Greater Reykjavík Area

Greater Reykjavík Area

The Greater Reykjavík Area includes Reykjavik City and the surrounding towns of Kópavogur, Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður, Seltjarnarnes and Mosfellsbær. Over the past few years the municipalities in the area have increased in size and population, and as a result the towns lie relatively close together.

Despite this, the towns are independent and have all got their own councils, sports clubs, swimming pools and history.

Reykjavík

Reykjavik, is the northernmost capital in the world, known for its rich cultural scene, exciting nightlife and relaxed atmosphere. The town centre has a quirky mixture of colourful ironclad houses and modern concrete buildings and offers a selection of shops, restaurants and sites of historical interests. Some of the best known landmarks are Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall and Perlan, ideal for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. For shopping, Kringlan offers a variety of indoor shops and fast food restaurants and is conveniently located close to recreational areas such as Laugardalur Valley and Nauthólsvík beach.

 Reykjavík city. Photo by Olga

Kópavogur

Kópavogur, lies south of Reykjavík and is centrally-located in the greater Reykjavík area, with easy access to the nearby towns. Despite its rapid growth in previous years, the town offers unspoilt, family-friendly greens and close proximity to Elliðavatn lake, ideal for a nearby escape to the countryside. Kópavogur has two thermal swimming pools and is home to Smáralind, the largest shopping centre in Iceland. Sites of interests include Salurinn, Iceland’s first specially designed Concert Hall and Gerðarsafn art museum.

Garðabær

Garðabær is situated between Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður and is characterized by its long, leafy streets and surroundings of unspoilt nature. Historical sites of interest are in Hofsstaðir Archaeological park, Krókur historical farm (open during summer) and the Design Museum of Iceland. To the West of Garðabær is Álftanes, a small neighbourhood ideal for nature and coastal walks and home to Bessastaðir, the president’s residency.

Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarfjörður is a charming harbour town south of Garðabær, surrounded by fields of lava formations. The town centre is small and cosy, with a variety of small shops, cafes and galleries. Hafnarfjörður has three swimming pools, including a family-friendly indoor pool that is located in the newer area of Hafnarfjörður. For sites of cultural interest, the Hafnarfjörður Museum offers an insight into Icelandic history, and the Viking Village restaurant celebrates this theme with traditional Icelandic food, historical settings and the annual Viking Festival. Íshestar offers horse-riding tours in the surrounding area.

Seltjarnarnes

Setljarnarnes is a residential town to the west of Reykjavík. The beach at Grótta is popular for walking and leads to Grótta Lighthouse, with excellent views over parts of Reykjavík and Faxaflói Bay.

Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is a family-friendly town, with plenty of natural surroundings, popular walking routes and two swimming pools. Around 10 minutes from the centre towards Þingvellir is Gljúfrasteinn Museum, the former home of Iceland’s Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness.