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B贸nus, an Icelandic supermarket chain renowned for its economical approach, stands as a prominent example of efficient retail management. Owned by Hagar, a subdivision of the Baugur Group, B贸nus has established a significant presence with 31 stores across Iceland and an additional seven in the Faroe Islands. The chain's operational model emphasizes cost-effectiveness and simplicity with limited hours, basic shelving, and a centralized fridge, avoiding individual chiller cabinets.

The inception of B贸nus in April 1989 marked a pivotal moment in Icelandic retail history. Founded by J贸n 脕sgeir J贸hannesson and his father, J贸hannes J贸nsson, the first store was opened on Sk煤tuvogur street in Reykjav铆k. The rapid expansion of B贸nus in the ensuing years was remarkable, quickly elevating it to the status of Iceland's largest supermarket chain.

The early 1990s were a period of significant growth and strategic partnerships for B贸nus. In 1992, the chain formed a pivotal alliance when Hagkaup, another Icelandic supermarket, acquired a 50% stake in B贸nus. This partnership led to the establishment of Baugur, a joint purchasing company, in 1993. Further expanding its geographical footprint, B贸nus ventured beyond Iceland in 1994, making its first investment in the Faroe Islands.

Today, B贸nus, along with Hagkaup, operates under the umbrella of the Baugur Group's Hagar division. This corporate structure has facilitated a synergistic approach to retail management, combining the strengths of both supermarket chains. The continued success of B贸nus is a testament to the efficacy of its operational model and its adaptability in the dynamic retail landscape.

Laugavegur Street is Reykjavik's main shopping street. Visitors will find restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutique shops.

Laugavegur is one of the oldest streets in Reykjav铆k. The name can be translated as the Water Road. Here, women would bring their laundry to be washed in hot pools.

Laugavegur is just over a mile or two kilometers long. The shopping stretch starts at the city's busy bus center, Hlemmur, and continues to Bankastraeti.

There are two museums on Laugavegur. First, the Phallological Museum is the world's only museum dedicated to the male genitals, with specimens from the animal kingdom. The second museum is a small punk museum.

Most of the shops feature Icelandic designs and brands. Visitors will find high-end products, as well as shops with souvenirs such as books, fridge magnets, and stuffed animals.

Visitors can also find a variety of vintage shops and second-hand goods along Laugavegur.

Foodies will be delighted with the variety of options. Try traditional Icelandic menus or international cuisines. Visitors can also find vegan restaurants.

Several bars feature live music. Movie fans will love the Lebowski Bar, with food and "wheel of fortune" rounds.

Laugavegur is a diverse street with something for everyone.

Standing at 74 meters (244 feet) tall, the striking Church of Hallgr铆mur is Iceland's tallest church. Architect Guojon Samuelsson began drawing the church in 1937. Construction began in 1945 and was completed in 1986.

Iceland's unique geography inspired the design of the church. Volcanic action created lava flows which cooled into grey, hexagonal columns. The dramatic, cool, jagged columns inspired the design of the Church of Hallgr铆mur.

The church was named after 17th-century clergyman and poet Hallgrimur Petursson. Hallgrimur Petursson was best known for his work Hymns of the Passion.

This iconic building is visible from many parts of Reykjav铆k. The Church of Hallgr铆mur is a Lutheran, or Church of Iceland establishment. Its impressive height was in part to compete with Landakot's Church, the Catholic Cathedral.

During the summer, visitors can enjoy concerts which run four days a week. Don't miss the incredible pipe organ that stands 15 meters (49 feet) tall. The pipe organ has electronic action; the pipes are remote from the pedal console. The organ has 5,275 pipes and has been featured in several recording albums.

Outside the entrance, visitors will find a statue of Leif Eriksson, a famed explorer. The United States gave the statue to Iceland in the 1930s to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the Icelandic Parliament. The Icelandic Parliament was first convened in the year 930 AD.

The large clock on the tower is often wrong, as strong Icelandic wind gusts often blow the hands about.

Why You Should Visit:
The Church of Hallgr铆mur is a dramatic church that wonderfully emulates Iceland's landscape. You will see the church's tower from all over the city and find the church even more impressive up close. The interior is surprisingly austere with clean lines.

Tips:
Admission is free, but a small fee provides access to a lift to the top of the building, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik and the surrounding mountains.

