• Elliðaárdalur Valley
  A hidden nature reserve inside Reykjavík with waterfalls, rivers, and hiking trails perfect for a peaceful walk in nature.

• Öskjuhlíð Forest
  A forested hill around Perlan featuring WWII bunkers and quiet trails.

• Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
  Forested trails, lava fields, and red volcanic formations (Rauðhólar). Family friendly and a favorite escape for locals.

• Rauðhólar (Red Hills)
  A stunning landscape of red and green pseudo craters formed by lava flows located just beyond Reykjavík's eastern suburbs.

• Grótta Lighthouse & Kvika Footbath
  Scenic for watching the Northern Lights or midnight sun. Don’t miss the tiny geothermal footbath nearby.

• Explore Reykjavík's Street Art
  The Grandi district and downtown boast vibrant murals by artists like Sara Riel and Guido van Helten.

• Þúfa (The Mound)
  A peaceful harbor-side art installation with great views of the city and sea.

• Mount Esja
  Located about 30 minutes from Reykjavík, Mount Esja stands at 914 meters and offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. The most popular route leads to the Þverfellshorn summit, providing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. ​

• Helgafell
  Situated near Hafnarfjörður, approximately 25 minutes from Reykjavík, Helgafell is a 338 meter high mountain offering a relatively easy hike. The trail takes about two hours round trip and provides scenic views of the surrounding lava fields and mountains.

• Vífilsfell
  About 20 minutes southeast of Reykjavík, Vífilsfell is a 655 meter high mountain offering a moderately challenging hike. The trail is approximately 6.4 kilometers round trip and provides expansive views, including the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands on clear days. ​

• Móskarðshnúkar
  Located near Mount Esja, Móskarðshnúkar is known for its distinctive yellow and pink rhyolite peaks. The hike is about 6.9 kilometers round trip with an elevation gain of 650 meters, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. ​

• Reykjadalur
  Approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavík, Reykjadalur, meaning "Steam Valley," is famous for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and mud pools. The trail is about 6 kilometers round trip and leads to a naturally heated river where hikers can bathe.

• Glymur Waterfall
  Located in Hvalfjörður, about an hour's drive from Reykjavík, the Glymur Waterfall hike leads to one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls. The trail involves river crossings and steep sections, making it moderately challenging, but the views are highly rewarding.

• Búrfell (Heiðmörk)

  A 179-meter-high volcanic crater in Heiðmörk. The hike is about 6 km round-trip, leading to the crater with views of surrounding lava fields.

• Akrafjall

  Located near Akranes,  Akrafjall is a picturesque mountain offering some of the best views in West Iceland. The mountain was smoothed on the top by a glacier and surrounded by water during the Ice Age. It is relatively easy to ascend, with the hike taking between 2 and 5 hours, depending on your level of fitness.

Local Swimming Pools in Reykjavík:

• Vesturbæjarlaug: Cozy and loved by locals.

• Sundhöll Reykjavíkur: Historic, now with modern geothermal features.

• Laugardalslaug: The largest, with hot tubs, seawater pools, and steam baths.

Nearby Hot Springs & Spas:

• Kvika Footbath: Small, hidden geothermal soak by Grótta.

• Hvammsvík Hot Springs: Elegant nature-immersed pools with sea views.

• Sky Lagoon: Infinity pool with a 7-step Icelandic ritual, overlooking the ocean.

• Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach A golden-sand beach with warm seawater swimming and hot tubs. A unique Reykjavík experience, especially in summer.Knitting and wool products:oes here

• Plokkfiskur A comforting dish of mashed fish (usually cod or haddock) mixed with potatoes, onions, and a creamy white sauce.

• Hákarl (Fermented Shark) A strong-smelling, ammonia-rich delicacy, often paired with a shot of Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps).

• Harðfiskur Dried fish, usually cod or haddock, eaten as a snack with butter.

• Svið (Sheep’s Head) A traditional dish where the sheep’s head is boiled and served whole.

