9 of the Top Parks and Gardens in Reykjavik

Located behind Iceland's Parliament House (Althingishus) in Reykjavik's city center, Alþingi Square is a charming historical garden—in fact, it's Iceland's oldest public park that preserves its original form. It was designed and planted in 1894, though it didn't open to the public until 1950. Though fairly small in size, this is a tranquil place with carefully tended flower beds that bloom vibrantly in the summer months. Because it's tucked behind a tall stone wall, it's a lesser-visited spot, which makes it one of the best gardens in Reykjavik for those seeking a quiet moment downtown.

Öskjuhlíð is a forested hill that rises above Reykjavik, offering a network of trails for both hikers and cyclists through a forest of more than 176,000 pine and birch trees. At the top sits Perlan, a striking glass-domed building that houses a natural history museum with an observation deck, interactive exhibits, and a café and restaurant. The trails at Öskjuhlíð connect to a larger network of trails across the region, so it's easy to include them as part of a full-day hiking trip.

Insider tip: Visitors can find remnants of World War II–era structures throughout the park.

Laugardalur, or "Hot Spring Valley," is one of the top parks in Reykjavik thanks in part to its expansive recreational facilities. It's home to the popular Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool, sports centers Laugardalshöll Arena and Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, Laugardalur Ice Rink, the Reykjavik Family Park & Zoo, and the Reykjavik Botanical Garden. And perhaps even more importantly, its location is fairly sheltered from the wind, so it's rather comfortable to spend time here, no matter which part you explore.

The Reykjavik Botanical Garden is a haven for plant enthusiasts, home to some 3,000 plant species from around the world, including native Icelandic flora and international varieties that do well in a northern climate. Visitors can stroll through eight collections, including one dedicated to roses and another to vegetables, medicinal herbs, and forageable plants. The garden is open 24/7, though the greenhouse has specific opening hours that change seasonally.

Hljómskálagarðurinn is a picturesque park that's a favorite among birders, who come to watch the waterfowl on Tjörnin, Reykjavík’s iconic freshwater pond, from ducks to geese to swans. But for those who aren't avian-inclined, the park is still an ideal spot for a leisurely walk. It's filled with sculptures, some of famous Icelandic figures and others by Icelandic artists.

Insider tip: If you take the FlyBus from the airport to Reykjavik, the bus terminal is less than a 10-minute walk away from Hljómskálagarðurinn.

Regarded as one of the most scenic parks in Reykjavik, Elliðaárdalur is a nature lover’s paradise. The highlight of this tranquil valley is a series of tumbling waterfalls along the Elliðaár River—the river is also one of Iceland's best salmon-fishing destinations, but a permit for the activity is required. The park also offers forested walking, cycling, and horseback-riding paths, off which you're likely to see wild rabbits. Most impressively, this park is just 15 minutes outside of downtown Reykjavik.

Klambratún, located near the Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir, is a popular place for disc golf, picnics, and outdoor recreation in general; it’s one of the most important green spaces in town, known for its sprawling grassy fields. Although the park is original to the Reykjavik urban plan, it's always undergoing changes and expansions—one potential addition is a pond for wading in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

Set within Laugardalur, the Reykjavik Family Park & Zoo is an especially child-friendly park in Reykjavik, and it's open year-round. On the zoo side, you'll find all manner of Icelandic fauna, from arctic foxes to harbor seals, plus farm animals like goats and exotic animals like lizards, turtles, and frogs. On the park side, there are amusement rides and playgrounds.

Insider tip: Children ages five and under and seniors can enter the park for free.

Hallargarðurinn, located on the shore of Tjörnin and adjacent to Hljómskálagarðurinn, is one of Reykjavik's best public gardens, offering beautifully landscaped grounds with outdoor sculptures and vibrant flower beds that come to life during the warmer months. It's also bordered by the quaint Thor Jensson House, or Bindindishöllin (Temperament Palace), as well as the Reykjavik Women's Gymnasium and the National Gallery of Iceland.