Information about flights to Reykjavik
The most northerly capital city in the world, Reykjavík is the cultural heart of Iceland and has been an inhabited area for more than 1,100 years. Today, it is also one of the world's safest cities and is internationally renowned for its nightlife. Visitors to the city can also witness the spectacular Northern Lights, which are best viewed from the outskirts of the city or in the surrounding countryside during clear weather in the winter months.
Interesting facts
If you've never visited Reykjavík before, you may be interested to learn that the Icelandic capital is a popular whale watching location, with more than 20 whale species present around its shores. The city is also home to the much-loved Kringland shopping centre, featuring more than 150 retail outlets, and was originally ruled by Denmark before becoming independent in 1944. Despite being less than 270 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, the city is remarkably mild for its location and can often be considerably warmer than much of continental Europe during the winter months.
Hallgrímskirkja
The unique Lutheran church of Hallgrímskirkja is more than 70 metres high and is renowned for its unusual expressionist architectural style. The building was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, who was also responsible for the designs of many other important landmarks such as the Church of Akureyri and the main complex of the University of Iceland.
Perlan
An outstanding piece of architecture featuring a hemispherical structure, the Perlan building was designed by the distinguished architect and former mayor of Reykjavík, Davíð Oddsson. The building contains around 10,000 cubic metres of space and is now a popular concert venue, although many people also visit the Perland to observe the impressive panoramic views of Reykjavík from the fourth floor.
The Sun Voyager
Completed in 1990, The Sun Voyager sculpture is an iconic dreamboat in the centre of the city, built to celebrate the Icelandic capital's 200th anniversary as an official trading centre in 1986. On a clear evening, you can witness fantastic sunset views and the endless fjords that define the Icelandic landscape.
Other sights in Reykjavík
The Safnahúsið, a popular cultural venue, showcases a number of arts exhibits and was originally the site of the National Library and the Museum of Antiquities. For a glimpse into Icelandic heritage, visit the Open-Air Folk Museum, or see the award-winning Settlement Exhibition to find out about what Iceland was like during the Viking era. At night, explore the trendy bars of the buzzing main street of Laugavegur or visit a nightclub like Kaffibarinn or Austur for a truly legendary clubbing experience.