• Hangikjöt Smoked lamb, often served with potatoes, white sauce, and peas.

• Pylsa (Icelandic Hot Dog), served with crispy onions, raw onions, ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade.

• Skyr A thick, protein-rich Icelandic yogurt.

• Rúgbrauð (Icelandic Rye Bread) A dense, slightly sweet bread baked underground using geothermal heat. Often served with butter or smoked fish.

• Flatkaka A thin, dark rye flatbread, often eaten with smoked lamb.

• Kleinur Icelandic twisted doughnuts, deep-fried and lightly sweetened.

• Pönnukökur Icelandic pancakes, similar to crêpes, usually served with jam and whipped cream.

• Laufabrauð A crispy, decorative Christmas bread, fried and served in winter.

• Brennivín Iceland’s signature schnapps, known as “Black Death.”

• Malt og Appelsín A traditional Christmas soft drink mix of malt beer and orange soda.

• Handprjónasambandið (The Handknitting Association of Iceland) – The best place for authentic Icelandic lopapeysa (wool sweaters), locally hand-knit items, and high-quality Ístex Lopi yarn.

• Ullarselið (Wool Cellar) at Álafoss – Located in Mosfellsbær (15 min from Reykjavík), this historic wool store offers Icelandic yarn, handcrafted sweaters, and unique knitting kits.

• You can also find Icelandic wool products (quite often new- made buy locals) at thrift shops in Reykjavík:

• Fatamarkaðurinn - Located at Laugavegur 126, this thrift store near Hlemmur bus station offers a variety of second-hand clothing, including Iceland's signature wool sweaters at more affordable prices. 

• Red Cross thrift stores - There are two Red Cross shops on Laugavegur and those stores often stock used lopapeysa sweaters, providing budget-friendly options. 

• Kolaportið Flea market - Open on weekends near the Old Harbour, this flea market features various booths where you might find both new and vintage lopapeysa sweaters among other Icelandic goods. 

• Verzlanahöllin  - second-hand store in Reykjavík where you might find practical clothing, including lopapeysa sweaters, at reasonable prices. 

• Hringekjan is a sustainable fashion and circular economy store located at Þórunnartún 2, 105 Reykjavík, near Höfðatorg.

Harpa Concert Hall
World-class venue for classical, jazz, and contemporary performances. Check the schedule online.

Live Music Venues & Bars:

• Gaukurinn: LGBTQ+ friendly, alt rock, metal, inclusive vibes.

• Húrra: Eclectic music, cocktails, artsy scene.

• Dillon Whiskey Bar: Rock and whiskey, what more could you want?

• Hús Máls og Menningar

  Great place to enjoy live music with the Bookstore Band singalong.

• Röntgen: Trendy, intimate venue with electronic and DJ sets.

• Björk: Avant-garde, electronic

• Sigur Rós: Ambient post-rock

• Of Monsters and Men: Indie pop

• Ásgeir: Folky-electronic

• Kaleo: Blues-rock

• Emilíana Torrini: Indie-folk

• Hildur Guðnadóttir: Oscar-winning composer

• GusGus: House/techno

• Laufey: Classical-jazz crossover

• Múr: Metal band

• Reykjavík Art Museum – Hafnarhús – Pop art (notably Erró) & contemporary exhibitions.

• Ásmundarsafn Sculpture Museum – Modern sculptures in a serene garden, dedicated to Ásmundur Sveinsson.

• Einar Jónsson Museum & Garden – A hidden outdoor sculpture garden near Hallgrímskirkja.

• Árbær Open Air Museum – A village of relocated historic buildings. Great for understanding old Icelandic life.

• Perlan Wonders of Iceland – Features a planetarium, ice cave, and interactive exhibits on volcanoes, glaciers, and auroras.

• The Icelandic Phallological Museum – An unusual but famous collection of over 200 mammal specimens.

• The National Museum of Iceland – A deep dive into Icelandic history from the Viking age to modern times.

