Reykjavík is bustling with activities, from famous attractions to small hidden gems. And we have busted our balls, pushing ourselves to our physical limits—have you seen how many mountains we hiked?—to compile this list of what you need to do to experience Reykjavík to the fullest (and most authentic). So, here are the winners of our Best of Reykjavík 2021 Activities awards, all of which are recommended by our panel of locals. Although there is still a pandemic going on, all these places have been accessible and safe throughout the restrictions. So sanitise those hands, put on a mask and enjoy.
Best Art Museum
Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík
Photo by Art Bicnick
Hafnarhús, the downtown branch of the Reykjavík Art Museum is a cathedral to contemporary art that exhibits a constant conveyor belt of interesting international work. In 2020, they wowed with exhibitions from international heavyweights like Gilbert & George and Shoplifter to up-and-coming Grapevine favourites like Una Björg Magnúsdóttir. Check out their numerous rotating exhibitions as well as their shop—it’s the perfect rainy-day destination.
Runner-Up:
Fríkirkjuvegur 7
Photo by Art Bicnick
Listasafn Íslands (the National Gallery of Iceland) is a crown jewel in the Reykjavík cultural scene. This is where you go to see our best artists’ work, to fill your soul with something that matters or just to cross it off your bucket list. It’s also one of the museums that is often the most underrated—hey, sometimes we just take things for granted. But although it’s the oldest and most distinguished museum of them all, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t still the absolutely best in the business.
Runner-Up:
Gerðarsafn – Kópavogur Art Museum
Hamraborg 4
Photo by Art Bicnick
Gerðarsafn is one of those hidden gems outside of Reykjavík. Located in Kópavogur, the museum offers a fresh take on Icelandic art and gives visitors an opportunity to meet and listen to their artists in their fantastic artist talks. It also has a coffee shop and a delightful garden.
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Reykjavík 2021 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Reykjavík—here, posted worldwide.
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