The best running trails in Seltjarnarnes

A must-see on every tour

Due to the inflow of warm water from geothermal springs, the bathing temperature in the bay is comparatively pleasant.

It's right in the center, next to Austurvöllur Square and next to the Parliament. Getting there by bike is easy, but it's best to leave it on the side of the square or use the nearby bike racks to explore the area on foot. The neoclassical church was built at the end of the 18th century and still plays a key role today: each session of the Icelandic Parliament begins here with a mass. Inside, a 31-stop German organ stands out, perfect for solemn concerts. A peaceful stop in the historic heart of the city before cycling again. It's right in the center, next to Austurvöllur Square and next to the Parliament. Getting there by bike is easy, but it's best to leave it on the side of the square or use the nearby bike racks to explore the area on foot. The neoclassical church was built at the end of the 18th century and still plays a key role today: each session of the Icelandic Parliament begins here with a mass. Inside, a 31-stop German organ stands out, perfect for solemn concerts. A peaceful stop in the historic heart of the city before pedaling back.

Founded around 874 by Ingólfur Arnarson, Reykjavík is Iceland's oldest permanent settlement. Its name means "smoke bay," a reference to the surrounding geothermal fumes. However, the city remained largely insignificant and consisted of farms until the 18th century. The key turning point came in 1786, when Denmark granted the settlement city rights, making it a center of the wool industry and trade. Today, Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and an important center for culture and politics. Early Settlement and Naming (c. 874 AD) First Settler: The Norse settler Ingólfur Arnarson is considered Iceland's first permanent resident. He settled in the area that is now Reykjavík around 874. Naming: Arnarson named the settlement Reykjavík ("Smoke Bay") because he saw the steam from the surrounding hot springs and mistakenly thought it was smoke.

The National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík In September 2004, after several years of renovations, the National Museum of Iceland in Reykjavík reopened. Under the heading "Making of a Nation," the permanent exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into Icelandic history. The museum is thematically divided into 200-year periods, with exhibits in each section grouped around a key object. The first section covers the period from 800 to 1000 AD. The most important topics in this section are the conquest and Christianization of Iceland. The establishment of the Christian faith and life during the Golden Age from 1000 to 1200 are the central themes of the second section. The next section, covering the period from 1200 to 1400, explores Norwegian rule in Iceland, as well as the medieval church and church art. Between 1400 and 1600, Danish rule and the Reformation played a central role. The impact of monopoly trade and natural disasters can be learned in the next section, which covers the period from 1600 to 1800. Each of the last two centuries is dedicated to a separate section. In the years from 1800 to 1900, economic development and increasing independence from Denmark are important themes, while the "20th Century" section depicts urbanization and the development of the Icelandic state into its present form. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the National Museum also houses spaces for temporary exhibitions, a café, and a museum shop. Photography and video recording are prohibited throughout the museum.

An urban lake in the heart of the city, surrounded by parks, trails, and historic buildings like City Hall. It's home to ducks, swans, and geese year-round, and in winter its surface often freezes, turning into an improvised skating rink. An ideal place for strolling, birdwatching, and enjoying the tranquility in the heart of the city.

The Island of Grótta and Grótta Lighthouse Grótta, Seltjarnarnes 170, 595 9100 Website: https://www.seltjarnarnes.is/is/mannlif-nattura/nattura-og-dyralif/grotta Email: postur@seltjarnarnes.is Grótta, located in Seltjarnarnes City Area, is a captivating natural and historical site that offers visitors a unique blend of scenic beauty and rich heritage. On a small peninsula at the westernmost tip of the Greater Reykjavík area, Grótta is renowned for its iconic lighthouse, stunning coastal views, and abundant wildlife. The Grótta Lighthouse, built in 1897 and later reconstructed in 1947, is a prominent landmark. Its stark white structure contrasts beautifully with the rugged landscape and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is still operational, guiding ships safely through Faxaflói Bay. Visitors can walk along the causeway to the lighthouse during low tide, providing a close-up view of this historic beacon and its surrounding tidal flats. One of the main attractions of Grótta is its breathtaking natural environment. The area is a designated nature reserve, offering a sanctuary for various bird species, especially during the migratory seasons. Bird watchers flock to Grótta to observe species such as Arctic terns, eiders, and numerous gulls. The combination of coastal meadows, rocky shores, and tidal pools creates a diverse ecosystem that supports this vibrant birdlife. Grótta is also a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. The walking and cycling paths around the peninsula provide a scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts, with panoramic views of the ocean, Mount Esja, and even glimpses of Reykjavík's skyline. In the winter months, Grótta becomes a prime location for witnessing the mesmerizing northern lights, offering an unobstructed view of the celestial display. The area around Grótta is rich in folklore and history, adding a layer of cultural depth to its natural allure. Tales of sea monsters, shipwrecks, and maritime legends are part of the local lore, connecting visitors to the region's seafaring past.

Hallgrímskirkja is at the top of any list of things to do in Reykjavík. The church is the largest church building in Iceland and was constructed between 1945 and 1986. This Reykjavík highlight stands 74.5 meters tall and, thanks to its enormous visibility throughout the city, is also its most famous landmark. The church is open almost every day. Tip: Climb the tower to enjoy the fantastic view over Reykjavík. The Evangelical Lutheran church is named after the clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson, who composed some of the country's most important hymns, the Passion Psalms, in the 17th century. The architect, Guðjón Samúelsson, drew inspiration for the design from the basalt columns found throughout the Icelandic landscape. Several architectural styles were combined in the church's construction, and it is undoubtedly one of Reykjavík's most important sights today. The church's interior is simple, but the organ with its 5,275 pipes is a real eye-catcher. In front of the church stands the monument to Leif Eriksson, son of the Viking Erik the Red and presumably the first European to reach North America and establish a colony there, some 500 years before Columbus. The monument was erected by the USA in 1930 to celebrate the thousandth anniversary of the Icelandic parliament, the Aldingi.