Reykjavik Essentials

Reykjavik Essentials & Tourist Information

Reykjavik Tourist Attractions
Hallgrímskirkja is the city's most imposing monument and certainly worth a visit for the view alone. Known more commonly as the Church of Hallgrímur, it took 30 years to construct and was finally completed in 1974. It is a totally unique structure, with a stark, light-filled interior and is free to view with a fee of IKS200 to climb the tower for spectacular city views. Reykjavik Art Museum is another must visit during a Reykjavik city break and offers up a wealth of art and history at three city centre sites. It houses regular exhibitions by modern Icelandic and international artists and has particularly impressive collections of architecture and sculpture. Tickets are ISK500 which permits entrance to all three galleries and all are open from 11am - 6pm daily.

Reykjavik Useful Phrases 

Reykjavik Opening Hours
General shopping hours vary slightly but on the whole expect stores to be open from 9am - 6pm Monday to Saturday with a very limited number open on Sundays. These are invariably tourist orientated shops and supermarkets. Post offices are open from 8.30am until 4pm on weekdays.

Reykjavik Food & Drink
Iceland is a major fish eating nation with many celebrated dishes featuring fresh haddock, plaice, halibut and herring. Delicious examples include kleinur and laufabrauð. Lamb, beef and waterfowl is found on most menus served in thick stews or filleted with a range of vegetables such as wild mushrooms and cranberry. Traditional breads and pastries are still very popular in Reykjavik eateries and for many are the highlight of a fine local meal. Sample a Lagkaka layer cake which comes in many fruit varieties, rúgbrauð - a dark rye bread and snúður, a cinnamon roll topped with delicious melted chocolate.

Reykjavik Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping is not usual practice throughout Iceland and meals in restaurants, taxi journeys and hotel stays do not require any further reward. In fact in some establishments the offer of a tip may even be deemed as bad manners. There are very few exceptions to this rule such as for tour guides who will normally accept a gratuity. When meeting local people always address them informally using first names although politeness and a smart appearance is important. 

Reykjavik Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Reykjavik – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire - 112

Disabled Access in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a relatively flat and comfortable city to negotiate with a wheelchair with wide pavements and a high proportion of pedestrianised walkways. Virtually all large department stores and indoor shopping centres have ramps, wide entrances and special needs toilet facilities and museums cater well to the needs of disabled passengers. There is an accessible tourist bus service which runs tours and day excursions around the city and to outlying attractions however the Reykjavik public bus system has not fully adapted its entire fleet and some routes will be inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Embassies in Iceland
• British Embassy Laufásvegur 31 101 Reykjavík
• Iceland Embassy 2A Hans Street London SW1X 0JE. Telephone: 020 7259-3999

Reykjavik City Breaks  Getting Around Reykjavik

Things To Do In Reykjavik  Reykjavik Weather