Reykjavik Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Northern Lights, Costs & Tips

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and the gateway to one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. Iceland's capital is small and colourful, with corrugated-iron houses, street art, geothermal pools and a lively food and music scene, all set against a backdrop of mountains and the North Atlantic. From here, waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, black-sand beaches and volcanic landscapes are just a short drive away, and in winter, the Northern Lights may dance above the city itself. This Reykjavik travel guide covers the best time to visit, top things to do, where to stay, how to get there and around, realistic daily costs, entry rules and practical tips, including how volcanic activity on the nearby Reykjanes Peninsula may affect your plans.

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Best Time to Visit Reykjavik

Reykjavik has a cool subarctic maritime climate. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, winters are milder than you might expect, but the weather is famously changeable.

Summer (June–August) is peak season. Temperatures range from about 10°C to 15°C, and the midnight sun means nearly 24 hours of daylight in June. It's the best time for road trips, hiking and whale watching, and all highland roads are open. Prices are at their highest.

Autumn (September–October) brings fewer crowds, autumn colours and the return of darkness, making it a great time to combine road trips with Northern Lights hunting.

Winter (November–March) offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights, ice caves and snowy landscapes. Days are short, with only about four to five hours of daylight in December, and temperatures hover around -3°C to 3°C. Storms can close roads.

Spring (April–May) sees rapidly lengthening days, migrating birds such as puffins arriving from mid-April, and lower prices before the summer rush.

Events: Reykjavik Culture Night (August), Reykjavik Pride (August), Iceland Airwaves music festival (November) and New Year's Eve fireworks are highlights.

Top Places to Visit in Reykjavik

1. Hallgrímskirkja

This striking church, inspired by Iceland's basalt columns, is Reykjavik's most famous landmark. Take the lift to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the colourful rooftops, the harbour and the mountains.

2. Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa's glass façade, designed with artist Olafur Eliasson, reflects the sea and sky. It hosts concerts and events, and its lobby is free to visit.

3. Sun Voyager (Sólfar)

This stainless-steel sculpture by the sea resembles a Viking ship and represents a dream boat, a promise of undiscovered territory. It's especially beautiful at sunset.

4. Old Harbour

The Old Harbour is home to seafood restaurants, museums such as the Whales of Iceland exhibition and the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, as well as departures for whale-watching and puffin tours.

5. Perlan

Built on top of hot water tanks, Perlan houses a museum about Iceland's nature, including a man-made ice cave, a planetarium Northern Lights show and an observation deck.

6. Geothermal Pools

Swimming pools are central to Icelandic social life. Join locals at Sundhöllin or Vesturbæjarlaug, or visit the Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, with its infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean.

7. The Golden Circle

This classic day route includes Þingvellir National Park, where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; the Geysir geothermal area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes; and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.

Also worth visiting: the National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum, Laugavegur shopping street and the Blue Lagoon (see the note on volcanic activity below).

Volcanic Activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Since 2021, a series of volcanic eruptions has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Keflavík Airport and the Blue Lagoon. The town of Grindavík was evacuated, and the Blue Lagoon has temporarily closed several times during eruptions. Flights have generally not been affected. Before visiting, check the latest updates from the Icelandic Met Office and the Blue Lagoon's website, and follow local instructions.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

• Downtown (101 Reykjavik): the best area for first-time visitors, close to restaurants, bars, shops, Hallgrímskirkja and the harbour.
• Old Harbour: modern hotels near seafood restaurants and tour departures.
• Laugardalur: quieter, near the largest swimming pool and botanical garden, with good-value options.
• Outside the city: for road trips, consider staying in towns such as Selfoss, Vík or along the Golden Circle.

Accommodation is expensive and books up fast in summer. Compare hotel prices and availability in Reykjavik here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Reykjavik

Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik, is Iceland's main international airport, with flights from Europe and North America. Icelandair offers free stopovers in Iceland on many transatlantic routes. Search and compare cheap flights to Reykjavik to find the best fares.

From Keflavík, airport buses (such as Flybus and Airport Direct) reach Reykjavik in about 45 minutes. Many rental car companies are based at the airport. Taxis are very expensive.

Getting Around

• Walking: downtown Reykjavik is compact and walkable.
• Strætó buses: cover Reykjavik and the surrounding area; pay with the Klappið app.
• Car rental: the best way to explore Iceland. In winter, choose a 4x4 and check road conditions (umferdin.is) and weather (vedur.is) before every trip. Driving off-road is illegal.
• Day tours: ideal if you don't want to drive in winter conditions.
• Domestic flights: Reykjavik Domestic Airport connects to Akureyri, Ísafjörður and Egilsstaðir.

Travel Costs in Reykjavik

Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK), but cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases, and cash is rarely needed. Accommodation taxes are included in some prices, and cruise passengers pay additional fees.

Money-saving tips: shop at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets, drink tap water (it's excellent), visit public swimming pools instead of expensive lagoons, and share car rental costs.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Iceland is not an EU member, but it is part of the Schengen Area and the EEA:

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can enter with a valid passport or national ID card.
• UK, US, Canadian, Australian and other visa-exempt travellers can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
• Other nationalities may need a Schengen visa.
• Passport validity: typically at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
• EU Entry/Exit System (EES): non-EU travellers register fingerprints and a facial image at their first Schengen border crossing, such as Keflavík.
• ETIAS: the EU's online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026 (around €20, valid for three years), and it will apply to Iceland.

Always check official Icelandic and EU sources or your own government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Reykjavik

• Check the weather: conditions change quickly. Always check forecasts and road conditions, and register your travel plans on safetravel.is for longer trips.
• Respect nature: stay on marked paths, don't touch moss and never approach glaciers or black-sand beaches like Reynisfjara without care; sneaker waves can be deadly.
• Pool etiquette: showering without a swimsuit before entering pools is mandatory.
• Northern Lights: check the aurora forecast on vedur.is and head away from city lights on clear nights.
• Tipping: not expected, as service is included.
• Safety: Reykjavik is one of the safest cities in the world. The biggest risks come from nature and weather.
• Staying connected: Iceland is in the EEA, so EU SIM cards can generally be used under EU roaming rules. Travellers from outside the EU should consider a travel eSIM. Get your Iceland eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Golden Circle tour: visit Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss in one day.
• Northern Lights tour: chase the aurora with expert guides (September–April).
• South Coast tour: see Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black-sand beach and Vík.
• Whale watching and puffin tours: depart from the Old Harbour.
• Glacier hike and ice caves: explore glaciers with certified guides (ice caves mainly in winter).
• Snorkelling in Silfra: swim between tectonic plates in crystal-clear water in Þingvellir.

Browse and book the best tours from Reykjavik here.

FAQ

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?

The Northern Lights are visible from late September to early April on clear, dark nights. Escape city lights for the best views.

Is the Blue Lagoon open?

The Blue Lagoon has temporarily closed several times due to volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Check its official website for the latest status before your visit.

Is Iceland expensive?

Yes. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Budget travellers should plan around €90–175 per day.

Do I need a car in Iceland?

A car is the best way to explore Iceland, but day tours from Reykjavik are a good alternative, especially in winter.

How do I get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavik?

Airport buses reach Reykjavik in about 45 minutes. Rental cars are available at the airport.

Conclusion

Reykjavik is the small, colourful gateway to Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes, from the Golden Circle to the Northern Lights. With a little planning around weather and road conditions, it rewards every season of travel.

Plan ahead: book your Golden Circle and Northern Lights tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Iceland's capital.