 360 square miles (930 square kilometers) and concealing at least two active volcanic systems. The glacier feeds some of Iceland’s most iconic sites, including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. Its geothermal areas, lava fields, and ice caves—which offer opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and more—make it a must-see destination for adventure seekers.

Close to the attractions of Iceland’s Golden Circle but far from the crowds of the more famous Blue Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon offers natural hot springs and a remote location surrounded by icy wilderness and rugged lava fields. Its soothing hot water is highly recommended for those looking to relax and unwind. It’s easy to reach, as it’s a regular stop on day tours from Reykjavík.