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Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland. As the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, it offers a unique Arctic experience combined with modern Nordic culture.

Photo: Olga Ernst (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language
Icelandic
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
09:04:12

Hotels in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from the centrally-located Hotel Reykjavík Centrum to luxury properties like Kvosin Downtown Hotel. Whether you're looking for a historic stay at Hótel Borg or other well-established hotels such as Iceland Parliament Hotel and Hotel Reykjavík Saga, the capital has choices to suit different preferences. See all hotels →

Airports in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is served by several airports and airfields, including Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, Tungubakkaflugvöllur, Hólmsheiði, Sandskeiðsflugvöllur, and BI10 Leirvogsvatn. These facilities provide both domestic and international connections for travelers visiting Iceland's capital. See all airports →

Reykjavíkurflugvöllur
1.8 km from centre
Tungubakkaflugvöllur
12.1 km from centre
Hólmsheiði
12.1 km from centre

Car Hire in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers several car hire options to suit different travel needs. Companies including Budget, Enterprise, Sixt, Blue Car Rental, and Black Sheep Campers operate in the city, providing flexibility for exploring Iceland's landscapes and attractions at your own pace. See all car hire →

Budget
973 m from centre
Black Sheep Campers
1.0 km from centre
Enterprise
1.0 km from centre
Sixt
1.0 km from centre

Things to Do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors, from cultural landmarks like Hallgrimsharpan to historic monuments and public spaces. Whether you're interested in exploring memorials, enjoying local attractions, or discovering the city's unique character, there's plenty to experience in Iceland's capital. See all things to do →

Tryggvi Gunnarsson
102 m from centre
Garðahlynur
103 m from centre
Svarta keilan, minnisvarði um borgaralega óhlýðni
143 m from centre
Hallgrimsharpan
154 m from centre
Reykjavík 871±2
155 m from centre
Skúli Magnússon
155 m from centre

Restaurants in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants serving various cuisines. From established venues like Iðnó and La Barceloneta to other notable options such as Fjalakötturinn, Skólabrú, and Shanghai, there are dining experiences throughout the capital to suit different tastes and preferences. See all restaurants →

Iðnó
100 m from centre
La Barceloneta
120 m from centre
Fjalakötturinn
168 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is home to several public swimming pools that are popular with both locals and visitors. Facilities like Kvika, Ásgarðslaug, Breiðholtsskólalaug, and Ölduselslaug offer opportunities to enjoy aquatic activities year-round. See all swimming pools →

Kvika
3.7 km from centre
Ásgarðslaug
6.5 km from centre
Breiðholtsskólalaug
6.7 km from centre

Spas in Reykjavik

We're still gathering spas listings for Reykjavik — check back soon.

Nightlife in Reykjavik

Reykjavik's nightlife scene offers a diverse array of venues for evening entertainment. From established spots like Útópía, Exit, Auto, Paloma, and Radar Reykjavik, visitors will find plenty of options to experience the city's dynamic after-dark culture. See all nightlife →

Útópía
242 m from centre
Exit
247 m from centre
Auto
263 m from centre

Bars in Reykjavik

Reykjavik's bar scene offers a vibrant mix of venues for every mood, from casual hangouts to lively nightspots. Popular destinations include Tjarnarbarinn, Uppsalir, Uppi, Bad Mickey, and Gilligogg, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the city's social atmosphere. See all bars →

Tjarnarbarinn
68 m from centre
Uppsalir
164 m from centre
Uppi
191 m from centre

Cafes in Reykjavik

Reykjavik's cafe culture offers visitors and locals alike a welcoming escape to enjoy quality coffee and refreshments. From established favorites like Te & Kaffi and Gamla Reykjavik to unique spots such as The Laundromat Cafe, Kaffi Ó-le, and Iða, the city's cafes reflect the warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere that characterizes Iceland's vibrant capital. See all cafes →

Shopping in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a diverse shopping experience, from major shopping centres like Kringlan and Glæsibær to local markets and independent retailers. Whether you're looking for international brands or Icelandic crafts, you'll find shopping options throughout the city at venues such as Eiðistorg and Holtagarðar. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers several parks and gardens where visitors can experience the city's connection to nature. Notable green spaces include Alþingisgarðurinn, Fógetagarðurinn, Mæðragarðurinn, Kænugarður, and Landakotstún, providing places to explore Iceland's flora and natural environment within the capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Alþingisgarðurinn
111 m from centre
Fógetagarðurinn
155 m from centre
Mæðragarðurinn
186 m from centre
Kænugarður
212 m from centre
Landakotstún
281 m from centre
Bakarabrekkan
294 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Reykjavik experiences a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. The city's northern latitude means it enjoys extended daylight during summer months and limited daylight in winter.

Interesting Facts About Reykjavik — Weird & Wonderful

  • Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, situated at latitude 64°08′ N.
  • The city is home to approximately 140,000 residents, with the surrounding Capital Region accounting for roughly 64% of Iceland's total population.
  • Located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland, Reykjavik benefits from its strategic coastal position.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reykjavik

What is the population of Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026, making it Iceland's largest city. The surrounding Capital Region has approximately 252,000 residents.

What timezone is Reykjavik in?

Reykjavik operates on Atlantic/Reykjavik timezone.

Where is Reykjavik located?

Reykjavik is located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland, at a latitude of 64°08′ N.

What percentage of Iceland's population lives in Reykjavik's Capital Region?

The Capital Region, which includes Reykjavik and surrounding areas, constitutes approximately 64% of Iceland's total population.

Is Reykjavik the world's northernmost capital?

Yes, Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, making it a unique destination for Arctic exploration.

Map of Reykjavik

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