Reykjavik attractions

Named for the Norse god of strength and thunder, the remote natural area of Thor’s Woods (Thórsmörk) is among the most impressive hiking spots in South Iceland. Framed by not one but three glaciers—Tindfjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Eyjafjallajökull—which protect it from harsh weather, it’s a dramatic landscape of rocky canyons and moss-spattered lava fields forged through centuries of fire and ice.

Iceland’s largest and only year-round flea market, Kolaportid Flea Market is considered by some to be a national treasure. Right in the center of Reykjavik, the market is hardly glamorous on the outside, but inside it’s chock-full of delights. From Icelandic wool to books, trinkets, food, and more, Kolaportid Flea Market is a microcosm of Icelandic culture and worth a stop for visitors and locals alike.

Jutting out into the ocean just south of Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its otherworldly volcanic and geothermal landscapes. A UNESCO Global Geopark, the peninsula is home to craters, caves, dramatic fissures, bird-filled sea cliffs, lava fields, and black-sand beaches, as well as the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. For many visitors, it’s their first glance at the Icelandic wilds.

The Settlement Exhibition is one of Scandinavia’s most unique and intriguing museums. Visitors start in the oldest house in Reykjavik, descending underground to active excavations that date back some 1,200 years. A combination of multimedia technology and real-life ruins makes this a truly immersive destination, which is worth a stop for all ages and interests.

Set on a black-sand beach at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, Grótta Lighthouse is a lovely spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik, as well as for birdwatching and, if you’re lucky, spotting the northern lights. Due to its abundant bird life, Grótta, the tidal island on which the lighthouse sits, has been a nature reserve since 1974.

Half an hour outside of Reykjavik, the harbor town of Hafnarfjordur is a quaint home base for exploring the rest of Iceland. It’s also a destination in its own right, with a walkable center full of museums and art galleries, plus curious local folklore that will have you looking out for hidden elves in the city’s parks and gardens. Icelandic nature is yet another draw of Hafnarfjordur, known for nearby hiking trails and volcanic landscapes.

An unspoiled expanse of volcanic terrain, Landmannalaugar is one of the most unique landscapes in Iceland’s South Highlands. The popular hiking destination is famous for its spectacular scenery, which comprises multicolored rhyolite mountains, rugged lava fields, and crater lakes. When you’ve had enough hiking, relax your muscles in one of Landmannalaugar’s many geothermal hot springs, with endless vivid mountains in view.

Boasting the world’s biggest collection of penises, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is certainly a unique institution, yet it is also—perhaps surprisingly—educational. The independent, family-owned institution was born out of a modest personal collection and has since grown to become the world’s only museum dedicated to phallology.