Category: Reykjavik

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7 Best Day Trips from Reykjavik: Gateway to Natural Wonders

Bruarfoss

Reykjavik might be Iceland’s buzzing little capital, but the real star of the show? Everything just outside of it. Picture waterfalls you can walk behind, black sand beaches straight out of a dream, and hot springs so magical you’ll swear you’re in a spa commercial.

Whether you’re after volcano vibes, glacier views, or just soaking your travel-tired bones in steamy blue waters, Reykjavik is the perfect launchpad. Here’s your ultimate approved guide to the best day trips you can take:

Elle snorkeling at Silfra

The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Greatest Hits

If you only have time for one adventure, make it the Golden Circle. It’s like Iceland’s highlight reel — dramatic, gorgeous, and a little bit mind-blowing.

  • Þingvellir National Park: Walk between two continents! (Seriously.)  Even cooler?  If you’re feeling extra brave, you can snorkel between the continents! This UNESCO World Heritage site sits right on the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Expect rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and major “wow” moments.

  • Gullfoss Waterfall: Get ready to feel tiny (in the best way). Gullfoss is a thundering two-tier waterfall that’s basically the queen of Icelandic waterfalls.

  • Geysir Hot Springs Area: Watch in awe as Strokkur geyser blasts boiling water up to 100 feet into the air — and it does this every few minutes, so you won’t have to stand around awkwardly waiting.

Spa Day at Laugarvatn Fontana

Why not combine history and hot springs? After exploring the ancient rift valleys of Thingvellir, pop over to Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. It’s a dreamy spot for a steam bath or a dip in geothermal pools, with gorgeous lake views to top it all off.

The stunning Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon: Soak in a Dream

Need a little R&R after all that sightseeing? Say hello to the Blue Lagoon, about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. Picture yourself floating in warm, milky-blue waters, surrounded by black volcanic rock. It’s basically a sci-fi movie… but cozy.


(And yes, the Instagram photos will be amazing.)

Stunning Seljalandfoss

South Coast: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Epic Vibes

The South Coast is where Iceland shows off a little.

  • Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A waterfall you can walk behind. Pack a rain jacket and prepare for some next-level selfies.

  • Skógafoss Waterfall: Wide, majestic, and often graced by rainbows if you catch the light just right.

  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Otherworldly black sands, towering basalt columns, and wild Atlantic waves. Basically, Mother Nature flexing.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

Short on time but want to see everything? Snæfellsnes is your spot. It’s got glaciers, lava fields, volcanic craters, adorable fishing villages, and the photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain (yes, the one from all the screensavers).


Bonus: Snæfellsjökull National Park is home to a glacier-capped volcano. Because why not?

Reykjanes Peninsula: Wild and Untamed

If you want to skip the crowds and feel like you’re exploring another planet, head to Reykjanes. It’s geothermal madness in the best way.

  • Krýsuvík Geothermal Area: Bubbling mud pots and steaming vents — it smells a little… earthy, but it’s crazy cool.

  • Reykjanesviti Lighthouse: The oldest lighthouse in Iceland, standing guard over some seriously rugged coastline.

  • Bridge Between Continents: Where else can you literally walk between two tectonic plates? (Add this to your brag list.)

At Hraunfossar water seeps through a porous lava field

Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: Waterfall Wonderland

Out west, you’ll find Hraunfossar, where clear blue streams pour out of a lava field like magic. Nearby, Barnafoss rushes dramatically through a narrow canyon. They’re close enough to visit together, and both will leave you staring in wonder.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

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Europe Iceland Reykjavik

14 Unmissable Things to Do in Reykjavik: Your Ultimate Guide

Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels.com

Reykjavik may be a small city, but it’s packed with culture, history, and unique experiences.  The town is full of high-quality restaurants, trendy shops, parks, and a vast array of museums.  Reykjavik truly has something for everyone.

We’ve compiled a list of 14 of the best things to do in the capital city.

14 Best Things to do in Reykjavik

Hallgrímskirkja Church

1. Hallgrímskirkja Church

One of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks, this church’s striking modernist architecture is inspired by Iceland’s volcanic landscape. Don’t miss taking the elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the city and beyond.
 
