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Danish architect Ferdinand Meldahl designed The Parliament House Completed in 1881, The Parliament House is a classical building and was built using hewn dolerite, a subvolcanic rock. It is known as one of the oldest stone buildings in Iceland.

Reliefs on the tympanums represent Iceland's four Land Spirits. The dragon, a vulture, a bull, and a giant represent these traditional Norse spirits. On the north side of the building, visitors will notice King Christian IX's crown and crest.

The Parliament House is home to Althingi, the Icelandic parliament. In the past, it was also used to house the University of Iceland and the offices of the President of Iceland.

Althingi was first held in Iceland in 930, and as such, is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world. Meetings have been held at the Parliament House since 1884. Today, Parliament uses the debating chamber, meeting rooms, and staff offices. Parliamentarian's offices and larger meeting rooms are located in other buildings.

The charming garden behind The Parliament House is the oldest public garden in Iceland.

Austurvollur Square is the main public square in Reykjavik and is home to several important landmarks. Here you will find The Parliament House, Reykjavik Cathedral, the Hotel Borg, as well as several popular restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Hotel Borg was built by J贸hannes J贸sefsson, who competed in the 1908 Olympics. He traveled in America and returned to Iceland in 1927 with a dream of building a luxury hotel. Iceland was preparing to host celebrations for its 1,000th parliamentary anniversary. The hotel opened in 1930 and has hosted many politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities. Built in Art Deco style, the hotel is elegant and attractive.

A statue of Jon Sigurosson stands in the middle of the square. Jon Sigurosson was a leader of Iceland's independence movement in the 19th century.

In the summer, the square is filled with locals and tourists who enjoy the outdoor cafes. In the winter, the square is home to a large Christmas tree.

Tj枚rnin (The Pond) is a small lake located in the heart of Reykjav铆k. It's a common sight for tourists, being next to Reykjavik City Hall and various museums. Historically, it formed from a lagoon that was once part of a reef where Harbour Street (Hafnarstr忙ti) now is. This street runs along the southern edge of the lake and leads to nearby gardens.

In winter, The Pond freezes at times, becoming a popular spot for ice skating. It's relatively shallow, with an average depth of 0.57 meters (about 1.9 feet) and a maximum depth of 0.8 meters (around 2.4 feet). Paved paths run along both sides of the lake, ending at the Concert Hall Park (Hlj贸msk谩lagar冒ur), adorned with statues, to its south. These paths are often used by joggers and cyclists, and there are boards displaying daily bird counts on the lake.

The Pond is a haven for birdwatchers, attracting 40 to 50 types of water birds, like the Arctic tern, Eider, Gadwall, Greylag goose, different goose species, Mallard, various seagulls, and the scaup. It's also a great spot to see Whooper swans up close. The arrival of the Arctic tern is a sign of summer's beginning, drawing bird enthusiasts from across the North Atlantic. The lake is a popular place for parents to bring children to watch and feed birds, earning it the playful nickname "the biggest bread soup in the world."

A wooden bridge for pedestrians was built over The Pond in 1920. To better support vehicles, it was replaced with a concrete bridge in 1942, which remains in use today.

"The Town's Best Hot Dogs" (B忙jarins Beztu Pylsur) is a small chain of hot dog stands in Reykjav铆k. This chain has been in continuous operation since 1937 when it was originally established on Austurstr忙ti street, right at the heart of the city. It was founded by the grandfather of the current owner, Gu冒r煤n Kristmundsd贸ttir. In the 1960s, the stand relocated a couple of streets north to Tryggvagata, right across from the Harpa Concert Hall, where the main flagship stand still operates today.

In August 2004, the stand gained widespread attention when it was visited by the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, during his trip to Iceland for a UNICEF conference. This high-profile visit significantly boosted the stand's popularity, leading to its inclusion in various tourist guidebooks about Iceland. Just two years later, in August 2006, the renowned British newspaper, The Guardian, declared B忙jarins Beztu as the best hot dog stand in Europe.

Today, this chain is a favorite among both tourists and local residents alike. There are three more locations within the city, collectively selling over a thousand hot dogs on a bustling day.

The hot dogs offered by B忙jarins Beztu are primarily lamb-based but also contain pork and beef. They are served in a bun and come with a variety of condiment options, including ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, crispy fried onions, and raw onions. Customers who wish to have all the available toppings often use the Icelandic phrase "eina me冒 枚llu," which translates to "one with everything" in English.

