Discover the Capital Region
Accommodation in Capital Region
The Reykjavík Capital Region combines urban culture with recreational areas, hiking and cycling trails, and distinctive bathing spots. Between art museums, bird habitats and geothermal bathing experiences, you can choose different focuses for your trip. The region includes Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjördur, Mosfellsbær, Garðabær and Seltjarnarnes; nature, cycling routes, buses and swimming pools connect the six municipalities.
Natural areas and trails
Heiðmörk extends across Reykjavík, Garðabær and Kópavogur. Since 1950, extensive afforestation there has been managed by the Reykjavík Forestry Association. Its diverse habitats provide a home for a rich variety of birdlife. Heiðmörk is also the largest outdoor recreational area near Reykjavík and is part of the green belt surrounding the capital region.
There are also green destinations with their own character within the city: Elliðaárdalur is a large green space used for outdoor recreation, games and sports activities. The Elliðaár rivers are also salmon fishing waters and important spawning grounds for Icelandic salmon. For more ideas combining wildlife observation and exercise, visit the protected areas of Grótta and Vífilsstaðavatn. Grótta is notable for its diverse birdlife and as a summer nesting site. During the bird-breeding season, the area is closed every year from 1 May to 31 July.
At Vífilsstaðavatn, a 2.6-kilometre recreational trail circles the lake, including an accessible boardwalk. This protected recreational area offers access to nature in an urban setting. Another loop goes around Hvaleyrarvatn: the walking trail is two kilometres long, and the lake is surrounded by woodland and green spaces. The area also has trails and barbecue facilities. The specific distances can help you fit different outings into your travel plans without having to choose a particular route.
Art, history and local culture
In Reykjavík, you can discover art at three locations of the Reykjavík Art Museum: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn. The museum regularly exhibits contemporary art as well as works by Erró, Kjarval and Ásmundur Sveinsson. The Reykjavík City Museum preserves cultural objects from the city and presents its cultural heritage. Its network includes Árbæjarsafn Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Viðey.
Other museums offer their own perspectives on the region. The Hafnarfjörður Museum displays artefacts and photographs from Hafnarfjörður. Gerðarsafn in Kópavogur was built in memory of the artist Gerður Helgadóttir and holds more than 1,400 of her works. The museum focuses on modern and contemporary art; temporary exhibitions feature works by Icelandic and international artists. The Kópavogur Natural History Museum collects, preserves and displays natural history exhibits. Its geological exhibition of rocks, minerals and fossils introduces Iceland’s landscape.
In Mosfellsbær, you can discover Icelandic wool clothing and handmade goods in Álafosskvosin, including wool sweaters, knives, toys, sculptures and furniture. Gljúfrasteinn, the home and workplace of Halldór Laxness, has been preserved in its original condition. Audio tours of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish.
Bathing, events and outings for all
There are several experiences to choose from for a day of bathing. The Nauthólsvík geothermal beach channels hot water into two hot tubs and into a sea bay connected to the fjord. The site has a sandy beach, outdoor facilities and changing rooms. Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur is a geothermal bathing experience by the sea, with views of the North Atlantic, mountains and glaciers. Its Seven-Step Ritual includes a sauna, a body scrub, cold mist and a steam bath.
The Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo combines a zoo with food outlets, a gift shop and various play equipment. It is home to Icelandic pets and farm animals as well as wild animals such as foxes, mink, reindeer and harbour seals; there are also facilities for injured wild birds. In Hafnarfjörður, moss-covered lava formations in Hellisgerði Park meet local folklore about hidden people. A guided Hidden World Walk is also offered there.
The events calendar may also shape your travel interests: the City of Reykjavík organises and supports events and festivals throughout the year, including the Winter Festival, the Children’s Culture Festival and Culture Night. Garðabær’s arts and culture festival Bjartir Dagar takes place every year around the first day of summer. Hafnarborg presents 8 to 10 art exhibitions each year, including works of significance to Icelandic art history and contemporary art; it also regularly hosts exhibition-related talks and seminars, as well as workshops and guided tours for children and families.
When choosing your holiday apartment, you might first consider whether you want your stay to focus more on museums and events, nature trails or bathing experiences.
For the main travel overview: Iceland.
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