Explore Reykjavik’s iconic landmarks: Hallgrimskirkja, Sun Voyager, Harpa Concert Hall, and Tjörnin Lake on a self-guided walking tour.
- Reykjavik - This Icelandic capital city is absolutely packed with history, culture, and fascinating landmarks. So let’s start exploring it all! We’ll walk in a wonky sort of loop to take it all in.
Note: This 1.6-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Reykjavik in 3-4 hours.
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Hallgrimskirkja - If you’ve seen basalt in the wild, it often takes on these oddly geometric, pillar-like shapes! You can see some great examples of basalt like this on my Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour or my Volcanic Beaches tour.
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Mount Esja - This 3,000 foot high mountain range dates back about three million years, to the beginning of the last Ice Age. Around that time, volcanoes started erupting beneath the surface where the mountains now stand. At first, the magma didn’t break the surface.
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Sun Voyager - At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the artist of this sculpture was trying to replicate a Viking Ship. After all, you are in the land of the Vikings and, well, this is a ship! But this isn’t actually the intention behind the sculpture.
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Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre - Maximus is a popular children’s book character. In his first adventure, he’s a fairly normal rodent who just happens to find his way into a music hall. He likes what he hears and hangs around, going on many adventures in the vast hall. These thrilling hijinks are all set to the background of rousing orchestral music.
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Ingólfur Arnarson - According to Viking lore, a dragon head was used to scare away enemies and provide a mystical connection to the gods. It provided protection from evil spirits of both the land and water. In fact, when dragon heads were carved into the masts of Viking ships, there was a law that stated the heads had to be removed before the ship could return to its homeland.
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Jon Sigurdsson Museum - He led the Icelandic Independence movement for years, served as president of the parliament a record seven times, and appears on the 500 Kronur bill today.
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Parliament House (Althingishus) - The dragon, the eagle, the giant, and the bull are the spirits who guard Iceland. Each relief represents protection of a specific region. The dragon guards the Eastfjords, the eagle watches over the north, the bull protects the west, while the giant watches over the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest.
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Reykjavik City Hall - If you’re looking for a fun little easter egg most people miss, look for the green wall. See how City Hall is divided into two buildings? Look for the wall in the space between the two.
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Lake Tjornin - But we won’t get the chance to fish off of it. According to an old legend, two elderly women once lived on opposite sides of the lake. Both used its waters to wash their clothes.
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Reykjavík Junior College - That’s Menntaskolinn, or the Old Grammar School. And old really means old… it’s nearly a thousand years old! Menntaskolinn traces its roots all the way to 1056.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Uncover the mystic wonder of Iceland’s capital city with this self-guided walking tour of Reykjavik. Experience the bustling city center of this Icelandic hub (including an entire artificial lake!). Marvel at the architectural splendor of the towering Hallgrimskirkja cathedral. Wander to the waterfront, take in views of the Esja Mountains, and snap selfies at sculptures like Sun Voyager. Along the way, you’ll dig into the vibrant history of the city and the founding of Iceland, all with just your phone!
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- For the tour guide app to function as intended, iPhones must be iOS 13 or above and Androids must be version 9 or above.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
