What to do in Reykjavik, Iceland During the Winter

When thinking about Iceland most imagine the vast landscapes, massive glaciers, and quiet countryside filled with geysers and hot springs.  But what about the city of Reykjavik?  The world’s northernmost capital city is often overlooked and used only as a place for visitors to sleep.  And honestly, I think that’s a huge mistake.

Thanks to an amazing flight deal, we booked a trip to Iceland in January for four nights and decided to stay in Reykjavik the entire time.  Going into the trip, I didn’t have any expectations.  I didn’t read up on the destination like I normally do, and I was looking forward to experiencing the country without a plan.  It’s safe to say Reykjavik stole a piece of my heart!

From unique museums to trendy bars and Michelin star restaurants, I loved the city, even in the winter time when everyone was bundled up.  In fact, there was a lot to do in the city, even during the cold season.

Most people don’t like visiting cities when they are cold, but Reykjavik in winter has so much to offer. 

Here are the top things to do in Reykjavik in Winter:

1.  Visit Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik 

Rising high above the surrounding buildings at 244 feet, this church stands in the city center and is a staple of Reykjavik.  The sleek concrete exterior was meant to mimic Iceland’s natural rock formations created by the cooling of lava. 

The church is free to enter, but if you want to go up into the clock tower, it cost 1000 ISK. ($8.00 USD)  I highly recommend doing so for the view alone!  You can see just how colorful the city of Reykjavik is against the massive white capped mountains in the distance.  We were lucky enough to see a rainbow form over the city while up in the tower. 

Be sure to warm up with a cup of coffee and snack at the famous Café Loki across the street!

2. Wander the Shops on Laugavegur Street

Laugavegur is the main street of Reykjavik.  It is filled with many shops, cafes and restaurants.  It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and window shop.  We would often find stops along the way for happy hour deals, or follow the sweet scent in the air to find a tasty treat!  Even though the city is small, we explored this street every day in Reykjavik, and always saw something new we didn’t notice the day before.

3.  View Reykjavik’s Incredible Street Art

Before arriving in Iceland, I had no idea about the beautiful street art that covers the city.  Every corner you turn, you will see anything from small political sketches to 12 foot tall bold graphic murals.  The concrete buildings serve as a blank canvas just asking for color!  Typically, the street artists are paid a commission by a business or homeowner.  The art brightens up the city and makes it feel warm and inviting during the dark winter days.

Some of the most interesting pieces will be seen on Laugavegur Street!

4.  Visit Harpa Concert Hall

Built in 2011, Harpa Concert Hall is built with geometric glass and L.E.D lights that create a light show on the outside of the building.  Its boxy shape feels almost off balance.  When you go inside and look up, you become lost in an endless amount of geometric shapes and color.  It may be one of the most intriguing buildings I have ever seen! 

Harpa hosts a variety of different concerts, meetings and other exhibitions.  You are able to explore the inside of the building or visit the gift shop or café inside for free.  We went back to see it when it was dark outside so we could watch the lights dance across the face of the building.

5.  Get Reykjavik Iceland’s Famous Hot Dog

Baejarins Beztu Pylsur is a world-famous hot dog stand that has been in operation since 1937.  It’s a short walk from Harpa Music Hall and is well worth the hype.  (Even Bill Clinton thinks so!)

You can choose the toppings you want, but I highly recommend ordering it the way originally intended, with everything!  The hot dog is made with lamb, beef and pork, topped with ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, crispy fried onions and raw onions.

The way the crispy onions crunch in your mouth with every saucy bite is a perfect combination.  I’ll be the first to admit, pictures of it look do not look appetizing in the least, but it is by far the best hot dog I’ve ever had in my life!

6.  Visit the Sun Voyager Sculpture

Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the city of Reykjavik, this stainless steel sculpture is meant to symbolize the promise of undiscovered territory and serve as a dream of hope and freedom. 

Although not its original intention, the sculpture is thought to represent a Viking ship.  The location of the Sun Voyager is looks right out at the Atlantic Ocean, and can have some of the most spectacular views especially at sunset.

7.  Try the Unique Icelandic Cuisine

When in Iceland, am I right?  Where else are you going to find whale, puffin, and even fermented shark?  Because some of these are Icelandic delicacies, they may be some of the more expensive meals you get in the country.

The salt and chewiness of our smoked puffin appetizer tasted like a combination of pastrami and jerky.  It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but it was surprisingly delicious!

For dinner, we had minkle whale steak.  Cooked like a perfect medium rare steak, the texture of the whale was more like beef than fish, but the meat had a fishy, gamey taste to it.  I’m not a huge steak gal, and I think the idea of what it was threw me off.  My fiancé loved it, but I’m not sure I’d reorder it again if we went back.  However, it’s worth trying for the experience alone. 

Of course, our dessert was Skyr yogurt with fruit on top!  If you aren’t aware, Iceland is home to Skyr, one of the creamiest Greek yogurts on the market.  You can only get a select few in the US, so I loved trying the different flavors you can only get in Iceland.  The fruity creaminess of this yogurt honestly tastes more like dessert than something that’s good for you! 

