The best MTB trails in Skerjafjörður Innan Garðabæjar

Founded around 874 by Ingólfur Arnarson, Reykjavík is Iceland's oldest permanent settlement. Its name means "smoke bay," a reference to the surrounding geothermal fumes. However, the city remained largely insignificant and consisted of farms until the 18th century. The key turning point came in 1786, when Denmark granted the settlement city rights, making it a center of the wool industry and trade. Today, Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and an important center for culture and politics. Early Settlement and Naming (c. 874 AD) First Settler: The Norse settler Ingólfur Arnarson is considered Iceland's first permanent resident. He settled in the area that is now Reykjavík around 874. Naming: Arnarson named the settlement Reykjavík ("Smoke Bay") because he saw the steam from the surrounding hot springs and mistakenly thought it was smoke.

Just a few minutes from Reykjavik, Vífilsstaðahlíð is an oasis of wooded hills perfect for walking or cycling. Its trails offer sweeping views of the bay and the capital. The site takes its name from Vífilsstaðir, an old farm mentioned in the Viking sagas. Today, amidst tranquil nature and historical remains like the old tuberculosis hospital, it is a place where sport and history go hand in hand.

From the airport to your hotel in Reykjavik Reykjavik International Airport (also known as Keflavík International Airport or Flugstöð Leifs Eiríkssona Airport) is located about 50 kilometers southwest of the city center and has only one terminal. Just two kilometers from the city center is the small Reykjavíkurflugvöllur Airport, which, however, is only used for domestic flights within Iceland. There are several options for getting from Keflavík Airport in Reykjavik to your hotel in central Reykjavik: Transfer by bus, taxi, or rental car. Option 1 Flybus: The Flybus airport transfer operates between Keflavík Airport and the BSÍ bus terminal in central Reykjavik. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and departure times are coordinated with flight arrivals, so these buses usually offer convenient connecting services. A Flybus Airport Transfer can be booked from around €27, making it the cheapest way to get to Reykjavik. Although tickets can be purchased at the airport, Flybus recommends booking in advance to guarantee a seat on the bus. You have two options when booking tickets: Flybus Standard: This ticket drops you off at the BSÍ bus terminal, about 500 meters south of the famous Hallgrímskirkja church. Advance booking of this ticket is recommended (tickets start at €26). Flybus Plus (Hotel Pick Up): This ticket drops you off at a few selected hotels and other bus stops in Reykjavik. Please note that this journey can take up to 30 minutes longer depending on the location of your hotel. For the Flybus Plus, we strongly recommend booking tickets in advance (tickets start at €32).

As of August 18, 2025: Iceland experienced its twelfth volcanic eruption in just over four years. On the sparsely populated Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, the earth opened up again on Wednesday, July 16. Since Tuesday, August 5, no more lava has been escaping from the eruption fissure located approximately seven kilometers northeast of Grindavik. Volcanologists believe it is highly likely that the eruption has ended for the time being. The temporarily closed campsite in the town of Grindavik is now freely accessible again.

On January 31, 1951, a Douglas DC-3/C-47A-10-DK of Flugfélag Islands (now Icelandair) (aircraft registration TF-ISG) crashed while attempting to land in Reykjavík. The crew had aborted an approach due to poor visibility. Some debris was discovered the following day in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 18 kilometers from the airport. All 20 passengers and crew were killed.

Really impressive in the old lava fields

Home of KR Reykjavík, Iceland's oldest football club (founded in 1899) and one of the most successful in the country. Located in the Vesturbær neighborhood, it features pitch-side stands and an authentic local atmosphere. A landmark for fans of Icelandic football and off-the-beaten-track sports experiences.

KR Reykjavík (KR) is an Icelandic sports club based in the capital city of Reykjavík. Its official name is Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur ("Reykjavík Football Club"). Despite this name and its origins as a football club, the sports club today has various divisions, including basketball, handball, swimming, taekwondo, badminton, skiing, table tennis, athletics, the Icelandic wrestling sport Glíma, and even chess.[1] The club is the Icelandic record champion in men's football and basketball, and the women's football division has also won the national championship several times.