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ReykjavikCulture & history

Our most recommended Reykjavik Culture & history

From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

1. From Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour by RIB Boat

Climb aboard a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) equipped with special shock suspension seating for a smoother ride. Look for whales and other marine life in the wild. Travel aboard the 12-meter long boat to get extra close to whales in a way that is safe for passengers and the animals. Benefit from warm flotation suits, life vests, gloves and goggles to keep you cozy and safe, and avail of the services of an experienced guide who will provide information about the animals and bay in English.  Stop by the island of Akurey to look for adorable puffins during the summer. See their nests along the coast during their breeding season. Head out to the bay on a fast and thrilling ride with the wind in your hair. Reach a comfortable cruising speed of 32 knots and get plenty of time in the feeding grounds. Then, take a scenic route back along the coast of Reykjavik. After your tour, you can visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, located in the Grandi harbor district of Reykjavik. Here, you can discover more about the various whale species of the Atlantic, with exhibits on whale biology, migration, and conservation.

Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket

2. Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket

The museum's permanent exhibition offers a unique insight into the history of the Icelandic nation from the Settlement to the present day, guided by the question: What makes a nation? It is conceived as a journey through time: it begins with the ship in which medieval settlers crossed the ocean to their new home, it ends in a modern airport, the Icelanders' gateway to the world. The exhibition includes about 2000 artifacts, dating from the Settlement Age to the present, as well as photographs from the 20th century. You'll see the famous figure of Thor, dated from the year 1000, the first bible printed in Iceland in the 16th century, still considered one of the most beautiful prints in Icelandic and beautiful artifacts from mediaeval churches - among other fascinating artifacts. Your ticket grant access to all exhibition at the Museum, including temporary exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions vary from time to time, but most reflect on Icelandic culture.

Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour, Whales of Iceland Exhibition

3. Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour, Whales of Iceland Exhibition

Board your boat in Reykjavík's Old Harbor and sail to Faxaflói Bay. Faxaflói has a rich variety of wildlife, but you'll most commonly spot minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and humpback whales. Ask your knowledgeable guide any questions you have throughout the tour and they'll be happy to answer.  You'll also visit the Whales of Iceland Exhibition. The exhibit features 23 life-size models of all the whale species found in Icelandic waters. Immerse yourself in the exhibit with virtual reality headsets, information stands, audio guides and videos. After the exhibition, grab a coffee and pastry at the café and relax in the exhibit's dreamy ambiance. Whales of Iceland offers two live-guided tours every day, available at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. This is free for all ticket holders. Note: You can choose the order in which you do these two activities.

Reykjavik: Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket

4. Reykjavik: Whales of Iceland Museum Entrance Ticket

Visit the largest museum of its kind in Europe at the Whales of Iceland, and see life-size models of 23 types of whales spotted in the waters around Iceland. Spend a few hours gaining a new perspective and greater appreciation for these majestic animals. Take a leisurely 20-minute walk (or a short drive) from the heart of Reykjavík to the harbor. Upon arrival at the Whales of Iceland Museum, play with interactive displays and read detailed information about 23 species of aquatic mammals. Marvel at the leviathan of the sea at a display of a blue whale that stretches nearly the length of a basketball court. Learn more about the narwhal, the “Unicorn of the Sea” and see the “horn” or “tusk” which is actually an elongated tooth. Stroll among the displays of beluga, humpback, minke, and killer whales.  Absorb in-depth information about the marine mammals around Iceland with an audio guide. Visit the Fin Whale Room to learn more about the threats that whales face and what we can do to resolve them. Be sure to watch a screening of the film Sonic Sea, shown daily at 10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:45 PM. All ticket holders are welcome to join the daily guided tours in English at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. On your way out, stop by the Whale Cafe for a drink and a snack beneath the whales.

