Reykjavik Accommodations

Reykjavik accommodations

Reykjavik accommodations welcome you to a destination nicknamed “Land of Fire and Ice” and “The City of Sagas”. Known for its aurora borealis (Northern Lights) viewpoints, nightlife, music festivals, museums, Icelandic cuisine and puffins (seabirds), Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Found on Faxaflói Bay, Reykjavik means “smoke cove”, “smoky bay” or “bay of smoke” in Old Norse. For a true Icelandic experience, it’s best to venture out from the city and explore Iceland when possible. Route 1, also known as the Iceland Ring Road, encircles the entire country for 821 miles. Route 1 begins and ends in Reykjavik.

Reykjavik main attractions: Hallgrimskirkja (modern cathedral), Perlan (natural history museum – park setting, futuristic revolving glass dome, fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar), Sun Voyager (seaside stainless-steel boat sculpture), Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre (glass honeycomb concert hall / conference center – national opera, symphony), FlyOver Iceland (flight simulator), Lava Show, National Museum of Iceland, Skólavörðustígur Rainbow Street (colorful shop-;lined street), Aurora Reykjavík – The Northern Lights Center (science museum), Árbær Open Air Museum (open air museum – relocated old houses, farm, historical / folklore displays), Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach (golden-sand beach – lagoon with warmed water, hot tubs, snack bar), Safari Quads ATV & Buggy Operator Iceland, Solhestar (horseback riding service), Viking Horses (horseback riding service), Íslenski Barinn – The Icelandic Bar (Icelandic restaurant), Seabaron (seafood restaurant), Old Iceland (Icelandic restaurant), Reykjavík Kitchen (Icelandic restaurant), Brauð & Co (bakery), Sandholt (bakery)

Surrounding Reykjavik points of interest: Sky Lagoon (thermal baths), Old Akranes Lighthouse, Þórufoss (waterfall – Game of Thrones filming location), Cozy Campers (RV rental agency), Northern Light View Point – Seltjarnarnes (tourist attraction), Kvika Footbath – Seltjarnarnes (thermal bath), Brautarholt Golf Club, Ráðagerði Veitingahús (restaurant)

Slightly farther out from the city:  Blue Lagoon (thermal baths / resort), Kerið Crater (scenic lake / 4000 BC volcanic crater – reachable on foot), Strokkur Geyser (geothermal geyser – erupts every 8-10 minutes), Secret Lagoon (geothermal pool / spouting geyser – bar, eating area, showers, est. 1891), Bridge Between Continents (walkway linking North American & Eurasian  tectonic plates), CampEasy Iceland (mobile home rental agency), Brúarfoss (bright blue waterfalls – remote destination), Reykjanesfólkvangur (nature preserve – lava formations, crater lakes, bird  cliffs, bubbling geothermic fields), Garður Old Lighthouse, Seltún Geothermal Area, Brimketill Lava Rock Pool (natural pool carved out of eroded lava shoreline – viewing platform, giant waves), Glymur Waterfall (cascading waterfall into a canyon – Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, reached via rugged trail), Hveradalir Geothermal Area (geothermal mud baths), Thríhnúkagígur Volcano (extinct volcano – reachable via scenic hike, open-elevator descent into crater)

Reykjavik main airport: Keflavík International Airport

Airport car rental agencies: Blue Car Rental, Geysir, Zero Car Iceland, AVIS, Enterprise, IceRentalCars, Reykjavik Rent a Car

Ferry service: Viðey Ferry (connects the city’s Old Harbour / Skarfabakki pier to Viðey Island)

Reykjavik Christmas market: Jólaborginr (“Yule Town” – Ingólfstorg Square,  city-center)

Reykjavik top events: Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, Ascension Festival, Reykjavík Fashion Festival, The National Festival (Þjóðhátíð), LungA, Bræðslan, Reykjavík Food and Fun Festival, Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival, Secret Solstice Festival, Reykjavík Fringe Festival, Reykjavík Arts Festival, Viking Festival, Culture Night

When in Reykjavik, thermal clothing naturally comes in handy. Winter days can be dark for 20 hours straight. An upside to Reykjavik winters is that the best time to see the Northern Lights occurs in winter. Reykjavik’s currency is the Icelandic króna, cars travel on  the right-hand side and the drinking age is 20 years old. Reykjavik accommodations are some of Northern Europe’s best. Before we get to Reykjavik accommodations, let’s take a look at some more background information on the area to help you along the way.

