The 10 Best Free Things in Reykjavik, Iceland

What can you see and do for free in Reykjavik?

In English, it's "The Pearl", in Icelandic, it's "Perlan". It is one of Reykjavik's most popular sights and definitely the most unique. Perlan is a large dome made only from glass and steel, offering a home to a freely accessible panoramic viewing platform over Reykjavik that you shouldn't miss. It also made the list of Reykjavik's top attractions.

The best free thing in Reykjavik are the beautiful shows of Mother Nature, in my opinion. Depending on the time of year you visit Iceland, you can be sure to enjoy

• Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights (Fall till spring)
• The Midnight Sun (Midsummer)
• The Polar Nights (Midwinter)

This is a free walking tour (2 hours in length) for Reykjavik visitors. It departs from early May to mid September daily at 1:00 pm. The tour takes place without minimum guest count and no matter what the weather in Iceland is that day. You'll be walking through the Reykjavík city center, the harbor, Hallgrímskirkja Church, the house of Parliament and more. Other guided tours of Iceland will take you further (without much walking), but aren't free.

Hallgrimskirkja Church is also on the list of Reykjavik's top attractions! It's definitely an important attraction with lots of Icelandic history. The grounds also house a statue to the first Viking said to have discovered America, Leifur Eiríksson. The Nave is open to the public daily.

These museums in Reykjavik are free, at least during certain times:

• The National Gallery of Iceland (museum & art exhibitions) at Fríkirkjuvegur 7 offers free admission always.
• The Reykjavik Museum of Photography at Tryggvagötu 15 is free.
• The Reykjavik Art Museum is free on Mondays (3 locations at Tryggvagötu 17, Sigtún, and Flókagata).
• Iceland's National Museum "Thjódminjasafn Íslands" has free admission on Wednesdays (Suðurgata 41).

A free map of Reykjavik's city center, which you can download and save or print.

Mount Esja (also called Esjan) is a popular recreational destination found just 6 mi (10 km) north of Reykjavik. The views from Mount Esja will inspire any photographer, while the volcanic mountain range is beautiful to look at. There are hiking trails to the summits of the Pverfellshorn and Kerholakambur.

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Here you'll find basic words and phrases in Icelandic that will come in very handy for your visit to Reykjavik. You can print them out and take them with you to Iceland!

I know the card isn't absolutely free, but for just a few Euros, you'll get maximum savings everywhere in Reykjavik. The Voyager Card is good for traveler discounts at restaurants, shops in Reykjavik, car rentals, accommodation, beauty salons, book and music purchases, and lots of other places in Iceland.