Capital Region between nature and culture

Vífilsstaðavatn shows how nature experiences and an urban setting come together in the Capital Region: this protected recreation area gives the public access to nature. A 2.6-kilometre path runs around the lake and includes an accessible boardwalk.

The capital region includes Reykjavík, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Mosfellsbær and Seltjarnarnes. Nature, cycle paths, buses and swimming pools connect the six municipalities. The options range from protected landscapes and trails to museums, events and geothermal bathing spots—useful when deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Nature, trails and protected areas

Heiðmörk extends across Reykjavík, Garðabær and Kópavogur. Since 1950, the Reykjavík Forestry Association has managed extensive reforestation there; its varied habitats are home to a rich diversity of birdlife. As a large outdoor recreation area near Reykjavík, Heiðmörk is also part of the green belt around the capital region.

On Seltjarnarnes, Grótta is a protected area with diverse birdlife and is an important summer nesting site. During the bird breeding season, the area is closed each year from 1 May to 31 July. A combined walking and cycling path leads from Norðurströnd to the car park at Grótta, then follows the sea to Bakkatjörn and goes around the pond. For more ideas in the region, the Út um allt platform features more than 30 recreation areas and 40 mapped hiking and cycling trails. Trail information includes difficulty, duration and real-time location tracking; trail coverage may expand.

Landscapes also vary within Reykjavík: Elliðaárdalur is a large green space in the city, used for outdoor recreation, play and sports. The Elliðaár rivers are salmon-fishing waters and important spawning grounds for Icelandic salmon. In Laugardalur, landscaped walking and cycling paths complement several sports facilities: Laugardalshöll Arena, Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, Laugardalslaug swimming pool and Reykjavík Ice Rink.

Museums, art and events

The Reykjavík City Museum preserves cultural artefacts from Reykjavík and provides access to the city’s 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 has three locations in the city: Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir and Ásmundarsafn. Contemporary art and works by Erró, Kjarval and Ásmundur Sveinsson are regularly exhibited there.

Museums in Kópavogur offer different perspectives, too: Gerðarsafn was established in memory of the artist Gerður Helgadóttir and holds more than 1,400 of her works. The museum focuses on modern and contemporary art and presents temporary exhibitions featuring works by Icelandic and international artists. The Natural History Museum of Kópavogur collects, preserves and displays exhibits, and supports education, research and nature conservation. A geological exhibition featuring rocks, minerals and fossils introduces Iceland’s landscape.

In Hafnarfjörður, the Hafnarfjörður Museum displays artefacts and photographs from the town. Hafnarborg presents eight to ten art exhibitions each year, including works significant to Icelandic art history and contemporary art; the exhibitions change. Its regular programme also includes exhibition-related talks and seminars, as well as workshops and guided tours for children and families. In Reykjavík, the city organises and supports events and festivals throughout the year, such as Winter Festival, Children’s Culture Festival and Culture Night. Bjartir Dagar is also held every year around the first day of summer.

Geothermal bathing and other experiences

At Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, hot water is piped into two hot tubs and into a sea lagoon connected to the fjord. The beach also has a sandy shore, outdoor facilities, changing facilities and other services on site. Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur offers a geothermal bathing experience by the sea, with views of the North Atlantic, mountains and glaciers. Its Seven-Step Ritual includes a sauna, body scrub, cold mist and steam room.

For other activities, Reykjavík’s Family Park & Zoo has a zoo with Icelandic pets and farm animals, as well as wild animals such as foxes, minks, reindeer and harbour seals. The park also has food outlets, a souvenir shop and various play equipment. When planning your hotel stay, you can first decide whether museums and events, trails through natural areas or geothermal bathing will be the main focus of your visit.

Discover more destinations: Reykjavik, Kópavogur, Hafnarfjördur, Mosfellsbær, Garðabær, Seltjarnarnes, Westfjords, Suðurnes.

For the main travel overview: Iceland.