Legend has it that Ingólfr Arnarson (Bjǫrnolfsson), along with his wife Hallveig Fróðadóttir and his foster brother Hjǫrleifr Hróðmarsson, was Reykjavík’s first permanent settler circa 874 AD. As told in the Landnámabók, or The Book of Settlements. Arnarson hailed from western Norway’s Rivedal valley in Sunnfjord. The legend was disputed, however, by Icelandic medieval chronicler Ari Þorgilsson. Þorgilsson suggested that although Arnarson was the first Norse settler, Irish monks had actually arrived beforehand. According to Þorgilsson, the monks departed because they did not want to live amongst Norse pagans. Regardless, Arnarson is thought to have chosen the Reykjavik area by using the traditional Norse method of using high seat pillars (Öndvegissúlur), while favoring Iceland’s natural thermal baths. Arnarson’s settlement remained farmland until the 18th century. Following the dismissal of the Danish governor, Skúli Magnússon became the first Icelander to be appointed bailiff, or senior representative of the Danish crown, in 1749. With royal permission from King Frederick V of Denmark, Magnússon established the Innréttingar corporation in 1752 to promote industrial development in Iceland. Wool, fish and fur became the new industrial city of Reykjavik’s first products. Magnússon built Iceland’s first stone house, Viðeyjarstofa Manor House, on Viðey Island between 1753 and 1755. Iceland’s first prison, Stjórnarráðshús, opened in Reykjavik in 1764. Monopoly trade was abolished in Iceland circa 1786, and the Danish Crown granted Reykjavik a town charter that marked the official founding of the town as a trading center. In 1796, the Reykjavík Cathedral was consecrated. Prior to 1880, the year when a Danish trade monopoly over Iceland officially ended, Iceland’s trading rights were limited to Danish Crown subjects. After 1880, local industries helped to promote Icelandic merchant influence, and Reykjavik became the primary port for Icelandic commerce. World War II Allied powers, in particular British warships, occupied Reykjavik following Germany’s invasion of Denmark & Norway, April 9, 1940. Allied presence (British and later American) was actually beneficial during the Second World War. The British built Reykjavík Airport, while the Americans built Keflavík Airport. Establishing the country as a republic and a parliamentary democracy, the Constitution of Iceland was adopted on June 17, 1944. Reykjavik hosted the 1972 World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky. In 1986, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met at the Reykjavík Summit, a catalyst to the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

Iceland’s capital and largest city, Reykjavík is home to around 140,000 “Reykvíkingurs”. Over 60% of Iceland’s population lives in Reykjavik. One of the world’s cleanest and safest cities, Reykjavik is surrounded by a variety of natural landscapes to include fissures, lava fields, volcanoes, countryside, canyons, mountain ranges, nature preserves, forest trails, thermal baths, geothermal geysers, waterfalls and islands. Reykjavik’s tallest building is Hallgrímskirkja at 244 feet. Bars typically remain open until about 4:30 AM on the weekends and 1 AM on the weekdays. Home to a subpolar oceanic climate, Reykjavik experiences cool summers and relatively mild winters. July summer highs average just below 59 °F, while January winter highs average just below 38 °F. The record low is -12.1 °F whereas the record high is 78.3 °F. Reykjavik experiences nearly-permanent daylight from about mid-May to late-July, and nearly-permanent darkness from early-December through early-January. Local foods include hangikjöt (smoked lamb), skyr (cultured dairy product), kleinur (fried dough), laufabrauð (traditional Christmas bread), bollur (pastry) and of course fish / seafood,. Iceland’s signature distilled spirit is brennivín (“Black Death” – clear, unsweetened schnapps). Other popular alcoholic drinks are vodka and Icelandic beer (predominately lager). With some background information on the area, we’re ready for Reykjavik accommodations that will help make for a uniquely unforgettable experience.

