12 Picture-Perfect Spots in Reykjavik That Feel Like a Dream

Guys, Reykjavik is absolutely wild! The first time I saw the Northern Lights dance above Hallgrímskirkja church, I actually forgot to breathe. There’s something surreal about standing in the world’s northernmost capital, watching that iconic concrete spire pierce through curtains of green light. And the best part? This was just the beginning of my love affair with this city!

Let me show you the most beautiful places in Reykjavik that completely blew my mind. From soaking in the silica blue waters of Sky Lagoon while watching the sunset paint the ocean gold to wandering through Harpa Concert Hall when the sun hits those glass panels just right, these 12 spots prove why Iceland’s capital is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Trust me, you’re in for something special!

Must-See Attractions in Reykjavik

Looking for the coolest things to do in Reykjavik? Relax in the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon, witness the stunning beauty of Bruarfoss Waterfall, and experience the thrill of FlyOver Iceland. Visit the scenic Grotta Lighthouse for breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, or relaxation, here are the top attractions to visit in Reykjavik.

1. Blue Lagoon

• 🏆 Best For: Wellness seekers 💆, photography enthusiasts 📷, couples seeking romance 💑
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Milky-blue geothermal waters, dramatic black lava fields, steam rising through crisp Icelandic air
• 📸 Top Experiences: Floating in mineral-rich waters, applying silica mud masks, watching the midnight sun (summer) or Northern Lights (winter)
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Luxury hotel with private lagoon access

Sink into liquid silk at the otherworldly Blue Lagoon, where adventure meets luxury just 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The striking milky-blue waters hover at a perfect 98-104°F year-round. Black lava fields create a dramatic backdrop for Instagram-worthy moments.

I’ve never felt more refreshed than after applying the natural silica mud masks while soaking in these mineral-rich waters. The contrast between warm water and cool air creates a sensory experience unlike anywhere else.

For maximum impact, visit during winter when Northern Lights might dance overhead. After your rejuvenating soak, the nearby Lava Restaurant offers excellent local cuisine with floor-to-ceiling lagoon views. The Retreat hotel provides luxury accommodations with private lagoon access for those wanting the ultimate experience.

2. Bruarfoss Waterfall

• 🏆 Best For: Nature photographers 📸, hikers 🥾, off-the-beaten-path adventurers 🧭
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Vibrant electric-blue water, series of cascading falls, untouched natural surroundings
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the scenic trail, photographing the uniquely blue water, enjoying relative solitude
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grimsborgir – Luxury cottages with hot tubs in the Golden Circle

Discover Iceland’s hidden blue jewel at Bruarfoss Waterfall, the photogenic secret most tourists miss just 90 minutes from Reykjavik. Unlike Iceland’s massive falls, this gem captivates with small cascades converging into vibrant azure streams that seem to glow against the landscape.

The moderate 7km roundtrip hike along the Brúará River rewards your effort with tranquility and unmatched photo opportunities. The vibrant blue comes from glacial meltwater carrying special minerals creating those mesmerizing hues.

Wear proper hiking boots as sections get muddy after rain. Visit early morning for the best light and fewest people. For overnight stays, Grimsborgir offers luxury cottages with private hot tubs in the Golden Circle region, perfect for stargazing after your waterfall adventure.

3. Flyover Iceland

• 🏆 Best For: Family travelers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, those with limited time ⏱️, adventure seekers in comfort 🛋️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Immersive flight simulation over spectacular landscapes, state-of-the-art visual effects
• 📸 Top Experiences: “Flying” over glaciers and volcanoes, feeling wind and mist effects, learning about Icelandic folklore
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Reykjavik Marina – Stylish hotel within walking distance

Experience all of Iceland in 35 minutes at Flyover Iceland, the ultimate travel hack in Reykjavik’s harbor district. This immersive flight simulation suspends you before a massive screen while wind, mist, and scents enhance your virtual journey across glaciers and volcanoes.

The sensation of soaring over Iceland’s most spectacular landscapes feels surprisingly real. My heart raced during steep descents over mountain ridges and narrow fjords.

