Southern Iceland Road-Trip in Winter in 10 Days – Day 2
The word “Reykjavik” means smokey bay, inspired by the steam from hot springs in the region. Iceland is undoubtedly famous for numerous natural hot springs. Reykjavik is not only Iceland’s capital city, but also the largest city of the country. It is the northernmost capital in the world. The city is full of life, even in the winters. The art scene here is very interesting, as well as its history and its nightlife. The city is brimming with museums and attractions to visit. Even though Reykjavik is famous for its whale-watching tour and music concerts during summers, still there are lots to do during winters. So when in Reykjavik, you would like to make the most of your time. Here is the the list of top 10 things to do in Reykjavik in the winter.
Highlights of the Day
- Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Perlan Museum
- Tjornin Lake
- Grotta
- FlyOver Iceland
- Whales Of Iceland
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center
- Laugavegur Shopping Street
- Northern Lights Tour
- Vegan Food In Iceland
#1 Hallgrimskirkja Church
Our accommodation – Hallgrims Guesthouse – is just 600 m away from Iceland’s most iconic church, Hallgrimskirkja. Gudjon Sameelsson started constructing the church in the early 1940s and it continued for 41 years. This church is dedicated to a national renowned poet, Hallgrimur Petursson. The church is famous for its regular art exhibitions and beautiful organs. Music brings this beautiful, old church to life. You must ascend to the top of the tower to enjoy an impressive 360-degree view of the entire city.
#2 Explore Perlan Museum
Exploring museums in Reykjavik should top the chart of winter activities here. The city is full of interesting museums, such as National Museum of Iceland, Arbaer Open Air Museum, Settlement Exhibition, Aurora Reykjavik Museum, and more. You can visit most of them using Reykjavik’s City Card. But if you have only one day in Reykjavik and want to visit the best of all museums in Iceland, like we did, then visit Perlan.
Did you know there is a quirky museum in Reykjavik, called Phallological Museum, which houses the world’s largest display of penises of both land and sea mammals of Iceland?
Situated on top of Oskjuhlid hill, Perlan, also known as Wonders of Iceland, offers a great view of Reykjavik. It is a set of six cylindrical hot water tanks turned into impressive buildings, all topped with a reflective dome. stands in Oskjuhlid hill. We loved the Glaciers and Ice Exhibition inside. We learnt about volcanoes and Northern Lights. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Last tickets are sold at 5 PM. The best is to get the tickets online from their website and visit whenever they are open.
#3 Tjornin Lake Area
Tjornin is a small picturesque lake, the most charming center of the city. The place is great for bird enthusiasts as you will find swans and ducks here chilling by the lake. The lake usually turns into an ice skating ground during winter. However, when we visited, it was still not frozen. We found a weary Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat, by the sculptor Magnus Tomasson, at the northern end of the lake. We also checked out the modern buildings of Reykjavik City Hall, Iceland’s Parliament House, and Reykjavik Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city. Tjornin lake is surely worth a visit.
#4 Grotta
Further west of Reykjavik, lies a beautiful patch of land overlooking the Antantic Ocean, known as Grotta. This area boasts a lighthouse, beach, and scenic foot bath called Kvika. During summer, Grotta acts as a bird-haven as many species of birds nest in this area. However, during winter, it is one of the popular spots to witness Northern Lights closest to the city. Visiting the lighthouse involves a bit of walking, but it is all worth it. From the lighthouse, you can even see across the water to the Reykjanes and Snaefellsnes Peninsulas during clear weather. Be careful about the tide timings as the lighthouse is connected to the mainland by just a spit of land, which becomes submerged beneath the sea during high tide. You can check the tide chart here.
#5 Whales Of Iceland
Ethical whale-watching tours are available during summers in and around Reykjavik. Then what about the winters? Well, you can surely visit Whales of Iceland – the largest whale exhibition in Europe, located in Reykjavik’s harbour area. It consists of many life-sized models of various whale species found in Icelandic waters. Each whale is designed after an actual individual and features their personal markings and characteristics. There are interactive information stands and videos, surrounded by underwater ambient lighting and soothing whale sounds. The exhibition is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, all year round. You can book your tickets here.
#6 FlyOver Iceland
FlyOver Iceland is the newest attraction in Reykjavik that you cannot afford to miss. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flight. Before taking the flight, we watched two pre-shows. One was called the Longhouse, where we saw a house model of the early settler’s dwellings here in Iceland. The second one was a multi-projection experience that transported us from the beginning of the formation of this island right through to today. Next, we sat on a comfortable seat before a 20-m spherical screen, with our feet dangling. Finally, a visual film started with special effects, including wind, mist and scents, combined with the ride’s motion, which took us away on an exhilarating journey across Iceland. The place is open from 11 AM to 6.30 PM during winters. You can book the tickets online.