• The Settlement Exhibition – Built around an actual 10th-century longhouse ruin, with multimedia on Reykjavík’s origins.

• Saga Museum – Life-sized wax figures bring Iceland’s sagas and history to life.

• The Reykjavík Maritime Museum – Focuses on Iceland's seafaring heritage, fishing industry, and coast guard history.

• The Icelandic Punk Museum – Located in a former public toilet, tells the story of Iceland's punk scene (with headphones & memorabilia).

• Whales of Iceland – Giant models of whales in an immersive audio-visual space in the Grandi harbor area.

• The Museum of Photography – Historic and contemporary photographic works of Iceland and beyond.

• Reykjavík Museum of Modern Art (Listasafn Reykjavíkur) – Works by Icelandic and international modern artists.

Sagas of Icelanders (Medieval Literature)

• Njál’s Saga (Brennu-Njáls saga) – A classic Icelandic saga about feuding families and law.

• Egil’s Saga (Egils saga Skallagrímssonar) – The life story of Viking poet and warrior Egill Skallagrímsson.

• Laxdæla Saga (Laxdæla saga) – A tragic love story set in the Icelandic Commonwealth era.

Halldór Laxness (Nobel Laureate, 1955)

• Independent People (Sjálfstætt fólk) – A novel about a stubborn Icelandic farmer.

• World Light (Heimsljós) – Follows the struggles of an aspiring poet.

• The Fish Can Sing (Brekkukotsannáll) – A coming-of-age story set in early 20th-century Reykjavík.

• Under the Glacier (Kristnihald undir Jökli) – A surreal novel exploring religion and philosophy.

• Iceland’s Bell (Íslandsklukkan) – A historical novel about Iceland’s struggles under Danish rule.

Arnaldur Indriðason (Crime Fiction)

• Jar City (Mýrin) – The first book in the Detective Erlendur series.

• Silence of the Grave (Grafarþögn) – A cold case tied to domestic abuse.

• Arctic Chill (Vetrarborgin) – Investigates the murder of a young immigrant boy.

• The Shadow District (Skuggasund) – A crime novel blending past and present investigations.

• Strange Shores (Furðustrandir) – A haunting story of a missing woman.

Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (Thriller and Horror)

• I Remember You (Ég man þig) – A supernatural thriller about hauntings and missing people.

• The Silence of the Sea (Þögnin) – A crime novel about a missing family on a yacht.

• Why Did You Lie? (Af hverju ljóstu?) – A psychological thriller.

• Last Rituals (Þriðja táknið) – A murder mystery involving ancient symbols.

• The Undesired (Kuldi) – A chilling novel set in an isolated Icelandic village.

Sjón (Modern Literary Fiction)

• The Blue Fox (Skugga-Baldur) – A poetic, fairy-tale-like novel about a hunter.

• Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was (Mánasteinn – Drengurinn sem aldrei var til) – A coming-of-age story set during the Spanish flu epidemic.

• From the Mouth of the Whale (Rökkurbýsnir) – A historical novel about an exiled herbalist.

Andri Snær Magnason (Fiction and Environmental Literature)

• LoveStar – A dystopian novel about corporate control over human emotions.

• The Story of the Blue Planet (Sagan af bláa hnettinum) – An award-winning children’s book about environmentalism.

• On Time and Water (Um tímann og vatnið) – A poetic reflection on climate change.

• Dreamland: A Self-Help Manual for a Frightened Nation (Draumalandið: Sjálfshjálparbók handa hræddri þjóð) – A critique of Iceland’s environmental policies.

Ragnar Jónasson

• Snowblind (Snjóblinda) – The first book in the Dark Iceland series, set in a small northern town.

• The Darkness (Dimma) – The first book in the Hulda Series, featuring a female detective near retirement.

Jón Kalman Stefánsson

• Heaven and Hell – A profound exploration of existence, delving into the struggles of identity, fate, and self-understanding.

• The Heart of Man – Focuses on the emotional and spiritual journeys of a young man trying to find meaning in life.

