Are you travelling to Iceland and want to discover Reykjavik’s Hidden Gems? You’ve come to the right place! Of course, you should see Harpa, Reykjavik’s spectacular concert hall. And Hallgrímskirkja, the dramatic church that dominates the city’s skyline. But I’m here to share a few secrets, five secret places that nobody else is talking about.
Want to get off the beaten path? Here are five hidden gems in Reykjavik that you NEED to visit.
When travelling, of course, you visit famous places. Who goes to Rome and doesn’t see the Colosseum or the Eiffel Tower in Paris? But I adore finding hidden gems. I research, chat up locals and I wander about all in the hopes of finding something special. I do this EVERYWHERE I go. So, if you want to get off the beaten path while in Iceland’s capital, here are the five secret places in Reykjavik that you’ll want to discover.
Grótta Lighthouse
The first hidden gem is just outside of downtown Reykjavik. You can drive to the tip of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in less than 10 minutes or its an hour walk along the waterfront. Here, you’ll find the Grótta Lighthouse and nature reserve.
It’s free to park and walk along the beach, known for its birdlife. You can also take pictures of the Grótta Lighthouse, which looks stunning at sunrise.
If you want to see the Northern Lights, this is one of the best places in greater Reykjavik, as it’s away from the city’s lights. Check the Aurora Forecast website for Iceland to determine if the conditions are right.
Kvika Thermal Foot Bath
This is my favourite Reykjavik hidden gem and a lucky discovery. I’d gone to visit the Grótta Lighthouse on a cold February morning. And found myself staring at three barefooted Icelanders, who waved me over and told me that the foot bath was warm and heated geothermatically.
What a treat to sit at this free foot bath while looking out at the snow-covered mountains. It could have only been better if it had happened while watching the northern lights.
To find the Kvika Thermal Foot Bath, head to the Grótta parking lot and walk towards the wooden shed. The foot bath is nearby.
Star Wars Bathroom
Visit Café Babalú if you love quirky coffee shops with good food, great coffee and friendly service. Located in a cute orange building on Skólavörðustígur, one of Reykjavik’s shopping streets.
The decor is unique, with lamps shaped like gnomes, dragons, and parrots, along with kooky collectables. But the piece de resistance, the actual hidden gem that you shouldn’t leave Reykjavik without visiting, is the bathroom.
The Star Wars theme is a delight, with music, lights and life-sized decals of Leia, Yoda, Han Solo, and your favourite droids.
Kjarvalsstaðir
The Kjarvalsstaðir building is part of the Reykjavik Art Museum and hosts a permanent exhibit of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval—a fisherman who became one of Iceland’s most beloved painters.
Just a few minutes walk from the city’s famous church, Hallgrímskirkja, it is the perfect place to spend an hour on a cold or rainy day.
Kjarval’s moody and stylized depictions of Iceland’s landscape are as unique and compelling as the country’s otherworldly natural beauty.
Restaurant at Perlan
The Perlan isn’t a hidden gem but a popular museum in Reykjavik that should be included on any Reykjavik itinerary. Especially if you only have a short time in Iceland, as it recreates the northern lights and a very chilly glacier cave.
The hidden gem is the restaurant beneath the spectacular dome. On a sunny day, the panoramic view of the city and surroundings is breathtaking. Plan your visit so you can have lunch, dinner or even a hot chocolate beneath the dome. It is guaranteed to be a memorable meal.
If you loved this post, then you’ll want to combine it with my What to Do & See in Reykjavik: Itinerary for the Perfect Day to supplement your adventure.
