In the Capital Region, protected natural areas, museums and geothermal bathing experiences come together. The Reykjavík capital region comprises six municipalities: Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær and Seltjarnarnes. Nature, cycle paths, buses and swimming pools connect them. You can get to know the region through a wide range of experiences—from birdwatching and walking trails to art and local history.
Nature trails and protected landscapes
Heiðmörk extends across Reykjavík, Garðabær and Kópavogur. Since 1950, the Reykjavík Forestry Association has managed extensive afforestation there; the diverse habitats support a rich variety of birdlife. Vífilsstaðavatn also shows how recreation and nature come together in an urban setting: the lake and its surroundings form a protected recreation area with public access to nature. A 2.6-kilometre recreational trail runs around the lake and includes an accessible boardwalk.
Hvaleyrarvatn in Hafnarfjörður offers another circular walk. The lake is surrounded by woodland and green spaces, with trails and barbecue facilities; a two-kilometre walking trail circles the water. The trail lengths provide a specific comparison between two walks in the region, while the landscape around each lake is different.
At Grótta, birdlife and protection are the focus: the area is an important summer nesting site and is closed every year from 1 May to 31 July during the breeding season. Take this closure into account when planning your visit. A combined walking and cycling path leads from Norðurströnd to the car park at Grótta, then follows the coast to Bakkatjörn and circles the pond.
Art, museums and local stories
In Reykjavík, the Reykjavík City Museum preserves cultural objects from the city and provides access to its cultural heritage. The Reykjavík City History Museum comprises Árbæjarsafn Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, the Reykjavík Museum of Photography, the Reykjavík Maritime Museum and Viðey. The Reykjavík Art Museum offers a different focus: it has three locations—Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn—and regularly presents contemporary art as well as works by Erró, Kjarval and Ásmundur Sveinsson. The city also organizes or supports events and festivals throughout the year, including the Winter Festival, the Children's Culture Festival and Culture Night. Dates for individual events vary.
In Kópavogur, Gerðarsafn combines a focus on modern and contemporary art with temporary exhibitions by Icelandic and international artists. The museum was established in memory of Gerður Helgadóttir and holds more than 1,400 of her works. The Kópavogur Natural History Museum offers a different perspective on the region: it collects, preserves and displays natural history exhibits, and supports education, research and nature conservation. Its geological exhibition of rocks, minerals and fossils introduces the landscape of Iceland.
Hafnarfjörður also offers different ways to explore art and local history. The Hafnarfjörður Museum displays artefacts and photographs from the town. Hafnarborg presents eight to ten exhibitions each year, including works significant to Icelandic art history and contemporary art. Its regular programme includes exhibition-related talks and seminars, as well as workshops and tours for children and families; individual offerings vary. In Hellisgerði Park, moss-covered lava formations meet local tales of hidden people. A guided Hidden World Walk is also offered there.
In Mosfellsbær, Álafosskvosin is a destination for Icelandic handicrafts: shops sell woollen clothing and handmade items such as wool sweaters, knives, toys, sculptures and furniture. At Gljúfrasteinn, the home and workplace of Halldór Laxness have been preserved in their original condition. Audio tours of the house are available in Icelandic, English, German, Swedish and Danish.
Geothermal bathing and activities
The bathing places each offer something different. At Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, hot water is channelled into two hot tubs and a sea lagoon connected to the fjord. The beach also offers sand, outdoor facilities, changing facilities and other services on site. Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur combines a seaside geothermal bathing experience 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.
For those who prefer to combine their stay with sports and recreational facilities, Laugardalur has dedicated walking and cycling paths, as well as facilities such as Laugardalshöll Arena, Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, Laugardalslaug swimming pool and Reykjavík Ice Rink. Elliðaárdalur offers a different setting: this large green space within Reykjavík is used for outdoor recreation, games and sports activities. Throughout the capital region, trails through natural landscapes, cultural venues and different forms of recreation sit side by side.
Explore more destinations: Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjördur, Mosfellsbær, Garðabær, Seltjarnarnes, East Iceland, Northeast Iceland.
View the main travel overview: Iceland.
