Reykjavík for the Seasons

Reykjavík for the Seasons

Summer

In the days of the midnight sun, Reykjavík becomes a city that never sleeps. Popular summertime activities include whale-watching, sea-angling, horseback-riding and trips to the many natural wonders just outside the city limits.

Perhaps one of the more remarkable summer destinations within Reykjavík city is the geothermal beach at Nauthoslvik, where you can spend the afternoon enjoying a picnic or swimming in a heated ocean lagoon. Sea-swimmers can enjoy the cooler waters of the Atlantic and warm up afterwards in the sauna or the two giant hot tubs.

One of the best things about Reykjavík is its abundance of exceptional coffee houses, staffed with talented baristas. On a hot sunny day, the thriving coffee culture often spills out onto the streets – particularly around Austurvöllur square, where coffee-loving crowd can be found sipping coffee, hot or iced, while soaking up the sun.

Autumn

Reykjavík's calendar of events goes into high gear during the fall, with festivals, conferences, and other cultural events taking place. Kicking off the season at the end of September is the Reykjavík International Film Festival, which highlights independent filmmaking and showcases the work of up-and-coming filmmakers. The biannual Reykjavík International Literary festival in September as well, hosting Icelandic writers as well as international guests.

Fans of peace, love and John Lennon won't want to miss Yoko Ono's annual imagine Peace Tower ceremony in October, where she invites everyone to join her for the illumination of a superbeam of light on Videy Island. The work of art is dedicated to Lennon's vision of peace and is lit every yearon his birthday.

In early November, you can experience the Icelandic music scene's crowning glory, Iceland Airways – the coolest music festival of them all. The five-day music extravaganza draws top performers, countless festivalgoers and media attention from around the globe.

Winter

There's never a dull day in Reykjavík during the wintertime, even if they are dark! Apart from the occasional fall of snow and regular displays of Norther Lights, there's also a full calendar of cultural events and festivities; concerts, plays and many seasonal exhibitions.

Christmas season is always celebrated with great splendour. The city's buildings, trees and streets are decorated with countless twinkly lights, ornaments and Christmas displays and Christmas concerts and events are popular.

Winter-sports enthusiasts will find many of exciting winter tours available from Reykjavík including super jeep tours, horseback riding, dog sledding and snowmobiling on a glacier, etc.

In February, you can enjoy the tasty Food & Fun Festival, followed closely by the Winter Lights Festival, which always delivers a packed program full of special events for the whole family.

Yachts in the port of the capital. Photo by Olga

Spring

In between the sunshine, showers and dustings of snow, the first blooms peek out at the Botanical Gardens in early April, and the new generation of farm animals arrives at the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo.

As the ice melts on lake Tjörnin, you'll also notice the nation getting back to their outdoor routine, donning their jogging shoes, climbing back on their bikes and firing-up their grills for outdoor BBQs. It's a great time to visit the outdoor areas of Reykjavík, and after a long day of activities. Reykjavík's geothermal swimming pools are relaxing and soothing for tired travellers.

March is dedicated to Icelandic design, with the Design March Festival transforming the city into one big venue for exhibitions, fashion shows and other design-related events. Other events on the festival calendar include the Children's Vulture Festival. The First Day of Summer Celebrations and the Reykjavík Horse Festival.

Reykjavík for the whole family

Families will find plenty of interesting activities in Reykjavík. Whether it's splashing around in a geothermally heated swimming pool, trying on Viking armour or viewing whales at close range, kids of all ages will find something to enjoy.

Reykjavík is particularly family-friendly. It's safe and clean city, simple to navigate on foot, with easy access to nature. Local businesses are very accommodating of families with young children; even in the hippest of coffee shops and restaurants, you'll find high-chairs and play areas set aside for the kids. Reykjavík has much to offer visitors at affordable prices – sometimes even for free! Below are our top ten recommendations for active families and curious kids to enjoy while visiting Reykjavík.

Top Ten Family Activities in Reykjavík

Splash & Play in any of the 18 swimming pools in the Reykjavík Capital area.

Make friends with the resident ducks, geese and swans of Tjörnin Lake.

Go back in time to the Viking age at one of the capital area's many museums.

Visit the animals at the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo.

Try delicious Icelandic food – hot dogs, soft ice cream, skyr and black liquorice.

Climb the majestic Mount Esja.

Ride an Icelandic horse through rocky lava fields.

See whales and puffins on a boat trip from the old harbour.

See bubbling hot springs and roaring waterfalls on a day trip from Reykjavík.

Revel in a Reykjavík sinter – be dazzled by Christmas lights, visit the Hafnarfjördur Christmas Village, skate on Lake Tjörnin or simply start a snowall fight.

Family Friendly Events

Children's Culture Festival (April) – A festival celebrating the music, literature and arts of children of all ages.

First Day of Summer (April) – The First Day of Summer is an official holiday, celebrated with parades and family-friendly fun all over the city.

Festival of the Sea (June) – The area around the old harbour in Reykjavík bustles with life during this festival, which celebrattes the ocean around Iceland and the men and women who spend their days fishing and sailing.

Independence Day (June 17) – Iceland became an independent country in 1944 and every year since, June 17th is celebrated with a festival in evert town in Iceland.

Reykjavík Culture Night (August) – Culture night actually mostly takes place during the day, with plenty of events, concerts, street theatre, and other events to keep the whole family entertained.

Varma – the Warmth of Iceland : Varma is dedicated to maintaining Icelandic tradition in developing. Designing and manufacturing quality garments and accessories from the best Icelandic wool and sheepskin shearling. Varma is available in various tourist shops around Iceland.