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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 with modern culture and natural wonders.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language
Icelandic
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
22:40:46

Hotels in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a range of hotels to suit every traveler, from luxury options like Kvosin Downtown Hotel and Hótel Borg to reliable mid-range choices including Hotel Reykjavík Saga and Hotel Reykjavík Centrum. Whether you're looking for a downtown base or convenient access to the city's attractions, these established hotels provide comfortable lodging in Iceland's capital. See all hotels →

Airports in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is served by several airports offering both domestic and regional connections. Reykjavíkurflugvöllur is the main airport in the city, with additional facilities including Tungubakkaflugvöllur, Hólmsheiði, Sandskeiðsflugvöllur, and BI10 Leirvogsvatn providing alternative landing options for general aviation and smaller aircraft. 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 for visitors looking to explore Iceland. Major companies including Budget, Enterprise, Sixt, and Blue Car Rental operate in the city, alongside specialist providers like Black Sheep Campers for those seeking campervan rentals. 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 to explore, from striking landmarks like Hallgrimsharpan and monuments dedicated to civil disobedience, to cultural sites and outdoor destinations. Whether you're interested in art, history, or natural wonders, the city has something to offer every traveler. 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 ranging from casual local favourites to international cuisine. Whether you're looking for authentic Icelandic dishes or international flavours, establishments like Iðnó, La Barceloneta, Fjalakötturinn, Skólabrú, and Shanghai provide options for visitors and locals alike. See all restaurants →

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

Swimming Pools in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers several public swimming pools where locals and visitors can enjoy geothermal heated waters. Options include Kvika, Ásgarðslaug, Breiðholtsskólalaug, and Ölduselslaug. 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 offers a lively nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to energetic clubs. Popular spots include Útópía, Exit, Auto, Paloma, and Radar Reykjavik, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the city's dynamic after-dark atmosphere. 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 diverse selection of venues for locals and visitors alike. From casual hangouts to lively establishments, bars like Tjarnarbarinn, Uppsalir, Uppi, Bad Mickey, and Gilligogg reflect the capital's vibrant social culture. See all bars →

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

Cafes in Reykjavik

Reykjavik's cafe scene offers a warm retreat in Iceland's capital, with establishments like Te & Kaffi, Gamla Reykjavik, The Laundromat Cafe, Kaffi Ó-le, and Iða serving as popular gathering spots. Whether you're seeking traditional Icelandic hospitality or a cozy international atmosphere, these cafes reflect the city's vibrant coffee culture. See all cafes →

Shopping in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional markets like Eiðistorg to modern shopping centres such as Kringlan, Glæsibær, and Holtagarðar. Whether you're seeking local crafts, souvenirs, or everyday items, the capital's retail options cater to all tastes and budgets. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers several parks and gardens where visitors can experience the city's connection to nature. From Alþingisgarðurinn to Fógetagarðurinn and other local green spaces, these areas provide opportunities to enjoy Iceland's distinctive landscape and vegetation 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 relatively mild winters and cool summers for its northern latitude. The city benefits from the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean, though visitors should expect variable weather and frequent wind throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Reykjavik — Weird & Wonderful

  • Reykjavik holds the distinction of being the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, located at 64°08′ N latitude.
  • The city has a population of around 140,000, while the surrounding Capital Region is home to approximately 252,000 people—roughly 64% of Iceland's entire population.
  • Situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay, Reykjavik's coastal location shapes its geography and culture.

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 greater Capital Region is home to approximately 252,000 people.

What timezone is Reykjavik in?

Reykjavik operates on Atlantic/Reykjavik time, which is GMT year-round with no daylight saving time.

What makes Reykjavik unique geographically?

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, located at 64°08′ N latitude on Iceland's southwestern coast.

Where is Reykjavik located?

Reykjavik is located on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland and serves as the country's capital and largest city.

What percentage of Iceland's population lives in Reykjavik?

The Capital Region surrounding Reykjavik accounts for approximately 64% of Iceland's total population.

Map of Reykjavik

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