 

 

 

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

Vatnsstígur 2 

The Offices of the Cabinet of Iceland

Hotel amenities: soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, modern kitchen facilities, tea / coffee makers, communal laundry facilities, 24-hour front desk

Nearby restaurants: BrewDog Reykjavik (bar & grill), Reykjavík Meat (restaurant), Austur-Indíafélagið (Indian restaurant),

Nearby misc.:  Vínberið (chocolate shop), Bíó Paradís (movie theater), Memoria Collective (tattoo shop)

Within feet:

• • • The Offices of the Cabinet of Iceland
    • Solfar Sun Voyager
    • Hallgrímskirkja Church
    • The Parliament House

Within 2.4 miles:

• • • Imagine Peace Tower

Within 3.4 miles:

• • • Smáralind Shopping Cente

Reykjavik Residence Hotel is 23.4 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (three-bedroom apartment):  $715

Cost per person (six people):  $119

 

 

 

Canopy by Hilton

Smidjustigur 4

Solfar Sun Voyager

Hotel amenities: restaurant, bar, buffet breakfast, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, coffee machines, desks, tiled bathrooms

Nearby restaurants / bars / pubs: Le Bistro (French restaurant), PUNK Restaurant, Mat Bar (restaurant), Kaffibarinn (bar), The Irishman Pub (Irish pub)

Nearby misc.: Canopy Coffee Bar, Joe & the Juice (juice shop), Mink Viking Portrait (portrait studio),  Barber shop Genti (barber shop),  Wake Up Reykjavík (tour operator)

Within feet:

• • • Solfar Sun Voyager
    • Hallgrímskirkja Church
    • Laugavegur Shopping Street
    • National Museum of Iceland

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • The Pearl

Within 1.5 miles:

• • • Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool
    • Kringlan Shopping Mall

Canopy by Hilton is 23.3 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (king suite): $439

Cost per person (three people): $146

 

 

 

Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel

Hafnarstraeti 17-19

The Parliament House Reykjavik

Hotel amenities: restaurant, lobby bar, wellness spa, fitness center, balconies, flat-screen TVs, continental breakfast

Nearby restaurants / bars: Caruso (Italian restaurant), Grillmarkaðurinn (Icelandic restaurant), Frederiksen Ale House (restaurant), Gaukurinn (bar)

Nearby misc.: Te & Kaffi (coffee shop), Lækjartorg (park)

Within feet:

• • • The Parliament House Reykjavik
    • Reykjavík City Hall
    • Reykjavik Old Harbour

Within 1.9 miles:

• • • Laugardalsholl Stadium

Within 3.6 miles:

• • • Smáralind Shopping Center

Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel is 23.2 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (premier suite): $571

 

 

 

 

 

Sand Hotel by Keahotels

Laugavegur 34

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Hotel amenities: restaurant, terrace, city views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kettles, bathrobes, hairdryers, 24-hour front desk

Also in the area: Reykjavik Residence Hotel

Within feet:

• • • Hallgrímskirkja Church
    • Laugavegur Shopping Street

Within 3.3 miles:

• • • Smáralind Shopping Center

Sand Hotel is 23.4 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (king suite): $1,503

 

 

 

Icelandic Apartments

Urðarhvarf 4, Kópavogur, 203

Lake Ellidavatn | Arbaejarlaug Swimming Pool

Apartment amenities: balconies, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs

Nearby restaurants: Skalli (restaurant), Pure deli (health food restaurant), 27 mathús & bar (restaurant)

Nearby misc.: World Class (gym)

Within feet:

• • • Lake Ellidavatn

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Arbaejarlaug Swimming Pool

Within 3.6 miles:

• • • Kringlan Shopping Mall

Icelandic Apartments is 25.6 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (deluxe studio): $231

Cost per person (three people): $77

 

 

 

Hotel Kriunes

Kriunesi Vatnsenda, Kópavogur, 203

Lake Ellidavatn

Hotel amenities: restaurant, furnished terrace, sauna, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks, tea / coffee making facilities, fireplace lounge, daily breakfast, free parking, boat / kayak / bicycle rentals

Also in the area: Icelandic Apartments

Within feet:

• • • Lake Ellidavatn

Within 1.6 miles:

• • • Arbaejarlaug Swimming Pool

Within 5.9 miles:

• • • University of Iceland

Hotel Kriunes is 25.8 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (family junior suite): $347

Cost per person (five people): $69

 

 

 

Alda Hotel Reykjavík

Laugavegur 66

Laugavegur Shopping Street

Hotel amenities: bar, private balconies, sea / city views, sauna, gym, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, bicycle rentals

Nearby restaurants / bars: Brass Kitchen & Bar (restaurant), Old Iceland (Icelandic restaurant), Reykjavík Chips (fast food restaurant), Ræktin (bar)

Nearby misc.: Kaktus Espressobar (café), Barber (barber shop), Rakarastofa HERMAN Barbershop,  Rokk & Rómantík (clothing store)