Reykjavík: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Perlan Museum Entry Ticket

5. Reykjavík: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Perlan Museum Entry Ticket

Explore Reykjavík City at your own pace on the Hop on Hop off bus. With the best of both worlds; a modern trendy and forward-looking city whilst at the same time being close to its unspoiled nature, Reykjavík truly is a magical place to behold. At the Perlan Museum artist and technologists have joined forces to create a truly remarkable exhibition. Visitors will feel the power of volcanoes and earthquakes. Included is also a ticket to the Northern Lights Expedition and the Ice Cave. The entrance ticket to Perlan is valid on the day that you choose to book.

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

6. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Motor Yacht Cruise

Sail along the beautiful coastline of Iceland from Reykjavik Old Harbor and then head out to Faxaflói Bay to experience the city lights from a different perspective. Step aboard a comfortable motor yacht for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The main objective of your tour is to get away from the lights to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the darkness of the ocean! Climate conditions permitting, see the natural phenomenon caused when particles from the sun hit the earth’s atmosphere to create a stunning choreography of lights in the sky. Get your cameras ready for some spectacular photo opportunities - the vessel is very stable, making it very convenient when taking photos. Your experienced crew will keep an eye out for Aurora Borealis activity to find the best route to take. Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the vast darkness behind the small islands of Faxaflói Bay, including the island of Viðey where Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower lights up the night sky from October 9 to December 8 (and on a few other days of the year). See the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center with its distinctive colored glass façade inspired by the basalt landscape from a different angle. Marvel at The Sun Voyager ode to the sun statue by Jón Gunnar Árnason and the famous house of Höfði where an agreement was signed in 1986 to end the Cold War.   Escape the crowds and benefit from a comfortable yacht cruise with fewer passengers, as group sizes are limited to enhance customer satisfaction and create a more intimate experience. If it gets chilly, wrap up in the warm blankets provide and enjoy hot drinks or refreshments that can be bought from the bar while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour

7. Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour

After being picked up from your accommodation, you will travel west to the historic area of Borgarfjörður, a region that can be regarded as the setting for most of the Icelandic sagas. First, visit the charming Glanni Waterfall and Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area. Afterward, you will see the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls spread at a distance of around 900 meters. The waters flow out of the Hallmundarhraun, a lava field that was formed around 1,000 years ago during a massive eruption of a volcano lying under a Langjökull glacier. Rivulets streaming from the lava field create one of the most breath-taking views in Iceland, and just a few meters away, you will find another interesting waterfall.  The highlight of the tour is a visit to a colorful Vidgelmir lava cave. Just shy of 1,600 meters in length, the cave features amazing colors and lava formations that lurk in the depths of the earth. The area surrounding the entrance to the cave will allow you to realize just how powerful eruptions of volcanoes can be. Lastly, visit the Reykholt historic site where you can learn about the history of Iceland and see Snorralaug, small hot spring used by local people since the 12th century. This place was first mentioned in medieval writings OF Snorri Sturluson, the famous Icelandic poet, and politician who used to bathe there.

Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

8. Reykjavik: Midnight Sun Whale Watching Tour

Whales are the most mysterious of creatures, and some of the best whale watching in the world is just off the coast of Iceland’s capital, where the ocean currents create excellent viewing conditions. Climb aboard a whale watching boat operated by the only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland, and explore the southern part of Faxafloi Bay in the Midnight sun of the summer months. On the 3.5-hour tour you will get up-close to whales such as playful minke, as well as see abundant sea birds, dolphin and harbor porpoise. Whales are seen on more than 95% of summer tours, often surfacing within a few meters from the boats. To ensure that the animals are not disturbed, boats sail at a constant speed towards the whales' habitat. This is part of a sustainability policy, trying to minimize oil use and pollution. Guides have all gone through an extensive training program, based on exclusively developed guiding principles. They will provide valuable information about the wildlife and scenery in an entertaining way. And as a successful whale watching tour is a team effort, the crew work closely with passengers to spot the whales, helping you feel an important part of the experience.