Perfect for travelers with limited time or mobility restrictions, this attraction provides an unforgettable overview of natural wonders otherwise inaccessible in a single trip. Located in the trendy Grandi district, you’ll find excellent restaurants and shops nearby for post-flight exploration. Stay at Reykjavik Marina hotel for stylish accommodations within walking distance.

4. Grotta Lighthouse

• 🏆 Best For: Northern Lights chasers 🌌, sunset watchers 🌅, bird enthusiasts 🦢
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic white lighthouse against volcanic coastline, panoramic ocean views, dramatic sky backdrops
• 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the Northern Lights, exploring tide pools, birdwatching during summer
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina – Comfortable hotel with nautical theme

Escape the city buzz without leaving town at Grotta Lighthouse, the perfect urban retreat just 10 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. This picturesque white lighthouse on the northwestern tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula becomes accessible by foot during low tide.

The surrounding volcanic shoreline creates fascinating tide pools teeming with marine life. Unobstructed views across Faxaflói Bay reveal distant mountains and exceptional sunsets.

This spot has earned fame as one of Reykjavik’s premier Northern Lights viewing locations due to minimal light pollution. During summer, the area transforms into a birding paradise with nesting arctic terns and eiders. For convenient access, the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina offers comfortable rooms with nautical themes just a short drive away.

5. Hallgrimskirkja

• 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, city view seekers 🌆, music lovers 🎵
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Striking basalt-column-inspired design, towering presence over Reykjavik, magnificent pipe organ
• 📸 Top Experiences: Ascending the tower for 360° city views, attending organ concerts, photographing the Leif Erikson statue
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik – Design-forward hotel within walking distance

Stand in awe before Iceland’s architectural masterpiece, Hallgrimskirkja, where ancient geology inspires modern design in central Reykjavik. This Lutheran church draws inspiration from Iceland’s hexagonal basalt columns, transforming natural formations into a striking 244-foot tower.

The elevator ride to the top provides the city’s best viewpoint. From here, panoramic vistas stretch across Reykjavik’s colorful rooftops to mountains and ocean beyond.

Inside, I was mesmerized by the soaring white columns and minimalist Nordic design. The massive 5,275-pipe organ creates a magnificent focal point during regular concerts. Outside, a statue of explorer Leif Erikson stands proudly. Stay at the design-forward Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik within easy walking distance of this iconic landmark.

6. Mount Esja

• 🏆 Best For: Hikers of all levels 🥾, outdoor photographers 📷, day-trippers from Reykjavik 🚶
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic profile visible from Reykjavik, diverse landscapes from valleys to peaks, changing colors with seasons
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Steinn (the Stone), conquering the summit in summer, photographing mountain reflections
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura – Comfortable lodging with mountain views

Conquer a mountain before lunch at Mount Esja, the dramatic backdrop to Reykjavik and the city’s closest wilderness adventure. Just 10km from downtown, this mountain range offers hiking trails for all experience levels while remaining incredibly accessible.

The popular route leads to Steinn (the Stone) at 914 feet, marked with a guest book for hikers. More adventurous trekkers can continue to the summit at 2,999 feet for expansive views across multiple peninsulas.

The mountain transforms dramatically with changing weather—sometimes foreboding under storm clouds, other times gentle in golden light. After your hike, reward yourself at the Esjustofa café at the trailhead. For overnight stays, Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura offers comfortable lodging with mountain views.

7. Northern Lights

• 🏆 Best For: Astronomy enthusiasts 🌌, photographers 📸, winter travelers ❄️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Mesmerizing dance of green, purple, and blue lights across Iceland’s dark winter skies
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking guided aurora tours, photographing from Thingvellir National Park, watching reflections on Jökulsárlón
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Rangá – Luxury countryside hotel with aurora wake-up calls and outdoor hot tubs

Chase magic in the night sky with the Northern Lights, nature’s most spectacular light show visible from Reykjavik from September through April. Located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers prime viewing of these dancing waves of green, purple, and blue.

Standing beneath these cosmic lights creates an overwhelming sense of wonder. For best results, escape the city’s light pollution to darker locations like Thingvellir National Park or the south coast.