#7 Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center
Olafur Eliasson, a Danish-Icelandic artist, designed the Harpa Concert and Conference Hall. It was supposed to be a part of “The World Trade Center Reykjavik” project. However, due to 2008 bank crisis, that project was scraped off and now it is the home venue of the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra. Visitors praise this building from from inside and out, and when you visit, you will know why! There are not many events going on in Harpa during the winter, but based on which month you are heading there, you can check the upcoming events online. You surely need a valid ticket of the event to enter Harpa.
#8 Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager was erected in 1990 by Jon Gunnar Arnason to commemorate the city’s 200th anniversary. The stainless steel structure of the ship points north, and offers a fantastic view of the Esjan mountain. It was originally intended to greet the sunset in the west of the city.
#9 Laugavegur Shopping Street
Laugavegur Laugavegur is one of the main streets of Reykjavik, along with Skolavordustigur, recently known as Rainbow Street, leading straight to Hallgrimskirkja Church. If you love dancing, partying, and meeting new people, then head to Laugavegur. There are restaurants, pubs, and many tourist shops, selling fridge magnets, books, and all sorts of souvenirs.
#10 Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and everyone wants to experience this natural phenomenon. You can only see the northern lights between late August and early May, so winter is a great time for this. However, as tracking northern lights is not an easy activity by our naked eye, I highly suggest you to go on a Northern Lights Tour with the help of an experienced guide.
Few great spots for witnessing Northern Lights in and around Reykjavik are Grotta Lighthouse, Oskjuhlid Forest near Perlan Museum, Ellidaardalur, or even Seltjarnarnes, a township next to Reykjavik. But the best is to book a Northern Lights tour. There are plenty of companies offering this tour. There are tours by minibus, by jeep and also by boat, with the price increasing from minibus to boat. They will literally pick you up from your hotel or meet at a location and they take you outside of the city with their vehicles and they park and they set up the cameras and let you watch the lights. They just literally bring you right to the Aurora. That’s definitely an easy way to see the lights while you are in Reykjavik.
#Bonus Activity: Vegan Food Tour In Reykjavik
As veganism is spreading all across the globe for the sake of animals, environment, health, and uncountable reasons, Reykjavik is also keeping itself updated and inclusive. Do not miss out on trying the delicious vegan offerings this city has.
After the closing down of Kafe Vinyl, which used to my favorite vegan place in Reykjavik, I was surprised at so many other vegan places popping up in Reykjavik. I am listing down my favorite three here:
- Now, there is Loving Hut in Reykjavik. It is a part of international chain of vegan restaurants inspired by Supreme Master Ching Hai, an advocate for veganism.
- An award-winning all vegan-street food restaurant called Jomm serves real fast food such as burgers with french fries filled with yummy vegan mayo and more.
- Mama is another new vegan restaurant in the center of Reykjavik. It offers soups, casseroles, hummus plate, rice and curries, rainbow salad, nice-cream bowl and cheesecake.
For those who are very enthusiastic about veganism, there is an app available called Vegan Iceland. Also, if you want to stay updated with many more vegan restaurants coming up in Reykjavik, keep an eye here.
Total Distance Traveled: 30 km
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN USD)
Let us have a look at the shared expenses of Day 2 in Iceland – Reykjavik
- Hallgrimskirkja Tower Entrance Fee: 8
- Perlan Museum including Access to Viewing Deck & Ice Cave & All Exhibitions Entrance Fee: 35
- Whales Of Iceland Entrance Fee: 26
- FlyOver Iceland Entrance Fee: 39
- Northern Lights Tour (Superjeep): 147
- Food and Miscellaneous: 75
Total expense (roughly): 330 USD
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
It looks like you have managed to do a lot of things during your second day in Iceland. Reykjavik looks like a very nice place to visit, even if it’s winter. I would love to visit the Perlan museum and see the artificial ice cave and the Aurora show. I knew that Iceland was expensive, but I didn’t expect it to be that expensive, to spend over 300 dollars a day.
Hi Joanna, I guess you haven’t read the details of expense. I have added the room for multiple nights there.
Iceland is one the few European destinations which is still in our to-do list. Therefore found this post very relevant as we are heading there in October. Now we know what to be in doing in Reykjavik..
Reykjavik Iceland is such a fascinating destination to explore. My favorite is the northern lights tour and the flyover Iceland tour. And of course we cannot miss out the myriads of sculptures and architectural elegance the city has to offer.The Hallgrimskirkja church, the Harpa concert hall and the voyager are the limelight of Iceland’s art and culture.
True, it’s all so fascinating.
Wish you get to see the NL.
There are so many interesting things to do in Iceland in the winter. FlyOver Iceland is definitely a must-do experience. I will like it much. I think Whales of Iceland will make me awe with so many collections and informations of whales. And of course, who doesn’t want to see the Northern Lights? That will be magnificent to see in person.
Totally, Umiko!
Reykjavik is an exciting city with great architecture and culture. I was there during my Iceland road trip in the summer. But I would also like to go winter. The main reason why I would like to go there in winter is the chance to see the Northern Lights. But I also like the other winter activities you suggest. I didn’t have time to visit museums, and each of them is worth seeing. So I add them to my list.
