In Reykjavik, you’re never very far away from the water, though you might not at first appreciate that. In this article, we’ll showcase some of the city’s best beaches and coastal attractions. Their variety might come as a surprise as you get to know urban beaches and dramatic shores as well as scenic viewpoints and waterfront visitor attractions. The proximity of the ocean is irresistible to nature lovers and sightseers alike, so why not take a look at our guide to things to do by the sea in Reykjavik and use it to help plan your time in the Icelandic capital?

Make the Most of Reykjavik’s Harbour and Bay Views

Faxaflói Bay is the body of water that separates Reykjanes and Snæfellsnes; Reykjavik is located between these two scenic peninsulas. The bay’s size and position means that you’ll encounter it on many occasions during your Reykjavik stay, whether that’s gazing out over water from upscale Sky Lagoon or crossing it en route to Viðey Island. The city’s history and transition to being Iceland’s capital is wrapped up with the ocean. Early settlers such as Ingólfur Arnarson would have arrived by sea as they chose to make a new home in the place they named “Smoky Bay”. Burgeoning maritime trade and access to a natural harbour made Reykjavik an obvious choice when it came to relocate parliamentary functions from the Alþing in the 18th century. Today, nature-focused boat trips from the capital chug out into Faxaflói Bay, while the maritime stories you read in the city’s museums are most likely to have been set here. A host of must-do visitor attractions can be found overlooking or close to the sea, while scenic waterfront trails attract joggers and local dog walkers as well as overseas tourists.

What Can You Do on or Beside the Ocean in Reykjavik?

Soak in the Ocean-View Luxury of Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is the closest of Iceland’s many upscale geothermal baths to the city centre, but its infinity edge pool capitalises on its ocean-facing position. Here, you can relax in warm water as you watch the waves roll in across the Atlantic; bring a hat if the wind is blowing on-shore. No matter whether it’s summer or winter, a fine day or stormy: this place is a treat whenever you come. Immerse yourself in the spa’s seven-step ritual and don’t plan to leave until you’ve had your fill of that marvellous view. Book your admission and transfers with us to save on the expense of a taxi from downtown.

Experience Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach

Swimming off Iceland’s coasts isn’t usually possible as Reykjavik’s beaches aren’t usually associated with warm sunshine. The combination of strong waves and sub-Arctic climate makes bathing unwise – something that’s usually reserved instead for the country’s many and varied hot springs and geothermal pools. However in summer, this unique strip of golden sand offers something a little different: thanks to its manmade warm water lagoon, you can swim at Nauthólsvík geothermal beach. The steady temperature at the swimming area averages between 15° and 19°C in summer and is achieved by mixing hot geothermal water with cold seawater. We’d say that makes Nauthólsvík one of the best beaches in Reykjavik.

Book a Boat Trip from the Old Harbour

The most convenient place to book a boat trip while you’re in Reykjavik is at the city’s Old Harbour. In summer, you can observe the antics of Iceland’s most comical seasonal visitor on a Puffin Express trip, while on a dark night in winter you can’t fail to be mesmerised by the colours of the aurora on a Northern Lights boat trip. Weather permitting, whale watching tours depart from the Old Harbour year-round, so if you’re keen to find out why Iceland is regarded as one of the world’s best destinations for cetaceans you’ve come to the right place. Humpbacks, minke whales, harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins are commonly spotted. The Old Harbour is also where you can learn more about the species you’ve seen and why whale conservation matters at nearby Whales of Iceland. A short walk away, Icelanders’ relationship with the sea is explored via the displays and artefacts in the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, which covers topics such as commercial fishing, marine plastic waste and the work of the coastguard. It aims to entertain and educate; you can even come away with some handy fish recipes to try in your kitchen at home.

• Puffin Express (summer) – Book here
• Northern Lights by Boat (winter) – Book here
• Whale Watching from Reykjavik (year-round) – Book here

Admire Harpa Concert Hall on the Waterfront

Harpa Concert Hall is one of Reykjavik’s most striking buildings. The multiple glass panels, each a different shape to its neighbour, reflect the light and make this a must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in architecture. By night, lit up, it’s even more impressive. Be sure to step inside and take a look at the waterfront from the interior of this unusual place even if you haven’t got tickets for a performance.

Walk the Sculpture and Shore Trail

Art lovers will delight in following Reykjavik’s Sculpture and Shore Walk. Begin at Harpa and walk east along the waterfront; dress warmly, especially on a windy day. The first significant piece you’ll encounter is Sun Voyager (Sólfarið in Icelandic), the most famous of all the Reykjavik seaside viewpoints. Though it’s often confused with a Viking longboat, the artist Jón Gunnar Árnason envisaged a dream boat, designing it to represent a voyage of discovery. Against the backdrop of Kollafjörður fjord, the stainless steel it’s made from reflects the light, making it especially beautiful at sunset. The Sculpture and Shore Walk continues for several kilometres and a number of other works of art are worth seeking out. Shore Piece by Sigurður Guðmundsson is all about the shapes and textures created by coastal erosion, while the clean lines of the arrowhead that draw your attention to Partnership by Pétur Bjarnason – it represents the relationship between Iceland and the USA – are equally compelling.

Highlights:

• Sun Voyager (Sólfarið) – A stainless-steel dream boat sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason.
• Shore Piece – Inspired by coastal erosion.
• Partnership – Representing Iceland–USA relations.