Sun Voyager is a sculpture crafted by the artist J贸n Gunnar 脕rnason (1931-1989) and is situated alongside the S忙braut road in Reykjav铆k. This artistic creation is often characterized as a representation of either a dreamboat or an homage to the sun. J贸n Gunnar 脕rnason's intention behind this sculpture was to convey a sense of promise associated with uncharted territories, a dream symbolizing hope, progress, and freedom.

In 1986, the west district association of Reykjav铆k decided to sponsor a competition to commission a new outdoor sculpture in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the city. J贸n Gunnar's Sun Voyager emerged as the winning design in the competition, leading to the creation of a scaled-up aluminum model, which was later presented to the city for enlargement. The full-sized Sun Voyager was officially unveiled on S忙braut, coinciding with the birthday of Reykjav铆k on August 18, 1990.

The sculpture is crafted from high-quality stainless steel and is positioned upon a circle formed by granite slabs, encircled by a material known as "town-hall concrete." Its construction meticulously followed J贸n Gunnar 脕rnason's detailed full-scale drawing of the Sun Voyager and was supervised by the artist Kristinn E. Hrafnsson, who served as J贸n Gunnar's assistant.

Why You Should Visit:
Great subject for photographs as it provides a nice vantage point to look out into the waters and think of very deep things.

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is a modern complex completed in 2011. It is the first purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavik. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera's offices.

The modern building features different colored geometric-shaped glass panels over a steel framework.

The 1970 The Musician sculpture is located in the water next to Harpa. Icelandic sculptor Olof Palsdottir created the sculpture which shows a cellist playing. The statue used to be located at the previous home of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, but it moved with the Orchestra to its new home.

The concert hall also hosts performances by the Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavik Big Band.

The building won the European Union's Mies van der Rohe Award for contemporary architecture in 2013. In addition, Harpa won the MICE Report Award for the best conference center in Northern Europe.

Harpa has appeared in the series Black Mirror and in an episode of the Netflix series Sense8. It hosts several regular shows such as How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes, Pearls of Icelandic Songs, Reykjavik Classics,and Bowie: The Session.

Harpa features modern architecture and is stunning at night.

The Whales of Iceland Exhibition offers visitors a chance to get up close with 23 full-sized manufactured whale models. These whale models represent the 23 whale species found in Icelandic waters. Visitors can marvel at the 25 meters (82 foot) long Blue Whale. The critically endangered Atlantic Right Whale model and a full-size Sperm Whale are also on display. The models are soft and squishy, and guests are permitted to touch the models.

Interactive stands encourage visitors of all ages to find out more about these majestic mammals. The museum features relaxing whale sounds and gentle ambient lighting to represent the ocean environment. The black and yellow floor represents Iceland's beaches.

Guests can truly immerse themselves in the under the sea experience with virtual reality glasses. You will feel like you are walking along the seafloor while admiring the biggest whales. As you explore the underwater world using VR glasses, you'll also be learning about the various whale species.

Visitors can download an audio tour in English, German, or Icelandic. There are also daily guided tours offered at no additional cost.

The National Museum of Iceland was founded on February 24, 1863, and its first curator was J贸n 脕rnason. This museum housed the Icelandic collection, which had previously been kept in Danish museums. The second curator, Sigur冒ur Gu冒mundsson, pushed for the establishment of an antiquarian collection. Initially, the museum was known as the Antiquarian Collection, but in 1911, its name was changed to the National Museum of Iceland. It didn't have a permanent location until 1950 when it moved to Su冒urgata. Prior to that, it was located in various attics in Reykjav铆k, including the Culture House attic, where it stayed for 40 years.

The museum's permanent exhibition focuses on Icelandic history and boasts approximately 2,000 artifacts. One standout piece in this exhibition is the Val镁j贸fssta冒ur door, which features a famous carving depicting a version of the Lion-Knight legend. In this legend, a knight defeats a dragon, ultimately freeing a lion that becomes his loyal companion.

The National Museum of Iceland provides a comprehensive look at Iceland's history, spanning from ancient times to the present day, presented in an engaging and visually appealing manner. The museum's collection includes Viking weaponry, sailing vessels, clothing, religious artifacts, and even a recreated Icelandic house. For those interested in more recent history, there is a collection of modern items, including a copy of Bjork's very first album, recorded when she was just 11 years old. Visitors can also have some fun in the costume room, where they can try on clothing from different periods in Icelandic history.

Tip:
Free entry included with Reykjavik City Card; there are free lockers; set aside 1.5-2.5 hours here.
There are free guided tours at 11am each Saturday, and it is recommended that you join one of these tours to gain a better understanding.