Visiting Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík is free of charge. However, to access the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city, there is an admission fee. As of the latest available information, the fee is 1,000 Icelandic króna (ISK) for adults and 100 ISK for children aged 7 to 16.
 
The church operates daily, with varying hours depending on the season. From May to September, it’s open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and from October to April, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The tower closes approximately 15 minutes before the church’s closing time. Additionally, the tower is closed on Sundays between 10:30 AM and 12:15 PM during the 11:00 AM mass.
Harpa Concert Hall

2. Harpa Concert Hall

The Harpa Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece that sits on the waterfront. Harpa is home to many concerts, events, and performances. Even if you’re not attending an event, the glass facade and design are worth exploring.

It is free to explore.

3. National Museum of Iceland

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Iceland’s history, from the Viking age to modern times. The museum’s main exhibition, “Making of a Nation,” features over 2,000 artifacts, including Viking weapons, medieval manuscripts, and traditional clothing, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the nation’s heritage. It’s an excellent way to dive deeper into the country’s heritage and culture.
 
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  
 

4. Reykjavik Art Museum

The Reykjavík Art Museum (Listasafn Reykjavíkur) is the largest visual art institution in Iceland, dedicated to contemporary and modern Icelandic art. It operates across three distinct locations in Reykjavík:

  1. Hafnarhús – Located in the city center, this venue features contemporary exhibitions, including works by Erró, one of Iceland’s most famous pop artists.

  2. Kjarvalsstaðir – Named after Jóhannes S. Kjarval, one of Iceland’s most celebrated painters, this location focuses on his works and other modern art exhibitions.

  3. Ásmundarsafn – A museum dedicated to the sculptures of Ásmundur Sveinsson, housed in a unique dome-shaped building designed by the artist himself.

The museum is open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, but hours may vary depending on location.

 A single ticket grants access to all three museum locations.

    • Adults: 2,500 ISK

    • Students & Seniors: 1,500 ISK

    • Children under 18: Free

5. Perlan

Perlan is one of Reykjavík’s most iconic landmarks, offering a mix of natural history exhibits, a planetarium, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Originally built as hot water storage tanks, it has been transformed into a major tourist attraction with interactive exhibits showcasing Iceland’s unique nature.

Main Attractions at Perlan:

🌋 Wonders of Iceland Exhibition – Features a real indoor ice cave, a glacier exhibit, and displays on Iceland’s volcanoes, earthquakes, and northern lights.
🌍 Áróra – Northern Lights Planetarium Show – A stunning immersive film experience about the northern lights, shown in Iceland’s only planetarium.
🔭 Perlan Observation Deck – Offers a 360-degree view of Reykjavík and its surroundings, including mountains and the ocean.
🌿 Forces of Nature Exhibit – Learn about Iceland’s geothermal energy, geysers, and tectonic activity.
🦅 Water in Icelandic Nature Exhibit – Highlights Iceland’s unique bird and marine life, featuring an interactive seabird cliff.

6. Old Harbour Area

The Old Harbour is a lively part of Reykjavik with great cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can also catch whale-watching tours or boat trips here. The area has a vibrant maritime atmosphere.
 
Main Attractions include:
 

  • 🐋 Whale Watching & Puffin Tours – Several tour operators offer whale watching and puffin spotting boat trips year-round. Popular companies include Elding and Special Tours.

  • 🦑 FlyOver Iceland – An immersive virtual flight experience that takes you on a breathtaking aerial journey over Iceland’s landscapes.

  • 🦈 Whales of Iceland Museum – A fascinating exhibition featuring life-sized whale models and interactive displays.

  • 🎨 Reykjavík Maritime Museum – Learn about Iceland’s rich fishing history and maritime heritage.

  • 🖼️ Art & Craft Shops – Explore small galleries and local designer boutiques selling handmade Icelandic crafts, souvenirs, and artwork.

7. Laugavegur Shopping Street

Laugavegur Street is Reykjavík’s main shopping, dining, and nightlife hub. It’s one of the oldest and busiest streets in the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere, unique boutiques, and cozy cafés.

