City views, Reykjavík Region

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For some of the best views of Reykjavik you can't go wrong with a trip to the top of the famous Hallgrimur's Church tower (Hallgrimskirkja), Reykjavik's main landmark . The views from the tower are simply stunning, giving you a complete 360 degree view of the rooftops of the town and the surrounding sea and mountains.

The tower stands at an impressive 73m at its highest point. It is open every day from 09:00 - 20:00 with adults paying about 350 ISK and chicldren between 6 and 12 years old paying 50 ISK. It felt like we could see for hundreds of miles, thanks to the lovely clear weather that we had during our stay in Reykjavik.

If you happen to be in Reykjavík on one of these few sunny days :) be sure to check out the sunset from the city's shoreline. The vast shoreline offers plenty of spots for romantic couples to cuddle up and admire the amazing views.

It wasn't as sunny in the depths of winter, but the vistas from Hallgrimskirkja weren't any less awe-inspiring! All was covered in snow and with some blue skies we could still see the massive mountains in the far distance!

Reykjavik is is situated in a peninsula whit a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. During the summer time, you can sit by the harbour at midnight and watch the sun dip slightly below the horizon, and then see how it makes its way up again.

The population of the city is about 170,000 when you include the outlying areas and smaller boroughs surrounding the capital.

The beautiful island of Viðey next door to Reykjavík is rich in history, natural beauty and interesting sights to see. One of its most remarkable feature is Viðeyjarstofa (now a restaurant) in the restored High Sheriff's house dating from 1755.
Archaeological excavations have disclosed the fact, that the island was inhabited already in the 10th century. In the 12th century a church was built on the island and in 1225 a Augustine monastery was established there. It was abolished in 1539 after the reformation had started in Iceland. In the beginning of the 20. century the country's first harbour for ocean going vessels was built on the eastern part of the island and a small village developed there, which was deserted in 1943.
Visit the old church and the old manor house. A horse rental is open on the island in the summer and it is also possible to rent bicycles there. In the island's old schoolhouse is an exhibition of photographs depicting life in Viðey in earlier days.

1. City Hall; 2. Parliament Building; 3. Dómkirkjan; 4. Tourist Information Center; 5. Flea market; 6. The Harbour House, Reykjavik Art Museum; 7. Reykjavik Museum of Photography, City Library, Reykjavik City Archives; 8. Catholic Church; 9. National Art Gallery; 10. Government House; 11. The Culture House, National Theatre, Supreme Court; 12. Living Art Museum; 13. National Museum of Iceland; 14. National and University Library; 15. University of Iceland; 16. Árni Magnússon Institute; 17. Telecommunication Museum; 18. Vesturbaer Outdoor Thermal Pool; 19. The Nordic House; 21. BSÍ Coach Terminal; 22. The Asgrimur Jonsson Collection; 23. ASI Art Gallery; 24. Einar Jonsson Museum; 25. Hallgrimskirkja; 26. National Hospital; 27. Reykjavik Indoor Thermal Pool; 28. Museum of Natural History

It is a landmark in Reykjavik. You would recognise this building easily as it is totally different from other buildings in Reykjavik. You can go into the church to have a look.

Take a couple of hours to walk around the cities streets and squares, in winter there is hardly anyone around and it seems as if you have the whole place to yourself.