Top Rated Attracties in Reykjavik

An urbane, thriving capital that rests on the waters of the North Atlantic ocean, the city of Reykjavik is scattered with indicators of Viking history, a blossoming cultural realm, iconic architectural marvels, and a gorgeous sprawl of natural beauty. The city is one of the many cornerstones of the Viking Age, semblances of which can be seen in the Saga Museum and the Reykjavík 871±2. It is also the proud home of the geothermal wonders of the Blue Lagoon, the remarkable Hallgrímskirkja, and the unique Perlan building. A wealth of bars, superb restaurants, nightclubs and cafes dot the streets of Reykjavik's center, expressing their newfound cosmopolitan energy. At the edge of its modern outskirts, Reykjavik also hosts incredible landscapes and stretches of unspoiled wilderness that are waiting to be explored.

The Reykjavik City Theatre offers entertainment ranging from new Icelandic drama, well-known classics and dance performances, to rock concerts and more. The theater is home to a thriving drama department alongside the Icelandic Dance Company, who host various productions throughout the year. The theater complex is composed of multiple smaller venues, including a main stage with a capacity of 560, and a cafe-theater for more informal, intimate performances. Those who truly enjoy the performing arts would do well to invest in a subscription. With its eclectic program and modern facilities, the Borgarleikhúsið, or the City Theatre of Reykjavík, is a great place to delve into Icelandic culture.

Iceland's National Archives store a lot of information about the nation's history and culture. They also cover subjects like geography, topography, politics and other vital data. A lot of archivists and historians benefit from this organization. Students often come here to update study material and theses. Online services are provided, and so are some catalogues for intense research.

The Ásmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum itself is a part of the collection, as it is a unique building, a mixture of Egyptian pyramids and Arabic domes, mostly designed and built by the artist himself. He also sought inspiration from the Mediterranean countries; the exterior as well as the interior walls are white and smooth, creating a quiet and elegant frame for his provocative and powerful sculptures. Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982) was one of the pioneers of Icelandic sculpture and, like so many of his generation, he was mainly inspired by Icelandic nature and literature, as well as creating grand masterpieces in praise of the common people. While his first sculptures are fairly realistic, he moved on to abstract work in the last decades of his life, and the museum reflects the changes in his artistic vision.

Enlightening its students and visitors about Icelandic legends and folklore, Álfaskólinn - the Elf School or the Icelandic Elf School is Iceland's answer to Hogwarts. Local myths of the 'hidden people' and different types of elves are some of the most popular topics of discussions here. Located in Reykjavík, one of the most important cities of the country, this school not only provides a fantastic relief from the mundane routine but also serves the purpose of preserving cultural beliefs, mythology and values.

Kjarvalsstadir-Listasafn Reykjavikur was one of the very first establishments which was founded solely for the purpose of hosting art exhibitions. Along with regular exhibitions of the famous Icelandic painter, Johannes Sveinsson Kjarval, the museum is also host to year-round temporary modern art exhibits by painters and sculptors from around the world. While here, you may enjoy a cup of coffee at the museum cafe as you take in the view from their floor-to-ceiling windows.