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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 the country's southwest. As the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, it offers a unique Arctic experience combined with vibrant culture and modern amenities.

Photo: Olga Ernst (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language
Icelandic
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
21:02:25

Hotels in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers a range of hotel options for visitors, from downtown luxury properties like Kvosin Downtown Hotel and Hótel Borg to contemporary choices such as Hotel Reykjavík Centrum and Iceland Parliament Hotel. Whether you're seeking a Curio Collection by Hilton experience or other accommodations, the capital has options across various price points and locations. See all hotels →

Airports in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is served by several airports, including Reykjavíkurflugvöllur, the city's primary airport, along with smaller facilities such as Tungubakkaflugvöllur, 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 rental options to explore Iceland's stunning landscapes. Major providers including Budget, Enterprise, Sixt, Blue Car Rental, and Black Sheep Campers operate in the city, giving you flexibility in choosing the right vehicle for your journey. 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 diverse attractions for visitors, from cultural landmarks like Hallgrimsharpan to historic monuments including Tryggvi Gunnarsson and minnisvarði um borgaralega óhlýðni. Explore the city's parks, sculptures, and memorable sites that showcase Iceland's unique heritage. 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 catering to various tastes and cuisines. From establishments like Iðnó and Skólabrú to international options such as La Barceloneta, Shanghai, and Fjalakötturinn, the capital provides numerous choices for visitors and locals seeking quality meals. 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 for visitors and locals alike. Popular options include Kvika, Ásgarðslaug, Breiðholtsskólalaug, and Ölduselslaug, each providing facilities for swimming and recreation. 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 is lively and welcoming, with a variety of venues scattered throughout the city centre. From intimate bars to energetic clubs like Útópía, Exit, Auto, Paloma, and Radar Reykjavik, there's something for every mood and preference. 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 variety of venues for locals and visitors alike. From established spots like Tjarnarbarinn and Uppsalir to casual hangouts such as Uppi, Bad Mickey, and Gilligogg, there's something for every taste in Iceland's capital. 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 escape in Iceland's capital, with establishments like Te & Kaffi, Gamla Reykjavik, The Laundromat Cafe, Kaffi Ó-le, and Iða providing locals and visitors alike with quality coffee and comfortable spaces to relax. Whether you're looking for traditional Icelandic hospitality or a modern cafe atmosphere, Reykjavik's cafes reflect the city's vibrant community spirit. See all cafes →

Shopping in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers diverse shopping experiences across multiple districts and shopping centres. From the established shopping destinations like Kringlan and Eiðistorg to the retail offerings at Glæsibær and Holtagarðar, visitors and locals alike can find a range of goods and local products throughout the city. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Reykjavik

Reykjavik offers several parks and gardens where visitors can experience the city's natural environment. Notable green spaces include Alþingisgarðurinn, Fógetagarðurinn, Mæðragarðurinn, Kænugarður, and Landakotstún, providing opportunities to enjoy outdoor settings in the heart of Iceland's 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 influenced by its northern latitude and maritime position. The city experiences significant seasonal variation in daylight, with extended daylight in summer and limited daylight in winter months.

Interesting Facts About Reykjavik — Weird & Wonderful

  • Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, located at 64°08′ N latitude on Iceland's southern shore.
  • The city is home to approximately 140,000 people, with the surrounding Capital Region comprising about 64% of Iceland's total population.
  • Reykjavik sits on the shores of Faxaflói bay in southwest Iceland, a location central to the country's 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 surrounding Capital Region has approximately 252,000 residents.

Where is Reykjavik located in Iceland?

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

What is notable about Reykjavik's geographic location?

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, distinguished by its Arctic position and maritime setting.

What is the time zone in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik operates on Atlantic/Reykjavik time.

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

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

Map of Reykjavik

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