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 Old Harbor was built between 1913 and 1917 and was originally used for fisheries and trade. Reykjavik was made the capital city in part due to the economic importance of the Old Harbor. This natural harbor was the main draw to original Viking explorer Ingolfur Arnarson, who settled in this area. The harbor is still a vital contributor to the economy; however, today's economy is more driven by tourism.

Today, many tours leave from the harbor. Visitors can go on whale-watching tours and often see dolphins, Minke Whales, and Humpback Whales. Some lucky visitors will also see Blue, Fin, and Beaked Whales as well as Orcas.

Puffin-watching tours also leave from the harbor. Visitors who want to see the majestic Northern Lights blanketing a winter sky can brave the cold and go on a once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights cruise.

Landside, the Old Harbor has been transformed from a working harborside to a trendy hotspot. Many of the colorful old fishing houses have been renovated into fabulous cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Baejarins Beztu hot dog stand opened in 1937 to serve fast food to fishermen. It's one of Iceland's oldest family-run businesses and has a unique claim to fame. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton had a hot dog here in 2004 and called it "the world's best hot dog." Matur & Drykkur is a fine-dining restaurant that serves traditional Icelandic fare and is mentioned in the Michelin guide.

Art galleries, museums, and cinemas are other attractions in this scenic location. Volcano House plays documentaries about Iceland's volcanoes. Gallery i8 is known as Iceland's best modern art gallery.

Reykjavik Old Harbor is the perfect place for attractive photos, with a backdrop of traditional fishing boats and Mount Esja.

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.

For a long time, sheep have been vital to Icelanders, providing the wool necessary for knitting warm clothes to withstand their harsh winters. Knitting, initially essential for survival, remains a popular hobby and is greatly valued.

Iceland's traditional hand-knitted sweaters, called "lopapeysa," continue to be in demand. These sweaters have transitioned from practical attire to trendy fashion, worn both casually and at social events.

The economic downturn a few years ago led to a renewed interest in Iceland's traditional materials and skills, particularly in hand-knitted items. In 1977, some Icelandic women, who supplemented their income through knitting, collaborated to create an organization for better marketing of their work, leading to the formation of the Handknitting Association. Shortly after its inception, the Association opened a store to sell its members' woolen products.

Their main store, located on Sk贸lav枚r冒ust铆gur in the old part of the city, offers an extensive collection of traditional hand-knitted Icelandic sweaters. This includes unique designs and various woolen items from top Icelandic producers. With numerous knitters contributing, this store is a key destination for Icelandic wool, patterns, and supplies.

Since its beginning, the Association's principle has been to sell directly from the makers, ensuring high-quality standards. Each handcrafted item undergoes quality checks before sale, guaranteeing customers top-notch, uniquely Icelandic products.

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.

Einar J贸nsson is regarded as Iceland's first sculptor. Einar was born on a farm in southern Iceland in 1874. He had an artistic soul and traveled to Denmark to study art, and then continued his studies in Rome before returning to Denmark. Finally, in 1909, he agreed to return to Iceland. The Althing (Icelandic parliament) would provide Einar a museum and home, and in return, Einar would donate his sculptures to the museum.

Einar's works are primarily completed in plaster. Iceland doesn't have traditional modeling clay, and plaster allowed Einar to continue to work on his sculptures over extended time periods.

Einar produced public commissions, such as his 1920 Thorfinn Karlsefni. He also produced private commissions, such as his 1936 Monument to Dr. Charcot and His Ship. Finally, he produced artworks for the sake of creating art, such as Trees of Life and Death, which he worked on from 1909 to 1940.

The Einar J贸nsson Museum was completed in 1923 and is Iceland's first art museum. Visitors can admire 300 of Einar's sculptures in the museum. Einar rejected classical sculpture and traditional art, preferring to follow his own path. His art encompasses Nordic folklore, Christian ideas, and figurative works.

Einar's apartment is also open to the public. Einar lived in the apartment above the museum until he died in 1954. Here, visitors can gain insight into Einar's fascinating life.

The sculpture garden contains 26 of Einar's bronze sets, including The Wave of Ages, The King of Atlantis, and Thor Wrestling with Age.

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.

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.