The lights appear most frequently between 11pm and 2am when skies are clearest. Combine your hunt with a soak in geothermal hot springs for the quintessential Icelandic experience. For serious aurora chasers, Hotel Rangá offers luxury countryside accommodations with aurora wake-up calls and outdoor hot tubs for optimal viewing.

8. Perlan Ice Tunnel

• 🏆 Best For: Geology buffs 🧊, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, climate change learners 🌡️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Immersive glacier experience with striking blue ice formations and interactive exhibits
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the 100-meter indoor ice tunnel, enjoying 360° views from the observation deck, learning about glacial history
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura – Comfortable hotel near Perlan with spa facilities

Step into a glacier without leaving the city at Perlan’s ice tunnel, bringing Iceland’s frozen wilderness to the heart of Reykjavik. This 100-meter man-made marvel sits inside a distinctive glass dome atop Öskjuhlíð hill, just 3km from downtown.

The -10°C environment perfectly recreates the eerie blue light filtering through compressed glacier ice. Despite wearing gloves, my fingers tingled with authentic cold—part of the immersive experience!

After exploring ice tunnels, ride the elevator to Perlan’s observation deck for panoramic city views stretching to Mount Esja. The building also houses exhibits on volcanoes and geothermal wonders. Stay at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, a comfortable hotel near Perlan with excellent spa facilities for warming up afterward.

9. Sky Lagoon

• 🏆 Best For: Wellness seekers 💆, luxury travelers 💎, couples on romantic getaways ❤️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Infinity-edge thermal pool merging seamlessly with Atlantic Ocean views, traditional Icelandic design
• 📸 Top Experiences: Following the 7-step ritual spa journey, watching sunset from geothermal waters, enjoying the swim-up bar
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Premium spa hotel with private lagoon access and volcanic views

Float between earth and sky at Sky Lagoon, where Icelandic bathing tradition meets luxury design just 15 minutes from central Reykjavik. This oceanfront thermal pool appears to merge with the North Atlantic horizon through clever infinity-edge architecture.

The 38-40°C geothermal waters contrast dramatically with the often-chilly Icelandic air. The turf-house-inspired design adds authentic charm to this modern wellness haven.

Don’t miss the 7-step ritual: warm soak, cold plunge, sauna, mist, scrub, steam, and relaxation. Visit during sunset when golden light transforms the water surface into a mirror of fire. For the ultimate geothermal experience, stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, offering premium accommodations with private lagoon access.

10. Sun Voyager

• 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, sunrise/sunset chasers 🌅, urban explorers 🏙️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Gleaming stainless steel sculpture against dramatic coastal and mountain backdrop
• 📸 Top Experiences: Photographing at sunrise or sunset, walking the scenic coastal path, viewing Mount Esja across the bay
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Reykjavik Marina – Icelandair Hotel – Stylish waterfront hotel within walking distance

Capture your dream Instagram moment at Sun Voyager (Sólfar), the gleaming steel sculpture that embodies Iceland’s spirit of adventure. This dreamlike ship-shaped artwork graces Reykjavik’s northern shoreline along Sæbraut road, perfectly framed by the bay and distant mountains.

Created by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason, this monument isn’t actually a Viking ship but a “dream boat” symbolizing hope and freedom. The location creates perfect harmony between art and landscape.

Visit at golden hour when low sunlight transforms metal into liquid gold. The surrounding coastal path connects to downtown and the Harpa Concert Hall, making Sun Voyager an ideal starting point for waterfront exploration. The stylish Reykjavik Marina – Icelandair Hotel offers waterfront accommodations within walking distance.

11. Tjörnin

• 🏆 Best For: Bird watchers 🦆, peaceful strollers 🚶, winter skaters ⛸️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Serene lake reflecting colorful historic buildings, abundant birdlife, and changing seasonal moods
• 📸 Top Experiences: Feeding resident swans and ducks, ice skating in winter, exploring surrounding cultural institutions
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Apotek Hotel – Elegant boutique hotel in a historic building near the pond

Find urban serenity at Tjörnin (the pond), the tranquil heart of central Reykjavik where city life slows down. This beloved lake mirrors colorful surrounding buildings while providing habitat for dozens of bird species.