Visit the Recycled House & Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum

On the outskirts of the city centre you’ll come across two arty destinations side by side. Though they’re neighbours, they couldn’t be more different. The Recycled House is the brainchild of filmmaker Hrafn Gunnlaugsson who wanted to make a statement about the value of those items we might throw away without a second thought. Eclectic and imaginative, it’s worth the ride out here. In contrast, the sleek and understated white lines of the Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum were once the Laugarnes home and workshop of acclaimed sculptor Sigurjón Ólafsson. The place was overseen for a time by the National Gallery of Iceland and is now a family-run museum where you can appreciate Ólafsson’s work and learn a little about his life

Take a Ferry to Viðey Island

Viðey Island is reachable by summer ferry and is a popular destination with nature lovers and birdwatchers; species such as eider, fulmar, greylag geese, common snipe, sandpipers and oystercatchers can all be found here. The striking basalt formations at Virkishöfði and Eiðisbjarg are also a draw. The island is known for art installations, too, including Richard Serra’s Milestones and Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower, which is lit each year from John Lennon’s birthday on October 8th to the anniversary of his death on December 8th.

Explore the Ægisíða Coastline

Though the northern shore is rocky, Reykjavik does have broader beaches and coastal strips worth seeking out. Of course due to its northerly position Iceland isn’t a fly and flop kind of destination, but a walk along the shoreline on a sunny day is still a pleasure so long as you’ve dressed to stay warm. One of the best is the Ægisíða Coastal Walk, where the views out over the sea are lovely and the path is broad and flat. There are plenty of benches for when you simply want to sit and gaze out over the water; you might also consider teaming your stroll with a swim at the Vesturbær pool.

Visit Grótta Lighthouse in Reykjavik

Located on the far western tip of the city, Grótta Lighthouse is one of the best Reykjavik seaside viewpoints.

It’s especially popular for:

• Northern Lights viewing (late August–April)
• Sunset photography
• Birdwatching

Walk out during low tide and enjoy darker skies away from city lights. But if you do venture out to the lighthouse itself, be careful to read the instructions carefully as the pathway floods during high tide and you'll get trapped if you're not careful.

How Can You View Reykjavik’s Coastline from Above?

Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is just a ten minute walk from where the Flybus drops you off at the BSÍ Bus Terminal. This iconic church isn’t hard to find, as its architecture mimics the basalt columns you find out in the Icelandic countryside. Step inside and buy a ticket to ride the elevator up to the tower’s observation deck and you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city and the bays and hills of its hinterland.

Perlan Viewing Deck

A ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus is the simplest way to reach Perlan if you’ve just arrived in Reykjavik. This engaging museum is crammed full of interactive exhibits that give you an understanding of the Icelandic landscape and the water that surrounds it. Take advantage of Perlan’s location on top of Öskjuhlíð hill for a stellar view of city rooftops and what lies beyond.

Mount Esja

In summer, climbing Mount Esja rewards hikers with extraordinary views over Reykjavik and this region’s coastline. The ascent to Steinn, 780 metres above sea level, is relatively straightforward if the weather’s calm, while experienced hikers looking for more of a challenge might set their sights on the summit route to Þverfellshorn at 914 metres above sea level. Of all Reykjavik coastal walks, because of the altitude and steep gradients this is probably the most difficult. Make sure you’re properly equipped whichever you choose, with decent boots and proper outdoor gear – don’t underestimate how risky this hike can become in bad weather.

• Steinn (780m) – Moderate difficulty
• Þverfellshorn (914m) – More challenging

Just remember that proper hiking gear is essential.

Take a Helicopter Tour

The ultimate way of getting a feel for Reykjavik’s coastal position is to book the Reykjavik Summit Helicopter Tour. You’ll take off from the centrally located Reykjavik city airport and be airborne for around 15 to 20 minutes. The pilot will land on a nearby hill which will give you the opportunity to take in the scenic views and understand how the Icelandic capital fits into the landscape.

Plan Your Reykjavik Coastal Adventure

Reykjavik’s coastline has a lot to do with the Icelandic capital’s appeal and to ignore it would be a pity, even if you only have a day or two here. The wide range of tours that Reykjavik Excursions offers means there’s no excuse not to capitalise on the city’s waterfront attractions and ocean views, whichever way you choose to do so. Why not browse our curated selection of Reykjavik tours and start planning your waterfront experiences today?

FAQ: Reykjavik Beaches & Coastline

What beaches are there in Reykjavík?

Reykjavik beaches include Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, Ægisíða coastline and Grótta beach near the lighthouse.

Can you swim at Reykjavik beaches?

Yes, at Nauthólsvík’s geothermal lagoon in summer. Ocean swimming elsewhere is not recommended due to cold water.

When is the best time to visit the Reykjavik coastline?

Summer offers long daylight and milder weather, but winter provides dramatic skies and Northern Lights viewing at Grotta.

What coastal walks are scenic in Reykjavik?

The Sculpture and Shore Walk, Ægisíða coastline and Grótta peninsula are among the most scenic.

Where can you watch the sunset by the sea in Reykjavík?

Grótta Lighthouse, Sun Voyager and Ægisíða are popular sunset spots.

Are there viewpoints near Reykjavik worth visiting?

Yes — Hallgrímskirkja, Perlan, Mount Esja and helicopter tours offer elevated coastal views.

What wildlife can you see along the Reykjavik coast?

Puffins (summer), whales (year-round), seabirds and harbour porpoises are common.

Is Grotta Lighthouse worth visiting?

Yes. It’s one of the best spots for sunset and Northern Lights viewing near the city.

How do coastal activities fit into a city itinerary?

Most beaches, harbour tours and viewpoints are within 10–20 minutes of central Reykjavik, making them easy additions.

What should I pack for exploring Reykjavik’s coastline?

Wear layers, windproof outerwear, sturdy shoes and bring sunglasses. Even summer days can be breezy.