51±¬ÁÏÍø

Custom Walk in Reykjavik, Iceland by dianereid54_7b5b9 created on 2025-01-19

Guide Location: Iceland » Reykjavik
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Share Key: JS53L

How It Works


Please retrieve this walk in the 51±¬ÁÏÍø app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.

Retrieve This Walk in App


Step 1. Download the app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2. In the 51±¬ÁÏÍø app, download(or launch) the guide "Reykjavik Map and Walking Tours".

Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: JS53L

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Reykjavik Old Harbor

1) Reykjavik Old Harbor

The Old Harbor was built between 1913 and 1917 and was originally used for fisheries and trade. Reykjavik was made the capital city in part due to the economic importance of the Old Harbor. This natural harbor was the main draw to original Viking explorer Ingolfur Arnarson, who settled in this area. The harbor is still a vital contributor to the economy; however, today's economy is more driven by tourism.

Today, many tours leave from the harbor. Visitors can go on whale-watching tours and often see dolphins, Minke Whales, and Humpback Whales. Some lucky visitors will also see Blue, Fin, and Beaked Whales as well as Orcas.

Puffin-watching tours also leave from the harbor. Visitors who want to see the majestic Northern Lights blanketing a winter sky can brave the cold and go on a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights cruise.

Landside, the Old Harbor has been transformed from a working harborside to a trendy hotspot. Many of the colorful old fishing houses have been renovated into fabulous cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Baejarins Beztu hot dog stand opened in 1937 to serve fast food to fishermen. It's one of Iceland's oldest family-run businesses and has a unique claim to fame. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton had a hot dog here in 2004 and called it "the world's best hot dog." Matur & Drykkur is a fine-dining restaurant that serves traditional Icelandic fare and is mentioned in the Michelin guide.

Art galleries, museums, and cinemas are other attractions in this scenic location. Volcano House plays documentaries about Iceland's volcanoes. Gallery i8 is known as Iceland's best modern art gallery.

Reykjavik Old Harbor is the perfect place for attractive photos, with a backdrop of traditional fishing boats and Mount Esja.
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°­´Ç±ô²¹±è´Ç°ù³Ù¾±Ã°

2) °­´Ç±ô²¹±è´Ç°ù³Ù¾±Ã°

Are you looking for something specific? Perhaps an old-fashioned lamp, a modern vegetable knife, or maybe curious about tasting dried fish and fermented shark? How about acquiring a pack of unique Icelandic sweets or selecting a stylish outfit for your weekend plans? °­´Ç±ô²¹±è´Ç°ù³Ù¾±Ã°, Iceland's sole flea market, is your go-to destination for these and more. This indoor marketplace operates on weekends from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and sometimes on public holidays. Situated in a vintage industrial edifice near Reykjavik's harbour, it lies between the renowned Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand and the Old Harbour.

°­´Ç±ô²¹±è´Ç°ù³Ù¾±Ã° offers a distinctive vibe, attracting a diverse crowd every weekend. Visitors can browse for books, antiques, and clothing, or explore the food court for groceries. It's a place where used items find grateful new owners at fair prices, and where you can sift through various goods to uncover unexpected finds. It's akin to a treasure hunt. Cash transactions are predominant, so it's advisable to have cash on hand, although there's an ATM near one of the entrances, and a cafeteria for when hunger strikes.

Remember, one person's discard may be your new treasure. So, make it a point to start early on weekends at °­´Ç±ô²¹±è´Ç°ù³Ù¾±Ã°. Here, you can fill your bags with second-hand clothing, artifacts, Icelandic specialties, music, toys, and much more. The market is welcoming, genuine, and humble, ensuring that visitors leave with something special in hand.
3
Bæjarins beztu (The Town's Best Hot Dogs)

3) Bæjarins beztu (The Town's Best Hot Dogs)

"The Town's Best Hot Dogs" (Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur) is a small chain of hot dog stands in Reykjavík. This chain has been in continuous operation since 1937 when it was originally established on Austurstræti street, right at the heart of the city. It was founded by the grandfather of the current owner, Guðrún Kristmundsdóttir. In the 1960s, the stand relocated a couple of streets north to Tryggvagata, right across from the Harpa Concert Hall, where the main flagship stand still operates today.

In August 2004, the stand gained widespread attention when it was visited by the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, during his trip to Iceland for a UNICEF conference. This high-profile visit significantly boosted the stand's popularity, leading to its inclusion in various tourist guidebooks about Iceland. Just two years later, in August 2006, the renowned British newspaper, The Guardian, declared Bæjarins Beztu as the best hot dog stand in Europe.