Located between Reykjavik City Hall and the National Gallery, Tjörnin serves as both natural haven and community gathering place. Feeding the majestic whooper swans creates unforgettable photo opportunities against the city backdrop.

When winter temperatures drop, locals transform the frozen surface into a natural skating rink—a uniquely Icelandic urban experience. The pond’s perimeter houses many important cultural institutions within easy walking distance. For elegant accommodations nearby, Apotek Hotel offers boutique rooms in a historic building just steps from this urban oasis.

12. Videy Island

• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, nature lovers 🌿, peace seekers 🧘
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Untouched coastal landscapes, historic stone buildings, and Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower
• 📸 Top Experiences: Cycling island trails, visiting Imagine Peace Tower (October-December), exploring 18th-century Viðey House
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Reykjavik Residence Hotel – Comfortable apartments with easy access to ferry departure point

Escape to another world at Videy Island, a peaceful haven just a 20-minute ferry ride from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. This uninhabited island combines history, art, and unspoiled nature in a compact, walkable package.

The western side features Viðey House (built 1755), Iceland’s first stone building, while Videy Church dates to 1774. Marked trails crisscross the island, revealing coastal views that made me forget the city nearby.

The island’s most famous modern attraction is Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower – a powerful light beam visible across Reykjavik from October through December. Ferries run on limited schedules, so check times before visiting. Stay at Reykjavik Residence Hotel, offering comfortable apartments with easy access to the ferry departure point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Reykjavik

Eager to know more about the stunning spots Reykjavik has to offer? Here are some common queries I get concerning the region’s top attractions.

What part of Iceland is the prettiest?

Determining the “prettiest” part of Iceland is subjective and depends on what you’re looking to experience. The South Coast is renowned for its stunning waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, as well as the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. The Westfjords offer dramatic cliffs and remote landscapes, while the North is home to the mesmerizing Húsavík whale-watching spots and Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. The Golden Circle route lets you see iconic sights like Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park. Each region has its own unique beauty, making it hard to pick just one as the “prettiest.”

What is the nicest part of Reykjavik?

The “nicest” part of Reykjavik can vary depending on your interests. The area around Hallgrímskirkja offers stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city. The Old Harbor is a vibrant area filled with cafes, boutiques, and opportunities for whale watching. Meanwhile, Laugavegur and its side streets are the go-to for shopping and dining, offering a mix of high-end brands and local Icelandic design.

What is the most beautiful street in Reykjavik?

Skólavörðustígur is often cited as the most beautiful street in Reykjavik. It leads up to the iconic Hallgrímskirkja and is lined with colorful houses, art galleries, and boutique shops. During Christmas, the street is adorned with festive lights, adding to its charm.

What is Reykjavik best known for?

Reykjavik is best known as the world’s northernmost capital and for its modernist architecture, vibrant arts scene, and historical sites. Landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa Concert Hall are architectural marvels, while the city’s museums offer insights into Icelandic culture and history. Reykjavik is also a gateway to Iceland‘s stunning natural landscapes, including geysers, waterfalls, and geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon.

What is the number one attraction in Iceland?

The Blue Lagoon often tops the list of attractions in Iceland. This geothermal spa is famous for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. It’s conveniently located between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, making it easily accessible for most travelers.

Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavik?

Yes, it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, although light pollution in the city can make it challenging. For the best experience, head to darker areas like Grotta Lighthouse or take a short drive out of the city. The Northern Lights are visible from late September to early April, depending on weather conditions and solar activity.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Reykjavik    

Ah, Reykjavik, a city where modernity and tradition coalesce, where the arts flourish as freely as the natural wonders that surround it. From the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights to the architectural marvel that is Hallgrímskirkja, this Icelandic capital never ceases to amaze. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart, a culture vulture, or someone simply seeking a serene escape, Reykjavik offers a smorgasbord of experiences that cater to all.

In this guide, we’ve journeyed through Reykjavik’s beautiful places, each offering its own unique allure. We’ve dipped our toes in geothermal waters, marveled at historic sites, and taken in the city’s vibrant arts scene. And let’s not forget the natural beauty that seems to be around every corner, making Reykjavik one of the most scenic places in the world.

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore all that Reykjavik has to offer. Trust us, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss.