What is the best walking tour in Reykjavik for photography?

This Skyline and Coastal route is ideal for photography as it covers the city's most iconic visual landmarks. Highlights include the Rainbow Street, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and the geometric glass of Harpa.

Is the walk to Hallgrímskirkja difficult?

The walk is considered moderate because there is a gradual uphill incline as you move from Lake Tjörnin toward the church. However, the streets are well-paved and there are plenty of shops and cafes to stop at along the way.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this walking route?

While the Sun Voyager and Harpa are great spots to look for the Aurora, city lights can make them harder to see. For the best experience, try this walk on a clear winter night, but for guaranteed sightings, you usually need to head away from downtown glow.

Are there public toilets along this walking route?

Yes, you can find public facilities at the start in City Hall and at the end in Harpa. There are also paid toilets inside Hallgrímskirkja and numerous cafes along the Rainbow Street.

Is the Sun Voyager a Viking ship?

No, it is a common misconception that the Sun Voyager is a Viking ship. The artist, Jón Gunnar Árnason, designed it as a 'dreamboat' symbolizing hope, progress, and the sun.

What is the best time of day to do this walk?

The best time is late afternoon or 'golden hour.' This provides the best lighting for the glass at Harpa and the stainless steel of the Sun Voyager, which reflects the coastal sunset beautifully.

Is this Reykjavik walking route family-friendly?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy feeding the ducks at Lake Tjörnin and exploring the open space at Arnarhóll Hill. The route is stroller-accessible throughout.

Skyline Views & Coastal Vistas | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Reykjavik is a city where the raw power of nature meets a vibrant, colorful urban spirit. This self-guided walking route offers an immersive way to experience the Icelandic capital's most iconic vistas, from the tranquil waters of Lake Tjörnin to the jagged, basalt-inspired heights of Hallgrímskirkja. As you navigate the downtown streets, you will find that the city is designed for those who appreciate the play of light on glass, the charm of painted corrugated iron, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Esja across the bay. This walking tour Reykjavik experience is crafted for photographers and sightseers alike, focusing on the unique geometry and coastal beauty that define the northernmost capital in the world. Your adventure begins at the heart of the city, where locals and birdlife gather at the 'pond.' From there, the path leads you through the famous Rainbow Street, a symbol of the city's inclusive culture, providing a perfect framing for the towering church ahead. One of the highlights of this neighborhood stroll is the transition from the historic center to the modern waterfront. You will explore the significance of the first settler at Arnarhóll and stand before the shimmering Sun Voyager sculpture, which captures the essence of Icelandic discovery and the lure of the horizon. Unlike a standard guided tour Reykjavik, this self-paced walk allows you to wait for that perfect cloud break or spend extra time admiring the 714 glass panels of the Harpa Concert Hall. Whether you are capturing the perfect shot for your portfolio or simply soaking in the crisp North Atlantic air, this route highlights the best photography spots in the city. By exploring independently, you can discover hidden angles of the skyline that many visitors miss, making this a truly personal journey through the visual highlights of Iceland’s cultural hub.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The serene birdlife and reflection views at Lake Tjörnin
Iconic photography angles on the Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street
The basalt-inspired architecture of Hallgrímskirkja Church
Sweeping coastal vistas at the Sun Voyager sculpture
Historic perspectives from the top of Arnarhóll Hill
The geometric glass facade of the Harpa Concert Hall

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Lake Tjörnin

Welcome to Lake Tjörnin, often referred to by locals as 'The Pond.' This tranquil body of water in the center of Reykjavik is more than just a scenic spot; it is the heart of the city's civic life. Surrounded by the Reykjavik City Hall and colorful historic houses, the lake is home to over 40 species of birds, including Arctic terns, swans, and ducks. In fact, it is so popular for bird feeding that it has earned the nickname 'the biggest bread soup in the world.' Take a moment to notice how the modern concrete stilts of the City Hall blend with the water, providing a unique architectural contrast to the traditional wooden homes nearby. This is a perfect spot to capture reflections of the city skyline before heading into the bustling streets.

2

Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street

As you walk up Skólavörðustígur, you are greeted by one of the most vibrant sights in Iceland: the Rainbow Street. Originally painted in 2015 to celebrate Reykjavik Pride, the rainbow has become a permanent fixture, symbolizing the city's commitment to joy and inclusivity. This street is a photographer's dream, as the bright colors on the pavement lead the eye directly toward the towering spire of Hallgrímskirkja in the distance. The street is lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. For the best shot, try a low-angle perspective to capture the full spectrum of the rainbow with the church perfectly centered in the background. It is a testament to how Reykjavik blends social values with urban aesthetics.

3

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Standing at 74.5 meters tall, Hallgrímskirkja is the most recognizable landmark in Iceland. Designed by State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937, its design was inspired by the basalt lava columns found throughout the Icelandic landscape, such as those at Svartifoss waterfall. It took 41 years to complete this masterpiece, which serves as both a place of worship and a sentinel over the city. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Erikson, a gift from the United States in 1930, commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament. The church’s minimalist interior and massive pipe organ are as impressive as its exterior. If you have time, the tower offers a 360-degree viewpoint of the colorful rooftops of Reykjavik.

4

The Sun Voyager

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, the Sun Voyager, or 'Sólfar,' is a striking stainless-steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. While many mistake it for a Viking ship, the artist intended it to be a 'dreamboat'—a symbol of light, hope, progress, and freedom. It was unveiled in 1990 to celebrate the city's 200th anniversary. The sculpture is positioned to face the north, looking out toward Mount Esja. The way the polished steel catches the shifting Icelandic light makes it a dynamic subject for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. It represents the Icelandic spirit of discovery and the eternal pull of the sea, which has sustained this island nation for over a millennium.

5

Arnarhóll Hill

Arnarhóll Hill offers a historic vantage point overlooking the harbor and the city center. At the summit stands a statue of Ingólfur Arnarson, who is traditionally recognized as the first permanent Norse settler in Iceland. According to legend, he threw his wooden throne pillars overboard and vowed to settle wherever they washed ashore, which happened to be right here in 'Smoky Bay,' or Reykjavik. This hill is a popular gathering spot for locals during national celebrations and protests alike. From this elevation, you can see the contrast between the old harbor and the modern glass structures of the waterfront. It provides a sense of the scale of the city’s growth from a small farmstead to a modern capital.

6

Harpa Concert Hall

Your walk concludes at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, a marvel of contemporary architecture. Opened in 2011, its facade was designed by the renowned artist Olafur Eliasson in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects. The building features a honeycomb structure of 714 glass panels, each uniquely shaped and many containing LED lights that change color. The design is inspired by the basalt crystallizations found in Icelandic nature. As you walk around the exterior or step into the foyer, notice how the glass reflects the sea, the sky, and the city, creating a kaleidoscope of light. It is the perfect finale for a route dedicated to vistas and visual storytelling, representing the modern, creative heart of Iceland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend taking photos. The total distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) through downtown and along the coast.