Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

Hallgrímskirkja, a Lutheran church completed in 1986, is not just an architectural masterpiece but also the tallest building in the city at 74.5 meters. Standing beneath it makes you truly realize its scale. It’s no surprise this is Reykjavik’s most famous attraction! You can visit the church for free, or head up the tower for breathtaking views of the city for around €9 per person.

Welcome to my Iceland road trip blog! In this series, I’ll take you through my personally designed itinerary day by day, sharing essential travel information, useful tips, and inspiring experiences.

The first full day of this 20-day Iceland road trip begins in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. I stayed at the City Center Hotel, which—as the name suggests—lies in the very heart of downtown Reykjavik. With only about 136,000 residents, it may be a small city, but that’s exactly what gives it its cozy and charming atmosphere.

I began the day with a walk around Lake Tjörnin, a peaceful spot offering panoramic views of the city and a lovely park for relaxation. From here, you can already spot Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark, and that was my next destination: the Hallgrímskirkja church.

From here, I continued down Skólavördustígur, a beautiful street known for its colorful pavement art—most famously the Rainbow Street. This vibrant path leading up to Hallgrímskirkja is one of the top Instagrammable spots in Reykjavik. Beyond its beauty, it’s also a meaningful symbol of diversity and individuality in Icelandic culture. Travel tip: visit early in the morning if you prefer to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular tourist hotspot.

The walk then takes you to Harpa, Reykjavik’s stunning concert and conference hall, completed in 2011. Its honeycomb glass façade reflects the sunlight by day and transforms into a dazzling light show after dark. Best of all, entry is free! Located by the ocean, Harpa naturally connects your walk toward the coastline, where you’ll come across the Sun Voyager (Sólfar) sculpture, reminiscent of a Viking ship, and the picturesque yellow lighthouses. History enthusiasts should not miss the historic Höfdi House, where the 1986 summit between Reagan and Gorbachev marked a turning point toward the end of the Cold War.

This concludes your city walk through Reykjavik, but don’t stop just yet! Stroll through the charming side streets, admire the colorful Scandinavian houses, or explore more with museums and even a whale-watching tour. Reykjavik is a small but vibrant capital, brimming with character, and it offers plenty of ways to enjoy your day. In the next blog post, I’ll take you into Iceland’s breathtaking nature as we begin the grand circle around the island.

Fun fact: Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city!