🛍️ Shopping & Boutiques

Laugavegur is home to a mix of local Icelandic brands, high-end fashion, and souvenir shops.  Book a night at the Sand Hotel to be right in the midst of all of the fun!

Popular stops include:

  • 66°North – Iconic Icelandic outerwear.

  • Icewear – Traditional Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa) and knitwear.

  • Geysir – Stylish Nordic clothing and home décor.

  • Handknitting Association of Iceland – Locally made hand-knitted wool products.

☕ Cafés & Restaurants

Laugavegur is full of great places to eat and grab a coffee. Some favorites include:

  • Café Babalú – Quirky café with great hot chocolate and cakes.

  • Sandholt Bakery – One of the best artisan bakeries in Reykjavík.

  • Reykjavík Roasters – Popular specialty coffee shop.

  • Brauð & Co. – Famous for its fresh cinnamon rolls.

🍻 Bars & Nightlife

Reykjavík’s nightlife is centered around Laugavegur, with many bars offering live music and craft beers. Some top picks:

  • Kaldi Bar – Great for Icelandic craft beer.

  • Kiki Queer Bar – The city’s best LGBTQ+ nightclub.

  • Lebowski Bar – A “Big Lebowski”-themed bar with famous milkshakes.

  • Dillon Whiskey Bar – Cozy whiskey and live music spot.

8. Reykjavik’s Geothermal Pools

Iceland is famous for its natural hot springs, and Reykjavik has a number of local geothermal pools to choose from, such as Laugardalslaug and Seltjarnarnes Swimming Pool. These pools are a relaxing and local experience.
 
Sun Voyager

9. Sun Voyager (Sólfar)

A striking sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, the Sun Voyager is a modernist tribute to Viking ships and Iceland’s exploration heritage. It’s located along the seafront and is especially beautiful at sunset.

10. Tjörnin Pond

This small lake in the heart of the city is surrounded by picturesque buildings, cafes, and parks. It’s a lovely spot for a walk, especially in the summer when the surrounding flowers are in full bloom.
The Penis Museum

11. The Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Penis Museum is a quirky museum featuring a collection of animal penises from around the world. It’s definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Reykjavik, but it’s also one of the most talked about!

🍆 What’s Inside?

  • Over 200+ preserved penises from mammals like whales, seals, polar bears, and even humans.

  • A human penis donation, as well as plans for future donations.

  • Various artifacts and sculptures inspired by phallic imagery.

  • A mix of scientific, humorous, and cultural exhibits about reproductive biology and folklore.

Rainbow Road, Reykjavik

12. Explore Reykjavik’s Street Art

The city is full of colorful murals and street art. Taking a walk around downtown will uncover some cool and creative pieces by local artists.
 
 

1️⃣ “Ode to Mother” – Guido Van Helten

📍 Location: Vesturgata 26 (on an old factory wall near the Grandi area)
🖌️ This stunning black-and-white mural by Guido Van Helten depicts an Icelandic woman holding a baby, symbolizing motherhood and heritage.

2️⃣ “Wall Poetry” Series

📍 Location: Various spots around Laugavegur and Hverfisgata
🎵 Created during the 2015 Iceland Airwaves festival, these murals were inspired by music and lyrics, with artists from around the world collaborating with musicians. Look for murals featuring poetic lines and dreamy imagery.

3️⃣ The Giant Cat

📍 Location: Laugavegur 23 (alleyway near Reykjavík Chips)
🐈 A huge, realistic black-and-white cat mural, casually lounging along the wall. A favorite for cat lovers!

4️⃣ The Rainbow Street Mural

📍 Location: Skólavörðustígur (leading up to Hallgrímskirkja)
🌈 Though technically not “street art” in the traditional sense, this vibrant rainbow-painted street is a landmark in itself, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and inclusivity in Iceland.

5️⃣ The Monster and the Girl

📍 Location: Hverfisgata 42
👾 A whimsical mural showing a young girl facing off against a colorful monster, symbolizing childhood imagination and Icelandic folklore.

