What to do on a rainy day in Reykjavík

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  • Vesturbæjarlaug

    Can you imagine a finer way to spend your time in bad weather than soaking in a hot pot? Going to swimming pools is an essential part of Icelanders’ everyday life. If you want to experience Reykjavík like a local, do not skip swimming pools. Vesturbæjarlaug is a small and friendly neighbourhood pool, located within walking distance of the city centre. The pool has an outdoor pool and children’s pool, waterslide, four hot tubs, steam bath, sauna and gym. Perfect!

    Hofsvallagata 107, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Laugardalslaug

    This is the city’s largest bath with a 50m outdoor pool, outdoor children’s pool and paddling pool, two waterslides, numerous hot tubs, steam bath, gym and mini golf course. The largest hot tub in Laugardalslaug swimming pool has space for 50 people.

    Sundlaugavegur 105, Austurbær Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Nauthólsvík Beach

    Nauthólsvík is a geothermal beach in Reykjavík. Golden sands, a hot tub, steam bath, nice view. Using the water running from the hot tubs, the small lagoon in the sea is warmed up to a tolerable 15-19° C (or somewhat less in the winter season). The beach gets quite busy on a sunny summer day, but locals use it all year round. Grill your own hot dogs and make a lifelong memory by swimming in the freezing cold North-Atlantic Ocean.

    101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Perlan

    Perlan is a definitely must-visit location, not only in bad weather. Incredible architecture, first class restaurant and a cozy café under a glass dome with amazing panoramic views of Reykjavík. There is a glacier and ice cave exhibition in the building, with a real ice cave! They have developed a method to accurately replicate an ice tunnel which is dug through a glacier. Moreover, a high-tech planetarium with a 360 degree experience set to open in the autumn of 2018!

    Austurbær Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Saga Museum

    The Saga Museum intimately recreates key moments in Icelandic history. This exhibition is about the everyday life of Icelanders in the old ages, with lifelike replicas of historical Icelandic figures, authentic clothing, weapons and everyday objects .

    Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Landnámssýningin/The Settlement Exhibition

    Are you curious about how Reykjavík looked like in the time of settlement? This exhibition is about life in Viking times. In 2001 archaeological remains were excavated in Adalstraeti, which turned to be one of the oldest man-made structures so far found in Iceland.

    Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Aurora Reykjavík

    With interactive displays, continuously running HD films on a 7 metre wide screen and 360 degree movies on the Virtual Reality headset, this exhibition is everything but not boring!

    Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Whales of Iceland

    The exhibition contains 23 life size models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters throughout its natural history. Interactive information stands, videos, amazing sound and light effects, great program for families with children.

    Fiskislóð 23-25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Volcano House

    If you are interested in Iceland's amazing geology, do not skip this museum. This geological and mineral exhibition shows different types of volcanic rock and lava from the countless volcanoes around the country. The Documentary Show screens two movies about Iceland’s volcanoes, each one emphasizes a different one of Iceland’s most famous eruptions.

    Tryggvagata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • The Icelandic Phallological Museum

    The Icelandic Phallological Museum is probably the only penis museum in the world. It contains a collection of more than two hundred and fifteen penises and penile parts belonging to almost all the land and sea mammals that can be found in Iceland, including humans. Worth a visit ;)

    Laugavegur 116, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • GetLocal Iceland

    Water-protected sightseeing tours can be excellent alternatives to walking. You can choose the well-known double-decker Hop-on Hop-off buses or go for a unique and eco-friendly Tuk Tuk tour. Food and beer tasting tours are rain-friendly activities as well. You have plenty of options, feel free to use our search engine to compare what different companies and local guides offer to you. Just a few randomly selected ones: Meet the natives, Reykjavík food tour, Cheers to Reykjavík or how does a Chocolate factory tour sound? Find tours at www.getlocal.is

    Laugavegur 30a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Kringlan

    If the weather is stormy, go to the Kringlan mall, where most locals do their shopping. Cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and a cinema: everything you need to survive a whole day of bad rain.

    4-12, 103 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Laugavegur

    Walk along the famous Laugavegur shopping street where you can find plenty of cosy cafés, good bakeries, and excellent restaurants.

    Laugavegur, Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Hallgrimskirkja

    Head up to Hallgrímskirkja, the most characteristic building of Iceland. For a few hundred Icelandic Króna get up to the tower and see the whole city from the top of the highest church of Iceland.

    Hallgrímstorg 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • The Cinema

    There is a cute, tiny room-cinema in the Old Harbour, close to Harpa and the flea market. They are screening spectacular documentaries about Icelandic nature. It is a perfect preparation for your upcoming Golden Circle or South Coast tour!

    Geirsgata 7b, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre

    Harpa, the architectural wonder is something you will remember for sure. You’ll find a nice restaurant, souvenir shop, amazing view, free wifi and excellent program selection here.

    Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Kolaportið

    The biggest flea market of Iceland, called “Kolaportið” is located a few minutes walking distance from Harpa. It is a huge building with full of exciting treasures and matchless characters. One can spend hours there without noticing how fast the time runs. Note that Kolaportið is open only on weekends.

    Tryggvagötu 19 , Old Harbour, Grófin, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

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Viktoria Komjati Reykjavík, Iceland

@viktoria

Blogger, traveller, outdoor adventurer. Hungarian, based in Iceland.