Recommended places to eat and drink in Reykjavik:

• Prir Frakkar– I have heard from multiple resources this place has some of the best whale steak in the city.  Unfortunately when we went, we didn’t realize you needed a reservation ahead of time and they were fully booked for the entire night.
• Bastard Brew & Food– This pub style restaurant has a variety of local beers, cocktails and some of the best fish tacos I’ve ever had!
• Hereford Steak House–  We ended up going here after seeing signs for their dinner special consisting of, a puffin appetizer, whale steak main course, and Skyr dessert with fresh fruit.
• BrewDog– Iceland is really starting to make a name for itself recently in the craft beer world! We enjoyed a couple pints at brew dog Brewery and enjoyed their IPA’s.
• Icelandic Craft Bar– must try beer BASL.

8.  Go on a Northern Lights Tour

We took the Gray Line Mystery Northern Lights tour.  A guide takes you into a location outside Reykjavik where they feel you have the best chance to see the northern lights.  If the conditions are horrible, they will typically cancel the tour, so keep that in mind!

One of the main reasons to visit Reykjavik in winter is because October to March are the months with the best conditions for seeing the northern lights!

You are shipped by the busload around 9:00 pm to a place where you go stare at the sky and hope for the best.  I remember how bizarre it felt to just stand for hours on end in complete darkness with a bunch of random strangers.  The almost eerie silence was broken every so often from a random sniffle or whisper.  You shiver every time a crisp breeze passes, but the anticipation and excitement of seeing one of the world’s most fantastic natural phenomena’s makes the freezing cold worth it!

Because it’s a completely natural event, you are never guaranteed to see the northern lights.  It’s actually not as common as everyone makes it seem!  The nice thing about Gray Line tours is they allow you to go another night for free if you don’t see them.  Unfortunately, we did not see any during our tour, which may have been the only disappointing part of our trip to Iceland.

Recommended northern lights tours:

• Mystery Northern Lights Tour– This is the one we did. We enjoyed it but it was packed and extremely cold, with nowhere to look for the lights inside. If we did another tour we would opt for a smaller group, or one that has more indoor/outdoor access.
• Small Northern Lights Tour– Perfect for those that want the typical northern lights tour, but don’t want hundreds of people to be on the same tour.
• Northern Lights Yacht Tour– When I go back, this is the one I will do! You don’t have to stand outside and be freezing while you wait, which is ideal!
• Whale Watching & Northern Lights Tour– Combine two in one!
• Golden Circle & Northern Lights Tour– This tour combines the Golden Circle tour during the day with the northern lights one at night. Best for those with limited time in Iceland!
• Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights Tour– If you plan to do both anyway, might as well combine for a better deal!

9.  Visit the Perlan Museum

The Perlan Museum is filled with interactive experiences where you can learn about Iceland’s animals, volcanoes, and the scary future of its glaciers.  You can even go inside a real ice cave, and onto their observation deck for the best 360-degree view of Reykjavik.  If you don’t see the Aurora Borealis during your tour, the Perlan has you covered with their northern lights film.

GET YOUR PERLAN MUSEUM TICKET HERE!

Tip: There is also a free shuttle that brings you from Reykjavik to the Perlan Museum. (About a 10 minute drive.)

10.  Try Icelandic Fish n’ Chips

Having been to England where they are known worldwide for their fish n’ chips, my expectations for Icelandic fish n’ chips weren’t high.  But LET ME TELL YOU, I was blown away!  We went to Reykjavik Fish, and within a matter of minutes were served the best melt in your mouth, flakey cod I’ve ever tasted.  They have a variety of unique sauces such as apple horseradish and tomato basil for dipping.  My favorite was the lemon pepper dill, which added the perfect savory touch.

11.  Relax in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

If you are in Iceland you should absolutely make a stop at the Blue Lagoon.  Although the Blue Lagoon is not a natural hot spring, it is definitely the most famous in Iceland and quite possibly the world.  You will see photos of it plastered across Instagram. 

Some say it’s overrated, but I disagree and think it’s well worth the price and experience!  It may be more crowded than other less known hot springs, but my body has never felt more relaxed than after soaking in the Blue Lagoon.  It truly feels like a spa experience.  Especially in the winter time when the air is crisp and cold on your face, but your body is blanketed in the warmth of the lagoon.

Since it is near the Keflavik Airport (about 45 minutes from Reykjavik), add it to the beginning or end of their trip to make the most of your time in Iceland.  I would give yourself three hours to allow yourself time to relax in the warm water, drink a free beverage of your choice (Prosecco for me!) and do a facial mask known for doing miracles to the skin.

If the Blue Lagoon is not on your bucket list currently, it should be!

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Despite the limited hours of sunlight and cold weather, there is still so much to see and do in Reykjavik in winter.  Not to mention, wintertime has a much higher chance to see the northern lights, and it’s cheaper since it’s the off season! 

Iceland is a wonderful country filled with friendly people and breathtaking views and it’s a place I cannot wait to get back to! 

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