6️⃣ The Raven

📍 Location: Grandagarður (Grandi Harbor Area)
🦅 A dramatic mural of a black raven, referencing Norse mythology and Iceland’s deep connection to nature and wildlife.

7️⃣ The Polar Bear in a Bathtub

📍 Location: Laugavegur 66
🛁 A quirky yet powerful commentary on climate change, showing a polar bear in a tiny bathtub.

13. Kaffi Tromp or Mokka Kaffi

Reykjavik has a wonderful coffee culture. Kaffi Tromp and Mokka Kaffi are two great local spots where you can experience Icelandic coffee and enjoy traditional pastries.

14. Reykjavik Flea Market (Kolaportið)

If you’re in Reykjavik on a weekend, the indoor flea market Kolaportið is a fun stop. You can find everything from Icelandic wool sweaters to quirky antiques and delicious Icelandic treats.

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The Icelandic Phallological Museum aka The Penis Museum

The Icelandic Phallological Museum (or the Penis Museum) houses the world’s largest collection of penises.  The collection holds well over 300 wieners from more than 100 different species of mammals….including a human schlong.

The Penis Museum, located in Reykjavik, was founded in 1997 by Sigurður Hjartarson and is now run by his son Hjörtur Gísli Sigurðsson.  Over the years, this unique museum has become a popular tourist.

...wait...this guy collects penises?

Yeah, so about that… the story goes that founder Sigurður Hjartarson was gifted a cattle whip made from a bull’s pizzle when he was a child.  Years later, after hearing about this story, a friend of his gave him 4 new dongs.

His generous friends over at the whaling stations began bringing him whale willies, and then his collection really began…growing.  Folks starting gifting him farm phalluses, dolphin dicks,  and even a polar bear pecker.

His hobby quickly became an obsession and when he retired from his teaching job in 1997, he opened the first Icelandic Phallological Museum in Husavik.  When his son took over the business, he moved the museum to the capital city of Reykjavik.

Our Visit to the Penis Museum

Believe it or not, the Penis Museum was our second stop in Iceland- after the Blue Lagoon.  It was still a little early to check into our hotel, so we found a nearby parking garage in Reykjavik and decided to check out the museum. …When in Rome, Iceland…right?

The museum is located right in the heart of downtown, near popular places like the Harpa Concert Hall, the Sun Voyager, and the harbor.  As soon as we entered the museum, we were surrounded by penises…of all shapes, sizes, colors, and species.  

When I told Ashley about the Penis Museum, or the Icelandic Phallological Museum, if you’re feeling fancy, she was dead set on going.  I caved in because, it’s a cultural experience, right?  

Up until this visit, I could honestly say that I had never paid to peep a penis.  After paying our $20 to get in, we crossed the turnstiles to check out the Penis Museum. 

The first exhibit was Whale Phalluses…Whale Penises, the size of my arm.  Y’all.  We’re talking wrinkly, white, whale dicks crammed into a jar.  It was actually quite gross.

It was, however, quite informative.  I learned all about the mating habits and wieners of whales, seals, walruses, and even land animals like reindeer, bulls, elephants,  and a human dude.

I think the best part of our visit was watching a young boys reaction to the displays.  “Wow mom, look at this sperm whale penis!”  “Mom, look how small this hamster penis is!”  The kid must have said penis at least 155 times while he was in the museum.  It was quite comical, the kid was genuinely impressed.  

I can honestly say that this was the most unique museum either of us had ever been to.  Ashley thought it was pretty cool, but I was mostly grossed out the whole time.  The amount of penises, balls, and pubes was just…bleh.  

Visiting the Icelandic Penis Museum

The Penis Museum is located at:

 Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík, Ísland, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

It is open 7 days a week from 10 AM until 7 PM.  

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, save our post:  The Icelandic Phallological Museum.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited The Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Europe Hotel Review Iceland Reykjavik

Reykjavík’s Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels: An Honest Review

Outside of Sand Hotel Reykjavik

This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts and opinions are our own.

