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Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland
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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 amenities and natural attractions.

Photo: Olga Ernst (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language
Icelandic
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
15:20:46

Hotels in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from historic properties like Hótel Borg to contemporary choices such as Kvosin Downtown Hotel and Hotel Reykjavík Centrum. Whether you're seeking luxury stays or central locations, the city's hotel sector provides diverse venues to suit different travel needs. See all hotels →

Airports in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is served by several airports offering both domestic and international flight options. Key facilities include Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, Tungubakkaflugvöllur, and other local airfields such as Hólmsheiði, Sandskeiðsflugvöllur, and BI10 Leirvogsvatn. 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's landscapes. Major providers including Budget, Enterprise, Sixt, Blue Car Rental, and Black Sheep Campers operate in the city, giving you flexibility to choose the rental service that best suits your travel plans. 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 memorials. Whether you're interested in exploring local sites such as Svarta keilan or discovering the city's natural beauty, Reykjavik has something for everyone. 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 traditional Icelandic fare to international cuisine. Whether you're looking for local spots like Iðnó and Fjalakötturinn or international options such as La Barceloneta and Shanghai, the city's restaurant landscape caters to various 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 offers several swimming pools where visitors and locals can enjoy aquatic activities and leisure. Notable facilities include Kvika, Ásgarðslaug, Breiðholtsskólalaug, and Ölduselslaug, providing options for swimming and water-based recreation throughout the city. 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 a variety of venues to suit different tastes. From bars and clubs scattered throughout the city center, including popular spots like Útópía, Exit, Auto, Paloma, and Radar Reykjavik, there's plenty to explore after dark. 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 range of venues for locals and visitors alike. From intimate neighbourhood spots to lively social hubs, establishments like Tjarnarbarinn, Uppsalir, Uppi, Bad Mickey, and Gilligogg showcase the city's vibrant nightlife and drinking culture. See all bars →

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

Cafes in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a vibrant cafe culture with unique venues scattered throughout the city. From Te & Kaffi and Kaffi Ó-le to The Laundromat Cafe and Iða, visitors can enjoy cosy atmospheres and quality beverages at some of the capital's most beloved gathering spots. See all cafes →

Shopping in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers diverse shopping experiences across modern shopping centres and traditional markets. Visitors can explore major destinations like Kringlan, Eiðistorg, Glæsibær, and Holtagarðar for everything from local Icelandic goods to international brands. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers several parks and gardens where visitors can experience the city's natural spaces. Notable areas include Alþingisgarðurinn, Fógetagarðurinn, Mæðragarðurinn, Kænugarður, and Landakotstún, each providing access to local flora and outdoor environments. 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 temperatures year-round. Winters are long and dark with frequent cloud cover, while summers are mild with extended daylight hours. The city is known for its changeable weather and wind.

Interesting Facts About Reykjavik — Weird & Wonderful

  • Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, located at 64°08′ N latitude.
  • The city has a population of around 140,000, with the surrounding Capital Region home to approximately 252,000 people—about 64% of Iceland's total population.
  • Reykjavik is situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland, making it a gateway to Iceland's natural wonders.

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 wider Capital Region has approximately 252,000 residents.

What timezone is Reykjavik in?

Reykjavik operates on Atlantic/Reykjavik timezone.

Why is Reykjavik significant geographically?

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

What region of Iceland is Reykjavik located in?

Reykjavik is located in southwest Iceland on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay.

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

The Capital Region around Reykjavik constitutes approximately 64% of Iceland's population, demonstrating the city's importance as the country's primary population centre.

Map of Reykjavik

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