What is the population of Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has approximately 140,000 residents, making it Iceland's largest city. The Greater Reykjavik Area, including suburbs like Kopavogur and Hafnarfjordur, has over 230,000 people—about 60% of Iceland's total population.

What does Reykjavik mean?

Reykjavik means 'Smoky Bay' in Icelandic, named by the first permanent settler Ingólfur Arnarson around 874 AD. He saw steam rising from geothermal hot springs and thought it was smoke.

How long has Reykjavik been Iceland's capital?

Reykjavik became Iceland's capital in 1845 when the Althing (parliament) was re-established there. It has been the country's administrative, cultural, and economic center ever since.

What is the weather like in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a subarctic oceanic climate with mild winters (averaging 0°C/32°F in January) and cool summers (around 12°C/54°F in July). Weather changes quickly—expect wind, rain, and occasional sunshine all in one day.

Do people speak English in Reykjavik?

Yes, English is widely spoken throughout Reykjavik. Virtually everyone in shops, restaurants, and services speaks fluent English, making it very easy for tourists to communicate.

Is Reykjavik safe for tourists?

Reykjavik is one of the safest capitals in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is uncommon. Basic precautions apply, but overall it's very safe to walk around at any hour.

Can you see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?

Yes, but light pollution makes it harder. Best to drive 20-30 minutes outside the city for clearer views. Peak season is September to March, with clear, dark nights offering the best chances.

Is Reykjavik walkable?

The city center is very walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within a 15-20 minute walk of each other. For outer neighborhoods, public buses or rental cars are convenient.

Reykjavik Iceland: Capital City Travel Guide

Name: Reykjavik Iceland
Address: IS

Iceland's vibrant capital city—the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign nation, blending Viking heritage with modern Nordic culture.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Population

~140,000

Capital Region • Iceland's largest city

Reykjavik is Iceland's cultural, economic, and political heart. Founded by Viking settler Ingólfur Arnarson around 874 AD, it has grown from a small farming community to a cosmopolitan city of roughly 140,000 people — with the Greater Reykjavík Area holding about 60% of Iceland's total population. The city runs almost entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric energy, making it one of the greenest capitals in the world. Despite its small size, Reykjavík punches well above its weight in arts, music, and gastronomy, with more restaurants per capita than most European capitals and a live music scene that has produced internationally known acts like Björk, Sigur Rós, and Of Monsters and Men.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland's adventures. Most tours depart from here, and it's the hub for domestic flights and buses.

Sources to check

Region

Capital Region

Greater Reykjavik Area with 60% of Iceland's population

Population

~140,000

Iceland's largest city and only major urban center

Founded

874 AD

First permanent Norse settlement in Iceland

Top Attractions in Reykjavik

Hallgrímskirkja

Iceland's tallest church at 74.5 m. The tower elevator offers a 360° panorama of the city, mountains, and ocean — arrive before 10 AM to avoid queues.

Harpa Concert Hall

Designed by Ólafur Elíasson, this geometric glass waterfront building hosts concerts, conferences, and free lobby exhibitions. Walk inside even without tickets.

Sun Voyager (Sólfar)

Stainless steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason on the Sæbraut waterfront. Faces north across the bay toward Mount Esja — best photographed at sunset.

Laugavegur & Skólavörðustígur

The city's main walking streets with independent boutiques, Icelandic design shops, bookstores, and cafés. Most restaurants cluster within a 5-minute walk of Laugavegur.

Old Harbour (Grandi)

Whale watching and puffin tours depart here. Also home to the Marshall House art center, Whales of Iceland museum, and several seafood restaurants.

National Museum of Iceland

Covers 1,200 years of Icelandic history from Viking settlement to modern independence. Budget 1.5–2 hours. Free admission for under-18s.

How to Get to Reykjavik

From Keflavik Airport: Iceland's international airport is 50 km (45 minutes) from Reykjavik. Airport buses (Flybus, Airport Direct) run regularly, or you can rent a car or take a taxi.

Getting around: The city center is walkable. Strætó operates public buses throughout the greater Reykjavik area. Rental cars are useful for day trips but not essential for exploring the city itself.

Neighborhoods to Explore

101 Downtown (Miðborg): The historic center around Laugavegur and Austurstræti. This is where you'll find most restaurants, bars, and shops. Street art covers many buildings, and the area is fully walkable in 20 minutes end to end.

Grandi / Old Harbour: A former industrial district turned creative quarter on the western waterfront. Home to the Marshall House contemporary art center, Grandi Mathöll food hall, and whale watching departures.

Vesturbær: A quiet residential neighborhood west of downtown with colorful tin-clad houses, the University of Iceland campus, and the Vesturbæjarlaug public pool — one of the best neighborhood pools for mixing with locals.

Hlemmur & East Side: An emerging area around the old bus terminal, now home to the Hlemmur Mathöll food hall and a growing number of guesthouses and hostels. More budget-friendly than the 101 core.

Food & Dining

Reykjavík's restaurant scene is surprisingly diverse for a city its size. Expect to pay 3,000–6,000 ISK ($22–44 USD) for a main course at mid-range restaurants and 7,000–12,000 ISK ($51–88 USD) at upscale spots. Budget-friendly options include the Grandi Mathöll and Hlemmur Mathöll food halls, Bæjarins Beztu hot dog stand (a local institution since 1937), and bakeries like Sandholt on Laugavegur.

Traditional Icelandic dishes to try include plokkfiskur (mashed fish stew), lamb soup, and harðfiskur (dried fish with butter). Seafood is fresh and excellent — langoustine and Arctic char are local highlights.

Day Trips from Reykjavík

Golden Circle

Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss — Iceland's most popular day trip. 230 km loop, 6–8 hours.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Kirkjufell mountain, Arnarstapi cliffs, and Snæfellsjökull glacier. Full day, 350 km round trip.

South Coast

Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Vík. 340 km round trip.

Blue Lagoon

Geothermal spa 50 km from Reykjavík. Combine with airport pickup/dropoff. Pre-booking essential.

Best Time to Visit Reykjavik

Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, outdoor festivals, and the warmest weather. Peak tourist season with higher prices and more crowds.

Winter (November-February): Northern Lights season, Christmas markets, and a cozy atmosphere. Shorter daylight hours but unique experiences.

Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October): Fewer crowds, lower prices, and a mix of Northern Lights chances and longer days.

Planning help

Reykjavik FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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