Within feet:

• • • Laugavegur Shopping Street
    • Solfar Sun Voyager
    • Reykjavik Art Museum: Kjarvalsstadir

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Vesturbaejarlaug Swimming Pool
    • Kringlan Shopping Mall

Alda Hotel is 23.5 miles from Reykjavík Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (king suite): $421

 

 

 

 

 

 

Svala Apartments

Laugavegur 71

Reykjavik Art Museum: Kjarvalsstadir

Apartment amenities: terrace, patios, sea views, hardwood floors, free Wi-Fi, fully-equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, free private parking

Nearby: Old Iceland (Icelandic restaurant), Stefan B. Chocolatier, Monako (casino), Mai Thai Market, Irezumi Ink Iceland (tattoo shop), Hokus Pokus (costume store), Fjallraven (outdoor clothing store), Penninn (book store)

Within feet:

• • • Reykjavik Art Museum: Kjarvalsstadir
    • Hallgrimskirkja Church

Within 1.2 miles:

• • • Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool

Svala Apartments is 23.5 miles from Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (penthouse apartment): $267

Cost per person (four people): $67

 

 

 

Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments

Vatnsstígur 10B

Reykjavík City Hall

Apartment amenities: terraces, balconies, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, free parking

Nearby restaurants / bars: Scandinavian (restaurant), Smakkbarinn (restaurant), Public House (gastropub), Vedur (bar), Kaldi Bar/Cafe

Nearby misc.: Cupcake Cafe, Cafe Babalu,, Mengi (art venue), Fotografi (art gallery), Art Gallery 101, Reykjavik Record Shop, Smekkleysa (record store), 12 Tonar (record store), Gjoska (clothing store), The Handknitting Association of Iceland,  Krua Thai, Bio Paradis (movie theater)

Within feet:

• • • Reykjavík City Hall
    • The Sun Voyager

Within 2.3 miles:

• • • Imagine Peace Tower

Old Charm Reykjavik Apartments is 23.4 miles from Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (three bedroom): $540

Cost per person (seven people): $78

 

 

 

Kvosin Downtown Hotel

Kirkjutorg 4

Reykjavík Cathedral

Hotel amenities: restaurant, snack bar, wine bar, continental breakfast, cathedral, parliament & lake views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, kitchenettes, cooking hobs

Nearby restaurants / bars: Bergsson (restaurant), Skolabru Restaurant, Gandhi Indian Restaurant, Messinn (seafood restaurant), Klauster Bar, Icelandic Craft Bar

Nearby misc.: The Secret Cellar (music & comedy club), IDNO (café), Icelandic Street Food, Icelandic Deli

Within feet:

• • • Reykjavík Cathedral
    • The Parliament House
    • Hljomskalagardurinn

Within 3.7 miles:

• • • Elliðaár River

Within 23 miles:

• • • Bláfjöll Ski Lift

Kvosin Downtown Hotel is 23 miles from Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (executive suite): $814

Cost per person (six people): $136

 

 

 

Planet Apartments

Ægisgata 5, Vesturbær

Reykjavik Old Harbour

Apartment amenities: furnished balconies , city / mountain views, open-plans, free Wi-Fi, fully-equipped kitchens, private parking

Nearby restaurants: Steakhouse, Sægreifinn (restaurant), Kopar (restaurant), Caruso Harbor (restaurant), The Harbor Restaurant, RIO Reykjavik (restaurant), Forettaberinn (restaurant) 

Nearby misc.: Cafe haiti, Reykjavík Röst (coffee shop), Reykjavik by Boat (tour operator), DEIG Workshop (bakery), The Cinema (filmmaker)

Within feet:

• • • Reykjavik Old Harbour
    • University of Iceland

Within 1.7 miles:

• • • The Pearl

Planet Apartments is 23 miles from Keflavík Airport.

Approximate cost per night (penthouse apartment): $338

Cost per person (four people):  $85

 

 

 

 

 

The Swan House by Heimaleiga

Lindargata 34-36

National Museum of Iceland

Aparthotel amenities: free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kitchenette, hairdryers, airport shuttle service

Nearby:r Bernhoftsbakari (bakery), Port 9 (wine bar)

The Swan House by Heimaleiga is 5 minutes from Keflavík Airport.

 

 

 

 

So there they are, Reykjavik accommodations that will help make for an outstanding experience. We hope you have found this information valuable and most of all, that you enjoy your time in Iceland!