• The Sorrow of Angels – A beautifully written narrative about love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships in a small Icelandic village.

• The Fish Have No Feet – A poetic and melancholic tale of grief, isolation, and connection in the harsh Icelandic landscape.

Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

• Raining in November – A reflective novel exploring the emotional landscapes of its protagonist as they navigate a life of uncertainty.

• The Greenhouse – A story about a young woman embarking on a personal journey through grief and self-discovery.

• The Outsider – A tale of existential questions and self-identity as the protagonist searches for their place in the world.

• The Exception – A novel about love, memory, and loss, weaving complex emotions in a beautifully understated narrative.

• Miss Iceland – Set in 1960s Iceland, this novel focuses on the struggles of a young woman trying to find her voice in a society that doesn't allow her to.

Books Set in Iceland:

• 
  

  Sally Magnusson

  • The Sealwoman’s Gift – A novel based on the true story of an Icelandic woman kidnapped by Barbary pirates in the 17th century.

  
  

  Hannah Kent

  • Burial Rites – Based on the real-life execution of Agnes Magnúsdóttir in 1830, the last woman executed in Iceland.

  
  

  Nancy Marie Brown

  • The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman – A historical account of Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, a Viking woman who traveled to North America.

  
  Saga Land is a blend of travel memoir, history, and personal storytelling by Australian broadcaster Richard Fidler and Icelandic-Australian writer Kári Gíslason. The book follows the authors' journey through Iceland as they explore the famous Sagas of Icelanders, connect with the country’s dramatic landscapes, and uncover Gíslason’s personal family history.

Films

• Children of Nature (Börn náttúrunnar, 1991) – The only Icelandic film to be nominated for an Academy Award (Best Foreign Language Film).

• The Sea (Hafið, 2002) – A family drama by Baltasar Kormákur.

• Angels of the Universe (Englar alheimsins, 2000) – A film adaptation of the novel by Einar Már Guðmundsson, following a mentally ill young man’s journey through Icelandic society, based on his struggle with mental illness.

• Rams (Hrútar, 2015) – A drama about feuding brothers in rural Iceland.

• Woman at War (Kona fer í stríð, 2018) – A story of an environmental activist.

• Jar City (Mýrin, 2006) – A crime thriller based on the book by Arnaldur Indriðason.

• Lamb (Dýrið, 2021) – A surreal horror-folk film.

• White Night Wedding (Brúðguminn, 2008) – A tragicomedy about a man’s second wedding in the Icelandic countryside.

• Katla (Netflix series, 2021) – A sci-fi mystery series about a volcano eruption revealing buried secrets.

• Against the Ice (2022) – A historical survival film based on true events in Greenland (co-produced with Netflix).

• Heartstone (Hjartasteinn, 2016) – A critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ coming-of-age film set in a remote Icelandic fishing village.

• Summerlight… and Then Comes the Night (Sumarljós og svo kemur nóttin, 2022) – A poetic ensemble film based on Jón Kalman Stefánsson’s novel.

• Touch (Snerting, 2024) – A drama directed by Baltasar Kormákur, based on Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson’s novel. It follows an elderly Icelandic man searching for his lost love while battling Alzheimer's, moving between 1970s London and 2020 Japan.

• Godland (Volaða Land, 2022) – A historical drama about a Danish priest’s harrowing journey across 19th-century Iceland, exploring themes of colonialism, faith, and nature’s unforgiving power.

• Beautiful Beings (Berdreymi, 2022) – A coming-of-age drama following a teenage boy in Reykjavik who is drawn into a world of violence and friendship, blurring the line between reality and visions.

Foreign Filming Locations in Iceland

Iceland’s landscapes have been used for various international productions, including:

• Interstellar – Filmed at Svínafellsjökull glacier.

• Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Featured Eyjafjallajökull.

• James Bond: Die Another Day – Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – Filmed in several Icelandic locations.

• Thor: The Dark World – Iceland used for Asgard scenes.Batman Begins