Imagine a sleek, modern, boutique hotel located in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland.  That, my friends, is the Sand Hotel Reykjavik.  On our recent trip to Iceland, we stayed at the Sand Hotel Reykjavik at both the start and end of our journey around Iceland’s Ring Road.  This hotel is perfectly located near all of the main tourist attractions in downtown Reykjavik, and about a 45 minute drive from the Keflavik International Airport.  It’s the idea spot to relax after a long flight, or serve as a base for the Golden Circle.

The Sand Hotel is owned by the pâtissiers that whip up some of the best pastries in Iceland over at Sandholt.  Lucky for you, the eatery is located right next door to the hotel!  The crew at the Sand Hotel whips up a pretty mean breakfast including some of the pastries you might find next door.  

Oh…and did I mention Sand Hotel has the absolute best beds in all of Iceland?  They are so incredibly comfortable!

Superior Room at Sand Hotel Reykjavik

Accommodation Options at Sand Hotel in Reykjavik

The Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels in Reykjavik is a 4 star boutique hotel with 78 rooms.  The rooms feature USB connections, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a Bluetooth speaker.

Small Double Room- These cozy rooms are perfect for 1 or 2 adults that are just looking for a place to rest their heads.  The rooms feature a comfortable Queen-size bed.

Standard Double Room- These double rooms are a little larger than the small double rooms and are suitable for 1 or 2 people.  The rooms feature a queen sized bed.

Superior Room- The Superior Rooms are perfect for those who want to stretch out a little bit.  The rooms have comfortable arm chairs, ample storage, and a lovely queen size bed.  The rooms can sleep up to 3 adults.

Family Room- Finding a family room in Europe can be tricky…but if you’re a family of 4 (or traveling with a few friends), you’re in luck!  The Sand Hotel has a Family Room.  The room features a Queen and a King bed.  

Junior Suite- Want to really relax on your vacation?  Check out the Junior Suites!  They sleep up to 3 and feature a luxurious King-sized bed, a seating area, ample storage space, and room to stretch your legs.

Suite- The suites sleep up to 4 people and feature a King bed and a sofa bed.  Tuck the sofa bed away during the day for a comfortable living area for the whole family.  

Sand Suite- ….YOLO, right??? The Sand Suite features a dining room, small kitchen, living room and private bedroom.  It is the perfect romantic retreat for a couple!

Book a Room

Check In/Check out at the Sand Hotel

The Lobby of Sand Hotel Reykjavik

The Sand Hotel is located at Laugavegur 34, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.  You’ll find the entrance for the boutique hotel down an alley off of Laugavegur.

The hotel does not offer free parking however, there is inexpensive metered parking nearby.  We found parking off of Grettisgata and Frakkastigur, nearby.

To check in, enter the lobby and visit the desk on the left.  The staff is helpful, informative, and friendly!  Be prepared to have your passport or ID ready to confirm your reservation.

Sand Hotel Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the room just off the lobby.  The food was absolutely delicious!  You’ll find pastries, sliced meat and cheese, yogurt, fruit,  granola, an assortment of juices and more!

Outside of Sand Hotel Reykjavik

Our Honest Review

We stayed at the Sand Hotel twice during our stay in Iceland, on our first night and our last night.   We stayed in hotels ranging between $300 and $900 a night and honestly, this was our favorite hotel.  The bed was absolutely heavenly and the room was exceptionally comfortable. 

The room we were in the first night was located overlooking  Laugavegur, one of the main roads in downtown Reykjavik.  It got a little loud on the street when the bars closed down, but overall, the hotel was quiet.

During our second stay, our room was located on the alley side of the hotel.  Voices echoed up through the alley into our rooms, but it wasn’t as loud that evening.

We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast at the hotel, especially the pastries!  

We will absolutely be staying here when we return to Iceland!

Sand Hotel Location

The Sand Hotel is located at Laugavegur 34, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. 

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown.  It is just a quick walk to several eateries, the harbor, and sites like the Sun Voyager Statue, Penis Museum, Harpa Concert Hall, and more!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip!  We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.

Our trip includes:

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, save our post: Reykjavik’s Sand Hotel by Kea Hotels: An Honest Review.   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While we were in the area, we also visited Blue Lagoon, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and much more!  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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