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Reykjavik architecture

Reykjavik is the world's most northerly capital city and is heated almost entirely by geothermal energy from Iceland's volcanic landscape — giving the city some of the cleanest air and lowest-cost heating of any capital in the world. In summer, the sun barely sets (the midnight sun phenomenon), while in winter visitors can experience the Northern Lights dancing directly over the city. Iceland has never had a standing army and is consistently ranked among the world's most peaceful, equal, and happy countries.

  • 5Landmarks
  • 1950Oldest · National Museum of Iceland
  • 74 mTallest · Hallgrímskirkja
  • 4Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoKeflavik International Airport (KEF)

    Keflavik International Airport is located about 50km southwest of Reykjavik and serves as a transatlantic hub for Icelandair. Its position midway between North America and Europe makes it a natural stopover point, and the Flybus connects the terminal to Reykjavik's city center in about 45 minutes. A new terminal expansion has significantly increased the airport's capacity for the country's booming tourism industry.

  • CurrencyIcelandic Krona (kr)
  • LanguageIcelandic

    Icelandic is a North Germanic language remarkably close to the Old Norse spoken by the Vikings 1,000 years ago — modern Icelanders can read medieval Viking sagas in their original language. The language has been consciously preserved through new vocabulary creation (Icelanders invent Icelandic words rather than borrow from English, so 'computer' becomes 'tolva' — a compound of 'number' and 'seeress'). English is universally spoken among Reykjavik's population.

  • Getting aroundStraeto Buses & Taxis

    Reykjavik has a bus system (Straeto) covering the city and surrounding suburbs, but the city is small enough that many residents walk or cycle much of the time. Car rental is almost essential for exploring Iceland's dramatic landscapes beyond the city. In winter, geothermally heated outdoor swimming pools are a central part of Reykjavik social life — the public pools operate year-round regardless of weather and are as much community centers as exercise facilities.

5 landmarks in Reykjavik

  1. Hallgrímskirkja
    Photo: Steinninn, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Hallgrímskirkja

    Hallgrimstorg 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

    A Lutheran church designed in 1937 and completed in 1986, its 74.5-metre concrete tower inspired by the columnar basalt formations of Iceland's volcanic landscape. It is the tallest building and most visible landmark in Reykjavik.

    Built
    1986
    Architect
    Gudjon Samuelsson
    Style
    Expressionist modernism
    Height
    74 m (244 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Active church & observation tower

  2. Harpa Concert Hall

    Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

    A stunning concert hall and conference center completed in 2011 on Reykjavik's old harbour, whose crystalline glass facade of geometric hexagonal panels designed by Olafur Eliasson changes color throughout the day. It is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.

    Built
    2011
    Architect
    Henning Larsen Architects & Olafur Eliasson
    Style
    Contemporary parametric
    Height
    35 m (115 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    Concert hall, opera & conference venue

  3. Blue Lagoon Iceland

    Nordurljosavegur 11, 240 Grindavik, Iceland

    A geothermal spa in a lava field 40 minutes from Reykjavik, fed by water from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. The brilliant milky-blue water stays at a constant 37-39 degrees Celsius year-round and has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Europe.

    Built
    1981
    Architect
    Sigridur Sigthórsson and others
    Style
    Contemporary
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Geothermal spa & resort

  4. Perlan

    Varmahlid 1, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland

    The Pearl — a glass dome museum built on top of six geothermal hot water storage tanks on the Oskjuhlid hill above Reykjavik. The current Perlan houses Iceland's most innovative indoor exhibitions including a real ice cave experience and a planetarium.

    Built
    1991
    Architect
    Ingimundur Sveinsson
    Style
    Contemporary modernist
    Height
    26 m (85 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    Museum & restaurant
  5. National Museum of Iceland
    Photo: Helmut Seger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    National Museum of Iceland

    Sudurgata 41, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland

    The main cultural museum of Iceland, its permanent exhibition 'The Making of a Nation' takes visitors from the Viking Settlement of Iceland in 874 AD through to the modern era. Its collection includes some of the finest medieval ecclesiastical metalwork and wood-carving in Scandinavia.

    Built
    1950
    Style
    Modernist
    Height
    12 m (39 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    National history museum

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