Reykjavik. Photo by Evelyn Paris
Updated: 3 November 2018
With a population of just 122,853 residents, Reykjavik is one of Europe’s smallest capitals. But despite its small size, there are several incredible contemporary and traditional buildings in close proximity to one another thanks to its very walkable downtown.
Check out Reykjavik’s amazing #mustseearchitecture below.
Contemporary Architecture
Harpa Concert Hall
The home of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, Harpa Concert Hall was designed by the Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen Architects. The building is most noted for its unique facade designed by well known Icelandic-Danish artist Ólafur Eliasson who was inspired by the basalt columns located in the countries landscape.
Practical Information
Architect: Henning Larsen Architects
Built: 2011
Type: Concert Hall, Conference Center
Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.harpa.is/
ION Adventure Hotel
Situated outside the nearby town of Selfoss, this new boutique adventure hotel retrofitted an abandoned inn on the edge of Mount Hengill. The materials include locally salvaged driftwood and lava with views looking over the dramatic icelandic landscape.
Practical Information
Architect: Minarc Design Studio
Built: 2013
Type: Hotel
Address: Nesjavellir, 801, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: ioniceland.is/
Red Pyramids
A pair of hollow red pyramids, the bridge’s span across the Elliðaár river on the outskirts of the city. The bridges provide pedestrian and cycling crossings across the tidal estuary of Elliðaár, a river that runs from the volcanic mountain range of Bláfjöll, through downtown Reykjavík.
Practical Information
Architect: Teiknistofan Tröð
Built: 2013
Type: Bridge
Address: Elidaar River, Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a popular geothermal spa located situated on a lava field in the fishing town of Grindavík. The lagoon is actually a man-made and is fed by the water output of a nearby geothermal power plant. It was popularized in 1981 when some locals started bathing in it thanks to its supposed healing powers.
Practical Information
Type: Geothermal Spa
Address: 240, Grindavik 420-8800, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Cost: ISK 6100 (US $57)
Website: www.bluelagoon.com/
Perlan
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Situated on the top of Öskjuhlíð hill, Perlan is one of the main landmarks in Reykjavik thanks to the amazing view it has to the downtown. The hill originally had a number of hot water tanks stored there until then mayor Davíð Oddsson issued the construction of a hemispherical dome on top of it.
Practical Information
Architect: Ingimundur Sveinsson
Built: 1991
Type: Planetarium, Observation Deck
Address: Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Cost: ISK 490
Website: www.perlan.is/
Modern Architecture
Nordic House
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One of legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto’s later works, the Nordic House is a modern masterpiece characterized by its blue ceramic rooftop that takes its inspiration from the surrounding mountains. Aalto also designed all of the furniture in the building.
Practical Information
Architect: Alvar Aalto
Built: 1968
Type: Cultural Center, Library, Restaurant
Address: Sæmundargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours:
Open daily 14:00 – 18:00
Weekends 10:00-17:00
Website: www.nordichouse.is/
National Theatre of Iceland
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The National Theatre of Iceland is located in the historical center of Reykjavik. Designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson (who also designed the iconic HallGrímskirkja Church), the inspiration for the theater is based on an ancient Icelandic belief that elves live inside the country’s rocks. Samúelsson used the reliefs in the facade to symbolize portals in which humans can enter the elves world through song and dance.
Practical Information
Architect: Guðjón Samúelsson
Built: 1950
Type: Theater
Address: Hverfisgata 19, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.leikhusid.is/
Traditional Architecture
HallGrímskirkja Church
HallGrímskirkja is one of Reykjavik’s most recognizable landmarks. Designed by Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the design is inspired by the country’s rugged landscape and resembles trap rocks, mountains, and glaciers. It took 41 years to build the church and is one of the country’s tallest buildings.
Practical Information
Architect: Guðjón Samúelsson
Constructed: 1945-1986
Type: Lutheran Church
Address: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.hallgrimskirkja.is/
Höfði
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Widely considered one of the most significant buildings in Reykjavik, the Höfði House was the meeting place of the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov. The meeting of the two presidents famously marked the end of the Cold War and was broadcast all over the world. The house is currently used by the Icelandic government to host foreign delegates and is not open to visitors.
Practical Information
Built: 1909
Type: House
Address: Borgartún 105, Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: No, but visitation of the grounds is permitted.
Website: www.visitreykjavik.is/hofdi-house
The Culture House (Safnahúsið)
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Safnahúsið was first built to house the country’s national library and has been part of the national museum since 2013. Built out of concrete with an iron roof, the design was one of the countries finest buildings at the time of its construction and bears the crests of notable literary figures.
Practical Information
Architect: Johannes Magdahl Nielsen
Constructed: 1906-1908
Type: Exhibition Hall
Address: Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Open daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Website: www.culturehouse.is/
We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, locations, and opening hours whenever possible. It is recommended that you double-check any information that you may need to ensure your visit is a success.
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Architect: Johannes Magdahl Nielsen
Constructed: 1906-1908
Type: Exhibition Hall
Address: Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Open daily, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Website: www.culturehouse.is/
Built: 1909
Type: House
Address: Borgartún 105, Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: No, but visitation of the grounds is permitted.
Website: www.visitreykjavik.is/hofdi-house
Architect: Guðjón Samúelsson
Built: 1950
Type: Theater
Address: Hverfisgata 19, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.leikhusid.is/
Architect: Alvar Aalto
Built: 1968
Type: Cultural Center, Library, Restaurant
Address: Sæmundargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours:
Open daily 14:00 - 18:00
Weekends 10:00-17:00
Website: www.nordichouse.is/
Architect: Ingimundur Sveinsson
Built: 1991
Type: Planetarium, Observation Deck
Address: Varmahlíð 1, 105 Reykjavík
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Cost: ISK 490
Website: www.perlan.is/
Type: Geothermal Spa
Address: 240, Grindavik 420-8800, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Cost: ISK 6100 (US $57)
Website: www.bluelagoon.com/
Architect: Teiknistofan Tröð
Built: 2013
Type: Bridges
Address: Elidaar River, Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: Minarc Design Studio
Built: 2013
Type: Hotel
Address: Nesjavellir, 801, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: ioniceland.is/
Architect: Henning Larsen Architects
Built: 2011
Type: Concert Hall, Conference Center
Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.harpa.is/
Architect: Guðjón Samúelsson
Built: 1945
Type: Church
Address: Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: www.hallgrimskirkja.is/