Reykjavik: South Coast Private Guided Day Tour

9. Reykjavik: South Coast Private Guided Day Tour

Experience the natural wonders of iceland with this private south coast guided car tour, from Reykjavik. Admire the raw power of the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Take a Walk on the black sand beach in Reynisfjara. Stop for a bite in the village of Vik. And don't forget to capture some aesthetic shots! Your tour starts in the city of Reykjavik, and the Skogafoss waterfall will be your first destination after leaving the city. On the way to Skogafoss waterfall, take some time to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Icelandic landscape. After arriving, Listen to the sound of the water tumbling down a 60-meter drop, and keep an eye out for rainbows in the cloud cover. Your next destination will be the sparkling ice of the Sólheimajokull glacier. Keep on until you reach the basalt column cliffs that have been formed to perfection and that surround the black beaches of Reynisfjara beach. See the waves of the North Atlantic as they slam against the shore while you make your way to the picturesque town of Vik. Stroll through Vik, which has a population of only 320 people. Have the chance to stop and purchase lunch or take a walk on the beach to see the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar. Next, Go to Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that plunges 66 meters. Walk all the way around the waterfall to observe it from various angles. Admire the Vestmannaeyjar or Westman Islands in the distance on a sunny day. When your trip is over, you will be headed back to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik: 2-Hour Northern Lights by Boat with Backup Plan

10. Reykjavik: 2-Hour Northern Lights by Boat with Backup Plan

Sail from Reykjavík's Old Harbor for a fantastic and unique experience chasing the famous northern lights. Your expert guide will explain the scientific facts about this amazing natural phenomenon, share stories and myths about the lights and answer all your questions. Please note that it's never guaranteed the lights will show up during the tour.  Here's the bonus: In the event that the tour must be postponed because of cloud cover, you won't be let down. Another activity awaits you. You'll head to the Whales of Iceland Museum, just minutes away from the harbor, where a guide will greet you for a tour of the exhibit. You'll see full-sized whale models and try out fun and interactive technology. A 10-minute Northern Lights photography workshop will be available on-site. After touring the exhibit, including a fascinating 25-minute video, you'll end the night with a Northern Lights-themed cocktail with a twist on the house and a ticket to try the Northern Lights Boat Tour again at the next available date. Please note that this tour is non-refundable, as an adventure is guaranteed regardless of weather conditions.

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Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 4,528 reviews

After reading other reviews we decided to book a smaller tour and boy was it worth it. We went on our tour on Valentines day, the weather had been mixed all day and we were doubtful we would be lucky enough to see the lights. Our tour guide, Roman (Mundi), was fantastic. He was full of knowledge about the Aurora Borealis and knew exactly where all the best spots were. He remained positive about a good sighting. We saw them very faintly at the first point, but it wasn't until the very last stop, by which point we had travelled through a snow storm and it was getting close to midnight, that he found a spot where the sky was clear and we all saw the lights with the naked eye! Thank heavens for Romans persistence, as I was ready to give up and head home. A sight we will never forget!! Thank you.

I loved this small group tour. Every seat was taken but it was not overcrowded. It was nice chatting with the driver and other travelers. Our guide took us to a perfect spot and within a few minutes the northern lights made their appearance. He helped us make sure we all had great pictures and then gave us a snack and hot chocolate. It was a great night making memories.

Mia was full of enthusiasm during the trip and was very helpful to ensure we got the best out of our trip. it was a very cold night but welcomed the hot chocolate. this trip was rebooted oringally due on Friday, rebooted for Sat and again moved to Sunday but very easy to rearrange this.

I don't know how to spell the name of the guide that starts with "M". He is very professional and took us to many special places, providing detailed explanations. He also managed time very well. I highly recommend him.

The tour was everything I expected and more ...well worth it!

Great small group trip Knowledgeable guide and less crowded locations made it an unforgettable experience