photos of reykjavik

48 hours in Reykjavik

Reykjavik has become quite the poster city for all things Scandinavian in the past couple of years. It’s got fresh air, accessible nature, colorful cottages, and plenty of coffee shops filled with cozy candles.

It’s no longer enough for visitors to drive through Reykjavik on their way to the West Fjords or to get a picture of the funky-looking church. It’s become its own destination, with more and more people using it as a base to explore West Iceland. Most people will now visit the city while on an Icelandair stopover, getting double the fun with two holidays in one!

When I started my road trip, I planned two full days in Reykjavik to get used to the daylight and jet lag and to figure out what makes the city so attractive. Let’s see what I did during my (in hindsight, all too short) two days in the Icelandic capital.

A walking tour

photos of reykjavik
Downtown Reykjavik

A walking tour is perfect for getting your bearings in the city and learning some fun facts and trivia about Scandinavia, Iceland, Reykjavik, and everyday life in Iceland from an Icelander. Most tours start at the famous Hallgrímskirkja church and ends at the Parliament House, and lasts about two hours, with several stops at significant, historical, or quirky places along the way. And if you ask your guide about their favorite places to eat and drink, they’ll let you know the best spots.

Hallgrímskirkja

48 hours in reykjavik

You’ve got to check out Hallgrímskirkja, no matter how long you’re in Reykjavik. It’s an awesome church, and the view from the top is incredible. It’s actually a Lutheran parish church, and it’s named after a poet and priest named Hallgrímur Pétursson. Guðjón Samuel designed it in 1937, and he was inspired by the shape of the basalt rock formations in the area. That’s exactly what gave Hallgrímskirkja its distinctive look.

But before you head to the top to check out the view of Reykjavik and Kollafjörður Bay, be sure to check out the impressive 25-ton, 102-rank, 72-stop, 5,275-pipe organ!

The Sun Voyager

48 hours in reykjavik
Reykjavik’s most famous artwork

The Sun Voyager is an absolute must-see! This incredible sculpture by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason is a true ode to the sun. It represents the untamed beauty of undiscovered territories and the thrilling journey of progress and freedom.

I’ve heard some people mistakenly think it’s a Viking ship, but trust me, it’s so much more. I’ve found that the golden rays of the sun reflect beautifully on the structure at dayfall, making it absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city and the harbor.

Morning coffee

Luckily, the city has a thriving indie coffee scene! And it’s not just because there are no Starbucks in the country (shocking, I know!). Take a few moments to unwind, smell the delicious coffee, and mingle with locals at my favorite coffee shops in Reykjavik.

  • Reykjavik Roasters
  • Laundromat Café
  • Mokka
  • Kaffitár
  • Puffin Coffee
  • Grái Kötturinn
  • Kaffi Vínyl
  • Kaffibrennslan

The Harpa

48 hours in reykjavik

Reykjavik’s Harpa concert hall is another must-see, free attraction that’s not to be missed! This stunning post-modern building has been Iceland’s cultural palace since its completion in 2011, hosting a variety of events.

But what really sets this gem apart is its one-of-a-kind architecture. The award-winning building, designed by the renowned artist Olafur Eliasson, features thousands of transparent glass panels in a vibrant array of yellows, purples, and blues. These panels shift and dance with the sun, creating a mesmerizing and ever-changing visual experience that makes it a must-see!

Enjoy the Nordic architecture

I absolutely love the architecture in Scandinavia! The colorful aluminum houses scattered throughout Reykjavik are so charming. The range of colors is simply stunning, from vibrant reds and yellows to rich blues and greens. It’s like a rainbow on steroids, and it instantly brightens up the city, which can be a bit cloudy.

Explore the charming streets of Grjótagata and Skólavörðustígur, where you’ll find some of the most adorable (and possibly most expensive) real estate in all of Reykjavik.

Shop for wool

48 hours in reykjavik
Icelandic wool galore

We love the warmth of wool, but knitting it all yourself can be a lot of work. Let the Icelandic Handknitters Association (IHA) take care of that for you! The IHA was founded in 1977 by a group of women who had knitting as a way to supplement their families’ income. Now, the IHA features the works of over 200 members.

You can find the iconic Lopi sweater here, at a fraction of the cost compared to other tourist shops and duty-free at the airport.


Where to eat & drink in Reykjavik

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