Today, this chain is a favorite among both tourists and local residents alike. There are three more locations within the city, collectively selling over a thousand hot dogs on a bustling day.

The hot dogs offered by Bæjarins Beztu are primarily lamb-based but also contain pork and beef. They are served in a bun and come with a variety of condiment options, including ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, crispy fried onions, and raw onions. Customers who wish to have all the available toppings often use the Icelandic phrase "eina með öllu," which translates to "one with everything" in English.
4
Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral)

4) Dómkirkjan (Reykjavík Cathedral)

Reykjavik Cathedral is a neoclassical church designed by Andreas Kirkerup in the 18th century. The Cathedral is centrally located in Austurvollur, Reykjavik's main public square. Reykjavik Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Iceland and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. It also serves as the parish church for the city center.

This site has been dedicated to churches since the 13th century. Work on the current church began in 1788, and the Reykjavik Cathedral was dedicated in 1796. It was the first building to be completed with the notion that Reykjavik would become the capital of Iceland.

Since 1845, each parliament session begins with mass at the Cathedral, and then members of parliament go together to the parliament house.

The church and Parliament are intertwined and are a central facet of life in Iceland.

The organ was built in Berlin in 1985 and has 31 voices and three manuals. Sculptor Albert Thorvaldsen designed the baptismal font. Leifur Breiofjoro, an Icelandic artist, designed the processional cross.

Reykjavik Cathedral is smaller and less imposing than the Church of Hallgrimur. However, it boasts a rich cultural history and has significant meaning in the daily lives of Iceland's Lutherans. The Christmas mass is broadcasted from Reykjavik Cathedral, and people all over the country tune in to listen to it. New Presidents are inaugurated at Reykjavík Cathedral.
5
Austurvöllur Square

5) Austurvöllur Square

Austurvollur Square is the main public square in Reykjavik and is home to several important landmarks. Here you will find The Parliament House, Reykjavik Cathedral, the Hotel Borg, as well as several popular restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Hotel Borg was built by Jóhannes Jósefsson, who competed in the 1908 Olympics. He traveled in America and returned to Iceland in 1927 with a dream of building a luxury hotel. Iceland was preparing to host celebrations for its 1,000th parliamentary anniversary. The hotel opened in 1930 and has hosted many politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities. Built in Art Deco style, the hotel is elegant and attractive.

A statue of Jon Sigurosson stands in the middle of the square. Jon Sigurosson was a leader of Iceland's independence movement in the 19th century.

In the summer, the square is filled with locals and tourists who enjoy the outdoor cafes. In the winter, the square is home to a large Christmas tree.
6
Landakotskirkja (Landakot's Church)

6) Landakotskirkja (Landakot's Church)

Landakot's Church (Landakotskirkja) serves as the principal cathedral for the Catholic Church in Iceland. Situated in the western part of Reykjavík, specifically on the Landakot property, this architectural marvel boasts a unique design characterized by a flat roof rather than the conventional spire. The church's creation is attributed to the talented architect Guðjón Samúelsson, renowned for his work on other iconic structures like Hallgrímskirkja and Akureyrarkirkja in Akureyri.

The history of Landakot's Church traces back to the early 19th century when the first Catholic priests arrived in Iceland after the Reformation. Two Frenchmen, Bernard Bernard and Jean-Baptiste Baudoin, purchased the Landakot farmstead in Reykjavík and established their residence there. In 1864, they erected a modest chapel on the premises. Subsequently, a small wooden church was built near Landakot on Túngata a few years later. As the number of Catholics in Iceland grew following the First World War, there emerged a pressing need for a larger church facility.

To meet this demand, Icelandic Catholics made the decision to construct a Neo-Gothic style church, entrusting the architectural work to Guðjón Samúelsson. Following several years of construction efforts, Landakot's Church was formally consecrated on July 23, 1929. It held the distinction of being the largest church in Iceland during that era. Today, Landakot's Church remains an iconic landmark in western Reykjavík. Furthermore, the only Catholic school in Iceland, Landakot's School (Landakotsskóli), is conveniently located nearby on the same property.
7
Tjornin Lake

7) Tjornin Lake

Tjörnin (The Pond) is a small lake located in the heart of Reykjavík. It's a common sight for tourists, being next to Reykjavik City Hall and various museums. Historically, it formed from a lagoon that was once part of a reef where Harbour Street (Hafnarstræti) now is. This street runs along the southern edge of the lake and leads to nearby gardens.