I wanna visit Iceland during summers.
I love the idea of the flight over iceland. That just looks like so much fun. I really need to spend more time in reykjavik on my next visit. I always skip it and just head north or east. I’d definitely visit the whales of iceland, they really fascinate me and would love to understand more about Icelands culture and history with these amazing animals.
Yes, plan it out!
Ohhhh I need to see that kitty! 😀 Reykjavik a very fascinating place, I would love to go in the winter too to experience the midnight sun, even though I am not really happy with the cold. Beautiful photos here, the sun voyager photo is my favorite!
Give my love to her when you meet her.
Iceland is still on my bucket list and your post just made me excited to visit again. We are so excited to see the Perlan Museum. It looks so fascinating. Thank you for sharing this list. Bookmarking it for future reference.
Sure Clarice.
You did an Iceland tour? Whoa! Awesome. I’m yet to visit here. I’ve seen photos of Hallgrimskirkja and as usual amazed to see yours. Awesome that you stayed in a place just 600m from there. I envy that you’ve already managed to see the Northern lights with your own eyes… I really really want to go on a tour! Flyover Iceland experience sounds awesome.
Keep an eye on the blog, would be sharing more amazing experiences of Iceland.
I really want to see the Northern Lights some day! Looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Consider Norway.
I’ve been to Reykjavik in winter and agree with your list. Visiting the church is a must, it’s stunning. And we also visited Grotta and loved every second even though we were so cold! Need to see the perlan museum again.
Perlan is just so cool.
We visited Iceland in the summer, so that we could do a self-drive all around the island, but it meant we didn’t maximise our chance to enjoy the Northern Lights, as it was too light till too late in the evening! We missed the Perlan Museum, which looks well worth visiting for the glaciers and ice exhibit in particular. I’d also love to do a flyover experience next time as well.
I would love to visit Iceland during summers.
We did a 3 week trip through Iceland in summer. But the main reasion to come back in winter would definitely be the Northern Lights. Id did not realize that you have such good chances to see them from Rjekavik. We did a whale watching tour in summer and therefore did not visit the whale museum. It looks interesting too!
I am yet to visit Iceland in summer, Natascha.
I loved my visit to Reykjavik and your lovely photos brought back happy memories. We travelled in April so at the end of the Northern Light displays but we knew we would miss them so its a good reason to return.
Oh Angela, you must visit Iceland in summers as well.
At the Hallgrimskirkja Church, you’ve got a fantastic shot from every angle! Reykjavik appears to have a plethora of activities. The Perlan Museum, Whales of Iceland, and FlyOver Iceland are all places I’m looking forward to visiting. The Sun Voyager intrigues me as well.
Yes, plenty of things to do there.
We really do want to get back to Reykjavik in the winter. Seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory is definitely high on our list. But it would be great to enjoy more of the indoor attractions. And the Flyover Iceland sounds perfect. A concert at the Harper Concert Hall would let us enjoy that beautiful building from the inside too!
It would be an amazing experience overall.
Wooow, In love with this article. Pictures are soo appealing and the pointers are too good. Thanks for the trip breakage. Saving it for Iceland trip.
Sure Pamela.
It looks like you have had a great time exploring Reykjavik for the day. The Perlan Museum with that artificial cave looks pretty spectacular. FlyOver looks like a pretty entertaining activity to do as well.
Yes, Perlan is the best.
I have been so wanting to get to iceland….mostly for the thermal spas and the northern lights and its landscape. Seems like the capital itself has added more things to my list . The museums for sure and the church – what a place and such gorgeous architecture. Cheers
There are more, I would be blogging about them soon.
This is still on top of my bucket list and your post just rekindled that dream to visit Iceland. Aside from the Northern Lights Tour, I look forward visit the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hallgrimskirkja Church
Iceland is a dreamland.
There are so many things about Rekyvik I would love to see – and yet, I have never visited! Of course, seeing the Northern Lights are the biggest draw for me. That’s high on my bucket list. (I love that you can see a planetarium-like presentation in case you don’t see the real thing.) But the ice caves, whales, and panoramic views from the soaring tower of Hallgrimskirkja make a visit all the more enticing. I need to visit Iceland soon!
Yes Jackie, you must visit Iceland soon.
Absolutely stunning pictures! Aurora Borealis has been on my wishlist since forever! But besides that, you have covered quite a few interesting things to do in Rekyjavik, right from the gorgeous ice caves, the ornate Church, shopping street, to the newest attraction flying over Iceland, wow! Tempted to book my flights right away!! The capture of Grotta somehow reminded me of my visit to the Galle lighthouse in Sri Lanka.
I am yet to visit Sri Lanka.
Wow, I thought Reykjavik would be snowed in! We went in summer and saw the same things! But we didn’t see the Northern Lights.
For Northern Lights, you have to head during the winters.
I have never visited! Of course, seeing the Northern Lights are the biggest draw for me. That’s high on my bucket list.
Excellent!