In winter, The Pond freezes at times, becoming a popular spot for ice skating. It's relatively shallow, with an average depth of 0.57 meters (about 1.9 feet) and a maximum depth of 0.8 meters (around 2.4 feet). Paved paths run along both sides of the lake, ending at the Concert Hall Park (Hljómskálagarður), adorned with statues, to its south. These paths are often used by joggers and cyclists, and there are boards displaying daily bird counts on the lake.

The Pond is a haven for birdwatchers, attracting 40 to 50 types of water birds, like the Arctic tern, Eider, Gadwall, Greylag goose, different goose species, Mallard, various seagulls, and the scaup. It's also a great spot to see Whooper swans up close. The arrival of the Arctic tern is a sign of summer's beginning, drawing bird enthusiasts from across the North Atlantic. The lake is a popular place for parents to bring children to watch and feed birds, earning it the playful nickname "the biggest bread soup in the world."

A wooden bridge for pedestrians was built over The Pond in 1920. To better support vehicles, it was replaced with a concrete bridge in 1942, which remains in use today.
8
Fríkirkjan (Free Church)

8) Fríkirkjan (Free Church)

The Free Church in Reykjavik (Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík) is a separate Lutheran church from Iceland's main church, the Church of Iceland. It's located right in the heart of Iceland's capital city, next to the Tjörnin lake.

This church started in Reykjavik back in the fall of 1899. Initially, around 600 people joined, and this number quickly increased. The Free Church took inspiration from similar churches in Norway and ones set up by Icelanders who moved to North America. They wanted a church that felt more connected to everyday people. Also, Reykjavik was rapidly growing with new neighborhoods and more residents, but the Reykjavik Cathedral couldn't keep up with the needs of the expanding community, especially as more craftsmen and tradespeople settled in.

Not long after this new church group got started, they picked a spot for their church near the lake's eastern side. The church was officially opened on February 22, 1903. Just two years later, they had to make it bigger, following a design by an architect named Rögnvaldur Ólafsson. Then, in 1924, they expanded it again. They added a chancel made of concrete on the east side and made some other changes to the building. All of this was overseen by a master builder, Guðmundur H. Þorláksson.
9
Laugavegur Street

9) Laugavegur Street (must see)

Laugavegur Street is Reykjavik's main shopping street. Visitors will find restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique shops.

Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavík. The name can be translated as the Water Road. Here, women would bring their laundry to be washed in hot pools.

Laugavegur is just over a mile or two kilometers long. The shopping stretch starts at the city's busy bus center, Hlemmur, and continues to Bankastraeti.

There are two museums on Laugavegur. First, the Phallological Museum is the world's only museum dedicated to the male genitals, with specimens from the animal kingdom. The second museum is a small punk museum.

Most of the shops feature Icelandic designs and brands. Visitors will find high-end products, as well as shops with souvenirs such as books, fridge magnets, and stuffed animals.

Visitors can also find a variety of vintage shops and second-hand goods along Laugavegur.

Foodies will be delighted with the variety of options. Try traditional Icelandic menus or international cuisines. Visitors can also find vegan restaurants.

Several bars feature live music. Movie fans will love the Lebowski Bar, with food and "wheel of fortune" rounds.

Laugavegur is a diverse street with something for everyone.
10
Háteigskirkja Church

10) Háteigskirkja Church

Háteigskirkja, a stunning Lutheran church characterized by its four sharply pointed steeples, stands majestically atop a hill, easily accessible from downtown Reykjavík. The church's design meticulously follows regional architectural traditions, thus maintaining the city's historic aesthetic.

This church features a unique design with two naves located in its basement and is encircled by four towers, including a bell tower. Its tall, slender spires pierce the sky, forming a striking contrast against the building's main facade. These spires ensure the church's visibility throughout the city, making it an excellent landmark. The church's interior boasts a mosaic cross by Benedikt Gunnarsson and exquisite golden pillars.

Construction of Háteigskirkja commenced in 1957 with the laying of the foundation stone. The classical design was the brainchild of architect Haldor Jonsson. Initially, construction progressed on schedule, but financial challenges soon emerged. By 1965, during the church's consecration, it was evident that construction could not continue, leaving the building incomplete. However, the local community was deeply attached to the project and rallied to resume construction. Finally, in the early 2000s, the church opened its doors to the public.

Today, visitors to Reykjavik often include Háteigskirkja in their itinerary. Traveler accounts frequently mention Háteigskirkja, describing it with a range of adjectives from amusing to unique, ensuring sustained interest. The church provokes a spectrum of emotions, but never indifference. It stands out distinctly from any vantage point in the city.
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